Classes 4 & 5 with Abbeyknockmoy ICA group

Breege adds a bit of satin-stitch to the logo.

Kathleen, May and Liz adjust the stitch to zigzag and alter the length and width to create the satin-stitch required.

And the quilt-top is almost complete. The logo is finished for the centre block and almost all the green sashing strips are attached. Next week we decide on the outer border and hopefully start to layer the quilt together to get ready for quilting.

Classes 4 & 5 with Abbeyknockmoy ICA group

The Abbeyknockmoy ICA group have settled into some serious sewing now. They've learned how to measure up the strips of sashing require to go between each block. The green fabric they've chosen is based on the colours of the ICA logo.

Annette and Phil learn how to adjust the zig-zag stitch to create a satin stitch which can be used to create a decorative finish around an applique shape. In this case they are creating the green, white and blue circles of the ICA logo for the centre block.

Theresa works on joining the blocks together with the green sashing strips in between.

Phil's previous experience making Irish-dancing costumes helps her pick up this new technique quickly!

Breege is very comfortable sewing the sashing strips in place.

Patti quickly accomplishes the skills required to use satin-stitch to applique shapes in place on a small sample piece.

Creative Journalling Classes with Mohill Family Resource Centre

In our third class we developed our ideas further. We played with new materials like foil, bondaweb and tyvek. All of these can add dimension to collage-work.

Using clear plastic sheets (like transparency film) can create layers of interest.

Combining images and materials from different sources can help create connections between different aspects of your life.

Experimenting and playing with household materials (like cling-film) allows you to become resourceful in using what you have around you to express your ideas.

Patchwork Classes with Abbeyknockmoy ICA

In our third class we were ready to look at adding 'sashing' around each block. As the group wanted to include the colours from the ICA logo we looked at both blue and green as possible sashing options. The majority voted to use green as it created a 'fresher' overall look to the piece.

We began cutting the strips to the desired sashing width and stitching the blocks together in rows. In class 4 we will add the rows together and hopefully make our own ICA logo for the central block. All along we have been using a stitched logo which was given to us just to see how it might look.

Everyone seems pleased with the progress so far and looking forward to the next step.

Creative Journalling Classes with Mohill Family Resource Centre

Keeping a journal is a great way to express your own ideas on how you see the world. A journal can be a place where you are free to explore your thoughts no matter how crazy they may seem.

This course is suitable for all ages and no previous artistic experience is necessary. Using a combination of simple techniques and thought-provoking exercises you will be more aware of ideas you want to express and learn how to do it.

Rediscover your creative side (I have yet to meet someone who doesn't have a creative side, despite their belief to the contrary!). Become absorbed as you learn how to ignore your inner critic and just play with creativity.

Become aware of your own likes and dislikes. Discover your taste in colour. Discover you can draw eventhough you may have convinced yourself you can't.

Find connections between things that come together to express your vision of the world.

Let your journal inspire you to start other creative projects in your home, garden or at work.

The images above are from the journals created by participants in this course of 5 classes in Mohill, Co. Leitrim. These were created in their second class.