No workshop, single room.
No workshop, shared room.
(spouse/friend/partner) sharing a room.
Sue Benner [Sold Out]
Composition Quartet: four techniques for fused quiltsA quartet of quilts! Challenge yourself compositionally and learn four different ways to construct fused quilts: squares/rectangles, curvilinear/organic design, cut-and-collage, and landscape. Using step-by-step directions with many creative options, you’ll make 4 quilts (about 16” x 20” or larger) using Sue’s fusible techniques. She will also cover fusible basics, working with non-traditional fabrics, quilting, blocking, and binding. By the end of this workshop experience, construction ideas will abound!Level: All
Andrea M. Brokenshire [Sold Out]
Floral Painted Applique on SilkAndrea is inspired by the natural world. “Won’t you join me in my paint box to learn my technique for painting realistic floral imagery onto silk?” Students have a choice between two different flowers for their project – #1 Perfectly Pink (Calla Lily) or Red Hot (Oriental Poppy). Email Andrea with your choice no later than January 5, 2025. To make it easy, most materials needed for the project will be provided except for the few listed in the supply list. In addition to painting your beautiful flower, Andrea will also demonstrate how to create highly textural confetti backgrounds and her technique for turning the edges of the finished applique for a clean finish. Have some fun and create with paint and fiber. Lab fee: $140.00 due first day of class.Level: Confident beginner
Kathy Doughty [Sold Out]
Medallion Quilt – Windmill PicnicThe Medallion Quilt is a traditional gift to modern quilters. The concept of a focal “picture” in the medallion surrounded by blocks is a foundation that has infinite possibilities. Windmill Picnic has an Organic Appliqué medallion surrounded by “Kaleidoscope” blocks. You are invited to make the quilt as you see it or to adjust the fabrics or design to your own style. Included will be simple ways to approach designing your own quilt, simple applique techniques with my ‘Organic Appliqué’ methods and, of course, conversations about fabric choicesLevel: All
Josephine de la Cruz Keasler [3 remaining]
Independent StudyA Judy Niemeyer and Fiberworks Certified Instructor. An Authorized Jacqueline de Jonge Instructor. Did you begin a Judy Niemeyer or Jacqueline de Jonge quilt, put it away, and now don’t know where to start to keep going and complete the project? This is the perfect class for you. Josephine can help you get back on track. She is also a certified Fiberworks instructor if you have a Laura Heine design that you purchased and haven’t started or finished. Josephine is an experienced teacher and will help you problem solve your project.Level: All
Robin Long [Sold Out]
Strip-Pieced 16-Point and 32-Point Mariner’s Compasses & VariationsFinally, the Mariner’s Compass block is accessible to all quilters! Learn how to use these revolutionary rulers and method for making strip-pieced 16-point and 32-point Mariner’s Compass blocks in 16 sizes from 6” to 36”. Students get to make their choice of “Skinny Robin” or “Fat Robin” Compasses and compass variations. We start by making a 12” block and then learn techniques for finishing the centers and making your block into a square. Once students get the basic method down, they will learn techniques for making other 16-point compass variations and 32-point compass blocks and variations. We will also talk about fabric selection and ways to create your own creative mariner’s compass project! You can also choose to work on an optional small project that Robin will provide prior to class. It will include the elements that will be made in class and other common techniques for Robin Ruth Design projects.Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Gloria Loughman [Sold Out]
Dynamic LandscapesThe focus of this workshop will be to create a beautiful landscape full of movement and direction. Diagonal lines bring energy and movement to a design, and when the light is just right, commonplace subjects are transformed and become noticed. 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, perspective and the construction technique. Once completed, participants will move on to create their own design. For the individual project, participants will paint two or three different sky fabrics that harmonise together. Then using the technique outlined for the small project, participants will combine sections of hand painted sky with areas of strips placed at an angle. Once the stunning sky is completed, the foreground and other details will be added. There will be a choice of adding a dark outline around the edges of some areas to add more contrast. Participants can work on their own design or use one of the patterns available.Level: All
Sandra L. Mollon [Sold Out]
Fused Art Quilts from PhotographsStudents select a photograph they wish to work from, get it enlarged and trace a pattern from which to work. Another option is to use any pattern by Sandra, which may be appropriate for beginning students who do not have an image they want to use. Students will select appropriate fabrics to use, which are then fused into place, enhanced with media, and quilted to create an art quilt.Level: Confident Beginner
Irene Roderick [1 remaining]
“Dancing With The Wall” Encore!Encore! Is an advanced workshop building on the improv skills introduced in Dancing With The Wall. The focus is on a new approach to designing a quilt using large shapes on which to build layers of color. The workshop will focus on good design, how to use color, the benefits of working in a series and strategies for sustaining a creative practice. Irene will give you tools, tips, instructions and a lot of hands-on individual attention to assist you along the way.Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Jane Sassaman [Sold Out]
Totem of LifeIn this workshop we will stylize some of Your favorite characters in nature and arrange them int an interlacing appliqued fabric collage, a colorful and graphic “Totem of Life”. Come to class with a chosen “theme” to help organize your ideas. For, example, you could pick “Autumn” as your theme. Your characters could be fall leaves, moths, chrysanthemums and a harvest moon. Or your theme could be Butterflies and Flowers, Ocean Life or The Planets. Then collect photos and prints of the characters that are candidates for your composition. From these we will stylize (simplify and exaggerate) each object so they can be made as graphic fabric shapes for applique. Your composition will evolve as your shapes begin to “play off” one another. This is a perfect way to learn my applique and contraction techniques, but also a chance to make a uniquely personal project.Level: All
Wendy Williams [Sold Out]
Little BasketsThis quilt (finished size: 51 x 61) is made using wool felt applique. The backgrounds for the applique are completed with pure wool (hand dyed or plain) with print fabrics for the baskets (I have used Kaffe Fassett fabrics). The backgrounds could alternatively be completed on linens or cotton. You could make the whole quilt or a smaller version, or cushion. In our workshop I plan to cover constructing the basket blocks by machine. We will then do the applique where I will show the techniques for wool applique and cover as many of the stitches and techniques as possible. Pattern cost for the workshop is $20.Level: All
Veruschka Zarate [Sold Out]
Modern Foundation Paper Piecing FundamentalsModern Foundation Paper Piecing Fundamentals will help you build confidence, skill and mastery of precise and detailed quilt piecing using the technique of Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP). Students will receive step-by-step guided demonstrations and instructions while working through a colorful and vibrant 45×45-inch quilt pattern called The Matriarch Elephant, a pattern designed to highlight the skills needed to successfully execute any FPP pattern with masterful craftsmanship. We will learn essential principles of Foundation Paper Piecing such as fabric alignment, organization, trimming, orientation, pressing, construction details and so much more. Students can purchase either the complete KIT or the pattern as a PDF or Printed Full Color pattern on prideandjoyquilting.comLevel: All
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.
Please select a 2nd and 3rd choice teacher in the event your class cancels.
Sewing Machine Rentals
A limited number of Bernina sewing machines will be available for those who cannot travel by air with their own machines. Reservations and payments may be made through the Empty Spools Registration. Sewing machines are provided by The Cotton Patch of Lafayette, California.
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