Instructor

Blanton, Barbara
Barbara has always sewn, but it was an antique quilt that she received as a teenager that inspired her to learn to quilt. She checked out a book from the library and made her first quilt, a Log Cabin, using templates cut out of newspaper in 1973. Through the years, Barbara has participated in, and led guilds, in St. Louis, MO, San Antonio, TX and Palmdale, CA. She organized and ran a charity group in Riverside, CA for seven years that made Snuggle Quilts for at-risk children, donating up to 200 quilts per year to a local police department. Hundreds of quilts and years later, she’s become obsessed with appliqué. She’s spent time finding techniques that work for her, helping her make an average of five queen size tops a year augmented with pieced quilts. She teaches and shares her techniques nationally while also working a full time job. Nine years ago, she formed the Academy of Appliqué, which is a weeklong appliqué retreat in Williamsburg, VA. Around 17 are employed teachers and bring in roughly 300 students. While it’s a lot of work, it’s her favorite week of the year. For more information, visit academyofapplique.com.

Instructor Workshops

Appliqué Pirouette, #253102f

Appliqué
Friday, 3/14, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek
Blanton, Barbara
All Levels
$138
Plus Kit Fee

This is a beginner/refresher appliqué workshop, perfect for the nay sayers, those that describe it as the dreaded 'A' word, and those that say they do not do hand work. This original design is by Audra Rasnake. By the end of the workshop, you will LOVE appliqué, guaranteed! And be confident with templates, overlays, circles, curves, points, and needle turn appliqué. This will set you up for success on your appliqué journey. Registration for this workshop includes complimentary show admission for Friday.

academyofapplique.com

Appliqué with Templates: Classic Santa, #253501

Appliqué
Wednesday, 3/12, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek
Blanton, Barbara
All Levels
$70
Plus Kit Fee

You've heard of Christmas in July? How about Christmas in March? This workshop is for all levels of appliquérs from the absolute beginner to the experienced. Learn how to make templates, placement of your appliqué pieces, how to stitch, and embellish. A workshop filled with laughter and support – join the fun!

academyofapplique.com

Basic Beginners with the Brown Sugar Block, #253500

Appliqué
Wednesday, 3/12, 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek
Blanton, Barbara
All Levels
$70
Plus Kit Fee

Join Barbara as she introduces you to a quick method for making templates and appliqué piece placement. Let Barbara show you how she achieves this without drawing on the background square. This needle-turn technique workshop is perfect for all levels of appliquérs, including beginners. You will be stitching one block from Brandywine Design's Brown Sugar Sampler.

academyofapplique.com

Better Done than Perfect, #251803

Lectures
Thursday, 3/13, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Branson Convention Center – Fall Creek
Blanton, Barbara
All Levels
$15

After producing a minimum of five queen size appliquéd tops a year, Barbara has some timesaving techniques to share with you. Barbara will take you along her journey with a trunk show of her beauties and "Happy Accidents" (and how she hid all of those mistakes). Come laugh with Barbara and learn more about her life as a quilter.

Supplies are not required for a lecture, although you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.

academyofapplique.com

Irish Sunbonnet Sue, #253512

Appliqué
Saturday, 3/15, 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek
Blanton, Barbara
Beginner
$70
Plus Kit Fee

Have you ever admired Sunbonnet Sue quilts from afar? Come join Barbara for this needle-turn appliqué workshop that’s geared toward beginners and learn how to stitch Sunbonnet Sue with a twist. Come with a smile and Barbara will do the rest.

academyofapplique.com

Twirling Tulips, #253504

Appliqué
Thursday, 3/13, 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek
Blanton, Barbara
All Levels
$70
Plus Kit Fee

Start your appliqué journey with this beginner class in hand needle turn appliqué. You will learn how to make templates, fabric placement, pointy points, smooth curves, stems and circles with reverse appliqué. This is a very FUN block and will set you up for success!

academyofapplique.com

Appliqué Pirouette, #253102f

Blanton, Barbara
Friday, 3/14
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek

This is a beginner/refresher appliqué workshop, perfect for the nay sayers, those that describe it as the dreaded 'A' word, and those that say they do not do hand work. This original design is by Audra Rasnake. By the end of the workshop, you will LOVE appliqué, guaranteed! And be confident with templates, overlays, circles, curves, points, and needle turn appliqué. This will set you up for success on your appliqué journey. Registration for this workshop includes complimentary show admission for Friday.

academyofapplique.com

Appliqué with Templates: Classic Santa, #253501

Blanton, Barbara
Wednesday, 3/12
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek

You've heard of Christmas in July? How about Christmas in March? This workshop is for all levels of appliquérs from the absolute beginner to the experienced. Learn how to make templates, placement of your appliqué pieces, how to stitch, and embellish. A workshop filled with laughter and support – join the fun!

academyofapplique.com

Basic Beginners with the Brown Sugar Block, #253500

Blanton, Barbara
Wednesday, 3/12
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek

Join Barbara as she introduces you to a quick method for making templates and appliqué piece placement. Let Barbara show you how she achieves this without drawing on the background square. This needle-turn technique workshop is perfect for all levels of appliquérs, including beginners. You will be stitching one block from Brandywine Design's Brown Sugar Sampler.

academyofapplique.com

Better Done than Perfect, #251803

Blanton, Barbara
Thursday, 3/13
Branson Convention Center – Fall Creek

After producing a minimum of five queen size appliquéd tops a year, Barbara has some timesaving techniques to share with you. Barbara will take you along her journey with a trunk show of her beauties and "Happy Accidents" (and how she hid all of those mistakes). Come laugh with Barbara and learn more about her life as a quilter.

Supplies are not required for a lecture, although you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.

academyofapplique.com

Irish Sunbonnet Sue, #253512

Blanton, Barbara
Saturday, 3/15
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek

Have you ever admired Sunbonnet Sue quilts from afar? Come join Barbara for this needle-turn appliqué workshop that’s geared toward beginners and learn how to stitch Sunbonnet Sue with a twist. Come with a smile and Barbara will do the rest.

academyofapplique.com

Twirling Tulips, #253504

Blanton, Barbara
Thursday, 3/13
Branson Convention Center – Roark Creek

Start your appliqué journey with this beginner class in hand needle turn appliqué. You will learn how to make templates, fabric placement, pointy points, smooth curves, stems and circles with reverse appliqué. This is a very FUN block and will set you up for success!

academyofapplique.com