All these classes are taught online. The “Improv Log Cabin” class below is available as an on-demand class that you can take at your own pace.
If you’d like a class on something you see on this website, and it’s not listed below, please email me! We can work it out!
Improv Log Cabin Triangle Kaleidoscope Quilts
An enthralling way to spend a day or weekend. Learn my approach to improvising stitch-and-flip triangles on scrap paper. This is NOT English Paper Piecing or foundation paper piecing - it's much more relaxing! Piece triangles into a sparkling “kaleidoscopes,” like those on the right. Learn to cut and piece triangles accurately and easily. Make a table mat; pillow; wallhanging; or the start of a larger quilt. See possibilities in Gallery 1.
My new on-demand class, with 30 videos to take you through the entire process, is now available here.
The workshop fee includes a copy of my 54-page PDF book. Should you just buy the book, or sign up for the class? IF YOU LEARN BETTER FROM VIDEOS, take the online class. It includes 30+ videos to guide you. The book comes with the class for no additional charge. But if you prefer to learn from books, you can buy just the book from my Etsy store.
English Paper Piecing Your Way
After a tour of the possibilities (see LECTURES and GALLERY 2 LINK) I’ll show many technique options, including hand and machine stitching. For the half-day class, we’ll make a hexagon-shaped mug rug (left) or other small, lined, reversible project. For a full-day class, get started on making the Seven Sisters sampler like the one on the right, with 7 hexagon-shaped blocks. If you learn better from books, find my English Paper Piecing book, ‘Hexagon Star Quilts, 113 English Paper-Pieced Star Patterns to Piece and Applique’ (Landauer, 2020) in bookstores and quilt shops. This book is not required for the class.
Scrap Cities: You’ll never look at buildings the same way again!
After a tour of some of America’s most iconic buildings, and how I interpreted them in fabric, (see the Lecture, we’ll make our own, starting with the most playful techniques – like the “Hotel Bargello”, and a “Log Cabin Skyscraper.” Then you’ll learn:
- My method for turning raw edges inward DURING piecing. This technique was designed specifically for architecture – modern or classical – with overhangs and setbacks. They become very easy to appliqué or piece in position, with no need to rip seams in order to turn edges under.
- Artist’s perspective: Techniques and fabric choices that create a 3D effect, but without the microscopic accuracy required for artist’s perspective in drawing or painting.
- Learn to love plaids and geometric prints! The delightful solution to depicting monotonous buildings that have too many identical windows!
- Once you have two or more, buildings, I’ll show you how to play with layouts, audition backgrounds, and sew them in place with hand or machine appliqué.
- Improv-friendly. All my tutorials offer measurements, but once you understand the principles, you’re going to have a lot of fun making up your own buildings, based on real ones or fantasy!
Full day or two 3-hour sessions.
Testimonials
Thank you very much for a generous, interesting and enjoyable workshop. I have learnt new techniques, your instructions are very clear and exact, and I find that I look at buildings now, in a complete new way.
— NC (Scrap Cities)
Thank you for being such a great teacher, with a big heart and generosity. — FC (Scrap Cities and Kaleidoscopes)
Thank you again for a marvelous class. You were patient and encouraging with us. I think we all enjoyed learning a new technique. I especially liked that there can be so much variation in what is produced. I look forward to trying more of the shapes and putting the puzzles together. I think we still have one of those wooden block sets. I'll have to get it out. — LL [Kaleidoscopes)
I'm a quilter over 30 years. Never have I met a teacher like you. The materials you prepared for us, in the triangle workshop and especially here, in the building workshop - are so detailed, so clear, and you gave us so much information- sharing your knowledge with us. It makes me want to create wonderful things, so you'll have satisfaction from teaching us. I literally sat and made each and every page, just to practice, and because it's fun. Thank you so very much. — JH
I want to thank you for the class last night it was amazing. The amount of material you gave us was wonderful , I can't wait to start using it. Thank you you are a very easy teacher to understand. — GS (Scrap Cities)
