Presentations and Workshops

Presentations

“The Write Stuff: Publishing in the Quilt World”
One-hour presentation

After seven years as a contributing editor with the highly respected magazine, American Quilter, I am well versed in the topics and techniques quilting publications seek. Frequently, I find articles by attending quilt shows and looking for original patterns or techniques. What amazes me is how often quilters are unaware they have something of interest to publishers. I will explain the kinds of patterns, techniques, or ideas magazines look for, how to submit them, and the publishing process once they are accepted.

“What Were the Judges Thinking?”
Two presentations are available.

1) One-hour presentation, perfect for guild meetings:
If you have attended quilt shows filled with one great quilt after another and wondered how the judges chose the winner, this workshop explains the process. Learn how judges evaluate quilts using the judging pathway: general appearance, design, and workmanship. Observe a mock judging where I use quilts I have made or purchased. Get your questions answered, have fears allayed, and feel encouraged entering judged shows through hearing how positive the experience can be.

2) Half-day class:
This longer time period offers greater depth and detail through a Power Point presentation with many more examples. The workshop is a great starting point for anyone who is interested in judging, holding a judged show, or wants to enter shows more knowledgeably.

Workshops

Six hours unless stated otherwise.

“Creative Transfer Techniques with Mistyfuse Fusible Web”

Learn how to use Mistyfuse to transfer text and designs without having to reverse them. Then use the technique to personalize your work and learn how to stitch  bobbin work designs in a quilt or around its borders. Class project is a small wall hanging 12” x 18”. I will also demonstrate how to take the bobbin work technique even further to stitch faces and figures from a drawing. The class expands upon the article published in American Quilter magazine’s July 2014 issue.

This is a six-hour class.

“Bars, Beads, Drizzle–and Then What?”

Add satin stitch bars, beads, and drizzle, all using a simple zigzag stitch. Learn how effective the drizzle technique lends itself to appliquéing sheer fabrics that are otherwise difficult to handle. Drizzle also creates strong texture across a quilt and can be painted after stitching for another effect. The class features a series of blocks featuring hearts or stars, which can later be stitched into a small wall hanging. An article featuring these techniques appeared in American Quilter magazine’s March 2015 issue.

May be a a three-hour or six-hour class, with the six-hour class covering a greater range of techniques.

“Cord Embellishments by Hand and Machine”

Add punch, whimsy, or a touch of elegance with cords customized for your quilts or home-dec items. Cords are especially effective in a border treatment in place of a flange or as an edge finish. You can also incorporate cords into the body of a quilt to finish a raw edge Several of my prize-winning quilts feature hand-twisted cords which I have couched down as flower stems. Corded stems are unexpected and add dimensional texture and interest and can be used in all kinds of quilts: traditional, innovative and art. As a graduate of London City and Guilds design and embroidery programs, I learned a tremendous number of hand and machine cord-making techniques.We will experiment with some of the many threads, yarns, and fibers available today, and learn how to add beads and embellishments. I provide a large selection to work from for a small $15.00 kit fee, and students are encouraged to bring supplies they would like to try.

During a six-hour class, spend half of the time on hand- made cords, such as twisted and round cords, while the second half features machine-made cords.

A half-day class focuses on either hand or machine-made cords.

“Paint and Texture With Textile Paint”

Learn how to use textile paint to design fabric for your work by painting, stamping, and texturing using a variety of tools. Decorate an apron as the class project then keep it for yourself for DIY work or give it as a gift. The fabric paints are provided as part of the workshop. The apron is available for a fee or students may bring their own fabric to paint on with PFD (prepared for dyeing) fabric recommended.

Six-hour class

“Fabulous Felt Appliqué”

Learn a variety of ways to create texture with an easy-to-use material enjoying great popularity. Because felt doesn’t ravel, students can concentrate on design rather than worry about needle-turn or freezer-paper techniques. Those who haven’t enjoyed appliqué in the past will discover just how much fun it can be. In this handwork class, experiment with any commercial felt, including eco-fi from recycled products, acrylic, or wool. In the first part of the class, students complete a small sampler in a monochromatic color scheme (which shows the effect shadowing produces in a piece) or any palette the quilter desires. In the last part of the class, apply one or two techniques to an accessory of your choice. Plain bags are provided for a fee.