Every Quilt tells a story... what does your say?
Introductory Classes
No Fear Sewing! The Basics of Using Your Sewing Machine
You and your machine, happily working together... it can happen! Learn the basics of threading the machine, winding a bobbin, what foot to use when, thread and needles choices.. get past the fear and get to the fun of sewing.
Small class size for personalized instruction.
(Some sewing machines available for loan for use in class.)
Rotary Cutters & Rulers... How?
Just how do you safely use a rotary cutter with a ruler... and which ruler?
The basics of these wonderful tools will be taught in this 3-hour class, focusing on their use in quilting and crafts. Students will practice cutting strips and learn to cut pieces of specific sizes. Small class size ensures lots of one-on-one attention.
Classes
Quilting 101: 9-Patch Block
Quilting 102: Four-Patch Block
Learn some basic quilt piecing techniques here as you construct this traditional block. Also, begin to master sewing with a 1/4" seam allowance! There will be a review of using a rotary cutter and rulers, but some exposure and experimenting should already have happened.
Quilting 102: Four-Patch Block
Quilting 102: Four-Patch Block
Learn a basic quilt piecing technique using strips, and continue working to master your 1/4" seam allowance as you make this block. Basic skills, plus the proper use of tools and equipment are reviewed in each beginner class.
Quilting 103: Rail Fence Block
Learn the speed method of strip sewing as you create this block. (Make a bunch of these blocks and have yourself a quilt in no time!) Basic skills are always reviewed in all classes.
Quilting 104: Thrifty Block
Continue learning accuracy in cutting and piecing, plus a speed piecing method with strips. Strip piecing and re-cutting are the basis for many quilt blocks!
Quilting 105: Log Cabin Block
This traditional block provides lots of practice at cutting accurately and squaring up parts as you go. Build your basic block construction skills, and add another block to your sampler quilt.
Quilting 120: Churn Dash Block
Learn more basic techniques used by quilters every day, including how to strip piece to save time, and one way to make half square triangles. This is one of my favorite blocks!
Quilting 140: Dutchman's Puzzle Block
Quilting 140: Dutchman's Puzzle Block
Learn how to make "fast flying geese" as you make this block. This one takes a little more accuracy in your sewing, but you are ready for it now!
Quilting 160: Card Trick
Quilting 140: Dutchman's Puzzle Block
Learn a new technique to make the hourglass pieces in this block, and practice accuracy and precision. Placement of the prints is a challenge too! This is an intermediate block, and mastery and understanding of half square triangles is a recommended prerequisite.
Quilting 161: Ohio Star
Quilting 161: Ohio Star
Learn how to make this traditional quilt block, usually with two colors. The technique you will learn is an hourglass, which is based on a half square triangle. This is an intermediate block, and you will practice your accuracy in cutting, piecing. and pressing. Some experience and knowledge of half square triangles is a prerequisite.
More Classes
Quilting 160: Applique Block
Quilting 160: Applique Block
Learn the basics of both hand and machine applique in this class. You won't master either, but will discover which you prefer, and can then focus on that method. Make a block of each for your sampler quilt.
Quilting 180: Locker Hooking
Quilting 160: Applique Block
Learn the fun and relaxing technique called Locker Hooking. No sewing machine, just a hook (a lot like a crochet hook), some fabric strips, scissors, and a couple other things and you are set. This is my go-to project when I'm traveling because it takes so few supplies, plus I can set it down for a time and pick it up without messing anything up. Basic supply kit is required, and students will start an appx. 10" square trivet in class.
Pre-cut strips and other supplies are available.
Quilting 181: Sashiko
Another hand sewing technique is Japanese-based Sashiko. Learn the embroidery technique in this class, as you work on the design of your choice. Many pre-printed panels of aquatic life are available, as well as traditional Japanese designs. Another creative and fun take-along project with few supplies. (No sewing machine, of course!)
Quilting 201: Quilt Top Construction
Quilting 201: Quilt Top Construction
Learn how to put your blocks together in a traditional manner, with sashing and posts and one outer border. Learn the right way! Your quilts will lie flat with this method. You choose how large a project to work on, from a table runner to a quilt; the methods are the same. (Bring your finished blocks to class.)
Quilting 300: Machine Quilting Basics
Quilting 201: Quilt Top Construction
Quilting 300: Machine Quilting Basics
Learn all about battings, then how to sandwich your quilt top in preparation for quilting. Basic quilting designs with a walking foot will be covered, and a short intro to free motion quilting. The meander will be introduced, plus loopty-loops. Class is designed for you and your home sewing machine, and to do free motion, your machine must be able to drop its feed dogs.
Design 401: Colorwash Bars
Quilting 201: Quilt Top Construction
Quilting 300: Machine Quilting Basics
Learn to select the right fabrics for this design, then how to blend all your floral prints, their colors and patterns. When done correctly, you see a flow of color rather than individual pieces. Fabric exchange with other students helps add to your floral collection. Scheduled classes will be at the top of this CLASS page, and I do collect names for a waitlist.
Design 402: Floral Basket
Learn to select the right fabrics to create the bouquet for this design, developing a flow of color and illusion of flowers. Use a printed interfacing base to keep the pieces in order as you sew. Once you learn this method, the sky is the limit! To sign up, go to the SHOP tab and search for CLASS. A downloadable supply list will be provided once you sign up. Kit for the center portion (basket and flowers) may be available for purchase.
Quilting 501: Honor Quilt
Learn basic piecing skills and get hands-on guidance as you use rulers, rotary cutters and your sewing machine to make this versatile and quick quilt! Class covers fabric and color choices and how to cut pieces that are larger than your ruler.
Quilting 502: Dinomite Quilt
Quilting 502: Dinomite Quilt
Another great project to practice basic piecing skills, while creating triangles the easy way! The strong diagonal design gives you a chance to play with fabrics and color placement, as you showcase your favorite novelty or themed print. I'll be there to guide you as you use rulers, rotary cutters and your sewing machine. Fabric and color choices will be discussed, and lots of personal attention to each student. To sign up, go to SHOP tab and search for CLASS. See a complete picture of the quilt there. Supply list ready to download when you signup for class.