Workshops

Workshop Descriptions

Custom Classes:

I will gladly work with your group to come up with a customized class or workshop that either focuses in depth on a particular block or combines other classes. Please understand that doing this impacts my preparation and thus the potential cost of the class and also the time needed to conduct the class. Feel free to contact me to discuss your particular situation and needs.

The following are descriptions of my most popular workshops:

Log Cabin:

This workshop uses the "A Few of My Favorite Things" Log Cabin quilt as its basis.

Single day: In this one day class the students will learn the basic "Perfect Strips" technique as it relates to the Log Cabin block. This is done in a demo where I discuss the block itself and talk in depth about this technique and its many unique aspects. Since this is the most simple application of this technique, this is a great class for less experienced quilters. The students then begin to work on a simple Log Cabin block.

The second half of this day covers the Log Cabin with a nine patch primitive star center. This star is made with just strips and squares (right out of the scrap basket if you have one) and no triangles or other annoying shapes. I show samples of the star (in addition to those in the quilt) and demonstrate the technique. Students are then encouraged to try a star or two or three......They are so much fun it's easy to get hooked!

Two days: The second day allows time to cover the appliqué blocks in this quilt. I discuss how I the planned and designed my blocks and through this explanation, encourage students to make a block that is uniquely their own. I use raw edge appliqué with a machine blanket stitch and do a demo of this technique. I also talk about making your quilts unique with unusual design treatments and embellishments.

It time allows, the second half of day two returns to the primitive star. There are additional applications of this technique (for example, primitive half square triangles) and additional variations of the star. These variations and the possibilities are talked about, samples are shown, and the students are encouraged to try the various options.

Note: This star is very forgiving and can be squared to size very easily, allowing for many people to work on blocks. This could be a great way to make a raffle or charity quilt for your group.

Pattern purchase is required for this class.

See a Gallery of these Quilts

Pineapple Workshop:

Single day: In this one day class the students will learn the basic "Perfect Strips" technique as it relates to the Pineapple block. This is done in a demo where I discuss the Pineapple block itself and talk in depth about this technique and its many unique aspects. After the demo, the students begin a single three fabric block. Once each person gets to a certain point in the const Pineapple Workshop ruction, I work with them individually to discuss the many design possibilities for their particular block. For instance, we look at ways to switch fabrics or add additional fabrics within the block and look at varying the size of the finishing rows (without any complicated math) for unique design opportunities. Later in the day after everyone has a better understanding of the block, I demonstrate my technique and tips for joining blocks and do a small trunk show of Pineapple quilts. Here I point out in detail various designs, border treatments and embellishment options. If time permits, I will talk about adapting the technique to miniature Pineapple blocks. Students can expect to leave with enough knowledge to make a basic Pineapple quilt.

Two days: In the second day I discuss and demonstrate pieced frame borders, and floating all or part of the block into a border. Students experiment by making a floating border block using my super simple technique. I also discuss designing your own unique Pineapple. This includes the dynamics of the block itself and what happens when certain elements of the block are changed. A pattern for a dramatic table runner is supplied and explained and the students can either work on this or continue with their project from day one.

An optional Pineapple design book is available for this class.

See a Gallery of the these Quilts

Primitive Star:

Primitive Snowman Star (150x148)

Single day: This star is made with just strips and squares (right out of the scrap basket if you have one) and no triangles or other annoying shapes. I show samples of the star and demonstrate the technique. Students are then encouraged to try a star or two or three......They are so much fun it's easy to get hooked!

The second part of the day deals with additional applications of this technique (for example, primitive half square triangles) and additional variations of the star. These variations and the possibilities are talked about and samples are shown. In addition, I teach how to adapt this star to any size and shape that might be needed in a quilt project. For example, it can be fit into the corners of borders with just a few simple calculations. Students are then encouraged to try one or more of the additional applications.

Note: This star is very forgiving and can be squared up to size very easily, allowing for many people to work on blocks. This could be a great way to make a raffle or charity quilt for your group.

See a Gallery of these Quilts

Sunburst Star:

Sunburst Workshop 1 (300x300)

In this workshop, we make a four block Sunburst Star quilt using my "Perfect Strips" technique - just 3" squares and quick-cut 2" strips are all you need to make this interesting star. The project makes a wonderful table topper or small wall hanging. The four blocks finish at approximaely 24", and at least a 2" border is recommended but larger or multiple borders also work. The piece offers a number of design options that will allow students to customize their project. Shown is the basic four block quilt and a few, but by no means all of the design possibilities. These are all shown in similar fabrics to help illustrate the subtle (and not so subtle) changes. The same quilt works well in many colors and different fabrics. Try to imagine them in your favorites. Be sure to visit the gallery to see additional quilts made with this interesting block.

An optional design book is available for this class.

Sunburst Workshop 5 (300x300) Sunburst Workshop 2 (300x300)

Sunburst Workshop 4 (300x300) Sunburst Workshop 3 (300x300)

See a Gallery of these Quilts

Unusual Cabins:

Single day: In this one day class the students will learn the basic "Perfect Strips" technique as it relates to the Log Cabin block but in this case, the first block covered is a Interwoven Cabins Thick & Thin Log Cabin. With the "Perfect Strips" technique, making a Thick & Thin block requires no math and uses just quick-cut strips and accurately cut squares. The resulting blocks are unique and have unlimited design possibilities. To make it even more interesting and to add to the design potential, I show how to make flying geese corners that finish in different sizes using just strips of fabric and no math. Students practice the technique by working on a three color Thick & Thin block with geese.

The second half of this day covers the off-center Log Cabin block and its possibilities. It is constructed in a similar manner but the block is very different, resulting in unusual designs. Students make a simple off-center block (with flying geese if they choose). This exercise helps the student understand the transition from a regular Log Cabin block to an off-center.

Unusual Cabins I also do a trunk and picture show of the various design possibilities of these two blocks.

Two days: This class can be adapted to a two day class in a number of ways, either by expanding on the two blocks covered above and/or by including some additional Log Cabin variations. The details can be discussed and worked out on an individual basis.