All-Day / Half-Day, Multi-Day Workshops & Demo's

Fees & Travel Information

All-Day Classes (up to 6-hours)

Supply Lists e-mailed upon request.

String Quilt Blocks

Intermediate Level

In this string quilt technique class, I'll teach you how to piece four different string blocks on a light foundation, and then demonstrate how to use and manipulate them to create traditional, modern and contemporary quilts. You'll also learn the trick to sewing those skinny string segments—it's easier than you think. Finally, we'll use the design wall to delve into creative block and border layouts. This is a wonderful technique for using up scraps.

Low-Water Immersion Fabric Dyeing

All Levels

This workshop is based on Ann Johnston's book, Color by Accident: Low-Water Immersion Dyeing,using eco-friendly Procion MX dyes. This is a basic class about how to safely mix dyes, prepare your fabric and work area, and dye fabric. We'll blend colors and fold and manipulate fabric for stunning results. Class size is dependent upon the work space; the work space must have running water and drain disposal, tables (2 students per table), and a floor that can be mopped clean or a garage floor that can be easily covered. I will supply all of the dye and chemicals. If desired, students may purchase class supply fabric from me.

Advanced Fabric Dye Techniques

All Levels

This workshop is based on Ann Johnston's book, Color by Design: Paint and Print with Dye, using eco-friendly Procion MX dyes. This class will explore the use of soda-soaked and plain fabric with liquid and thickened dyes. I'll demonstrate different print methods like stamping, mark making and screen printing. We'll also try some Shibori (Japanese tie-dye) methods. Class size is dependent upon the work space; it must have running water and drain disposal, tables (2 students per table), and a floor that can be mopped clean or a garage floor that can be easily covered. I will supply all of the dye and chemicals. If desired, students may purchase class supply fabric from me.

Asian Circle Quilts

With an introduction to needle-turn appliqué

Intermediate Level

Circle motifs are a fine example of classic Asian design; simple and contemporary. In this technique and piecing class you will learn how to create background blocks with stunning designs that will "help the eye to travel" around your quilt. You'll also learn the basics of needle turn appliqué when we stitch our circles to the backgrounds. Finally, we'll review borders for a stunning finish to our contemporary quilts. At the end of this class students will have enough background blocks and cut circles to make a 3 x 3 or 2 x 4 circle quilt, or the pictured quilt "Recycle Your Circles"; it's the guild's choice. For machine and hand-piecers.

Precise Piecing and Problem Prevention

Beginner (able to operate a sewing machine) to Intermediate Level

If you have learned to machine piece quilt tops but you'd like to improve the look of your final product, this techniques class will fine-tune your quiltmaking skills. We'll review precise fabric cutting with a rotary cutter, practice making 4-patch and 9-patch blocks with easy nested seams, make precise half-square triangles, learn to use our rulers to trim blocks to exactly the right size, learn tricks to organize the cutting and sewing of quilts, learn how to make a design wall, and many other tricks that will maximize your quilting time for fine results. We'll even review the care of our machines and easy troubleshooting for stress-free sewing. Sewing machine required for this class.

Easy Brick Quilts

All Levels

This is a fine class for new quilters and a versatile and easy pattern for gifts and wall hangings. The traditional "Bricks" pattern is stretched further by using it with multiple layouts, Bargello and "Tile" patterns. With bricks (rectangles) cut before class, students can have a lap-size quilt top finished by the end of class! Sewing machine required.

Half-Day Classes (3-4 hours)

Supply Lists e-mailed upon request.

String Pieced "Morning Glory" Wall Hanging

All Levels

In this workshop, students will learn the basics of string piecing on a light foundation, how to piece a morning glory flower with green background, how to connect the hexagon morning glorys to each other using easy Y-seams, and how to "face" this wall quilt, rather than bind it. Students will also have directions to make a bed quilt of this pattern.

Green Ideas for the Studio: Workshop Version

All Levels

This workshop teaches some of the techniques discussed in the Green Ideas for the Studio lecture. I'll show you how to make fabric beads, a basic string-pieced block, and wool pincushions using felting ideas. I'll also show you how to use dye to salvage clothing items and "ugly" fabrics, and how to sew "crumb" scraps together (like in the tiny quilt above) and much more.

Recycle Your Cirles Workshop

With an introduction to needle-turn appliqué

Intermediate Level--Machine and Hand Piecing

In this technique and piecing class we will create simple background blocks and apply needle-turn apliqued circles to make the "Recycle Your Cicles" wall quilt. From the bottom row to the top we will recycle circles to finish the quilt top! Finally, we'll review borders to finish our contemporary-shaped quilt.

Altering Fabrics

With an introduction to needle-turn appliqué

All Levels

Inks, paints, dyes and markers can be used to alter fabrics for contemporary quilts. This hands-on class will teach you how to use Lumiere and other textile paints, oil Paintstiks, Fabrico Markers, Sharpee markers as fabric dye and more. We'll also discuss how to set paint and ink products so that they are washable.

Demonstrations(1-2 Hours)

Green Ideas for the Studio: Demo Version

With an introduction to needle-turn appliqué

All Levels, Lecture or Program

This demonstration (also available as a half-day workshop) shows some of the ideas discussed in the Green Ideas for the Studio lecture. I'll demonsrate the basics of making fabric beads, the string-pieced block, wool pincushions using felting ideas, and much more! I'll also demonstrate how to re-use in the studio by putting scraps of all kinds to good use, how to repurpose damaged quilts, and salvage favorite clothing items and unwanted fabrics with dye and paint. The group will receive (by email to save paper) an informational handout and list of helpful internet resources for quilters and fiber artists.

Making Fabric Beads

Hands-on demo; all supplies are included.

All Levels, ages 8 to 98 love this class!

You'll get hooked on making fabric beads in this hands-on demo. Making them is easy and fun and uses up those long, skinny scraps of fabric. Fabric beads can be used as buttons, to embellish quilts, decorate clothing and accessories, or can be combined with glass beads to make lightweight jewelery.

Altering Fabrics

Hands-on demo; all supplies are included.

All Levels, Demonstration

This demo focuses on how to change the look of fabrics using dye, inks, Sharpee markers and paints. These are wonderful ways to change fabrics we wouldn't otherwise appreciate.

Multi-Day Classes

Beginner Quiltmaking

Hands-on demo; all supplies are included.

Beginner Level

This six- to eight-part workshop is designed for the beginner quiltmaker. It includes instructions for basic sewing machine use and care with a focus on safety and problem prevention, rotary cutting instruction, advice on tools and pattern selection, and help in perfecting the 1/4" seam. Subsequent classes in the series include instruction on sewing 4-patch blocks, half-square triangles, star blocks, quilt construction, borders, quilt sandwiching and basting, quilting the sandwich and applying binding.

Group and private lessons are available at a per-class fee. Please contact me for pricing information.

Fee and Travel Information

Workshop fees are set to accommodate both large and small groups:

• Half-Day Workshops, $325 for up to 18 * students, or $200 for up to 10 students.
• All-Day Workshops, $550 for up to 18 * students, or $400 for up to 12 students.
• Programs or lectures, $100
• Demonstrations, $100

* More than 18 students may attend all-day or half-day workshops for this price with the understanding that the more students there are, the less personal attention I can give.

Please add all meals and travel expenses. If driving, mileage is at a rate of 50 cents per mile. Airfare is at the economy rate (flying out of Atlanta, GA or Greenville, SC) plus travel to and from the host airport. If an overnight stay is necessary, lodging will be required (private room and bath in a non-smoking member home, or hotel room).  

Please feel free to contact other groups in your area where I may teach in order to divide my travel expenses with them.

Beginner quiltmaking classes and all workshops are also available as private classes at an hourly rate.  Please e-mail or call for details.