Workshops

Pineapple:

Six hour: In this full day class, students will learn the basic "Perfect Strips" technique as it relates to the Pineapple block and will work on a basic four block topper or table runner. I work with each student individually to discuss the many design possibilities for their particular block and explore simple changes that make the project uniquely theirs. For instance, we look at ways to switch fabrics or add additional fabrics within the block and at varying the size of the finishing rows (without any complicated math) to create unique design opportunities. Included in the workshop is a small trunk show of Pineapple quilts that focuses on various designs, border treatments and embellishment options. If time permits, I will talk about adapting the technique to miniature Pineapple blocks. Students can expect to leave with enough knowledge to make a basic Pineapple quilt.

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Sunburst Star:

Six hour: In this workshop, we make a four block Sunburst Star quilt using my "Perfect Strips" technique - just 3" squares and quick-cut 2" strips are all you need to make this interesting star. The project makes a wonderful table topper or small wall hanging. The four blocks finish at approximaely 24", and at least a 2" border is recommended but larger or multiple borders also work. The piece offers a number of design options that will allow students to customize their project. Shown is the basic four block quilt and a few, but by no means all of the design possibilities. These are all shown in similar fabrics to help illustrate the subtle (and not so subtle) changes possible. The same quilt works well in many colors and different fabrics. Try to imagine them in your favorites. Included in the workshop is a small trunk show of Sunburst quilts that focuses on various designs, border treatments, and embellishment options. Be sure to visit the gallery to see additional quilts made with this interesting block.

Sunburst Workshop 5 (300x300) Sunburst Workshop 2 (300x300)

Sunburst Workshop 4 (300x300) Sunburst Workshop 3 (300x300)

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Unusual Cabins:

My "Perfect Strips" technique was originally developed as a way to make Log Cabin blocks and can be used to make almost any type of Log Cabin including traditional, Courthouse Steps, Geese in the Cabin, Off-center, Thick & Thin, Diamond, Triangular, and more. I offer workshops in the basic Log Cabin and many of these variations. Log Cabin workshops can usually be taught in a three or four hour session or a full day class and can be adapted to a wide range of abilities and interests. I will gladly work with your group to customize a class in one or more of the Log Cabin variations. One of the more popular blocks is the Thick & Thin Log Cabin, pictured on the left below. Like all the blocks covered, this requires no foundations, no templates, no math and uses just quick-cut strips and accurately cut squares. The resulting blocks are unique and have unlimited design possibilities. To make it even more interesting and to add to the design potential, I show how to make flying geese corners that finish in different sizes using just strips of fabric and no math. Another popular project is the Off-center Log Cabin, pictured below right. This is just one single block, rotated to form the design. Once again, flying geese are created with no math and no triangles. Unusual Cabins

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Accuquilt GO! Isosceles and More:

The Isosceles triangle is a simple shape and easily cut on the GO! cutter, but the possibilities for using it in a quilt are almost endless. This class uses Isosceles triangles cut on the GO! to make a scrappy quilt pattern that gives the illusion of curves - without any curved piecing. The leftovers from cutting the triangles are then used to make a string star and a crazy basket quilt with wacky wedge sashing. If that's not enough, what about using some of the leftovers to make a wacky wedge basket wall hanging? Nothing goes to waste! This is a full day or mutiple day workshop. GO! cutters are supplied. If students or a group owns one, they can bring their own to class for their personal use. If you don't own a cutter, this is a great way to see what it's all about. In addition, these quilts can also be made using an Isosceles triangle template. Go to the Gallery GO! folder for more photos.