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40 | LIFE IN SOLERA | FEBRUARY 2024 | QUILTERS BASKET WEAVING CLASS February is the month that we celebrate our past Presidents, and also our love for others. Remember in school when we all bought valentines for our classmates? And those little conversation hearts that we went through specifically to find just the right one for that special person? Even though they are still available, they just don't seem to hold the same deep emotional significance as they did when we were little! Now we buy cards, chocolate, and sometimes "sparkly" things! Or, if you are a quilter, you make a special item for your loved one. The picture at right is part of a table topper made by Penny Wycoff. The technique is called "reverse applique." Reverse applique is an applique technique. In traditional applique, the design to be appliqued is placed on top of the background fabric and sewn in place. For reverse applique, the fabric is layered and the top fabric is cut away and stitched in place to reveal the design. Everyone would be thrilled to received a beautiful piece like this. You can find out how to make this and other wonderful things by joining our Solera Quilters every Monday at noon in the Arts & Crafts Room. Basketry is an ancient art, practiced by many people and cultures. Traditional basket makers used readily available materials, such as sweet grass, pine needles, willow, and thin strips of ash or oak. Our instructor, Marsha Orr, teaches Appalachian style basketry which is a functional form of basketry used for everyday activities. Thus, the basket names often reflect their functions, such as Market Basket, Egg Basket, Herb Drying Basket and others. The Basket Weaving classes have become quite popular here at Solera and usually sell out in a very short time. Our next class is March 2 to make a door/wall hanging basket. It is limited seating but there are a few spaces still available. If you are interested in joining this class, please give Mary Anne Roadick a call at (909) 239-6698. Our instructor, Marsha Orr, began teaching basketry through Fullerton Parks and Recreation's Community classes. She taught there for three years before retiring to Menifee. She says, "I find joy in teaching and practicing this ancient art and seeing the look of discovery and satisfaction as my students create their own basketry art." Everyone who has taken these basket classes has completely enjoyed the day with fellow residents and comes away with a beautiful basket.