Still Breathing

Goodness I'm exhausted! Those "kids" in my class wore me out today!

Okay, so I didn't stop breathing and die. Imelda was there to administer CPR just in case, and I told her if it became necessary, I'd reimburse her the class fee. Luckily it didn't happen.

The only photo I took in class is the one you see above of the Valentine tree, "lip" sugar cookies, and a couple wrapped door prizes.

I think it went okay for the most part. One of my students didn't have much quilting experience and I didn't seem to be able to explain the basics to her in a way she'd understand, but one of the other "students" teaches kids to quilt and was able to help out. There were a couple glitches with equipment in the class, but nothing major. And I got some experience on timing, organization, explaining / demonstrating steps, etc., that I think I'll be able to put to use with the next classes.

I think everyone enjoyed themselves, as far as I could tell. Of course, I bribed them, so what's not to like?!

Everyone got a little bag with the pattern, a couple stickers, a pencil, a chocolate heart, and--

As far as I can tell, Brad Pitt and George Clooney aren't doing Valentine's cards this year, but I think Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom aren't too hard to look at either, AND--did you notice?--these Valentine's cards came with tattoos! After all, what quilter doesn't appreciate a nice tattoo? I also baked and decorated a plate full of lips.

And the Valentine tree? Everyone got to take home a Pennie Pocket and Happy Zombie's blog address so they can make more themselves.

Were you wondering what was IN the Pennie Pockets that's poking out the top? These:

White chocolate dipped and sprinkled pretzel sticks. Yum!

In class, in addition to talking about the quilt, I talked about crafting and thrifting and celebrating the seasons and holidays. Appropriately--but a bit quirky, I'll admit--was my selection of two door prizes--a chocolate lover's cookbook and a Mary Engelbreit Valentine tin--both thrift store finds! LOL!

And remember that sweater I showed you earlier in the week? This one:

Here's what it looks like now:

I brought it to class to talk about what you can find in thrift stores and what you can do with your finds. I'll show you how I made it in another post--I have a couple thrift store finds to show you.

Before the class ended, I was able to show the quilters a couple different setting variations for the heart blocks using a different number of blocks--I hope they went home with some new ideas and are inspired by the possible different settings to finish making their blocks into a quilt they can use to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. But, if not, at least they have a new tattoo!