Color was blooming at my recent Beginning Appliqué class. There's nothing like being inside working with fabric, thread and stitch when it's cloudy, cool and rainy outside.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tF3T6ZdFor3t8EtCRtHc2GzfP6C2dj2ciHRBtGVTOYcw5l9YZXlnyAXN9jbu_kvFDgQ4kYI52mpZX3BtE2uO25BMq90Uvh_LOZWUjd5O3wsxAk_WiHYRUp72W-s0SYMynL2QpW5cwO6c/s1600/appflowers3.jpg) |
Applique flowers by hand and by machine. |
Everyone takes a class for a different reason. I had a couple brand new quilters who were jumping into whatever quilting technique class was available. They just want to learn, learn, learn.
![Veronica Hofman-Ortega instructs students on composition in an appliqué class. Veronica Hofman-Ortega's teaching beginning appliqué by hand and machine.](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW1u6LjM961rjVggxDOrQgu152I9wPAbfEwdYF6Ft0RJZW5jNyZuIwNrhDAF92kPNSSALSn7KXqGMrc-aQlTnPe9UpWuvH4ocJoxBTdXCor1cwo3Obr9tCHzJ7r3ypPbSEcJ75Ndw-MFB/s1600/applique_vho2.jpg) |
Here I am telling students about composition possibilities
for their appliqué garden quilted piece. |
Especially with appliqué—which can be accomplished using so many different methods—some students come to learn a different way of doing a technique. Having a variety of techniques in your quilting toolbox and at your disposal is very handy indeed.
![Applique by hand and machine applique students](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1q0pS-4JbHdC-008CJk4PSpp_V4qAOyarW-zCGYBt73y4B614pr7g2vsJ3wzkZc-jQSn9lANE42afYGkigmbNNmrcSe2QjLxPBtSdYOhtGXO26_283HKr2zudgGtrhijsNJ_-3luOv0w/s1600/applique_students2.jpg) |
Students in Beginning Applique class at Pins and Needles Quilt Shop. |
Some students want to learn a hand method to complement their machine work. Sometimes we just enjoy the rhythm of hand stitching and the quiet times without the hum of a sewing machine.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2GS6MoilI0HZaaO-T3w5B-mTn04MMEpssutHWSxKbTcLnEf94KO2sdYqllsxJJqcEtQr8iaJmEiMKt4h0PQT9Cmv3VeTpFQmuNZB4CgU-RRkR1Y_gkaURTrzhXfXyOZU_B6OV8gAiiI_/s1600/applique_students.jpg) |
Applique by machine. |
And one sweet student said she was taking the class because I was the teacher. Oh, you dear, sweet lady, you are so kind! I hope the class and I lived up to your expectations.