Are you looking for new ideas for workshops at your venue? You might be at the right place.

Teaching is my professional background. The patterns in my line are the direct result of my quilting classes. I teach a wide variety of piecing and appliqué techniques and am constantly searching for a different approach or a new twist in my designs. Although deeply rooted in traditional quilt making techniques, I have been told that my designs have a distinct contemporary feel. Most of my projects are for machine work, but I am especially excited to see that more and more woman rediscover the joy and peace of handwork.

Here are some options for workshop topics. Click on any of the cover pages below to view more details about each pattern.

Press & Stitch

This is a quilt-as-you-go technique for curves and odd angles. It is ideal for use of fusible batting but not limited to it. Regular batting with a content of at least 50% content of natural fibers works also well. Its other main components are bias strips made from the vast choice of designer fabrics.

186 Easy Diamonds	190 Easy Curves	187 Easy Apple Core	185 Easy Clam Shells	193 Cinnamon Spice

1 day	Choose any of the above shown runners as they all follow the same principle. You will learn this nifty technique, and most likely go home with the finished project, ready to try out the other options.
2 days	“Cinnamon Spice” is a two-sided lap quilt; you will learn two different quilt-as-you-go techniques, one of them being our own “Press & Stitch” for the curves. Also included in this workshop is how to apply a split French binding that complements the different sides of the quilt.

Magic Miters

Our innovative finishing technique is actually a mitered facing sewn to the back of the project. No fiddling and frustration here; it is as easy as sewing half square triangles together. As a result it gives you a perfectly mitered border with no need for binding.

149 A Handful of Fancy Placemats	162 Elegant Table Dressings

1 day	Start out the day by learning the principles of this technique; then create your own set of “Fancy Placemats”. Choose to make them canvas-like with two fused layers of fabric or use a thin batting.
1 day	Start out the day by learning the principles of this technique; then create one of the “Elegant Table Dressings” with your choice of scalloped or curved outside edge.

These two classes can also be combined if participants have made their choice beforehand and bring the required materials for their project. Throughout the day students will learn everything they need to know about the application of this technique to their own custom projects, be they large or small.

3-D Effects in Quilting

This feature adds a surprising tactile dimension to any quilt and is fun to create. “Harmony” and “Flying High” are based on the same idea of working with rectangles and peeled back half triangles on top. “Flying High” features an added wall hanging size quilt. “Four by Four” is based on the three-dimensional bow tie block. Choosing the table runner gives you an added twist to the technique. Either one can be taught as a 1 or 2 day workshop.

172 Harmony	180 Flying High	183 Four by Four

1 day	We will start with samples in the basic technique and then apply your new skill to your chosen project.
2 days	The same as above with a good chance to finish a big chunk towards completion of the project.

Switch & Stitch

Stack your fabrics, cut them with your rotary cutter, then switch the different layers and stitch them back together. This is a liberating approach to piecing as precision is not a requirement.

124 Sew Easy Curves	134 Hopscotch Too	181 Waves

1 day	“Sew Easy Curves” placemats are truly reversible as they are pieced with free-form curves on both sides. They also feature a split binding to complement the different sides.
1 day	“Hopscotch Too” is a fun approach to a quick quilt. The blocks alternate their direction and thus bring liveliness to the top.
2 days	“Waves” features free-form curves, quilt-as you-go assembly and a split French binding. The back is a great place to use up fabrics from your stash.

Being Partial to Partial Seams

Here is an easy but often overlooked design principle. The results make onlookers wonder “How did she do this?”

142 Oriental Tiles	150 Ribbonworks	182 Sernity	184 Serenity Placemats

1 day	“Oriental Tiles” is quite versatile. You can either sew it from one of those large scale pretty prints that you don’t want to cut apart or use a collection of fat quarters to give it a sophisticated but scrappy look.
1 day	“Ribbonworks” is striking in the distinct colours and subtle prints that you find in batiks. On point placement and an interesting border solution make this a stunning quilt that looks like woven ribbons.
1 day	Partial seams are the secret to create this interesting effect of a woven trellis. Choose to sew the “Serenity” table runner or set of placemats.
2 days	It’s a MYSTERY! For obvious reasons I can only give more information to interested store owners or guild chair persons. All I can disclose here is its size: 53" x 73”.

Hand Piecing

148 Victorian Stars	158 Hands All Around

1 day	“Victorian Stars” has been developed for the quilter who is interested in hand piecing. You will learn everything you need to know about templates, marking, piecing, setting in of seams, and curves. Machine piecers with an open mind are welcome.
1 day	“Hands all Around” features a block for the intermediate level. Choose to create the table runner or start work on the table cloth which is large enough to be used as a bed topper.

Hand Appliqué

Medley of Appliqué Techniques	Picture Perfect Appliqué

1 day	“Medley of Appliqué Techniques” leads you through a variety of leaf shapes executed in freezer paper appliqué, needle turn appliqué, reverse appliqué, one that is basted from the back, as well as narrow stems.
1 day	“Picture Perfect Appliqué” is an intermediate level workshop. It teaches a technique that is ideal for any motif with lots of layered detail. A transparent overlay makes sequencing and overlapping easy without having to trace the whole design to the base fabric.

English Paper Piecing

159 Memories	147 China Plates	166 Crown of Diamonds

1 day	Use a treasured collection of fabrics for this project – anything that holds “Memories” for you or the recipient of this quilt, or just dive into your scrap box. The combination of different hues and values make these bordered hexagons sparkle like jewels on your quilt top.
1 day	Create your own collection of “China Plates” made from rich and fancy fabrics. You will learn a combination of English Paper Piecing and appliqué. This workshop is suitable for all levels.
1 day	Geared towards the intermediate quilter who is looking for a more challenging project to work on by hand. It involves a combination of English Paper Piecing and appliqué.

Art Quilts

143 Inner Quest	138 In the Mist	133 October Sky	145 Tree of Life

1 day	Sewing the labyrinth of “Inner Quest” is a spiritual experience, especially when done by hand. The easy reverse appliqué will gradually reveal what is lying underneath. Those who can’t wait may also opt for the machine approach.
1 day	This little winter scene “In the Mist” comes to life with a collection of grey fabrics in different values. (Fabric exchange in class is encouraged.) You will enjoy the easy method of controlled raw edge appliqué. The branches are stitched free form and fun as you can be as creative as nature itself.
2 days	“October Sky” is an eye-catching design which is fused and satin-stitched. The tree itself consists of three different fabrics that intertwine and overlap each other. You can choose to make the background day or night, dawn or dusk, or even winter. Some preparation at home is required before class.
2 days	“Tree of Life” is an original interpretation in the Art Deco style of years gone-by. It teaches reverse appliqué and couching and can be executed by hand or machine.

Fun Stuff

Here you find a selection of half day workshops that can be added to any of the one or two day workshops.

113 Monoki	119 Handy Bags	130 Quilter's Companions	192 Coiled Fabric Snowflakes	175 Foxtrot

1 day	“Monoki” has been a long time favourite. This charming little wall hanging incorporates a folded kimono, three-dimensional flowers, and an attractive mitered border.
1/2 day	You can learn the sewing and folding of the kimono in half a day. Maybe you even have time to sew the smaller version that is also included in the pattern.
1/2 day	“Handy Bags” are easy and quick to sew. They include some folding which results in three different full length pockets. Make one for each outfit.
1 day	“Quilter’s Companions” are for the quilter on the go. In class you will sew a tote which carries all your cutting equipment, books, and fabrics as well as the carry-all for all your smaller sewing needs.
1/2 day	How clever is this! You don’t even need to sew in this workshop where you will even be able to use fabric scraps from other projects while you create heirloom “Coiled Fabric Ornaments”. Start with a basic one and proceed to the “Coiled Fabric Snowflakes”.
1 day	This workshop is for sharing and caring. “Foxtrot” uses the same odd mix of fabrics that you can hide successfully in the forever loved log cabin quilt. Therefore it is most suitable to be used for a friendship or charity project. Bring your fabrics and share them in class or use your own palette, if you prefer to do so, but don’t want to miss out on the social aspect of a quilting class.

Still haven’t found what you were looking for? Take a minute and browse my pattern page, or check regularly to see what else has been added. Any of my published patterns are available as classes. Please contact me at ursula@designstoshare.com for more details.