Thu, Jun 19 (600) Classes

#601 PAT'S WILD AND FREE APPLIQUE

Pat loves quilts that are very playful and free flowing. Learn how she uses asymmetrical designs, appliqué that is large, and lots of fabric. The focus is on developing the background, with a concentration on fabric selection and placement. The use of color and asymmetrical design elements, including shape and placement of the appliqué pieces is discussed. Pat demonstrates how to make fabric look old by dying and bleaching it. Students receive extensive one-on-one advice on color and fabric selection. Most of the class time will be spent on background selection and fabric choices for the appliqué. Students will not do much appliqué in class unless that is their focus. Ma-Ma's Garden pattern is included with class.

Supplies: Click here for supply list (PDF).

#602 BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD QUILT

Sorry, class is full!

Start the workshop off with the More Quick Tricks step-by-step construction of the Battlefield Quilt Block. From there it is time to push the block beyond its basic construction. See what happens when you control or limit the number of fabrics in the block. The variations you can have in the block's final construction, and the quilts that can be made. The block looks very complicated but it is not!!!!

Supplies: Thread; scissors; straight pins; seam ripper; rotary cutter, mat, ruler. You will be sewing two blocks at a time. Think of them as a positive and a negative. This means that the two fabrics in each block must be different. Use value contrast (light/dark) or fabric contrast (solid/print - plaid, dots, floral, design). Pick the finished size blocks you want to make - 8", 10", or 12". Come to class with a minimum of four pairs of squares cut at 11", 13", or 15". Billie suggests you pick a bunch of fat quarters that go together. Pick something that ties the fabrics together - a time period, pattern design, or color. Billie's book, More Quick Tricks, is recommended and available in class at a discount.

#603 BEGINNING FREE MOTION QUILTING

Sorry, class is full!

If you are just beginning your adventure in free motion machine quilting and already know how to layer a quilt and use your walking foot, this is the class that will introduce you into the basic concepts of free motion work. Learn to sit right, use the right needles and threads for your style, and how to move the quilt and run the machine to get smooth even stitches and some interesting freehand designs you can use right away on your first project. A simple marked design will also be covered. Take the stress out of free motion and learn the fun that this skill will give you and all the quilts you will be able to finish once you lower your feed dogs!

Supplies: Layer and pin baste two 20" square sandwiches for work in class, backing a bit larger, batt same size as top square. Use medium to light value non-busy great cotton fabric, solids or "almost solid."
Batt suggestions: a soft cotton (Quilter's Dream), Hobbs Tuscany or Heirloom Wool. Do not use spray baste or fusibles. Backing similar color as top fabric or a neutral, pre-washed and pressed. Mark a 6 or 8" traced design (not feathers) in the center of one square before basting. I will have stencils for you to use. Ruler, plexi, 3x18;
Optional: Grid Marker Stencil by June Tailor (www.connectingthreads.com); Supreme Slider (www.freemotionslider.com). Blue washout marker, small sharp scissors. Needles: #70 Schmetz Microtex Sharps. If you own a newer Bernina, bring #24 foot. Berninas provided in classroom.
Thread: Choose from #60 Mettler 2-ply cotton, #50 Aurifil cotton, Superior MasterPiece cotton, YLI Soft Touch cotton, #50 DMC cotton, YLI #100 silk thread. Colors should blend and/or match your project's color but are not darker than your top fabric. Bring several shades. Neutral taupe or matching top color for bobbin, from above choices.

Please do not wear perfume or highly scented toiletries to class, or use chemical products or sprays in class. if you have concerns or questions.

#604 FLOATING FOUNDATION BARGELLO

Learn how to "float" bargello on a freezer paper foundation, creating all the strip sets for a 28" x 28" four-block repeat wallhanging. Bring pre-cut strips to class, learn the technique and sew one of the four blocks (finish at home).

Supplies: Click here for supply list (PDF).

#605 LODGEPOLE PINE WITH CARDINALS

Sorry, class is full!

Embellish your pieced Lodgepole Pine Quilt with appliquéd scarlet red Cardinals to add flair. Kit required $60 (includes pre-printed fusible interfacing). Kits will be available in class.

Supplies: Quilts Through the Seasons book by Quilt in a Day; rotary cutter/new blade; 18" x 24" cutting mat; neutral thread; 4" trimming scissors; 9-1/2" square-up ruler; 6" x 12" ruler; stiletto; wooden iron; permanent marking pen; pins; bodkin; drinking straw.

#606 GORGEOUS GRID JACKET

The Gorgeous Grid jacket is created by starting with a sweatshirt. This class will include cutting and marking the shirt and then utilize couching techniques to create the grids. The grids can then be embellished with machine or hand embroidery, appliqué or thread embellishment. Other examples for creating the grids will be discussed. A trunk show will accompany the class. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Supplies: Sweatshirt*; 25 yds decorative thread for couching*; long quilter's ruler; sharp pair of scissors; washable marking pen/pencil; matching (sweatshirt color) sewing thread; coordinating couching thread; 1/4 yd coordinated fabric for binding (not a fat quarter unless you don't mind piecing); 1 to 3 buttons or button clasp*.

*These items can be ordered at www.fabulousfiber.com at a 10% discount.

#607 ADDING THE 3RD DIMENSION IN QUILTING

Recently Helen has been adding a third dimension to her quilts in the form of flowers, leaves and tendrils. This class will show how to make three-dimensional pieces using the sewing machine to add extra interest to quilts. These pieces will be lined, padded and machine embroidered to stand out from the quilt. They could also be used as decoration for bags or clothing.

We will be making two different types of leaves, a paper pieced waterlily, protea or leucodendron, re-embroidering a spray of flowers, a tendril, a pearl cotton tassel and a beaded tassel, plus a flower on hot water-soluble fabric. Kit fee $12. Kit includes very light weight vilene, not iron on; heavy vilene, bonding, and water-soluble fabric, wire and cardboard.

Supplies: 1 packet of good quality machine embroidery needles 70-100 and a metal thread embroidery needle, 130N needles (these are wonderful "go-through-anything-type"), jeans and denim needles are also very good; approx 8" wooden embroidery frame (not plastic with a spring) with inside ring bound with bias binding to hold the fabric firm; unpicker, tweezers, pins, tape measure, scissors, big and small; 6" squares washed cotton fabric in the colors wanted for flowers. Several shades as the flowers will be paper pieced; 6-9" piece of cotton fabric with a printed spray of flowers (flowers 1 - 1-1/2") and leaves; 1/2 yd of green cotton fabric for the leaves, background for the flowers and tendril; 12" square of medium weight polyester batting - sheet type thickness does not matter; selection of threads, both polyester and machine embroidery threads, cotton, rayon and metallic - Sulky, Madeira (include green machine embroidery thread for the leaves); notebook and pencil, fade out pen; 1 skein of pearl 5 embroidery cotton, same colour, for stamens; packet of small seed beads for centers of flowers and matching or toning polyester thread; beading or very fine needle.

#608 SCRAP THE PATTERN: IMPROVISATIONAL CURVES

Sorry, class is full!

This relaxing, impromptu approach to piecing curves offers students total freedom in quiltmaking. With a play-as-you-go spirit, students create several "blocks" of shapes (circles, ovals, curvy rectangles or triangles or teardrops) learn manipulations and how to arrange them into a free-form contemporary quilt. This class features techniques from Vikki’s new book, Quilting By Improvisation.

Supplies: Fabrics - 100% cotton fabrics: Batiks and multicolored hand-dyed fabrics. Bring a variety of favorite fabrics and include all colors in three values (light, medium and dark) with a noticeable color contrast from a distance of approx. 10 ft. Choose colors that are vivid and bright, as well as some that are pastel (pale), shades (dark) tones (grayed). Bring the deepest dark colors you have. With this technique, you do not need fabric in large amounts - 1/2 or 1/4 yards, scraps or fat quarters will do. If you like, bring a small amount of sheer and lame fabric to experiment. Stabilizer - two-three yards of regular Pellon lightweight or mid-weight stabilizer (not iron-on or tear-away); freezer paper 1-2 yards; needles (for sewing machine) use regular 80/12 for piecing; scissors - paper and fabric; spray bottle for water; straight pins (sharp!) short appliqué pins work well; threads - bring a variety to match or blend with your fabrics; gray thread for bobbin; Stitch Witchery only if you already have it (comes on a roll, about 5/8" wide); eraser, pencils, notebook; flexible curve - if you have one, bring it, but don't buy.

#609 SARAH'S MEDALLION

Sarah, a 14-year-old young lady in 1827, pieced and appliquéd a beautiful bed quilt and had the foresight to sign and date it. What a treasure! In the center of Sarah Johnson's lovely scrap quilt is a charming mini-quilt, a sparkling little medallion quilt, which stands alone as a wallhanging. This is a fun project that provides room for both structure and creativity. The first part of the class will be spent learning to piece the Variable Star by hand. Templates will be provided, so piecing can begin immediately. The second part will be spent on hand appliqué. It takes no previous experience. A third portion of the classes will be spent talking about signature blocks and discussing a quilt label for the back of the quilt. This is an opportunity to create a reproduction quilt on a smaller scale. A real charmer!

Supplies: 1/4 yard of background fabric for blocks and borders; assorted fat eighths for stars and appliqués (20 or so); 1/4 yard for plain border; fat quarter for pieced border; 26" square quilt back fabric; 26" square batting; 3/8 yard for straight grain binding; sewing supplies - quilting betweens (size 7-10, depending on skill level), appliqué needles, small scissors to cut appliqués, regular fabric scissors, thread, rotary cutters and mat (optional).

#610 OVERSIZED FLOWER POWER

Learn Debra's easy techniques for producing realistic floral quilts with oversized images. In this concentrated one-day workshop the participant will use an original flower drawing (20" x 24") provided by the instructor. We'll translate this into fabric using contemporary, fast and fusible appliqué methods, innovative art techniques and without turning an edge. You’ll learn color theory, value and how to integrate non-cotton fabrics into the composition. Also, there is a color and fabric painting demonstration that leads to students painting on their own sampler with teacher provided supplies. Participants may bring in 1-3 flower photographs for the instructor to privately show design and composition possibilities. Materials fee $5.

Supplies:
Fabric: Bring a range of values of 20-25 or more approximately 1/4 - 1/3 yd pieces (or large scraps) of beautiful fabrics in one or two of your favorite colors; one of these will become the color of your flowers in your project. For example: bring 20-25 or more beautiful blue fabrics (that look well together and or that flow from light to dark) - for blue flowers, 20-25 or more pink fabrics for pink flowers, red fabrics for red flowers, etc. One or two colors only are needed. Tone on tone, batik and small patterned fabrics with clear colors (not grayed or dull) work well.  12 or more approximately 1/4 - 1/3 yard pieces of green cotton fabrics that look well together, these are for stems and leaves and can be large scraps. 12 or more assorted fabrics in natural colors: browns, tans, sky blues, etc., these can be fabrics large enough for possible backgrounds. Large, busy, high contrast prints or large geometric patterns are not recommended for your first project.
Other: Sharp scissors - paper and fabric; pencil or permanent fabric pen (for use on the fusible paper); 2 yds fusible web (Wonder-Under and TransWeb work well) - no heavy duty; pen and paper for note taking, glue stick; litter bag; straight pins and push pins if working on a design wall; 10" approx. piece of muslin or white fabric to fuse your scraps onto. (For sample painting ideas.)
Optional: Teflon Pressing sheet; 1-3 simple floral photographs.

#611 2-DAY INTRODUCTION TO QUILT JUDGING

This 15-hour seminar presents an in-depth study of the judging process, including duties and responsibilities, ethics, specific criteria for evaluating workmanship and design, defining categories, and awards. Comment sheets, contracts, and other paperwork will be discussed, as well as the role of aides and scribes. This seminar will provide important information for those interested in judging, sponsoring, or working behind the scenes of a judged show.

Please note: This seminar is an education workshop separate from the NQA Judges' Certification Program. Although the seminar provides valuable information to those judges who plan to pursue certification, NQA judge's credentials are not earned with completion of this seminar.

Supplies: Note-taking materials; current resume, including any quilt-related teaching or judging experience; 1 large and 2 small quilted pieces (wall quilts or garments) to be used in mock judging situation (bring quilts that are less than perfect).

#612 NEEDLETURN APPLIQUE

Sandra will share her award winning techniques she has developed for creating beautiful hand appliqué. This class will focus on learning the correct stitch that will help to achieve invisible stitches and smooth edges. Learn how to achieve smooth curves, sharp points, and perfect circles. Tips on tools, fabrics and threads to help make hand appliqué less frustrating.

Supplies: Fabric: 12" sq. of neutral color for background; A variety of approx. 6" squares of tone-on-tone fabrics (example: batiks), or fabrics that read as tonal, in a basic range of values, for appliqué. Be sure to include green. (10-12 squares should be more than sufficient); Other: Cotton sewing thread to match the 6" squares of appliqué fabrics (60 wt. is preferable such as Mettler, or DMC 50 wt. 2 ply); 12" sq. of clear upholstery vinyl 10–12mm thickness; appliqué needles (#11 sharps or personal preference); small sharp to the point embroidery scissors (3.5"-4"); 1/2" appliqué pins (Clover pins are preferable); 12" sq. of freezer paper; white chalk pencil (Roxanne’s, Pat Campbell, or General’s recommended); pencil sharpener for marking pencil; black fine line Sharpie® marker; 6" square of fine 220 grit sandpaper, or a quilter's sandpaper board (opt.) Optional: Small sharp (to the point) scissors for cutting freezer paper if you don't want to use the embroidery scissors to cut the freezer paper. Fray-Check; thimble; pencil & paper to take notes.

#613 NEW YORK BEAUTY

Everyone admires New York Beauty quilts. Linda's unique cutting and sewing technique takes the agonizing out of curved piecing and guarantees a perfect NYB block every time. This is a technique-oriented class. In addition to block piecing, an interactive discussion on quilting designs and setting options will be included.

Kit fee $2. Includes several copies of the pattern - and color copies of numerous layout options. Registered students who have EQ6 may to receive EQ file by return email.

Supplies: Please bring enough fabrics to make several blocks. For each block you will need: 8" square for background and pie shapes (1), 3" x 4" rectangles for background spires (6), and 2" x 3-1/2" for spires (5); neutral color cotton thread for piecing and for bobbin, small square ruler (at least 8" square) with bias line, 8" piece of template plastic, scotch tape, paper scissors, a small rotary cutter works great on the curves, straight pins, cheap page protector, dry erase pen, pencil.
Optional: portable design wall or piece of flannel or batting to audition layout of your blocks.

#614 THE BASICS OF TEACHING

Following the NQA's Teaching Basic Quiltmaking manual this class will help those of you who are currently candidates, anyone thinking about becoming a candidate plus anyone who is teaching and would like to learn more about the job of teaching. It will cover the paperwork side, classroom issues and the Certified Teacher Program. This course is not a requirement of the CT program.

Supplies: Note-taking equipment; Teaching Basic Quiltmaking manual from NQA available for purchase during class $15.

#615 HAND QUILTING FUNDAMENTALS

Follow one 18" block while learning marking, basting, batting choices, traditional design choices and improving the rocking stitch. Finish into a pillow top or small quilt. A PowerPoint presentation shows the step-by-step process followed by hands-on practice. Kit fee $6.

Kit includes: 18" squares of fabrics and batting [Hobbs wool and silk]; marked top; #12 between needles.

Supplies: Thimble and misc. hand sewing tools. Small, sharp scissors for threads; 14" round - wooden quilting hoop [not embroidery]; YLI hand quilting thread in BROWN or GRAY. Optional: Clover brand 'Hera' marking tool, medium cutting mat, cutting ruler at least 24" long

#621 FIVE EASY PIECES

See what happens in a fast three hours with a no-pattern/template technique you will love. By the end of the workshop, you will have 5 little quilts begun and nearly completed. These adorable little things may be stand-alone pieces or may be combined as a vertical or horizontal unit when applied to a backdrop, making a wonderful and exciting single piece. You will want to embellish with beads, threads, buttons and other fun adornments upon returning home with Five Easy Pieces.

Supplies: Click here for supply list (PDF).

#622 LONGARM FREEHAND QUILTING

Sorry, class is full!

In this class you will work on a petite heirloom sampler with a variety of meandering and stippling techniques. Linda shows you how to fill up the sashing with easy basic designs, gives you a good basic understanding of how to do a feathered medallion, basic freehand feathers and ferns, and even a feathered heart. Kit fee $20.

Kit includes: small quilt prepared and ready to quilt, thread, large drawing pad and pen, handout for class project, small scissors for cutting threads and book to go along with the class.

All Gammill longarm classes are hands-on; 2 students per head max.

#623 PAINTSTIKS: MAKE ANY FABRIC YOUR OWN

Sorry, class is full!

Fabric embellishment with Shiva oil paintstiks. Several rubbing techniques will be covered. Students will create their own unique fat quarters of fabric using Mickey's techniques. NOTE: Mickey will bring in more than one hundred rubbing templates, and a variety of other creative items for "Play" with the Paintstiks. She provides between 75-100 paintstiks for class use. Student exposure to this medium will be maximum as she is always updating her supplies. Fabrics provided in kits are A+ quality and will support the creative nature of this workshop. Kit fee $20.

Kit includes: 3 fat quarters of fabric that will provide the best results - one hand-dyed; 1 paintstik).

Supplies: Roll of paper towels; roll of masking tape - 1" painters tape is best; latex gloves (optional, but recommended); old clothes (paints are permanent!).

#631 ELECTRIC TRAPUNTO

Take your machine quilting to a new dimension. Using this clever technique, you'll stitch a single beautifully sculptured sample block. Sherri will give tips for adding trapunto to larger quilts. Some experience with free-motion machine quilting is recommended.

Supplies: (2) 15" x 15" pieces of light solid-colored fabric (muslin is fine); (1) 15" x 15" square of polyester Fat Batt for trapunto layer (or you can use 2 or 3 squares of thinner batting - either polyester or poly-cotton blend); (1) 15" x 15" square of cotton or poly-cotton blend batting; blue water-soluble marking pen; handful of quilters' safety pins (about 20); water-soluble thread (Wash-A-Way or Vanish); blunt pointed scissors (Fiskars scissors for kids work great); cotton thread to match fabric; BSS, thread snippers and seam ripper; quilting gloves, if you like to use them; highlighter; small zip-lock bag.

#632 LONGARM FEATHER CLASS

Sorry, class is full!

Each student in this exciting class will learn how to quilt several different types of freehand feathers. The project is a small wall hanging consisting of a basket of unique fancy feathers and ferns surrounded with a lovely feather border. Feathers are fundamental to the longarm quilter. Linda believes watching is one thing; quilting it yourself is another. Kit fee $20.

Kit includes: small quilt prepared and ready to quilt, thread, large drawing pad and pen, handout for class project, small scissors for cutting threads and book to go along with the class.

All Gammill longarm classes are hands-on; 2 students per head max.

#633 STITCH A BEADED BRACELET

Enjoy a relaxing few hours while you create a lovely piece of jewelry. Learn basic techniques and peyote, picot, and netting stitches. If those sparkly beads intrigue you, this is the place to be! Kit fee $12.

Kit includes: work surface, thread, beads, wax, needles, clasp, pattern.

Supplies: scissors; Optional: magnifying glasses, Ott light, extension cord.

#634 PERMISSION TO PLAY: YES, YOU CAN DRAW

Join Mickey and let those inhibitions go! This creative class will encourage you to find the "artist within" and realize, that indeed, you can draw! Materials fee $2 (handouts for class).

Supplies: art eraser/gum eraser (the eraser on the end of your pencil will not do); (2) #2 pencils, sharpened; thin black Sharpie marker; your imagination.