Mystery block-of-the-month : “Bohemian Bouquet”

In 2008, I'll be launching something new and fun: a mystery block-of-the-month program called “Bohemian Bouquet.” The starting session will be Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at Quilters Loft Company in Mooresville NC. If you think you might be interested in participating, please call the Quilters Loft Company and ask them to put you on the list to get more information. We will have more details and pricing information available soon.

If you don't live near Mooresville and would like to participate, please e-mail me and let me know to put you on the list to receive more information.

Here's a sneak peak at the first block and a look at how the rest of the 48x48" quilt will go together. You won't find out what the rest of the blocks look like until you pick up the kit each month. You could do this as needleturn appliqué or – if you want something really fast and easy — fusible appliqué with satin or blanket stitch around the appliqué pieces. The center block is 20 inches square, so even though it looks intricate in the photo, the shapes are actually large, and the corners rounded.

Winter class schedule

Once I get through a very busy fall, I'll be looking forward to teaching the following classes at Quilters Loft Company in Mooresville. As soon as we have prices and supply lists, I will post them here.

Beginning Machine Quilting
Wednesday, December 12, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you are a beginning quilter who wants to learn how to machine quilt your tops, this is the class for you. You'll learn the basics of how to prepare the quilt sandwich by layering and basting, how to free-motion quilt several motifs, and lots of tips to ensure good results. Pfaff sewing machines for this class will be provided by Quilters Loft Company, so even if you don't have a machine that can do free-motion quilting, you can learn more in class before deciding if it is your cup of tea.

Beginning Threadpainting
Tuesday, January 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is a freemotion machine embroidery class for those who want to learn how to “paint” with thread. Working on a dragonfly design (see photo below), you'll learn about stabilizers, thread choices, and how to adapt a design from a photo or copyright-free clipart. Pfaff sewing machines will be provided by Quilters Loft Company.


Creative Surface Design Workshop
Saturday, January 26
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Want to learn more about some of the exciting new materials you can use in (or on) your quilts? Come and play with Lumiere and Dye-na-Flow fabric paints, Shiva paintstiks, Angelina fibers, Tyvek (see photo below) and more. We will provide all the supplies; you'll pay a materials fee as part of the cost of the class. A fun, low stress way to try some new things.