Is your guild looking for a presentation that has a new, fresh approach? Looking for workshop options? I bring my background as a quilter, professor, scientist and nurse to my quilting presentations and workshops.
Please complete the contact form at the end of the page for a price list, or if you have something in mind that is not on the list. You can also e-mail me at betterdonequilts@gmail.com.
Presentations
These are general around an hour long, but can be adapted to fit a 30 to 75 minute time frame.
A Nurse’s Perspective on Sick Day Quilts
Many quilters make special quilts for family and friends who are experiencing an illness, but these quilts are not always well-suited to the purpose. This presentation incorporates scientific findings on the health effects of various fabrics, washing techniques and battings; the knowledge and experience of a nurse regarding issues to consider for sick day quilts; a display of sick day quilts; and ideas for design and execution of sick day quilts that will be treasured long after the illness is over.
This presentation works well in person or online.
The Science of Color
While there are numerous presentations on Color Theory, the Science of Color is not discussed as often. There are numerous scientific studies on the physics, biology, psychology and sociology of color. While this presentation includes display of quilts as examples of color science principles, most of the presentation is focused on describing the science of color using a multi-media presentation (including short videos, pictures of functional MRIs showing how the brain reacts to color, etc.) and interactive experiences. The topic is wrapped up with discussion of how to incorporate the science of color into your quilts.
This presentation works well in person or online. In person requires a screen for projection of slides.
A Family Legacy of Quilting
I come from generations of quilters with different reasons for quilting and styles. This presentation will take you through my family tree from my great-grandmother in the late 1800s through my city and country grandmothers and then my quilting journey. In addition to sharing the stories of the quilts, I will discuss how purpose affects quilting style and process, and how to hand down a legacy of quilts and quilting.
This presentation is best in person, but can be presented online.
Commemoratation or Special Day Quilts
Commemoration quilts range from signature quilts to modern art quilts. This presentation will review some famous commemoration quilts, and share commemoration quilts made or received by the presenter. Different types of commemoration quilts including some with hidden messages will be shared and discussed. The presentation concludes with ideas on how to design and make your own commemoration quilt to honor and remember a special day.
This presentation works well online or in person. In person requires a screen for projection of slides.
Workshops and Classes
Workshops and classes may be presented as 1/2 day (3 hours) or full day (6 hours). Workshops can be combined for multi-day retreats or programs. All workshops and classes are in person.
If you are interested in an online workshop, a shorter workshop, or a multi-day workshop, please e-mail me or complete the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Tree of Life Wallhanging (1/2 or full day)
This class will teach skills for raw edge appliqué, double mitered borders, and flanged bindings. It is a great class for confident beginners to learn new skills or for experienced quilters to explore new approaches on a quick and fun tree of life wall hanging. We will discuss how to customize the tree and adapt it for many different occasions. At the end of the day, you will have a top with the tree and leaves fused, and some of them appliquéd. You will also have the border attached (half day classes will have two sides of the border attached and one corner completed). You will be able to quilt and bind it with techniques learned in class. NOTE: A pattern must be purchased for this class.
Tree of Life Jacket (full day only)
This class will teach adapting a pattern for different sizes, raw edge applique, attaching a quilted panel to a denim jacket and quilting and finishing techniques. This project is suitable for an intermediate or advanced quilter. Advanced beginners who have experience in making clothing would also enjoy the class. Skills needed for the class are straight stitch sewing, pressing, accurate cutting with some scissors, and accurate measuring. At the end of the day, you will have a panel with the fused tree of life. You may have the tree panel attached to the jacket and/or have some of the tree appliqued. NOTE: A pattern much be purchased for this class.
Strip Piecing Mini Land, Sea and Skyscapes (1/2 or full day)
Have you ever thought about making a stunning landscape or seascape quilt, but didn’t know where to start? If so, this class is for you. Strip piecing nature scenes is a great stress reducer and a fantastic way to use up scraps! In half a day, you will have learned techniques to assemble your project and will started laying out your masterpiece. By the end of the day, you will have a small landscape or seascape (up to 15 x 18 inches) laid out and partially or completely sewn. This fun technique uses 1.25 inch strips to “paint” a landscape or seascape. The class will discuss cover choosing pictures for inspiration, selecting fabrics, organizing fabrics, laying out the quilt, and piecing techniques. This is a fun activity that includes improvisational elements. The quilt you make will be a one-of-a kind work of art!
Don’t Fear the Curve – Playtime (1/2 or full day)
Are you afraid of curves? This class is designed to help you get over your fears about sewing curved blocks and to help you find fun ways to use curves in your quilts. It is best for quilters with some experience who can cut accurately and sew an accurate ¼ inch seam. The workshop includes basic and advanced tips on sewing curved quilt pieces while creating quarter-circle (Drunkard’s Path), half-circle and full inset circle blocks. We will talk about accurate cutting of curves, pressing and handling curved pieces, and techniques for accurate piecing. We will also talk about making zero waste circles. The blocks form the center of the Playtime Quilt or can be used to make placemats or a table runner. NOTE: If making the Playtime Quilt, a pattern must be purchased for this class.
Finishing in Style – Binding Techniques (1/2 or full day)
After you have spent many, many hours on piecing and quilting your quilt, you want to finish it off in a style that best frames your hard work and the beauty in your quilt. And choosing the right finish – whether it is a traditional binding, flanged binding, wide binding or facing – is critical to the final look of your quilt. This class is all about how to finish off your quilt in grand style. We will start with a discussion and demonstration of preparing your quilt for binding. Different binding methods (including basic, flanged, and facing) will be demonstrated and we will discuss special types of binding. Methods for making a clean join on the binding will be practiced. You will prepare your pieces for binding, prepare the bindings, and practice either basic binding, flanged binding or facing (both for the full day version). You will finish the day with one to three bound placemats. These are skills you will use on every quilt you make!
My Neighborhood – A Quilt and Play Mat (1/2 or full day)
Everyone loves an I-spy quilt. Well, here is an I-spy that is ideal for rainy days, sick days, and just cuddling. This neighborhood quilt is designed to show off all those fabulous prints, with sashing “roads” that are just the right size for a miniature car! This class is easy enough for beginners, and still fun for more experienced quilters. You will learn how to inset a thin strip into sashing, and how to adjust the size of a quilt pattern to meet your needs. In a half day, you will have sections of “road” completed and attached to a block. At the end of a day, you will have a section completed and sashed. NOTE: A pattern must be purchased for this class.
Winter Holiday Table Runners – Choose Your Holiday (4 to 6 hours)
Get a start on Winter Holiday gifts! This class uses foundation paper piecing to make a customizable winter holiday table runner. This runner can be made for Advent, Christmas, Hannukah, Epiphany, or adapt it for Kwanzaa! Ability to sew a straight line and measure and cut a quarter inch seam allowance are needed. Some experience with paper piecing is helpful, but not required. At the end of the day, at least one end piece (a star or tree) and several candles will be completed and assembled. Instructions for finishing, quilting and binding will also be covered. NOTE: A pattern must be purchased for this class.
Want a price list? Interested in booking? Have an idea for a presentation you want to discuss? Please complete the contact form below:
Better Done Quilts 