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.
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.
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.
Strip Piecing 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 18 x 24 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 (1/2 or full day)
Are you afraid of curves? This class is designed to help you get over your fears about sewing curved quilt blocks. The class is great for confident beginners and for experienced quilters who avoid patterns with curves! This workshop will show you basics and advanced tips on sewing curved quilt pieces while you practice on 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 including pinning, gluing, and using an awl. By the end of a full day, you will have a modern quilted wall hanging or table runner.
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 flanged and facing) will be demonstrated and we will discuss special types of binding. You will prepare your pieces for binding, prepare the bindings, and practice either flanged binding or facing (both for the full day version). For a full day workshop, each participant can bring in an unbound quilt and we will have a group consultation session for selecting a binding method. You will finish the day with one or two bound placemats. These are skills you will use on every quilt you make!
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 