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Dragonfly Quilts

Maggie Ball

 

Lectures

Bits and Pieces

This illustrated lecture is a review of my years as a quilter including my experiences teaching kids to quilt and voluntary work in Mongolia – inspirations, growth, and evolution. (1 hour)

Bits and Pieces - trunk show

A lecture with quilt show, reviewing my years as a quilter including my experiences teaching kids to quilt and voluntary work in Mongolia - inspirations, grown, and evolution. (1 hour)

Quilters without Borders - Piecing together a better future for Mongolian quilters

In June 2004, I visited Mongolia as a volunteer to teach quilting to low income and unemployed women. I returned in June 2006 to help organize the first International Quilt Show in Mongolia, and again in 2009 to teach and visit the new Mongolian Quilting Center in Ulaanbaatar. This illustrated lecture recounts my experiences teaching and traveling in Mongolia, a land rich in tradition and beauty, and my continuing association with the quilters there. (1 hour)

Creative Quilting with Kids

This illustrated lecture should inspire you to pass on the quilting tradition to the next generation. Based on my books, Creative Quilting with Kids and Patchwork and Quilting with Kids (Krause Publications 2001, and 2003), this talk illustrates examples of projects made from a variety of techniques by children of all ages and skill levels. There are many appropriate for intergenerational groups with little quilting experience as well as some new ideas for seasoned quilters to enjoy. (1 hour)

Schedule

Please click here for my teaching schedule. Fees are negotiable. Contact me at maggie.quilter@gmail.com for details.

Workshops

Maximum class size for all workshops is 20 students.

* Featured in my book Traditional Quilts with a Twist (Krause Publications, August 2006)

* Featured in my book Bargello Quilts with a Twist (Krause Publications, October 2008)

 

Gateway to Mongolia – 1 Day

 

The ölzii, or never-ending knot, is a traditional Mongolian motif symbolizing the dynamic expanse of the universe and the endless cycles of life and death. It brings long life and prosperity, and drives away wild beasts and evil spirits. This symbol is used widely in Mongolia as decorative art and the pattern for the quilt, including the border, was taken from the door of a Mongolian ger (yurt). You may use either a dark or light background with contrasting ölzii and border. Shading with similar values in the ölzii adds to the subtle woven effect.

Click here for the supplies list.

Skill Level – All levels.

 

* Bargello Quilts with a Twist – 1-3 Days

 

The Bargello 16-piece block, as featured in my book Bargello Quilts with a Twist, provides enormous potential for creating original designs. If you've felt intimidated by the bargello technique of sewing numerous strips together, never fear. To make this easily constructed strip-pieced block, you only need to sew four strips at a time. You will be amazed and delighted bythe many possibilities for designing your own unique quilts and students are encouraged to explore a variety of options. The picture shows a 36-blocker. Click here to see further examples.

Click here for the supplies list.

Skill Level – All levels.

Feathered Star - 2 or more Days

 

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Make the beautiful 28½” Radiant Star block with your choice of Le Moyne Star, Snowball or Kaleidoscope in the center. We will study a variety of piecing techniques for perfect triangles, including foundation paper-piecing for the feathers. We begin with instruction in basic pattern drafting to make a template for the star arms and to calculate the sizes of the block components. Then we’ll continue with constructing the block and a discussion of options for making a medallion-style quilt to showcase this stunning star. Click here for the supplies list.

Click here for the supplies list.

Skill Level – Intermediate.

* The Bears Come Out at Night - 1 Day

 

This charming crib quilt or wall hanging features Sawtooth Star Bear Paw blocks set with three sizes of Ohio Stars. Choose a variety of colors and make your stars shine out like gems. In this class, emphasis is placed on precise piecing. You'll learn techniques to make your triangles precise and pristine. The pattern is one of several new Bear Paw blocks that I've created, and I'll introduce you to some of the others. All are featured in my book, Traditional Quilts with a Twist.

Click here for the supplies list.

Skill Level – Intermediate.

 

* 6-Block Bear Paw Sampler – 1 or 2 Days

 

You will learn to piece a variety of new blocks derived from the traditional Bear Paw pattern, all featured in my book, Traditional Quilts with a Twist. Pick out your favorites to make this attractive large lap 6-block Bear Paw quilt. I'll also share an alternative 5-block setting and ideas for creative variations. In this class, emphasis is placed on precise piecing and techniques to make your triangles precise and pristine.

Click here for supplies list  

Skill Level – Intermediate.

 

* 13-Block Bear Paw Sampler – 2-5 Days

 

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You will learn to construct a variety of blocks derived from the traditional Bear Paw pattern. Choose all thirteen, or select your favorites for your Bear Paw quilt. We will discuss ways in which you may change the value placements within the patterns and a variety of options for assembling the blocks. Class includes instructions for the pieced borders.

Skill Level – Intermediate.

 

*Ohio Star Lattice – 1 or 2 Days

 

Create new and interesting blocks by inserting a lattice into a traditional favorite, the Ohio Star, or select any 9-patch block. The pattern is wide open for individual interpretation and a variety of options will be discussed. Students are encouraged to experiment by using different lattice fabrics within the block and planning a larger lattice pattern extending beyond the block boundaries to produce secondary patterns. Elements of quilt design will be discussed including color, value and scale, as well as useful tips for the precise piecing of triangles.

Click here for supplies list.

Skill level – Intermediate.

 

 Kaleidoscopic Pinwheels – 1 Day

 

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For those who enjoy instant gratification with an element of surprise, these pinwheels will delight, excite, and may become addictive. Inspired by Bethany Reyold’s Magic Stack ‘N Whack, I have devised a technique for making pinwheels that float on the background. With this simple and forgiving method, all the pinwheels have precise sharp points and look awesome.

Click here for supplies list

Skill Level – All levels.

 

Quilt Design and UFO Clinic – 1 Day

We'll discuss many aspects of designing quilts and choosing fabrics including color, value, scale and proportions. After a simple exercise examining value, we'll study your unfinished quilts and brainstorm any problems. Bring your stack of quilt blocks or partially made quilt tops that are begging for help. You'll be offered suggestions for solutions and benefit from multiple opinions. No sewing in this class.

Quilt Show Judging

I am trained and certified by the Northern California Quilt Council to judge quilts and wearable art. Contact me for a judging résumé.

 

Home Bargello Schedule G of M Supplies Bargello Supplies Pinwheel Supplies Lattice Supplies B at Night Supplies B 6 block Supplies

The contents of this website are copyrighted (2009).  No material may be reproduced without the permission of Maggie Ball.