COLOR, FABRIC & EMBELLISHMENTS FOR CRAZIES

Give your Crazy quilts that professional look with the tricks and tips you’ll pick up from this learn-as-you work class,from the right fabrics and colors to adding that final touch of embroidery orbeading. We’ll explore both modern quick-pieced and traditional methods, and examine a variety of modern and vintage Crazies. You’ll take home a pillow ormini-wall quilt as a memory of the class! Full day session.  (half-day sessions available for Color, Fabrics, or Embellishments. Includes general crazy quiltmaking techniques)

OLD QUILTS ­ 
TEACH YOURSELF HOW TO DATE AND RESTORE THEM

Do you love old quilts... but feel at an absolute loss trying to decide their age and pattern name? Maybe you wonder whether to finish your old tops and blocks into quilts. Or perhaps you have an old piece you’d like to repair or restore. This class will help you learn quick, easy guidelines to dating quilts and other textile pieces by their style, fabrics, construction and patterns. We’ll also discuss (and the teacher will demonstrate) cleaning and repair/restoration methods that anyone, with care, can do. Bring your old quilts, tops and blocks to show; you’ll view samples from a collection of antique textiles dating from 1820-present. Full day or half-day session

 

HANKY CRAZY Now your hankies can emerge from that drawer they've been hiding in! Use 7-10 of your favorite hankies and an unusual "out-in" stitching method to make a lovely heirloom Crazy quilt. It's fast (you can easily finish the top in a day), beautiful, and do ablefor all levels of expertise. We'll also discuss a variety of easy-to-add embellishments for a graceful finished look, including beading, painted shadings, and others. All methods demonstrated in class, including finishing methods, with a variety of samples  for inspiration. Pattern provided; kits available. Half-day (general method, plus a few quick embellishments) All-day (finish your top, and choose from a variety of embellishment ideas)

CELEBRATE THE CENTURY

Time-saving methods, plus your own special fabrics and embellishments, combine to honor the 21st century! We’ll view antique quilts, tops & fabrics, then "borrow" for your own quilt. We’ll also discuss mixing old & new fabrics/elements for an effective piece. Full day or half-day session

DOING IT IN (OUR) STYLE THE AMERICAN QUILT

Americans have had a unique influence on the world of quilting. We’ll examine close-up a variety of American quilts and other textiles from 1840 through the present, and discuss patterns, colors, fabrics and quilt settings that became an embodiment of "American style." Then it’s time to try your own hand at a unique American quilt, using time-saving techniques and the pattern provided in class. Full day or half-day session

REDWORK: A CLASSIC MADE EASY

History and technique combine for a pretty quilt top to take home. We will look at examples of 19th and 20th century redwork quilts, blocks and tops, and discuss the various trends that have appeared in redwork over the decades. We will also explore the various stitches, threads and fabrics used. Copy from vintage quilts, or design your own redwork!  Full day or half-day session. Photo courtesy of Robbie Decker and the Attic Window Quilt Shop in Comstock

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THE INCREDIBLE TRIANGLE QUILT
workshop only-- half-day or full day

They're basic, but beautiful --Triangles have delighted stitchers for literally thousands of years.  Yet they also make cutting-edge quilts for today!  We'll talk about the history of the triangle pattern and view hands-on several vintage samples from the19th and 20th centuries. Then it's time to make your  own triangle quilt, using your favorite of the FIVE different methods demonstrated in class! These methods range from classic to contemporary, but they can all be accomplished by you, whoever you are.   Handouts will also include instructions for an unusual c.1920 star pattern that mixes triangles and squares.  Fabric kits can be available.

EASY EMBELLISHMENTS FOR MEMORY QUILTS    

You don't have to be an expert to embellish! Give your quilts that professional look with the tricks and tips you’ll pick up from this learn-as-you work class. We'll explore painting, photo-transfers, stitching, beading and other easy hand techniques to add a one-of-a-kind touch to your favorite quilt...or commemorate a special event in your life. We'll also view vintage embellishments as early as 1880, and discuss antique quilt makers' favorite methods. Techniques work for other patchwork styles, too, as well as wearables and quilt labels. Class includes your own free oversized transfer on fabric to embellish as you wish. For all skill levels. Half-day or all-day sessions Patterns provided in both classes

“They Didn’t Just Make Do: 

QUILTING AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION”

Quilting during the Great Depression of the late 1920s and 1930s wasn’t just feedsack scrap quilts ­ though those bed coverings kept a desperate generation warm and comforted. It wasn’t just elaborate appliques on white work-style backgrounds, either…nor was it just the comfort of the working classes, while the rich plied their needles elsewhere. We’ll explore this exciting and sometimes-confusing period, including viewing quilts, tops, fabrics, and patterns. We’ll also discuss favorite quilt styles, including Grandmother’s Flower Garden (or did it arrive under a different name?) and the Double Wedding Ring. We’ll talk about trends, designers and famous quilters, and try our hand at a Depression Era-inspired wall hanging to take home. Half-day or all-day sessions Patterns provided in both classes.

GRANDMA'S QUILT PATTERN WORKSHOPS

It's like five or more classes in one! Choose one of the Grandma's Quilt Pattern booklets when booking this class.  The booklet's patterns will be demonstrated, showing both heirloom methods and quick tricks for faster stitching. History, humor and actual samples of vintage quilts are part of the mix, too. Then each class member sets to work on a versatile wall hanging, featuring their favorite of patterns given! Discounted prices available for the other GQP booklets from the line.  Choose from 'Quilts from the Old West,' 'Quilts of the Pioneers,' Quilts of the Great Depression,' 'Quilts for Happy Babies,' 'Easy Quilts for Kids,' 'Redwork Quilts,' 'Quilts for Love and Romance,' 'Sunbonnet Quilts,' 'Memory Quilts,' OR our newest booklets -- 'Quilts of the Colonials' (early American quilting), 'Quilts for Dogs & Cats,' and 'Holiday Quilts.' Half or Full-day class  

PRACTICAL QUILT RESTORATION

Learn how to restore yours and others’ quilts, using modern techniques and restoration-quality materials. Class includes hands-on demo of helpful stitches, including the “Frankenstein stitch,” invisible whipstitch, and needle-turn appliqué. We’ll also explore the fascinating world of restoration-quality fusibles, an interesting technique practiced by such respected places as the Gerald R. Ford Center in Omaha, NE. Learn how to choose appropriate fabrics and batting, and discuss various ways to clean, preserve and display your quilted treasures. Bring your own quilts, tops and blocks to practice on. Handout includes stitch diagrams and a helpful list of supplies.  Half day class.  See "Old Quilts: How to Date and Restore Them for the full-day class version."

PRACTICAL CRAZY QUILT RESTORATION

Crazy quilts are beautiful, intricate…and notoriously difficult to repair and restore. Learn from an experienced Crazy quilt restorer in this class geared toward the unique challenges that Crazies and other silk/”fancy” quilts pose. We’ll explore how to choose the proper materials for repairs and restoration, and discuss Crazy quilt workmanship and techniques in the process. We’ll also explore helpful stitches like the “Frankenstein” and the embroidery stitches so often used. We’ll also explore the use of Crepoline and other netting-style techniques for stabilizing and containing Crazy quilt damage, as well as the use of restoration-quality fusibles, a technique that has been gaining use in such respected centers as the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center in NE. Class includes hands-on demo of helpful stitches, as well as netting and fusing trouble spots. We’ll also discuss cleaning and displaying your Crazy treasures. Handout includes stitch diagrams and a helpful list of supplies.  Half-day or Full-day class.  Full day class includes Crazy Quilt history and Fabric Dating tips.

CRAZY QUILTING ON THE LOOSE

Shadow quilting, netting and more – there are fast ways to make a Crazy quilt, even including embellishments and stitching! Come explore the possibilities in this new take on the modern Crazy – but it still remembers its antique ancestors, too. We’ll explore a variety of ways to construct a Crazy patchwork background, including fusibles and machine work. We’ll also explore stitching possibilities, including the “Road Warrior” method, and quick and easy color and pattern tricks for a graphic, interesting Crazy of your own. Plan to leave with your own Crazy well along the way to completion. Half-day or Full-day class. 

CRAZY PAINTING

Your own hand-painted Crazy? Yes, in much less time than you would think, using materials anyone (yes, anyone) can obtain. You’ll finish class with several hand-painted and shaded sections that are perfect for accenting a larger Crazy or memory quilt…or putting together for your own unique wallhanging, using a simple ribbon-framed technique. We’ll explore various ways to paint, using various mediums for effective results. Half-day or Full-day class 

HANKY PANKY II:

MORE HANDKERCHIEF QUILTS

If you enjoyed “Hanky Panky Crazy Quilts,” the easy quilt method book that has gone through more than eleven printings, you’ll LOVE its sequel! “HANKY PANKY & MORE” is a handkerchief-lover’s dream, including hard-to-find patterns for basket, butterfly and angel blocks that use folded and positioned handkerchiefs. We’ll also look at several basket blocks – and a sly trick – that let you display and change handkerchiefs on your quilts whenever you wish! Hanky Panky variations are also possibilities, including a Prairie Points version, and an even faster Hanky Panky that literally takes just minutes to stitch. Your machine is optional for this class; most of the blocks are hand-tacked. Handout includes patterns and other ways to display and use handkerchiefs in your crafts and quilts, including a review of the basic Hanky Panky method. Kits available. Half-day or Full-day class.  see related class on the Hanky Panky method --

QUILTS FOR MEMORIES

Are you longing to make a one-of-a-kind quilt that expresses your unique thoughts, affections and beliefs…but you’re scared to death of embellishments and not sure how to choose blocks, borders and such? This class is for you. We’ll discuss a variety of helpful (and easy to stitch) blocks, as well as how to search for meaningful patterns. We’ll also look at incorporating UFOs and estate hand-me-downs into your work, as well as easy ways to embellish your quilt, including beading and other techniques anyone can do! Class includes an improvise-as-you-go sampler to explore various memory techniques, including a make-it-in-class fabric transfer that really works! (All you need are a few black and white photocopies of your favorite photo…or use the instructor’s.) Handout includes pattern possibilities.  Half-day or Full-day class