upcoming classes and lectures
Due to COVID-19, right now I am teaching only virtual classes and giving virtual lessons. I have a 12 week series of classes designed for beginning sewers. While it is mostly geared toward quilting, many of the classes will work for garment makers as well. These classes can be taken as a whole series, or you can sign up a la carte. You can sign up for these classes at Blue Bar Quilts. All classes start at 7 pm central time and will run between one and two hours, depending on the topic and number of participants.
So You Want to Buy a Sewing Machine
Thursday, December 10, 2020 -- Intended for gift givers (or for giving a gift to yourself)
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Tuesday, March 23
Whether you’re in the market for your first machine, or you’re upgrading from an entry level one, this class can help you narrow down your options. You’ll determine what options you really need and which you might not know existed. No supplies are needed for this class.
Class Prep/Supply List:
You’ll receive a questionnaire to help determine your needs
Thursday, December 10, 2020 -- Intended for gift givers (or for giving a gift to yourself)
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Tuesday, March 23
Whether you’re in the market for your first machine, or you’re upgrading from an entry level one, this class can help you narrow down your options. You’ll determine what options you really need and which you might not know existed. No supplies are needed for this class.
Class Prep/Supply List:
You’ll receive a questionnaire to help determine your needs
Sewing Machine Care and Maintenance
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
All sewing machines have the same basic functions, but they often look very different from machine to machine. This class will help demystify sewing machines for beginners, and help you understand tension and stitch functions. And if you’ve never used your automatic needle threader, we’ll get it figured out! Also, learnto give your machine a thorough cleaning and give it basic adjustments. We might even be able to save you a trip to the repair shop, or at least determine if it’s necessary.
Class Prep/Supply List
Tools of the Trade
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
If you’re ready to jump into quilting, there are a few must-haves, and lots of other options! In this class we will go over the basic tools needed to make your first few quilts, and what you might want to consider as your skills improve. We will also unabashedly discuss which brands work and which ones don’t, as well as how to keep your tools working as well as possible so you don’t have to replace them too often.
Class Prep/Supply List
No particular supplies needed, but if you have any already, please have them ready in case you have questions.
Sewing Machine Feet
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Have you ever taken a foot out of your sewing machine and wondered what it’s used for? You are not alone. This class will take you beyond your quarter inch foot and starting you on the right path toward using your machine to its fullest potential!
Class Prep/Supply List
Picking Out Fabric for your Quilt
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Let’s face it, sometimes picking out fabric can be hard. There are so many choices that it’s hard to narrow it down. In this session we will discuss basic color theory and do some real live shopping at Blue Bar Quilts (virtually, of course). We will audition different fabrics to see what works best together.
Class Prep/Supply List
No real prep for this class, but if you’d like us to use a piece of fabric that you’re having a hard time finding coordinates for, just drop the fabric off within two days of class. We will be sure to discuss your fabric in class! If you have a particular pattern, we can try to stick to those parameters.
Cutting and How to Get the Most Out of Your Rulers
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Before rotary cutters, most quilters used templates and scissors to cut their fabric. Lucky for us, Yoshio Akada invented the rotary cutter in 1979. But, as with any tool, it can be misused. In this class we will learn how to make sure our cuts are accurate, as well as how to use those rulers to their fullest.
Class Prep/Supply List
Perfect Seaming – Or at Least as Perfect as Possible
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Let’s make sure those quilts fit together the way they should! We will start with testing your quarter inch seam allowance and making sure your pressing is only doing you favors. Then we will talk about nesting seams and when it’s best to press to one side or if it’s better to press open. If we have time, we will talk about piecing tricky angles and curves.
Class Prep/Supply List
Putting it Together -- Sashing, Cornerstones, Blocks, Borders, and Backing
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Let’s put it all together! In this class we will discuss sashing and cornerstones, as well as keeping yourself organized while putting blocks together. We will also talk about adding borders (it’s not as easy as sewing it on and trimming it down to size) and creative ways to use fabric for backings.
Class Prep/Supply List
None
Basting Your Quilt
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Learn how to baste your quilt without breaking your back! You can quickly and easily prepare your quilt for free motion quilting without crawling on the floor. This method works for any size quilt, and it for when you are going to quilt your project on your home machine. It is not necessary when you are going to send your quilt to a longarmer. This will primarily be a demo, though questions and discussion are welcome.
Class Prep/Supply List
None
Getting Ready to Free Motion Quilt
Thursday, March 25
Tuesday, May 25
If you’re interested in free motion quilting, there are some tools you need, and some that will make your experience much easier. In this session we will discuss what the various feet are for, how to put them on your machine, and how to set your machine up for free motion quilting. We will also discuss adjusting tension, marking tools, and make sure you’re ready to begin free motion quilting!
Class Prep/Supply List
Basic Free Motion Quilting
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Get started in free motion quilting! It’s very rewarding to be able to quilt your own quilt. In this class we will learn some basic patterns and fillers, and get you started on your free motion journey. If you’ve never done any free motion quilting before, the “Getting Ready to Free Motion Quilt” is highly recommended.
Class Prep/Supply List
Trimming and Binding
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Tuesday, June 25, 2021
In this class you will learn how to trim your quilt, as well as how to make and apply your binding, including joining the ends and how to hand stitch your binding down. You’ll also learn how to figure out how much binding fabric you need for other projects. There are lots of alternate finishing options for quilts, which we will discuss if time allows.
Class Prep/Supply list
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
All sewing machines have the same basic functions, but they often look very different from machine to machine. This class will help demystify sewing machines for beginners, and help you understand tension and stitch functions. And if you’ve never used your automatic needle threader, we’ll get it figured out! Also, learnto give your machine a thorough cleaning and give it basic adjustments. We might even be able to save you a trip to the repair shop, or at least determine if it’s necessary.
Class Prep/Supply List
- Sewing machine and manual
- Sewing machine needles
- Screwdrivers (mostly flat head)
- Sewing machine brushes
- Tweezers
- Small vacuum kit (if you have one)
- Sewing machine oil, unless your machine specifically does not need to be oiled
- Fabric for practice sewing
Tools of the Trade
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
If you’re ready to jump into quilting, there are a few must-haves, and lots of other options! In this class we will go over the basic tools needed to make your first few quilts, and what you might want to consider as your skills improve. We will also unabashedly discuss which brands work and which ones don’t, as well as how to keep your tools working as well as possible so you don’t have to replace them too often.
Class Prep/Supply List
No particular supplies needed, but if you have any already, please have them ready in case you have questions.
Sewing Machine Feet
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Have you ever taken a foot out of your sewing machine and wondered what it’s used for? You are not alone. This class will take you beyond your quarter inch foot and starting you on the right path toward using your machine to its fullest potential!
Class Prep/Supply List
- Sewing machine feet
- Sewing machine manual
Picking Out Fabric for your Quilt
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Let’s face it, sometimes picking out fabric can be hard. There are so many choices that it’s hard to narrow it down. In this session we will discuss basic color theory and do some real live shopping at Blue Bar Quilts (virtually, of course). We will audition different fabrics to see what works best together.
Class Prep/Supply List
No real prep for this class, but if you’d like us to use a piece of fabric that you’re having a hard time finding coordinates for, just drop the fabric off within two days of class. We will be sure to discuss your fabric in class! If you have a particular pattern, we can try to stick to those parameters.
Cutting and How to Get the Most Out of Your Rulers
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Before rotary cutters, most quilters used templates and scissors to cut their fabric. Lucky for us, Yoshio Akada invented the rotary cutter in 1979. But, as with any tool, it can be misused. In this class we will learn how to make sure our cuts are accurate, as well as how to use those rulers to their fullest.
Class Prep/Supply List
- About 1 yard of muslin or ugly fabric
- 45 mm rotary cutter
- Rotary cutting mat at least 18 x 24
- Basic rotary cutting rulers (not specialty ones)
Perfect Seaming – Or at Least as Perfect as Possible
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Let’s make sure those quilts fit together the way they should! We will start with testing your quarter inch seam allowance and making sure your pressing is only doing you favors. Then we will talk about nesting seams and when it’s best to press to one side or if it’s better to press open. If we have time, we will talk about piecing tricky angles and curves.
Class Prep/Supply List
- At least six strips of fabric cut 2-1/2 inches by Width of Fabric
- Sewing machine in good working order (including manual)
- ¼ inch sewing machine foot or feet
- Post it notes
- Masking tape
- Marking pens/pencils
- Regular writing pens/pencils
- Rotary cutter, mat and ruler (these can be on the smaller side)
- Iron and ironing board
Putting it Together -- Sashing, Cornerstones, Blocks, Borders, and Backing
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Let’s put it all together! In this class we will discuss sashing and cornerstones, as well as keeping yourself organized while putting blocks together. We will also talk about adding borders (it’s not as easy as sewing it on and trimming it down to size) and creative ways to use fabric for backings.
Class Prep/Supply List
None
Basting Your Quilt
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Learn how to baste your quilt without breaking your back! You can quickly and easily prepare your quilt for free motion quilting without crawling on the floor. This method works for any size quilt, and it for when you are going to quilt your project on your home machine. It is not necessary when you are going to send your quilt to a longarmer. This will primarily be a demo, though questions and discussion are welcome.
Class Prep/Supply List
None
Getting Ready to Free Motion Quilt
Thursday, March 25
Tuesday, May 25
If you’re interested in free motion quilting, there are some tools you need, and some that will make your experience much easier. In this session we will discuss what the various feet are for, how to put them on your machine, and how to set your machine up for free motion quilting. We will also discuss adjusting tension, marking tools, and make sure you’re ready to begin free motion quilting!
Class Prep/Supply List
- Sewing machine in good working order, including manual
- Extension table for your machine
- Walking foot*
- Free motion foot*
- Quilting needles for your machine, size 90/14
- High quality thread for quilting (Aurifil 40 wt, Mettler sillk finish, Gutterman cotton)
- Quilting “sandwich” made with two layers of muslin and cotton batting in between, about 18 x 22 in size
- Quilting gloves
- Scissors
Basic Free Motion Quilting
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Get started in free motion quilting! It’s very rewarding to be able to quilt your own quilt. In this class we will learn some basic patterns and fillers, and get you started on your free motion journey. If you’ve never done any free motion quilting before, the “Getting Ready to Free Motion Quilt” is highly recommended.
Class Prep/Supply List
- Sewing machine in good working order, including manual
- Extension table for your machine
- Free motion foot
- Quilting needles for your machine, size 90/14
- Cotton thread for quilting (aurifil 40 wt, Mettler sillk finish, Gutterman cotton) In a color that you can see against the muslin
- Several (at least six) quilting “sandwiches” made with two layers of muslin and cotton batting in between, about 18 x 22 in size
- One fat quarter of a large print
- Quilting gloves
- Scissors
Trimming and Binding
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Tuesday, June 25, 2021
In this class you will learn how to trim your quilt, as well as how to make and apply your binding, including joining the ends and how to hand stitch your binding down. You’ll also learn how to figure out how much binding fabric you need for other projects. There are lots of alternate finishing options for quilts, which we will discuss if time allows.
Class Prep/Supply list
- Sewing machine in good working order with walking foot installed
- One of the quilted practice sandwiches from the previous session OR a fat quarter sized (approximately 18 x 22”) quilt that has been quilted together.
- Fabric for binding – ¼ yard of fabric, cut into three strips at 2 ½ inches x width of fabric
- Thread to match binding
- Scissors
- Iron and ironing board
- Wonder Clips
- Straight pins
- Marking pencil/pen
- Safety pin
- Hand needle
Shop phone numbers:
- Blue Bar Quilts in Middleton: (608) 512-7491
- Mill House Quilts in Waunakee: (608) 849-6473
Lectures
I love giving lectures to groups and guilds! Right now I'm doing lectures virtually as requested. Please contact me for further information.
101 Sewing and Quilting Tips and Tricks -- whether you're new to the needle or you've sewn a million stitches, you're bound to learn something in this fast paced, fun lecture! Hold on to your seat -- they'll come at you pretty fast! Good thing there's a handout!
Fearless Free-Motion Lecture -- This is a great option if you have a large group but still want the nuts and bolts of the Fearless Free Motion workshop. You will learn how to set yourself up for success when starting out as a free motion quilter.
101 Sewing and Quilting Tips and Tricks -- whether you're new to the needle or you've sewn a million stitches, you're bound to learn something in this fast paced, fun lecture! Hold on to your seat -- they'll come at you pretty fast! Good thing there's a handout!
Fearless Free-Motion Lecture -- This is a great option if you have a large group but still want the nuts and bolts of the Fearless Free Motion workshop. You will learn how to set yourself up for success when starting out as a free motion quilter.
Bindings, Labels, and Sleeves, Oh My! -- They aren't the most exciting parts of quiltmaking, but they are essential. Learn different techniques for binding your quilts, including joining the ends, binding with minky, and more! Also learn about several different styles of labels, and how to make and apply hanging sleeves.
Tuffets from First Stitch to Last Staple -- Want to have a large group learn the basics of tuffet-making? You'll see how easy it really is!
McTavishing Lecture -- As a certified McTavishing instructor, I will show you how to easily to this super fun, fluid background filler.