2010

Machine Embellished Surfaces

Using your sewing machine, learn and practice a number of methods for creating embellished details which will enrich the surface texture of your quilts and wearables. Some of the techniques are particularly effective in pictorial quilts, but all are versatile, their uses limited only by your imagination. Learn to create tunnels and texture, and tiny embroidered windows in your fabric. Machine needle lace for example, has infinite possibilities as an addition to landscapes and pictorial quilts, capturing the subtle colors and textures of trees, leaves and mosses or insect wings. This is primarily a process class, so you will be making samples of various techniques in class, not necessarily a finished product.

Skills Requirements: Some free motion sewing experience is helpful but not mandatory. We will using free-motion sewing in this class.

Skills Requirements: All levels, no special skills required. This class is suitable for beginning quilters, and for those trying landscapes for the first time, but should also provide opportunities to build skills for those with intermediate level skills.

See some samples by following this link:
Mini Landscapes

To Bead or Not to Bead

This class takes you from the basics of beading and beyond. We will look at beads and materials, and how and when to bead quilts and garments. The class is informative for beginners who have never tried beading before, but also covers some interesting techniques for intermediate beaders as well, including embroidery stitches, couching, fringes and bead encrusted fabric motifs. Join me and enter a wonderful world of beading.

Skill Requirements: No special skills required. You should be able to see well enough to thread a small needle and to see smallish beads.

Bead Gallery

Flower Power

Capture the unexpected burst of color of a wildflower in the woods, or the riotous hues of a summer garden in your quilts as you learn to make realistic appliquéd flower portraits. Learn several different ways to create flower image quilts, including collage, upside down appliqué, and freezer paper or fusible appliqué methods. Additional techniques for three dimensional work and embellishments will be examined. Skill level: Intermediate to advanced quilters who wish to explore more advanced machine appliqué techniques, to expand their skills and to learn ways to combine different techniques.

Skill level: Intermediate to advanced. This class explores more advanced machine appliqué techniques and thread painting, expands skills and teaches ways to combine different techniques. More Information on Skill Requirements.

Student Gallery of Flower Quilts

Machine Embellished Surfaces

Using your sewing machine, learn and practice a number of methods for creating embellished details which will enrich the surface texture of your quilts and wearables. Some of the techniques are particularly effective in pictorial quilts, but all are versatile, their uses limited only by your imagination. Learn to create tunnels and texture, and tiny embroidered windows in your fabric. Machine needle lace for example, has infinite possibilities as an addition to landscapes and pictorial quilts, capturing the subtle colors and textures of trees, leaves and mosses or insect wings. This is primarily a process class, so you will be making samples of various techniques in class, not necessarily a finished product.

Skills Requirements: Some free motion sewing experience is helpful but not mandatory. We will using free-motion sewing in this class.

Upside Down Applique

Learn a new machine appliqué technique that is easy and accurate. Achieve perfect shapes and accurate placement of all your appliqué elements, no matter how small or complex. Use this method to create multi-layered motifs by machine when you can’t or don’t want to fuse. This is an extremely useful and versatile technique. Although Upside-Down Applique  is not a prerequisite for any of my other classes, this technique may help you in more advanced classes, such as On Land and Sea or Flower Power.

Skill Requirements: Some free motion sewing experience is helpful but not mandatory.

Upside-Down Applique class samples

Explore techniques and strategies to use in creating beautiful quilted landscapes and seascapes. Starting with fabric selection and design planning, you will learn how to translate a sketch or photograph into fabric for a stunning quilt. Learn how to combine various forms of machine appliqué and decorative embellishments to create a unique environment that will intrigue its viewers. Quilting strategies specifically suited to landscape quilts will also be covered. This is intended to be a machine appliqué class, although hand appliqué enthusiasts are welcome to adapt the lessons to their needs.

Skill Requirements: Intermediate to Advanced. This is a more advanced class than Miniature Fabric Landscapes and brings together many of the skills in my other classes. More Information on Skill Requirements.

A Student Gallery shows you what former students have accomplished in class.

Viewpoints: A Quilter's Perspective

Bring the art of perspective, one of the most important of an artist’s tools, to your quiltmaking as you learn to create the illusion of depth in your work.   The simple techniques we study are essential for creating interiors and work well when combined with landscapes to create "a room with a view".  You will learn to make eye catching three-dimensional frames to border your quilts, and practice some exercises in linear perspective.  Learn about columns, arches, and other architectural details as well.

Information on Skill Requirements

For examples of the techniques we explore in the class, visit my Viewpoints page.