Courses

Available Courses

If you would like to attend or host a course, please contact me for more information and scheduling.

class and lectures currently available:

class: Basic Fabric Dyeing

In this class we will go through several exercises to create your own colorful cloth. You will learn several different techniques for using the MX Fiber Reactive dyes with low water immersion. We will talk about the color wheel so that you have a basic understanding of combining colors before mixing them in the exercises. I am happy to help mix a color, however the particular shade to match your kitchen might not be possible because of the colors used in class. The three exercises include making a light to dark gradation of a single color, making a color to color gradation to find the colors that lie between, and experimenting with pre-soda soaked fabric. The participant can chose to make a single color ombre, a rainbow stripe or all over multi-colored piece. Kits for fabric and dyes can be provided, students will need to supply containers. Contact me for current kit fees.

Class length: 3 hours or 6 hours

class: Dyeing a Color Family

In this class students will mix a color family. A color family is a combination of colors that are related to each other insuring the they match, blend and work well with each other. This is a great class for someone who is trying to work with transparency, is not confident with color, or just wants to build a stash of color. Students will have the choice of cool or warm color palettes, and will make ½ yard of each a dark and light version of blue, purple, red, orange, yellow and green. They will have also have dye leftover with which to make an additional shades or colors. Kits with dye and fabric can be provided, but students will need to supply their own containers. Contact me for current kit fee.

Class length: 6 hours

class: Snow/Ice Dyeing

Snow Dyed fabric has a wonderful watercolor effect. The technique is serendipitous…you can plan for one thing and end up this something completely different but just as beautiful. In this class we will explore the technique of snow dyeing, using actual snow which can act as a resist but also distributes the MX Fiber Reactive dyes onto fabric. Ice can be substituted. Students can experiment with folding fabric to create pattern or just scrunching fabric to create texture. Kits including dye and fabric can be provided, but students will need to supply some containers and equipment. Contact me for current pricing on kits.

Class length: 3 hours (keep in mind, time is needed for snow/ice to melt)

class: Printing on Fabric: Working with Thickened Dyes

We will be printing on fabric with thickened dyes. We will be using techniques similar to printing with paint or ink on paper, however the thickened dyes have a superior hand on fabric. Your fabric will not be brittle or stiff. We will talk about creating layers of color and texture to make your own wonderful fabric with designs of your own choosing. We will talk about thermofax screens, stencils, stamps (commercial or self-made), mono-printing, and paper lamination.

Class length: 6 hours

class: Shibori with Indigo Dye

In this class, we will learn shibori techniques and use of an indigo vat. I will demonstrate techniques as well as show examples of stitched, bound, and pole-wrapped shibori. Students will be given time to practice all the techniques and explore some on their own. Advanced techniques including combined techniques can be taught in longer classes. A Kit fee will be charged for setting up the indigo dye vat. Fabric can be provided with prior notice. Students will need to have some additional supplies. Contact for kit pricing.

Class length: Minimum of 6 hours. As a two-day class, students would have time to learn and make all the different variety of shibori patterns.

class: Ins and Outs of Hand Stitching

This class is to help to learn some tips and tricks to making hand stitching enjoyable and mediative. Hand stitches can provide a variety of textures and looks for your work. Learning how to start and stop without knots while using heavier threads like pearl cotton can elevate your work. We will go through hand quilting, sashiko, and big stitch techniques. We will talk about different threads, needles and battings as well.

3 hour class. Kits provided for some supplies.

class: Let's Face it

Learn the process of finishing your quilt with a facing. Facing your piece allows an uninterrupted vision of your piece while still covering the raw edges of the fabric. I will start by showing a binding technique, starting with a something a little more familiar before moving into the unfamiliar. We will explore couple of different ways to face your quilts so that you can find a way the best way for you. We will on practice 12" quilt sandwiches. We also explore options that allow you to add fun or traditional touches to your work.

3 hour class.

Class: Gaining Confidence with Freemotion Quilting

In this class, we will learn and practice the basic shapes used in free motion quilting. We will start the day by talking about threads, needles and basic techniques/skills. Then we will move into practicing free motion quilting with these basic shapes moving from left to right. After that we will move into making those same basic shapes from all directions. Once we have got a bit comfortable with basic shapes, we will start combining shapes to make more complex shapes and fill patterns.
3 or 6 hour class.

CLASS: Improv Interpretations

In this class we will be using a historic, traditional quilt blocks as a launching point for leaning improv techniques. Come ready with your favorite quilt block. It can be as simple as 1/2 triangle squares, or a churn dash, or a New York Beauty block. We will learn to abstract the essence of these classic blocks into a new update improv style block. Learn to cut without rulers, if desired. You can use a variety of scraps or a selected color palette. We will just be working on a small piece in class, but it could easily be expanded if desired.

Class length: 6 hours

class: Cut 'n switch

In this class we will learn to piece improvisationally... making it as we go, without a pattern to follow. We will experiment with line, shape and proportion in creating an original design. We will learn how different line placement and value choices can make in our work . Use a ruler or learn to cut without (drawing with your rotary cutter). Bring colors that interact well but provide contrast. There is not set size for the finished piece, so make a table runner or lap size quilt... making it a great class to learn a new technique.

Class length: 6 hours

class: Strip pieced ½ triangle squares

Happiness from Within

In this class we will explore color and variation in order to make a successful scrappy look quilt. While a layouts will be given out, participants will be encourage to make their own variation... making larger squares or developing their layout. We will be making our own striped material during class, as well as learning a simple technique for making half triangle squares which can be used for any size triangles. Participants can bring colorful scraps or newly purchased fabric, just remember variety is the key... bring the beautiful bright colors as well as the ugly, dull step-sisters. A full range of value (light to dark) will also help ensure the success of your project. A fabric swap in class would allow for more variety, if class participants are willing.

Class Length: 6 hour class

class: Hawaiian Appliqué (Needle Turn)

In this class, you will be creating our own unique appliqué piece. We will work on creating our own paper folded design. Hawaiian patterns will be available for inspiration or trace. Appliqué designs can be tailored to fit the skill level, so beginner to advance welcome. We will walk through the process alignment, basting, and needle turn appliqué (sewing around curves, point and crotches), as well as needle and thread choice.
Fabric can be purchased as a kit. This class can be combined with a 2 day class so participants can make their own snow-dyed fabric.

Class length: 6 hours

Class: Three Dimensional Flying Geese

In this class we will explore a simple, quick way to make accurate and dimensional flying geese. Your rows of geese can then be made into a row quilt using a feature fabric or border prints. Not much is needed for the flying geese, so it's a way to use up scraps. The resulting quilts is a great size for a kids quilt, and they will have fun play with the folded fabric. However, it would be easy enough to quilted the geese down.

Class length: 3 hours to understand technique, however 6 hours allow more time towards completion.

class: quilt Judging Seminar

This is a two day class going over the basics of quilt judging, and quilt making in general. In addition to learning about quilt judging, participates will gain insight into entering quilt shows, how to improve their workmanship and design impact. It is a great course to improve knowledge of different quilting skills and techniques. If you are involved in organizing your local quilt guild show, it will give you insight into different Judging systems, entry forms, categories, different comment sheets, and awards. Participants will not only learn what judges are looking for and how to phrase your comments but will have to do it themselves during a mock judging exercise. Participation in class discussions is essential to the learning experience. This class is part of the Quilt Judging Seminar Instructors in association with the candidacy program of NACQJ.

Class Length: 2 - 6 hour sessions for a total of 12 hours

CLASS: Learning To Look...Critiquing Techniques and Design

In this class we will be looking at quilts from a viewers perspective. Whether you want to improve your own skills, or are interested in knowing what judges look for, this class will give you insight into basic characteristics of “good” work and using a critical eye towards improvement. We will briefly talk about piecing, appliqué and quilting techniques as well as design and color basics. We will also touch on some basics of entering a quilt into a show, and how category definitions can affect your entry. We will touch on the difference between judging comments and critiques, and common vocabulary.

Class length: 6 hours

LECTURE: MY JOURNEY TO INDIGO SHIBORI

I started quilting in 1995 with traditional patterns and commercial fabrics. I quickly learned to dye my own fabric, and started altering patterns to leave my mark on each quilt I made. This desire to insert myself into my quilting has lead me to art quilting and more surface design and eventually to indigo and shibori. I will also touch on the history of indigo and shibori. Concluding with how I am incorporating this beautiful fabrics and patterns into my art quilts.

Lecture length: 1/2 hour

lacrosse sticks by sue cortese

Lecture: Marking Making in quilting world.

What is mark making and how does it relate to quilt making? Art quilters are using this vogue term to refer to the gestural marks they are making with dye or paint. I think it can be used more broadly, as I believe it relates to individual creativity, or the maker's hand. This can be solely a lecture or can be done with painless exercises afterwards.

Lecture length: 1 hour

color choices/sue cortese

Lecture: Learning to Look

This lecture is a start down the path of looking at quilts as artwork, whether traditional, modern or art quilts. We will explore the principals of unity, color, and figure/ground relationships. It is meant to help makers analyze their own work as well as see through a critics or judges eyes. As there is no right or wrong in art, this lecture is meant to develop an eye for "good, better and best" perspective. This is an interactive lecture and will require the audience to be participants.

Lecture length: 1 hour

Fabric Dyeing Demonstration

I will show the basics of fabric dyeing with a little eye candy (showing fabric samples and quilts made with hand-dyed fabrics). I will walk participants through the basic process of using Procion MX Fiber reactive dyes, from mixing the dye powders to rinsing out the fabric. We will talk about color mixing so participants have an understanding of how with the three primary colors you can make hundreds of different colors and values. We will walk through the process of making a gradation of one color (light to dark), a gradation from one color to a second color to see colors that lie in between, and explain a few more advanced techniques which yield colorful results.
Lecture length: 1 hour

Lecture: Quilt Judging

In this lecture we will talk about show organizing, categories, comment sheets, and the judging process. What are qualities of prize winning quilts? I will also go into how I craft comments. And because no one just wants to hear about quilting, I will bring along some of my prize winning quilts.

Lecture length: 1 hour

One of my first quilts...need I say more

Lecture: My Quilting Journey

In this lecture I will take people through the quilts that I have made, from some of my first quilts to some of my recent quilts. When I started quilting my quest was to make a quilt from every pattern and technique. This challenge has lead me to take class from some of the top national teachers, and create a diverse and varied stockpile of quilts. I will talk about what I have learned about color, pattern, balance and variety. Originality has also been a bit thing for me. When I started out, I was following patterns, but tried to find way to put my own touch into each quilt. We will go through some of my milestone quilts; my first ribbon winner, my first original design, my first published quilt... We will talk about what was successful and what was not. Trunk show style lecture.

Lecture Length: 1 hour