Good morning appliqué fanatics.   It has been several months since last we met in Williamsburg at Kingsmill Resort to appliqué; and much has happened since then.  With the closure/retirement of this year's event, our stitching time together was in jeopardy.  However, at the urging of the appliqué community, I have established a new conference that will allow us to remain together to learn and share for years to come.  Have you checked out my new website www.academyofapplique.com?  This new conference/retreat is sure to entice all skill levels from the absolute beginner, through the novice, the intermediate and on to the advanced appliquer.  The Academy of Applique has it all!  The “Academy” will not just focus on the Baltimore style (although several teachers will be teaching in that tradition); but new genres like wool applique, and “mixed medium” a combination of applique and piecing have been added. 

Academy classes will be held all day Thursday (3/5/2015), Friday (3/6/2015) and Saturday (3/7/2015) with Sunday open for a travel day, or join/follow the bus trip to a WONDERFUL quilt store in Mechanicsville.  Add-A-Day classes will be available Monday (3/2/2015), Tuesday (3/3/32015) and/or Wednesday (3/4/2015).

The meal structure has changed a bit, too.  Breakfast and lunch will be included in all class pricing, with the evenings being free to stitch, relax, and gather informally with new and old friends alike.  A couple of evening events are in the planning stage for those that would like to experience the history of the area – if I am able to pull you away from your stitching.

 I have taken the liberty of signing each of you up at the website so that you will receive personal notifications of updates and registration details.  With that said . . . please visit the website, and comment – or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  We recently added the “About Me” and “Blog” sections, with "Learning" to be added shortly.
 With your support, this is sure to be a huge success.  I am ALWAYS open to new thoughts and ideas and would love hearing from you.
 
Happy Stitchin’
Barbara Blanton