I have never done a workshop with Rosalie Dace, but I have heard her speak (twice!) about contemporary quiltmaking in South Africa and have been utterly captivated. I see that a space in Rosalie’s four day workshop at AQC 2009 has become available. Here is the class description for Branching Out:

Nature has created trees to be the largest life forms that have ever existed on our planet. They have given shelter, shade, food and inspiration for centuries to artists, poets and storytellers. Celebrate their beauty and diversity by using them as a basis for composition and design. In this class discover the different shapes, patterns, lines, textures, colours and symbolism of trees while experimenting with design and using various piecing and appliqué techniques to make a beautiful quilt top. These will include foundation piecing, block making and appliqué (hand, machine and reverse). Enjoy a feast of visual inspiration as well as discussions on embroidery, quilting and finishing. So branch out and try something new by making a stunning, well-designed quilt top based on trees.

Some lucky person will snap up this opportunity. If it’s not you, you can still be inspired by South African quiltmakers by viewing the gallery of South African quilts on the MY PLACE website or viewing the quilts in person at the Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne in February 2009.