Quilt Zone Classes - January through April 2012

The classes for the quarter are now listed below. We did have to change the dates for the Make Mittens class and for the Abstract Landscape Quilt class - the new dates are January 28 from 2pm to 5pm for the Mittens class and April 22 and 29 from 1 to 5pm for the Abstract Landscape class - these will be correct on the website tomorrow (actually it's after midnight when I write this so it will be later this morning).

I know everyone wishes for pictures of the projects on the website. So do I. I can probably have them up by next week - but that makes it after the class sale date, which doesn't seem very helpful. Your best bet is to come into the store and look at the models. They look much better in real life anyway. I am especially glad to have Maria Shell teaching for us again. Her models are a joy to look at - and her quilting is awesome.

The Quilt Zone Mystery is in April this quarter, I haven't designed it yet, but I'm sure I can come up with something suitable. We have an all weekend finishing class in February. Maria Shell is teaching TWO machine quilting classes. We have a wool appliqués class. And lots of other good stuff by talented people.

The class sale is on Saturday, January 7 and Sunday, January 8. Classes are discounted 20% if you sign up on this weekend. Class supplies are always discounted 15%.

I hope you find something tempting in the class offerings. Even if you're not interested in taking classes, come in and check out the quilts - they are so inspiring. I feel so lucky to be working with such talented people.

See you soon at the Quilt Zone. But not Wednesday, January 4 after 5pm, because we are closing early for a staff appreciation dinner. I have wonderful staff (as many of you have told me) and they're great to work with. They're even more fun to share dinner with. We'll have a great time and be ready for you all again with regular hours on Thursday.

Diana

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January 2012 Classes

Ruching

Beginner Plus -- Linda Postlethwait -- $25
We had lots of requests for a repeat of this class. Here it is. Ruching is a French term meaning gathering, ruffling, or pleating. It is often used in traditional appliqué to create lovely dimension in flowers. In this class Linda will show you how to form a flower and how to attach the flower to fabric or to make a pin. She will discuss various forms of ruching as well as the materials used to make ruched flowers.
Saturday, January 14, 10:00am to 1:00pm

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Modern Spider Web

Beginner Plus -- Maria Shell -- $40
The Spider Web pattern is a traditional pattern. Select modern large scale prints, maybe mix in some solids and you have something that looks fresh and modern. The construction of the block is easy. The fun part is playing with the fabric - the pieces are small so this is a great way to use up scraps.
Sunday, January 15 and 22, 1:00pm to 5:00pm

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Big Stitch Quilting

Beginner -- Jan Sant -- $25
Big stitch quilting is all the rage in "modern quilts". What's old is new again - we used to call it Utility Quilting. Anyway, this method of quilting uses bigger threads (like #8 pearl cotton), bigger needles, and BIGGER STITCHES that work up fast. Jan will show you how to start and stop the thread (no knots), demonstrate the running stitch, and show you various tacking stitches that are sturdy and add interesting dimension to the quilt. Jan is also going to cover basting and marking quilt tops for hand work, and appropriate battings.
Friday, January 20, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

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Lollypop Trees

Beginner Plus -- Mary Kay Sambo and Linda Postlethwait -- $45
This is a stunning "modern" appliqué quilt. Mary Kay carefully selected and cut Kaffe Fasset fabrics for striking effect. There are 16 blocks in the pattern - choose your favorites. The first class will discuss selecting the fabrics and provide instruction for needle turn or prepared edge appliqué. In the next two class session work on your blocks, refine your appliqué skills, participate in show and tell and get setting ideas for the blocks.
Saturday, January 21, 10:00am to 1:00pm
and Saturday, February 4 and 18, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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Artful Oven Mitts

Beginner Plus -- Maria Shell -- $30
The kitchen novelty prints on the market right now are so fun. The QZ has sold a ton of patterns and kits for pot holders that feature these fabrics. The next logical step is Oven Mitts (and aprons, which we have a class for next month). Maria will provide the pattern in class and you can practice some basic quilting skills while you make these funky mitts.
Saturday, January 21, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

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Mystery of Fall

Beginner Plus -- Diana Bradley -- $45
This is a pattern developed for the Quilt Zone mystery last fall. It turned out so good I decided to rewrite it as a pattern and teach it as a class. Basically this is a sampler quilt that uses lots of half square triangles to make trees and leaves and then put the blocks in a free form set. We'll talk about choosing fabrics in the first class, then discuss methods for making accurate half square triangles. You will also get some instruction in working with free form sets.
Friday, January 27, February 3, 17 and March 2, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

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Make Mittens

Beginner Plus -- Mary Kay Sambo -- $25
Mary Kay makes beautiful mittens from wool sweaters. Or you could use lightly felted wool or unfelted wool - as long as it has a tight weave (coat weight wool would work). We have some wool choices in the store that would look great as mittens. The mittens are lined with polar fleece and can be embellished with buttons or beads. Mary Kay will provide the pattern in class.
Saturday, January 28, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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Lucky Stars

Beginner -- Maria Shell -- $50
I asked Maria to do a class for beginners that was not based on a sampler. In a sampler quilt you usually only make each block once. So the block you learn on is the block you are stuck with. You don't get a chance to practice or improve or try different fabric combinations. The Lucky Star pattern uses a traditional block with a "forgiving" set that allows you to put together blocks that may not all be perfectly square (hey, beginners have enough trouble finding a consistent seam allowance - let alone that perfect scant 1/4" seam allowance).This is a great place to start. The class will take you though al the step needed to learn basic quilt construction from cutting to piecing and ironing. Maria is an accomplished teacher who will give you a great foundation from which you can grow as a quilter.
Saturday, January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 10:00am to 1:00pm

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Quilting by Hand

Beginner -- Jan Sant -- $25
Discover the relaxing and satisfying process of hand quilting. You will learn how to mark, baste and hand quilt a small practice piece. Jan will explain to you the tools and show you how to deal with knots, edges, hooping and other related strategies.
Sunday, January 29, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

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February 2012 Classes

Rocking Novelty

Advanced Beginner -- Maria Shell -- $40
We have so many wonderful novelty prints in the Quilt Zone: everything from apples to zebras. Wondering what to do with these fun prints? Check out Maria's sample for this class. She used Cat in the Hat fabric (for you Dr Seuss lovers the next print is the Lorax, due the end of January.) This rocking border is a great way to showcase any novelty print. Maria will show you how to cut the prints, add the rocking pieces, and put it all together. What a great way to make a one of a kind kids quilt.
Sunday, February 5 and 12, 1:00pm to 5:00pm

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Timeless Stars

Beginner Plus -- Susan Westervelt -- $35
Paper piecing is a technique all quilters should know. I don't particularly like to paper piece- I dislike ripping the paper out and it can be hard to audition the pieces in the blocks. But sometimes it is absolutely the best technique for the pattern. So I paper piece when I need to and so should you. Sue will show you the basics of the technique, then you can practice by making a table runner or quilt using the Timeless Star pattern. If you don't know how to paper piece - this is a great pattern to learn with.
Thursday, February 9 and 16, 5:30pm to 9:00pm

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All Seasons Table Runner

Beginner Plus Some -- Mary Kay Sambo -- $35
This is a paper piecing too (see Timeless Stars above), but it is not for beginner paper piecing people. This is a Judy Neimeyer pattern and they are a little more complex. Mary Kay is an expert at streamlining the cutting and piecing to make it as simple as possible. This is a smaller piece - something you might even finish.
Friday, February 10 and 24, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

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One Block Wonder

Beginner Plus -- Barb Kuhlman -- $30
This is an oldie but a goodie. Robyn Maas was kind enough to lend us her beautiful quilt which uses poinsettia fabric as the basis for her "one block wonder". Having this wonderful quilt hanging in the Quilt Zone has generated new interest in the technique (and lots of oohs and ahs - kudos to Robyn). Barb has taught this class several times and is an expert at dealing with the problems that can arise with aligning and cutting the fabric. We have loads of prints in the store that are suitable for this project and would be glad to help you find your own wonder.
Saturday, February 11, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

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Introduction to Machine Quilting

Beginner -- Maria Shell -- $35
This is the cure for those of us inflicted with "Topper Syndrome". I love to piece the top but don't have the skills to turn the top into a quilt. This is the place to start. Maria is an award winning quilter who will start you down the road to recovery. This class will cover all the basics including preparing the quilt top for quilting, and choosing machine needles, threads and batting. Then you can practice the basics of free motion and in-the-ditch quilting on a sample piece.
Sunday February 19, 1:00pm to 5:00pm

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Binding Basics and Beyond

Beginner Plus -- Linda Postlethwait -- $30
Your quilt isn't really finished until you have a finished edge - double fold French binding is only one possibility. Linda will present several methods that will allow you to carry your design style to the very edge of your work.
Thursday, February 23, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

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All Weekend Long Finishing Class

All Levels -- To Be Determined -- $50
Did any of your New Year's resolutions have something to do with UFOs? Do you feel like you shouldn't start any new projects until you finish old one? Why not take a weekend and dedicate yourself to finishing projects? Bring in your projects and supplies Saturday morning and you don't have to pack up and go home until Sunday afternoon. Bring a lunch for Saturday afternoon (or splurge and go out for lunch) The Quilt Zone will supply snacks to keep you going. We'll have a teacher (don't know which one yet - might even be me) dedicated to the class that can help you with any step of your project.
Saturday, February 25, 10:00am to 6:00pm
and Sunday February 26, 12:00noon to 5pm

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March 2012 Classes

Cathedral Windows

Beginner Plus -- Linda Postlethwait -- $35
This is a lovely traditional pattern that involves folding fabric and stitching down edges. Usually this is done by hand -just like hand appliqué. But it can be done by machine as well. Linda will show you the technique in this class. You can then use the technique to create your own project. This pattern is particularly striking as a pillow cover.
Saturday, March 3, 10:00am to 1:30pm

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Aprons Anyone?

Beginner Plus -- Mary Kay Sambo -- $35
Here we are back to those cute kitchen prints. Aprons are very popular these days: there are dozens of patterns and even whole books dedicated to this little garment. Choose some funky main print and a couple of supporting players and have your own apron finished by the end of class.
Saturday, March 3, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

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Micro Texture Quilting

Beginner Plus -- Maria Shell -- $35
Take your machine quilting to the next level by learning eight different micro textures. These textures can be made big or small, light or loose. They can be used to finish large bed quilts or small art quilt wallhangings. The Quilt Zone has one of Maria's quilts on display that features these micro textures: it is a beautiful piece that receives rave reviews. This is your chance to learn from Maria. She will show you how to master these versatile textures as well as present a variety of ways to use them for effect on your quilts.
Sunday, March 4, 1:00pm to 5:00pm

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Basic Shopping Tote

Beginner Plus -- Linda Postlethwait -- $35
This tote is really more than basic. It has no corner side seams. No raw edges. It can hold a lot of weight because the straps support the bottom of the tote. And it has support loops for self check-out stands so it will stand up open when you load it. These bags work really well in a canvas weight fabric or light upholstery weight. We have some great choices at the Quilt Zone. Linda will provide the pattern in class and you should have your first one (you will want to make more than one) done by the end of class.
Saturday, March 10, 10:00am to 1:00pm

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Two-Fabric Appliqué

Beginner Plus -- Jan Sant -- $40
This is another class that supports the growing popularity of hand work - no sewing machine required. This is a reverse appliqué technique. Choose just two fabrics. Jan will show you how to layer and cut, then how to reveal the pattern using needle turn appliqué. The handwork is soothing, and the pattern is warm and tropical, just what we need for March in Alaska (this project is portable, it would be even more relaxing if you happened to be working on it while in Hawaii - airfare and hotel not included).
Saturday, March 10 and 17, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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Snap Bag

Beginner Plus -- Linda Postlethwait -- $25
A simple bag pattern that uses cut up metal tape measures to "snap" the bag closed. (We have some tape measures we can cut up at the store if you don't want to sneak off with one of your husband's). This is a make-it-and-take-it class. You'll have the bag done start to finish. You might even have time for two - depending on how carried away you get with embellishments. Be creative. Students in the class last fall made some very cute bags. Linda thought it was so fun she wanted to teach it again this quarter.
Sunday, March 11, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

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Wool Appliqué

Beginner Plus -- Sherry Girard and Mary Ann Jalbert -- $40
Evidence of the increased popularity of handwork is everywhere. Why not try it in wool. MaryAnn and Sherry are accomplished needlework artists. This project will introduce you to the basics of wool appliqué. You'll learn several embroidery stitches, the technique for working with raw edge wool appliqué, and ideas for embellishing. The block you make in class can be finished into a pillow or wall hanging - there are lots of creative possibilities. This class will give you a good foundation for more advanced wool appliqué projects.
Saturday, March 24 and 31, 10:00am to 1:00pm

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The Puzzle Quilt

Beginner Plus -- Diana Bradley -- $45
What's the most important thing to consider when choosing fabrics? Color, right? No, no, no. It may be the first thing, but it's not the most important. The value of the fabric, how light or how dark is the most critical. Let's practice working with value and have some fun doing it. I'll give you the block pattern. You make the blocks, but slot the values into places in the block. It will look like a whole different pattern. We can make a game out of matching each others blocks to the pattern. That's why it's called a puzzle.
Saturday, March 24, 31, April 7 and 21, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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Summer Time Blues Mystery

Beginner Plus -- Diana Bradley & Mary Kay Sambo -- $45
I haven't designed this yet (that's not surprise, eh?) but I'm sure it will be wonderful. I'm thinking of a summer theme because by this time we will be totally sick of all things break up and more than ready for summer. We will have Doriolas bring in lunch again, (lunch fee is included in the class cost). I'll have you do cutting and piecing ahead of time so you can concentrate on putting the big picture together in class. We'll give you lots of help choosing appropriate fabrics for the pattern.
Saturday, April 14, 11:00am to 4:00pm
OR
Sunday, April 15, 12:00noon to 5:00pm

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Abstract Landscape Quilt

Beginner Plus -- Maria Shell -- $40
This class is a way for you to experiment with designing non- traditional quilts. Maria will help you create your very own original abstract landscape quilt working from a photograph. Maria is an accomplished fiber artist with an eye for the components that create balanced artwork. This is a great opportunity to learn to use fabrics in for abstract art.
Sunday, April 22 and 29, 1:00pm to 5:00pm

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