Appliqué for Realism in Brief

A demonstration using photos to make patterns for realistic appliqué figures and class project featuring reverse layering. Elaborates on the techniques explained in my book, Faces & Places - Images in Appliqué, and it's sequel, Focus on Features - Life-like Portrayals in Appliqué. An intricate study in appliqué and reverse appliqué.
Student's supplies: Basic sewing kit, thread to match, small, fine scissors that cut all the way to the point, removable fabric markers, masking tape, tracing paper, if you have a light box and can bring it, please do so.
Fabrics: 1/4 yard each of 4 to 6 different gray fabrics (solids only!) ranging in value from dark to light and all of a similar hue. Include black and white in addition to grays, if desired. (NOTE: Another color besides gray may be chosen, but gray is safe. If opting for another color make sure to have 4 to 6 light to dark values of that color. Optional: ½ yd. pastel color (can be print) of your choice for background. Project choices will be Dancer's Head or Anthony the Rabbit from Faces & Places book.

Teacher's supplies: Slide projector, tray and screen, chalk, chalkboard and eraser, light boxes—as many as possible—or a room with lots of accessible windows is an acceptable alternative.
6 hour class - Advanced technique but willing beginners are acceptable for class.


 

Appliqué for Realism Design Class

Use photos to make patterns for realistic appliqué figures. Class elaborates on the techniques explained in my book, Faces & Places - Images in Appliqué and in it's sequel, Focus on Features - Life-like Portrayals in Appliqué. An intricate and tricky study in appliqué and reverse appliqué, but mastery of the technique is well worth the extra effort.
Student's supplies: Basic sewing kit, thread to match, pins, small, fine scissors that cut all the way to the point, removable fabric markers, masking tape, fine black permanent marker. If you have a light box and can bring it, please do so. Several photographs, slides, clippings, etc. of something you would like to be the subject of your quilt - give yourself a wide choice. If you know how large you want the subject of your quilt, make a color copy of your photo and have it blown up to the size you wish to make it on your quilt (life-size is recommended). If you haven't decided on a size, you can use a projector to enlarge it in class. Newsprint or sketch paper - as large as the quilt you will be designing in class, and tracing paper.
Fabrics: If you opt to do a provided class project bring: 1/4 yard each of 4 to 6 different gray fabrics (solids only!) ranging from dark to light and all of a similar hue. Include black and white in addition to grays, if desired. Another color besides gray may be chosen, but gray is safe. If opting for another color make sure to have 4 to 6 light to dark values of that color. ½ yd. pastel color (can be print) of your choice for background. Project choices will be Dancer's Head or Anthony the Rabbit from FACES & PLACES book. If you will be designing your own quilt bring fabric appropriate to the size and subject matter of your project - i.e., several shades or values of the colors for any figures, prints and textures where applicable.
Teacher's supplies: Slide projector, tray and screen, chalk, chalkboard and eraser, opaque projector (Check to see if one can be borrowed from a library or school—it is not the same as an overhead projector. More than 1 is necessary if a 2 or more day class which has more than 10 students), light boxes—as many as possible—or a room with lots of accessible windows is an acceptable alternative. However, the room, or an adjoining room, needs to be able to be made dark for projectors. Feel free to call and discuss room requirements and/or supplies with me.
2 to 4 day class - Advanced technique but willing beginners are acceptable for class.


Portrait by Machine Workshop

Geared for those who don't like hand appliqué, this class project demonstrates how a face can be constructed with a reverse layering technique and without the build-up of stack-upon-stack of fusible products. Edges are finished with satin-stitch and resulting product is light and flexible.
Student's supplies: Kit fee: 15.00 (for fabric), small, fine scissors that cut all the way to the point, removable fabric markers, masking tape, seam ripper, light box (can be shared with another student), extension cord, sewing machine with regular, quilting and/or embroidery foot, fusible thread*, 4 to 6 different colors flesh tone cotton machine embroidery thread (optional)*, bobbin thread (optional)*, 10" x 12" piece Sulky Totally Stable stabilizer*.
Teacher's supplies: Will need as many irons as can be set up - 2 up to max of 4 to an iron - if this is the case should iron and ironing pad be included on supply list?
6 hour class - Intermediate to Advanced
*These items available for purchase from teacher in classroom.


Portrait Pattern Drawing Workshop

Study the process of using photos to create patterns for appliqué with an emphasis on faces. Pets and flowers are also welcome subject matter. Photos will be traced so extensive artistic ability is not required. No sewing will be done on this class.
Student's supplies: Kit fee: $3.00, ultrafine Sharpie (fine tip black permanent marker), write-on transparency film (available in class for purchase), 8 to 12 large photos at least 8" x 10" in size from your personal collection. Color copies are fine to use. Photos should not be in frames or be on thick (other than regular photo paper) paper. Snapshots may be used if they have been blown up to larger size on a color copier or computer. Close-ups are best - faces should be at least 5" - 6" from forehead to chin. Good shadowing and contrast are desirable in your photos. Sharp pencils, eraser, tracing paper. If you have a light box and can bring it along with an extension cord please do so.
Teacher's supplies:Overhead projector with screen or white wall, chalkboard and chalk or flip chart.
3 hour workshop - For informed beginner and up


Layered Landscapes Workshop

Bring your favorite landscape photos to class and turn one into an appliqué design. Then working from the pattern you have created, learn to layer the landscape so no backing muslin is needed. Fabric and color choices will also be discussed in order to achieve desired reality. Techniques from the landscape portion of my book, Faces & Places - Images in Appliqué.
Student's supplies: Basic sewing kit, needles (I like 11 or 12 sharps), thread to match fabrics, pins, scissors (small, fine ones that cut all the way to the point), pencil, removable fabric markers, notebook, masking tape, overhead projector transparency film (available in class for 25 cents a sheet), black permanent fine-tip marker, black dry-erase fine-tip marker, 18" x 24" drawing paper, landscape photos - snapshot size, fabrics in amounts, colors and textures appropriate for portraying your landscape - give yourself as wide a selection as you can. If you have a light box and can bring it, please do so; one is not required for every person.
For two or more day class you may choose to make a larger project. Bring paper large enough for the project you have in mind and fabrics in the amounts, colors and textures appropriate for portraying your landscape in a larger size.
Teacher's supplies: Slide projector, tray and screen, chalkboard, chalk and eraser or dry-erase equipment, at least 2 overhead projectors - and it would be most helpful if a small adjoining room is available for a dark room for enlarging designs with the projectors, light boxes - as many as possible - or room with accessible windows is an acceptable alternative. Feel free to call and discuss room and/or supplies with me. If a copy store is nearby, projectors or dark room will not be needed.
1 to 4 day workshop - For intermediate and up skill level

• Note: The Appliqué for Realism Design, Portrait by Machine, and Layered Landscapes classes may all be combined into one class (all techniques discussed and taught) if desired as long as the class is three days or longer. Students are allowed more options in the longer format class this way. This combination class must be requested and approved.


Pieced Pictures Workshop

Translate pictures, line drawings, photographs, into piecework—a technique that gives a slightly more abstract look to the subject. Make patchwork of animals landscapes, buildings, anything you choose. You may opt to get intricate enough that you friends will think you have appliquéd instead of pieced. This is a different approach to pieced pictures than you may have learned elsewhere and is applicable to pictures ranging from block size to a full size quilt.
Student's supplies: Handouts - $1.00, basic sewing kit, needles, pins, scissors (both paper and fabric), X-acto or craft knife and small cutting mat (optional), ruler, pencils, fabric markers, notebook, masking tape, tracing paper, sandpaper board (or piece of fine sandpaper glued inside manilla folder), small envelopes.
Fabrics: A wide variety of small amounts (scraps or 1/4 yds.) of fabric in scenic colors—at least 6 each of light blues, light greens, dark greens, tans. Several browns, blacks, grays in prints or solids, small amount of white and orange, thread to match or can sew with neutral color. Students are encouraged to share with other students, if willing. Optional: freezer paper and iron, sewing machine.
For 2 or more day class add: Large paper in size according to the project you have in mind (graph paper can be helpful), several photos, drawings, magazine clippings, etc. of a landscape, animal, building, or whatever you would like to make into a pieced picture. Fabrics in colors, prints, textures and amounts appropriate to your subject matter.
Teacher's supplies: Slide projector, tray and screen, chalk, chalkboard, eraser, 2 irons and ironing boards. For 2 or more day class: an OPAQUE projector—check to see if one can be borrowed from library or school. If opaque projector cannot be found, call to discuss options. An adjoining room that can be used as a dark room so we can use projectors to enlarge our pictures. Call about room requirements if you have questions.
1 to 4 day workshop - For intermediate and up skill level


If I Were a Carpenter - but I'm a Quilter (Workshop)

A class on putting architecture into pictorial quilts. You may desire do to a rendering of your own home, a city landmark, or a world recognized structure. Topics will cover how to go about designing a pattern (as simple or complex as you like), fabric suggestions, and deciding whether to construct the quilt in piecework or applique.
Student's supplies: Basic sewing kit, scissors (both paper and fabric), pencil eraser, ruler, masking tape, graph paper (4 square per inch is fine) as large as you can get it, freezer paper, scotch tape, sheet of write-on transparency film (available in class at 50 cents a sheet), black fine-tip permanent marker, several photos of building(s) you would like to interpret in fabric. Fabric suitable for portraying your chosen building in appropriate prints, stripes, solids - in amounts adequate to complete the size of quilt you have in mind whether single block or large quilt.
Teacher's supplies: Slide projector, tray and screen, chalk, chalkboard, eraser, at least 2 irons and boards, 1 or more overhead projectors (if one cannot be obtained call me for alternative set-ups for enlarging procedures).
1 to 2 day workshop - For intermediate and up skill level


Spirograph Quilting Designs Workshop

A technique to make flowing quilt designs that resemble patterns made with a Spirograph toy. This method will enable you to make a quilting design of any size. Use designs to enhance pieced compasses, other traditional blocks, or whole cloth quilts.
Student's supplies: Handouts - $1.00, scissors (paper), ruler, sharp pencils, pencil sharpener (or mechanical pencil), eraser, template material, scotch tape, pad of plain paper (8 ½" x 11" or larger), compass, protractor, any French curves or other drafting implements you may own or wish to buy (cheap ones from K-Mart!), a flexible curve is also handy.
Teacher's supplies: Chalk, chalkboard, eraser or dry erase board.
3 hour workshop - For all skill levels


Seminole Stripping & Other Techniques
in Specialty Fabrics Workshop

Students will learn the use of silk and fabrics that quilters do not typically use in Seminole patchwork and make at least one strip in class. Suggestions on how to use Seminole creatively in trimming and decorating quilts will be offered along with a discussion on how I look at commercial clothing patterns to determine what would make a potentially wonderful garment. Also practical advice on using specialty fabrics in other quilting processes such as hand piecing and appliqué.
Student's supplies: Sewing machine with extension cord, machine needles size 60/8, 65/9 or 70/10, thread to match fabrics, rotary cutter, cutting ruler (18" or longer) and cutting mat, scissors, pins, pencil, notebook. Optional: spray sizing.
Fabrics: ½ yd. each of 4 colors of silk or silk-like fabrics (silk broadcloth, pongee, honan, shantung, etc. is suggested - 100% polyesters that resemble silk are fine - lamé if you like). Choose fabrics that have stability - you don't want ones that shimmy and slide around too much or fray excessively (some fraying is OK). 2 yds sheer to lightweight Pellon interfacing.
Teacher's supplies: Chalk, chalkboard, eraser, garment rack, at least 2, preferably more irons and boards.
1 day workshop - For intermediate or beginner skill levels with sewing background


Piecing to Fit Workshop

In this basic wearable design class make a pieced vest in which the piecing is arranged to fit the shape of your chosen pattern. Ideas and arrangements for several pieced designs will be available so that you can create a vest that is yours alone. Techniques learned can then be applied to designing more elaborate articles of clothing.
Student's supplies: Handouts - $1.00, sewing machine and all attachments and accessories needed for straight sewing, pins, scissors, paper scissors, ruler, measuring tape, pencil, eraser, fine black permanent marker, basic commercial vest pattern (Simplicity, McCall's, Vogue, etc. or teacher will have one in several sizes which you can trace - it will save time if you have your own) large paper (tissue, newsprint, etc.), freezer paper. Optional: rotary cutter and mat.
Fabrics: Yardage recommended on your pattern envelope or one yard black fabric for vest front. You can choose a color other than black if you wish, but black is easy to work around other colors. 1/4 yard of 4 to 6 addtional fabrics in your choice of colors for piecework. Thread to match your fabrics. Optional: Buttons, interfacing and lining needed to complete the vest.
Teacher's supplies:Chalkboard and chalk or flip chart, flannel board or foam core board.
1 day workshop - For intermediate skill level


It's Got the Look Workshop

Learn to enhance your pictorial projects with strange or unusual fabrics. Class time will include where to shop for unconventional fabrics, making the most of materials with peculiar prints or textures, and encouragement to use specialty fabrics - all to gain eye-pleasing visual effects in your quilts. A small fabric "picture" will be made in class.
Student's supplies: Basic sewing kit, needles, scissors (both fabric and paper), pencil, fabric markers, notebook, pins, ruler, gluestick (check that it's fresh), and small amounts of fabric that look like the following: sky (daytime & sunset), water, sand, grass, clouds, rocks, bricks, house siding (striped fabric?), rooftops (shingles, shakes, tiles), treebark, leaves (small scale), flower garden (multicolored), plowed earth, fence. Not more than 1/4 yd. Of each fabric is needed. See if you can find these fabrics in your collection before you go out and buy any new fabric. Workshop participants will be encouraged to share. Thread to match fabrics. If it is convenient for you to bring a light box, please do so.
Teacher's supplies: slide projector, tray screen, chalk, chalkboard, eraser, as many light boxes as you can provide.
3 hour workshop - For all skill levels

• Note: If It's Got the Look lecture is selected as part of the teaching engagement, it is suggested that this 3 hour class be held sometime after the lecture.


Finesse Appliqué Workshop

A practical presentation geared toward increasing skills in needle-turn appliqué. Students will learn precise points, gentle curves, exact circles, accurate corners, etc., while stitching together an enchanting Chinese dragon.
Student's supplies: Pattern fee - $2.00, basic sewing kit, pins, needles, scissors (small, fine ones that cut all the way to the point), thread to match fabrics, fabric markers (I like Dixon Washout Cloth Markers), pencil, notebook. If you have a light box and can bring it, please do so. If no light box bring dressmaker's carbon and ball point pen or burnisher.
Fabrics: 1 yd. Background fabric, ½ yd. For main body of dragon, scrap of white, several (6 - 12) coordinating or contrasting fabrics for smaller details of dragon (claws, fins, beard, etc.)
Teacher's supplies: Chalk, chalkboard, eraser, light boxes (if available), or room with lots of accessible windows to use as light boxes.
1 day workshop - For intermediate and up skill level


Up or Down? Workshop

So you don't know the difference between appliqué and reverse appliqué or when it's appropriate to use one technique over the other? Then this is the class for you. Make a Christmas ornament that will give you experience in both processes.
Student's supplies: Basic sewing kit, scissors (small, fine ones that cut all the way to the point), thimble, a light box if it is convenient for you to bring one. Kit fee $5.00
Teacher's supplies: CHALK, chalkboard, eraser, light box (1 or more, if available)
3 hour workshop - For informed beginner and up skill level


Fusible Thread Appliqué Workshop

A lightweight approach to fusible appliqué. Fusible thread (several brands available) is used in the bobbin and can be used to create appliqué forms that avoid the build-up and stiffness of other fusible products. This method is suitable for quilts or clothing. Class project is a bluebird on a branch.
Student's supplies: Kit fee $14.00, sewing machine & extension cord, basic sewing kit, scissors (small, fine ones that cut all the way to the point), fabric markers, invisible thread, a light box if it is possible for you to bring one.
Teacher's supplies:Chalkboard and chalk or flip chart, flannel board or foam core board.
3 hour workshop - For informed beginner and up skill level


An Eye for Faces Workshop

Using reverse appliqué, construct a detailed eye complete with eyebrow, lashes, iris, eye white, pupil and tear duct - tiny details you would think are impossible to do in appliqué, but are actually quite easy done with the proper technique. If time, a demonstration of drawing a pattern for a face will take place.
Student's supplies: Basic sewing kit, pins, needles, scissors (small, fine ones that cut all the way to the point), thread to match fabrics, removable fabric markers, pencil, notebook. If you have a light box and can bring it to class please do so.
Fabrics: 6" square flesh color, 3" squares of your choice of color for eyebrow, lashes, iris, and white, black and pink.
3 hour workshop - For intermediate skill level

• Note: Techniques taught in this class are demonstrated in the Appliqué for Realism Design Class.


Free-Formed Flowers Workshop

Construct multi-hued flowers, such as those for Baltimore appliqué, petal by petal separately from the background. Completed flowers are then sewn in place - a process that will give your quilt an even hand with no built-up layers and easy quiltability.
Student's supplies: Basic sewing kit, needles, pins, small, fine scissors that cut all the way to the point, thread to match fabrics, removable fabric markers, if you have a light box and can bring it, please do so.
Fabrics: 6" squares (or scraps) of 5 shades or values of flower color of your choice (i.e. pink, blue, yellow - solids are easiest to work with), 2 shades of green, 8" square of background fabric.
Teacher's supplies: Chalk, chalkboard, eraser, light boxes (if available), or room with lots of accessible windows to use as light boxes.
3 hour workshop - For all skill levels


Free-Formed Flower Arrangement Workshop

Make a variety of flowers that are constructed free of the background fabric. (Georgia Bonesteel calls this appliqué in the air.) Once the flowers have been sewn, you can then create your own arrangement placing each constructed flower where you please. We will concentrate on hand appliqué but machine appliqué will also be demonstrated. This can be a machine optional class.
Student's supplies: Kit fee $20.00, basic sewing kit, scissors (small, fine ones that cut all the way to the point), thimble, a light box if it is convenient for you to bring one.
Teacher's supplies: Chalk, chalkboard, eraser, light box (1 or more, if available) or room with accessible windows.
2 day workshop - For informed beginner and up