Class Selection*

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  Sue Benner [Sold Out]

  Sewing the Land I and II: Fused, collaged, and quilted landscapes
  
  Each participant will create one or two landscape quilts along with several small studies. The class will explore different approaches to representing landscape, including those of artists in a variety of media. Sue will then show students how to look at the landscape, analyze it, and translate it to fabric using several fused collage construction methods to help them each accomplish their goals. For those that are taking this workshop for the second time, a more ambitious project can be pursued. Sue began making landscape images from raw edges, selvedges, and other odds and ends from scrap bags. From there she has gone on to add other techniques and develop a large series of work inspired by wetlands and prairies in her childhood home state of Wisconsin. Recently she has interpreted the “wilds” of Texas where she presently lives. Students have told Sue that this workshop changed the way they saw the land.
  
  Level: All

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  Sandra Bruce [Sold Out]

  Material Matrix
  
  Material Matrix is a technique that uses piecing (no fusing here!) to interpret a gridded image made up of 2-inch finished squares. Students will create “Frank”, a very handsome flamingo, to learn a new way of “seeing”, and to sharpen piecing skills. Topics included in the workshop will focus on: curved piecing, how to grid your own photo, what makes a good image for this technique, color/value/composition, and how to make a matched binding.
  
  Level: Intermediate to Advanced

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  Kathy Doughty [Sold Out]

  Soul Searching
  
  Soul Searching is not only one of my favourite quilts but also my favourite workshop to teach. We dive deep into what identifies a colour, how we relate to it emotionally and most importantly how to use it effectively to create lines and shapes in our quilts. The process of composing the different colour blocks is designed to help identify habits and then to open up new pathways for creating interest. Make the quilt you see or design your own using the concepts presented.
  
  Level: All

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  JoAnne Lincoln [Sold Out]

  Exploring Nature in Thread
  
  In this session we will work to create a realistic raccoon looking out from the hollow of a tree. You will learn the techniques I use to stitch true-to-life eyes, fur and bark as well as creating three dimensional moss. We’ll also explore techniques to replicate the intricate details & textures that grace our natural world including lichen, wood & stones. You will come away with the tools to replicate these details for use in your own nature & wildlife quilts. Participants should have some experience with free motion stitching.
  
  Level: All

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  Gloria Loughman [Sold Out]

  Landscape with Rhythm
  
  The sky has the potential to be the most exciting element to enhance and energize any landscape. With its endless capacity for change, it is the most flexible compositional tool that you can experiment with. I have found that whatever colour palette or style I choose, when I place the sky fabric in the position of the sky in my design, it will read as sky. Rhythm is defined as a combination of elements repeated but with variation. In this workshop we will play with repetition and pattern, decorating our sky to add movement and interest. So, we have permission to play. On day one of the workshop, participants will construct a small wall hanging where the pattern is provided, and the emphasis will be on colour choices, creating perspective and becoming familiar with the construction process. We will then move on to create our skies by overpainting some interesting commercial fabrics and then decorate these areas with a series of repeated shapes. Once the sky is constructed and quilted, we will add our foreground with a number of techniques for creating landforms, areas of water, rocks, and trees outlined.
  
  Level: All

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  Irene Roderick [Sold Out]

  Improvisational Quilting: “Dancing With The Wall”
  
  Let go of your inhibitions! Tap into your creativity! Improvisational quilting means letting go of all expectations and preconceptions of what you are going to make. Come spend five days with Irene and learn how to let your sub-conscience and creativity drive you to make a unique expression of your individual aesthetic and process. Relax, play, let it happen and see what comes out. Irene will direct you through her method of creating a quilt that she considers the act of “Dancing With The Wall.” She will give tools, tips, instructions and a lot of hands-on individual attention to assist you along the way. Expect to have a fun, challenging and rewarding experience.
  
  Level: All

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  Jane Sassaman [Sold Out]

  Abstracting from Nature
  
  Nature is an endless source of inspiration. In this class we will examine a wide variety of artists interpretations of nature before beginning to manipulate natural forms ourselves. On the first day of class, you will choose a plant subject to work through a set of design exercises. This subject needs to have a variety of elements to work with… like a blossom, stem, leaves, buds, etc. to make the exercises successful. You don’t have to be in love with the subject, because at the end of the day you can jump ships and work on any subject you’d like, but many folks keep working on their original plant. If you have a couple plants in mind, bring as many views and detailed (leaves, blossoms, overall, etc.) pictures as you can for each one. Our goal is to discover as much about the plant as we can before simplifying and exaggerating it for our own interpretation.
  
  Level: All

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  David M. Taylor [10 remaining]

  Pastorale Saisons
  
  Turn cherished memories of days-gone-by into an heirloom-quality scenic block with appliqué and embroidery. For those who have been wanting to re-create a vintage or storybook landscape using fabric, floss, decorative threads and silk ribbons, David will guide you every step of the way. Simple shapes and delightful details make the difference in bringing your stitched scene to life. Students are requested to email ideas and/or reference images in advance of the workshop.
  
  Level: Intermediate

  Attend this class

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  Wendy Williams [Sold Out]

  Split
  
  This bright and colourful quilt is made with a variety of techniques including needle turned applique, foundation piecing and machine piecing. Our workshop will cover all the tips and techniques for all the blocks and borders. We will talk about color and fabric selection as well as alternative blocks to simplify the quilt or make it smaller. Pattern cost for the workshop $20.
  
  Level: Intermediate

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  Libby Williamson [3 remaining]

  Wonky Sisters
  
  A droopy eyelid, a crooked smile, or an adorable snaggletooth… let’s face it, we’ve all got our “wrinkles”! We’ll embrace our flaws, loosen up, and create wonderful Wonky Sisters. Commercially printed fabric scraps and miscellaneous solids that have sat idle in your closet will be transformed into a luscious stash of collage material. Add your own unique patterns and paint marks with layers of color as we experiment and play with a variety of painting techniques. And have no worries about creating anatomically correct facial proportions. We will loosen up by painting quick sketches and then choosing your favorites. The wonkier, the better! Sewing by machine and hand will secure the collages and add intriguing texture. Libby’s approach to free-motion sewing is very loose and forgiving (and fussy quilting rules will be broken). This joyful class is filled with color, music, laughter, and chocolate! Come play with me and make some magical Wonky Sisters with as many wrinkles as you desire!
  
  Level: All

  Attend this class

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  Non-Workshop

  Non-Participant ESS attendee. Please only select this option if you are wanting to be a part of the Empty Spools Seminars programs but don't wish to take a class.
  
  If you are a non-workshop companion do not select this option unless you need a separate room. Use the section at the top of the page if you are sharing a room.

  Attend this class

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