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 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.  Because we use scraps, this is a thrifty and "green" technique!

Precise Piecing and Problem Prevention
Beginner (with some experience) 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.

Beading on Fabric
Beginner Level
Learn to embellish fabric and quilts with beads for amazing finished pieces. In this technique class you’ll learn about the different bead styles and sizes, the correct thread and stabilizers to use with fabric, and other beading tricks. You'll practice a handful of beaded stitches on a printed or plain fabric of your choice. We’ll discuss when to add beads to a piece and how to apply beads to different fabrics. Finally, we’ll have a demo on how to make beaded buttons with the techniques learned in class. 

NEW! Low-Water Immersion Fabric Dyeing
All Levels
This workshop is based on Ann Johnston's book, Color by Accident: Low-Water Immersion Dyeing. 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 space available. The work area must have running water and drain disposal, tables (2 students per table), and a floor that can be mopped clean (tile is good) 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.

Easy Brick Quilts
Beginner Level
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 for 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.

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. For machine and hand-piecers.

Half-Day Classes (3-4 hours)
Supply Lists e-mailed upon request.

All New! 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, a stuffed toy or toss pillow using damaged quilts, and wool pincushions using felting ideas. I'll also show you how to use Rit Dye to salvage clothing items and "ugly" fabrics, and much, much more.

Fabric Embellishment with Paintstiks
All Levels

In this techniques class you’ll learn a new way to embellish your fabrics, quilts, wearable items and more with iridescent and matte Paintstiks. You’ll stencil, shade, faux appliqué, layer color, add shimmer, and practice making rubbings with Paintstik color on fabric. We’ll even practice changing the look of a printed fabric by shading with Paintstik color. You should have enough painted blocks following this class to make a small quilt top. Supply fee the day of the class not to exceed $15.

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Demonstrations(1-2 Hours)

ALL NEW! Green Ideas for the Studio: Demo Version
All Levels, Lecture or Program
This demonstration (also available as a 3-hour workshop) shows some of the ideas discussed in the Green Ideas for the Studio lecture. I'll show you the basics of making fabric beads, the string-pieced blocks, wool pincushions using felting ideas, and much more! We'll review recycling in the studio, putting scraps of all kinds to good use, internet resources for quilters, how to repurpose damaged quilts, and salvage favorite clothing items and unwanted fabrics with dye and paint, and much, much more.

Fabric Beads
All Levels including children
Fabric bead making is easy and fun and includes embellishment possibilities. Fabric beads can be used alone or with glass beads to make lightweight jewelery, clothing and quilt embellishments. This is a very easy class

Altering Fabrics
All Levels, Demonstration
Black and white and white on white fabrics are the focus of this demonstration on how to change the look of fabrics using Rit Dye, Fabrico Textile Markers, Lumiere and other textile paints, and iron-on crystals.

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Multi-Day Classes

Beginner Quiltmaking
Beginner Level
This six-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 of $25.

Fee and Travel Information

Workshop fees for 2010 have been adjusted to better accommodate smaller 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, $75

Please add all meals and travel expenses. If driving, mileage is at a rate of 50.5 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.