Mission Statement
Blue Bonnet Studio, LLC, was formed in 2009 to promote and preserve the needle arts by offering courses, supplies, and an annual retreat. The company has a three-pronged approach focusing on applique quilting, Japanese silk embroidery and bead embroidery. Broader support of the arts is provided at the annual retreat with its wide range of needle arts activities.
A short history and ongoing work
After its formation in 2009 the president Mary Alice Sinton began to expand her teaching reach to locations outside of Houston west of the Mississippi. She is a fully accredited Japanese silk and bead embroidery teacher and expert in applique quilting specializing in the Hawaiian style. Over the years Mary has built a significant following of students in Phoenix, Seattle/Tacoma, Oregon, San Antonia/Austin and Houston areas. She teaches classes nearly every year at chapter or annual meetings. Monthly study groups in Japanese Embroidery are held in Houston, TX, with annual or di-annual study groups in other locations. Check out the schedule of Events for more information.
John Sinton, Secretary-Treasurer, continues to make wood products used in Japanese Embroidery, such as embroidery stands, embroidery frames, the unique “Tomo-Dai”, beading trays and many others. Many items are one of a kind made to customer specifications. Check out Supplies for more information.
The first annual, 4-day Blue Bonnet Studio Time Retreat was held at the Lost Pines Resort just south of Austin, TX, in February 2011 over the Presidents day weekend. Since its start the Retreat has grown from 60 attendees to over 140 attendees and has offered over 12 classes per year covering, Japanese Embroidery, embroidery, canvas work, embellishment, felting, beading, and many others. International teachers are normally included to promote the needle arts from beyond the USA. The Retreat represents a culturally unique experience in the needle arts at a peaceful location where fellowship is premier.
Teachers and Mary Alice (seated second from the left) took time out from their busy schedule at Blue Bonnet Studio Time 2015, to allow a photographer to capture this picture. The standing teachers from left to right are Brenda Hart, Barbara Rakosnik, Vicki De Angelis, Meredith Willett, Midori Matsushima, Janet Casey, Debby Stiehler (guest speaker), Lynn Payette, Sylvia Murarin, Toni Gerdes, Laura Smith, Lois Kershner, Carolyn Sherman, and Linda Chirby. Seated teachers from left to right are Tanja Berlin, Mary Alice Sinton (President of BBS, LLC), Sandra Arthur, and Deborah Tirico.
Blue Bonnet Studio, LLC, also offers a wide range of supplies used in Japanese silk embroidery and bead embroidery. The list of products is extensive but includes, silk and metal threads, needles (both hand and machine made), silk fabric, frames, stands, and many more. Only a few items are as yet offered through the online Supplies, but all your needs can be met. Please contact us at 713-849-9848, mary.sinton@bluebonnetstudio.com or john.sinton@bluebonnetstudio.com.