🌿 Sue’s Story: From my first quilt show to my next Zoom
🧵 April AOTC Events
🌼 Save the Dates for May
🌙 Sewing in Slippers: Blue Moons to Summer Vines
💛 A little inspiration for your week
🌿News from Sue's Studio
Go The Distance, Boston Marathon Quilt Project
Hi Reader,
I’m still riding the wave from this past weekend at the Marathon Quilters Guild Show…
There’s something really special that happens when you’re standing in a booth, demonstrating, talking, answering questions—watching someone’s face light up when they get it.
That moment when they realize… “This is something I could actually do.”
I saw that over and over again this weekend.
And it got me thinking…
Even though not everyone can make it to a show in person, that feeling—that spark of inspiration, that sense of we’re figuring this out together—doesn’t have to stay there.
We can create that same experience on Zoom.
🌸 A Different Kind of Appliqué School
On April 20, I’m doing something a little different.
Instead of a formal presentation with slides, I’m going to keep things simple and relaxed…
Just like you’re standing right in front of me at my Quilt Show booth.
I’ll be demonstrating, sharing some of my quilts, and answering your questions as we go.
It’s going to feel more like a conversation than a class—and I think you’re going to love that.
🏃♀️ A Meaningful Day
That day also happens to be the Boston Marathon, which feels especially meaningful this year.
I’ll be meeting my friend Glen at the start line—he travels all the way from Hawaii each year to run. I’ll catch him at the Hawaii house before his wave begins, and then cheer him on as he heads out.
After spending the past year working on the Boston Marathon Quilt Panel Project, this year’s race just feels different.
More personal. More connected.
🎥 A Look Behind the Scenes
If you haven’t seen it yet, I also recorded a YouTube Live from the show where I walk you through the Marathon Quilt Exhibit and share some of the highlights.
It’s a wonderful way to experience the show from home—especially if you have a little sewing time this week.
💛 A Full Circle Moment
Just last night at my Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild meeting, I had the chance to reconnect with Janet Lee Santeusanio, co-founder of MQX.
I reminded her that she really gave me my start in this business—because MQX 2009 was my very first time introducing Rotary Cut Appliqué to the world.
It’s hard to believe how much has grown from that one moment.
And yet, in so many ways, it still comes back to the same thing—
Sharing this method. Connecting with quilters. And helping you discover that appliqué can feel joyful, doable… even exciting.
I’d love to see you on April 20. It’s going to feel a lot like we’re together—even if we’re miles apart.💛
April has brought such a wonderful burst of energy into Ahead of the Curve—with new members jumping righ into our Spring Fling Workshop this week. ...And there’s still so much to enjoy before the month wraps up. Let’s keep that momentum going.
👉 A quick note: May workshops are already open for registration inside the membership—so you can reserve your spot anytime.
🗓️ There's still a lot happening in April
🧵 April 17 — CreativiTEA Today I'll host a laid-back, all-day Sit & Sew. Join in anytime using the link inside the membership portal.
🌸 April 20 — Appliqué School + Membership Q&A A great chance to get your questions answered and take a closer look at everything inside Ahead of the Curve.
✨ April 28 — Member Orientation Get a guided tour, helpful tips, and live Q&A to help you start strong—or refresh your momentum.
📌 Looking Ahead
🌼 Save the Dates: May 4 (Appliqué Design Club), May 6 (Cactus Art Quilt), May 11 & 18 (Get Your Kicks), and May 15 (CreativiTEA)—more details in next week’s newsletter.
April workshops—and the links to join—are listed below.
I can't wait to see what you create this month! 💛
Anniversary Rings
June 10: 2026 @ 1pm-5pm (ET)
Double Clamshell
June 22 — 11am-3pm (ET)
🌿One more Demo Day is Coming: June 16, 6-7:30 pm Eastern We’ll be hosting one more Demo Day and Intro to Rotary Cut Appliqué session on June 16, 2026!
During this free demonstration, we’ll reinforce the Standard Leaves and Circles we covered during our last session, while also focusing on stitching options for your appliqué quilts. If you’ve been wanting more confidence with appliqué stitching, this session is for you. Reply and let me know: • Which appliqué shapes do you use most in your quilts? • What appliqué questions would you like me to answer during Demo Day?
Register below to have the Zoom link delivered to your inbox. I hope you’ll join us!
🧦 Watch Sewing in Slippers with Sue Every Tuesday Morning at 11AM on the Sue Pelland Design's Facebook Page Please note there will be no Sewing in Slippers episodes on May 26 or June 2 while I’m away in Italy.
Last week on Sewing in Slippers with Sue I demonstratied how to free-motion embroider names for tmy stocking project. We used my standard sewing machine, not a fancy embroidery macihne! This week, I'll be blanket stitching around the applique...and this will be agood one, becaue the points on the holly leaves are really pointy! So I'll show you some tricks to get nice blanket stitches, even though the points are so curvy Then there are those pesky 1" circles to stitch. Let's tackle those too! See you Tuesday, May 19 at 11am on the Sue Pelland Designs Facebook page.
Sue Pelland support@SuePellandDesigns.com Follow us on on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest You’re receiving this email because you signed up at Sue Pelland Designs to learn more about Rotary Cut Appliqué. I’m so glad you’re here. 💛 If this no longer feels like the right fit for you, you can unsubscribe below.
Sue Pelland Designs
I help quilters discover a simpler, more confident way to appliqué — no scissors required. Through practical techniques and weekly studio inspiration, I help you turn quilt dreams into finished quilts.