Courses

Available Courses

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

½ Square Triangle Play

In this class we will explore color and variation in order to make a successful scrappy look quilt. While a pattern 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 stars 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: 3 or 6 hour class

Happiness from Within

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 in including 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 piece or all over multi-colored piece. Kits can be provided, so all you need to supply are some containers.

Class length: 3 hours

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: 3 or 6 hours

All three of these quilts where made using this technique; the amount of cutting and switching varies as does the number of different colors.

Ice/Snow Dyeing

In this class we will explore the technique of snow dyeing, using actual snow to disperse and distribute the MX Fiber Reactive dyes onto fabric. For obvious reasons, this class is dependent upon weather, and requires a large room that is available for a long period of time.

Class length: 3 hours

Printing on Fabric: working with thicken 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: 3 or 6 hours

Basics of HAND APPLIQUÉ

You will learn about the basics of hand appliqué and the necessary tools for success. We will explore a variety of techniques used in hand appliqué to help you discover which techniques work best for you. We will go over how to make a success points, curves, as well an invert points. The three hour class will be more of a demonstration of the different techniques that can used to appliqué, while the 6 hour class participants will chose which 2 two methods they want to explore and play with in creating the heart blocks.

Class length: 3 or 6 hours

PAPER PIECING

Learn the basics of paper/foundation piecing, so you can not only determine how to sew someone else's patterns, but learn how to make your own.

Class length: 3 hours

CLOTHESLINE BASKETS

Learn how to make simple baskets using your leftover strips of fabric. We will talk about starting and ending the baskets, developing the shape, as well as handles. ZigZag sewing machines required.

Class length: 3 hours

LECTURE: How to Use Hand-Dyed Fabric in Your Quilts

As a vendor of hand-dyed fabrics, I have heard numerous different comments about hand-dyed fabrics. During this lecture I would like to talk about some of those myths. I will bring my quilts to explain "how's" and "'why's"... such as how to combine hand-dyed fabric with commercial fabric, and why use hand-dye fabric. We will talk about the basics and benefits of using hand dyed fabric, as well as how to eliminate the pitfalls. Trunk show style lecture.

Lecture length: 1/2 hour

Lecture: Let's talk about design.

I will show and explain how quilter's employ the elements and principles of design in both traditional and art quilting by showing examples of my own work. Viewers will see a wide variety of styles within quilting world. We will explore how color and value and influence the design, the need for balance and variety, creating a focal point, as well as proportion/scale. I will also touch on how the quilting design can influence the design of the quilt top. This lecture moves at quick pace. Trunk show style lecture.

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