Skill Building Techniques
Rather than teaching a specific project, these classes focus on teaching a technique
that will improve your quiltmaking skills. These classes are good for any level of
prior quiltmaking experience.
Beginning Hand Applique
Half Day 3 hours
This skill-building class is designed with the beginner in mind. The stitch I use is
different from the one most commonly taught in hand applique. It is my favorite
applique stitch because it gives such lovely results. This technique takes the fear out of
applique. Not only is
it easy to do, but it results in invisible stitches. Try you hand at Applique
with this charming little piece that we will do in a half day class. This is also the
stitch I use on my quilt bindings.
Proficiency: All levels
Class Handout Fee
Beginning Hand Piecing
Half Day 3 hours
There is something very relaxing about the feel of fabric in your hands
as it transforms into a pieced block. Geared with the beginner in mind, discover
the joy of hand piecing in this basic beginning class.
Learn how to make hand piecing templates,
how to mark and cut fabric, and how to work your way through block construction.
Proficiency: This class is for those who want to try their hand at hand piecing.
No prior hand sewing experience needed.
Fabric Selection Made Easy
Half Day 3 hours
One of the most challenging parts of making a quilt is choosing the fabrics.
This class will change the way you think about fabric and shed new light on the
process of selecting fabric for your projects. There is no sewing in this class.
The focus is totally on learning about fabrics and how to decide what
fabrics go well together and why. Bring 3" squares of
20 different fabrics (cut 2 each, for a total of 40 squares). We will share the
squares everyone brings, and use them to illustrate a Fabric Selection notebook
that will serve as a valuable reference tool.
Good for any level of quiltmaking expertise. Covers ideas on how to make
exciting fabric combinations. There is no sewing in this workshop.
These skills will translate into all of your future quiltmaking adventures.
Proficiency: All levels. Covers ideas on how to make exciting
fabric combinations. Works well in a shop situation where students may
put their new-found knowledge to work in the hands-on exercises.
Class Handout Fee
Mastering Hand Quilting: The Stab Stitch
Half-Day 3 hours
This class is very different from the traditional running stitch method
of quilting, and I think gives much better results. I begin as if you are new to the topic, and together we explore
the world of poke-pull (or stab stitch) quilting. I will teach you how poke-pull quilting allows you to
make quilting stitches that are straight and even, and look the same on the front
of the quilt as they do on the back. No more calluses, no more sore fingers,
and no need for a thimble, poke-pull quilting is especially good for those
with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or limited flexibility due to mastectomies.
Learn how to transfer the design onto your quilt top,
how to prepare your layers for quilting, and how to do a
truly lovely quilting stitch.
Proficiency: All levels
Class Handout Fee
NOTE: For a follow-up on this class, see Refining Your Stab Stitch below.
What Quilting Pattern Goes Where
Half-Day 3 hours
Quilting transforms the quilt. You spent hours picking colors,
choosing fabrics, and constructing the quilt top. The choice of a
quilting pattern deserves the same care. This discussion course
helps you to decide what type of quilting best enhances your quilt,
whether by hand or machine, traditional or contemporary. Students
are encouraged to bring quilt tops they'd like help with.
Proficiency: All levels
Class Handout Fee
To receive information on fees, travel arrangements, and
scheduling, e-mail me at
wihalpin@mwt.net, or write to me
at:
105 Wildwood Court
Boscobel, WI 53805