Please note: I am not accepting future engagements at this time. Thank you!
I love to teach, and have taught piecing and quilting techniques and given talks and lectures to all ages, 5 to 105! My goal as a teacher is not that you make exactly my quilts, but that you come away with the skills and confidence to make exactly your quilts. Let me work with you to find a perfect fit for your guild or shop, in one of the following categories:
Lecture and Trunk Show
Cost: $350
Length: 1-1.5 hours
A show and discussion of ancient art and architecture, archaeology, modern quilts, and how they all work together. In this lecture, I share how Classical design principles can be traced from the ancient world through to the Renaissance and on to Modern Art and architecture. Lots to see and talk about! Books, patterns, and small items available for purchase.
Workshops
Half Day: $350
Full Day: $600
I offer a variety of classes, including but not limited to advanced piecing (miters, insets, Y seams, etc.), foundation applique, wool applique and improv, quilts from photos, as well as all levels of quilting for domestic and longarm machines, including design classes, free motion quilting, and ruler work. For piecing classes, you may choose any pattern from my book or stand-alone pattern, or contact me to discuss options for technique classes.
Workshops are limited to 20 students, although some quilting design classes can be larger due to the heavy drawing component, with an additional fee (please contact me to discuss options, beforehand).
Intermediate to Advanced Piecing workshops based on my book or patterns
Machine Finished Foundation Applique
Using a pattern either from my award-winning quilt “Eggs and Darts” or a small pillow project, I teach the process from start to finish. Including how to use different foundation papers to construct and sew finished-edge applique designs, how to prepare your fabrics, and how to glue baste, Each student will come away with the knowledge to apply this technique to any of his or her own projects. A kit will be provided for an additional cost ($18) including materials to sample two weights of foundation papers and two glue tips. Technique taught with permission of Sharon Schamber.
Mitered seams and Inset Designs
Either a small pillow project or a more advanced piecing project from the book, I cover the basics for getting accurate cuts on the diagonal, how to glue baste, and how to sew blocks constructed with these techniques.
Abstract Quilt from a photograph
Each student will bring in a photo that we will then break down into its main component shapes. I will teach how to enlarge the design using simple tools, and then show how to create and sew the piece from freezer paper templates.
Improv
Choose from either project in the book to create curved pieces.
Curved Bindings
An introduction to curved, bindings, including how to prepare the binding and attach it to the quilt.
Wool Applique
I teach the basics of wool applique and a few decorative stitches in this slow stitching class. Students will be able to choose from three patterns, beginning to advanced.
Quilting Courses, Domestic Machines
Fundamentals for Free Motion
For the beginner or the anxious, I break down the steps for successful free motion quilting on a domestic machine. Topics covered include machine maintenance, demystifying tension, types of batting, basting, how to start and stop, how to mark, stitch in the ditch, and will have a handout of designs and checklists. We will switch between drawing and quilting on machines. This class is full of good information and I encourage everyone to prepare to let loose with experimenting!
Straying from the straight and narrow
This class will show many ways to incorporate some unexpected motifs to straight line quilting, as well as how to combine straight line and free motion quilts. Students are expected to know the basics of free motion quilting, but it is not absolutely required. We will switch between drawing and quilting on machines.
Design Decisions
Students will each bring in a quilt top and together we will work to design a quilting story for it.
A Thousand Fibers Connect Us, By Victoria Findlay Wolfe, quilted by Mandy Leins, October 2015.
Bring on the Funk
Quilting by machine with specialty threads such as silk, wool, and perle cotton. I will also show how to use these threads with machine and hand applique.
Quilting Courses for Longarm Machines available upon request
Not sure what might work for your guild or shop? Please feel free to contact me to develop a workshop specific to your needs.
Events will be responsible for all travel expenses. Events must also provide a working projector and screen for workshops and lectures. For any further questions, please contact me.
