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Lectures
Bits and Pieces
This PowerPoint 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
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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 to see further examples.
Click here for the supplies list. Supplies fee of $5 per student for pattern. The pattern for this quilt is available - click here to order.
Skill Level – All levels.
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* Bargello Quilts with a Twist – 1-3 Days
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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 by the 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. Book recommended, but not required. Click here to order.
Skill Level – All levels.
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Kaleidoscope Puzzle Quilts, template-free technique – 1 or 2 Days
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Learn my template-free method for cutting and piecing Kaleidoscope blocks. It is easy and fast and does not require triangular rulers. Cut enough kite and wedge shaped pieces from 10” squares to yield sixteen or more 8” blocks and play with the layout. The design possibilities are numerous and are fun to explore.
Click here to see other examples.
Click here for the supplies list. Supplies fee of $5 per student for pattern with complete instructions.
The pattern for these quilts is available - click here to order.
Skill level – All levels. |
Op-Art Kaleidoscopes, template-free technique - 1 Day
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Make four large template-free Kaleidoscope blocks using only two fabrics, and then slice and switch to create four new 14” Op-art Kaleidoscope blocks. Once you’ve learnt this technique, you’ll be eager to try it with different fabric combinations to make a larger quilt.
Click here to see a 9 block Op-art Kaleidoscope quilt.
Click here for the supplies list.
Skill level – All levels. |
Op-Art Kaleidosopes, template-free technique – 2 to 5 Days
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This Op-art design, made from sixteen 14” blocks, is surprisingly easy to construct using my method with no wedge-shaped templates or triangular rulers. Cut the wedges and kites with a regular ruler, mix the pieces and assemble large Kaleidoscope blocks. Slice these blocks and play. Students are encouraged to experiment and explore some of the many options for switching the diced pieces to generate interesting looking Op-art Kaleidoscope blocks for their unique quilt. Click here to see a black and white example.
Click here for supplies list.
Skill level – Intermediate.
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Radiant Feathered Star - 2-5 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. To see an example with a Le Moyne Star center, click here.
Click here for the supplies list. Supplies fee of $6 per student for pattern with complete instructions.
Skill Level – Intermediate.
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* The Bears Come Out at Night - 1 Day
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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. Book recommended but not required. Click here to order.
Skill Level – Intermediate.
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* 6-Block Bear Paw Sampler – 1 or 2
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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. Book recommended but not required. Click here to order.
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* 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. Book recommended but not required. Click here to order.
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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.
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UFO Clinic - A Solutions Workshop – Half or 1 Day
Trunk show and instruction provided for exploring a variety of settings for quilt blocks and choosing appropriate borders for your quilts. Bring your stack
of quilt blocks or a partially made, problematic quilt that is begging for help. You'll
be offered suggestions for solutions and benefit from multiple opinions. No
sewing in this class. Skill level - all levels.
Designing Quilts – Half Day
Learn to use the critical elements of design to your advantage, from choosing fabrics to completing successful quilts. Take the mystery out of color and understand how to use value, scale and appropriate proportions to enhance the design of your quilt. Simple exercises and a trunk show of a variety of quilts teach you to make intelligent choices enabling you to create original and exceptional quilts. No
sewing in this class. Skill level - all levels.
Pattern Drafting 101 – Half Day
Learn the basics of successfully drafting patterns for any sized block. Simple exercises on graph paper walk you through a methodical approach, ensuring accurate measurements for the cutting sizes of block components. Receive guidance about planning your quilts to use efficient piecing techniques, and to calculate the fabric requirements for each component. No
sewing in this class. Skill level - all levels.
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.
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