August - September 2010 E-Newsletter Update

With summer half over, it is time to think of new classes. Hope you see something here that entices you. Remember, I am always happy to schedule the class of your choice by request.

Deadlines are fast approaching. Hope to see you soon.

AUGUST 2010 CLASSES

Workshop: FABRIC SELECTION MADE EASY
Date: Tuesday, August 24
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: My home, 105 Wildwood Court, Boscobel, WI
Class size: Minimum of 4 students / maximum of 8 students
Class fee of $35

One of the most challenging parts of making a quilt is choosing the fabrics. This class will change the way you think about fabric and shed new light on the process of selecting fabric for your projects. There is no sewing in this class, so no heavy equipment to bring. What you will bring with you are 3" squares of 20 different fabrics (cut 2 each, for a total of 40 squares). We will share the squares everyone brings, and use them to illustrate a Fabric Selection notebook that will serve as a valuable reference tool.

Good for any level of quiltmaking expertise. Covers ideas on how to make exciting fabric combinations. There is no sewing in this workshop. These skills will translate into all of your future quiltmaking adventures.

Registration deadline for this class is Tuesday, August 17.

SEPTEMBER 2010 CLASSES

Workshop: MASTERING HAND QUILTING
Date: Wednesday, September 8
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: My home, 105 Wildwood Court, Boscobel, WI
Class size: Maximum of 8 students: ONLY 2 OPENINGS REMAIN.
Class fee of $35

This is the class that many of you have asked for, teaching the stab stitch (or poke-pull method) of hand quilting. Whether you have quilted before or not, this class is for you. Begin as if you are new to the topic, and explore the world of poke-pull (or stab stitch) quilting. This is done quite differently from the running stitch. I will teach you how poke-pull quilting allows you to make quilting stitches that straight and even, and look the same on the front of the quilt as they do on the back. No more calluses, no more sore fingers, and no need for a thimble, poke-pull quilting is especially good for those with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or limited flexibility due to mastectomies. This is the method I use to get tiny even stitches.

Learn how to transfer the design onto your quilt top, how to prepare your layers for quilting, and how to do a truly lovely quilting stitch.

Proficiency: All levels

Registration deadline for this class is Wednesday, September 1.
Again, only 2 openings remain for this session!

Workshop: HAWAIIAN APPLIQUE
Date: Tuesday, September 21
Time 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: My home, 105 Wildwood Court, Boscobel, WI
Class size maximum of 6 students due to space required. CLASS IS FULL.
Class fee of $60 per student includes the $5 handout

The lacy elegance of paper snowflakes is translated into fabric in this applique technique indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. Fabric is folded and cut to create a one-of-a-kind design. Surround a 12" block with an elegant appliqued border. The resulting 24" piece is stunning by itself, or spectacular as the central medallion for your next quilt.

Learn how to create your own pattern and how to applique it with invisible stitchery. This class is full, but if you are interested in learning this wonderful technique, let me know and another session will be scheduled.

Proficiency: All levels

Registration deadline: again, this session is full. Contact me if you are interested in scheduling another session.

Workshop: BORDERS: THEY ARE NOT JUST TO MAKE YOUR QUILT BIG ENOUGH!
Date: Tuesday, September 28
Time 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: My home, 105 Wildwood Court, Boscobel, WI
Class size: minimum of 4 students, maximum of 8 students
Class fee of $35 per student includes the $5 handout

You will want to bring a camera to this one! Over 3 dozen quilts will be shown, all with different border treatments for your consideration. How you frame your quilt can be so much more than just four strips of fabric added to the edges. This program explores the wide range of possibilities for border treatments by examining dozens of variations on border treatments. Edges that don't ripple, easy mitered corners, working with Jinny Beyer border strips, as well as how to construct sawtooth edging are just a few of the topics to be covered.

Proficiency: All levels

Registration deadline for this class is Tuesday, September 21.

Retreat Preview

For those of you waiting to see what I will be doing at the Cabin Fever Retreat at Watson Homestead in Painted Post, NY February 4-6, 2011, it is LINCOLN LOGS & TINKER TOYS. This is a brand new class designed especially for Watson Homestead. Tinker Toys is shown above. This class plays with how to combine dozens of fabrics (whether scrap or new) into your choice of two sparkling designs.

They have opened registration, so you can now contact them to sign up. Spaces fill quickly.

I will also be teaching MASTERING HAND QUILTING at Watson Homestead on Friday afternoon, February 4 from 2pm - 5 pm. So whether you can only come on Friday afternoon, or you are able to join me for the Retreat Weekend, I hope to see you at Watson Homestead in February.

To register for classes at Watson Homestead, contact them at Watson Homestead
607-962-0541
watsonneil@stny.rr.com
www.watsonhomestead.com

General information about classes in my home:

• I am located in Boscobel, WI, which is in the southwestern part of the state. I am happy to help with directions if needed. There is a local motel, as well as a very nice Bed and Breakfast in the area if you are coming from a distance.
• Classes have a minimum of 4 students, and a maximum of 6 - 8 students, depending on if a sewing machine is required or not.
• Doors will open 20 minutes prior to class so you can claim your space and get set up so we can start class promptly at 9:30. It is ok to park in the driveway.
• If it is an all day class, there will be a 30 minute lunch break. Bring a bag lunch. Dessert is provided. You are welcome to use my refrigerator or microwave if you like.
• Registration deadline is one week prior to the class date.
• Registration is simple. Email me at wihalpin@mwt.net
  Clicking on the link will open an email window for you. Fill in the subject and message, saying you want to register for the class. You will receive a supply list as confirmation of your registration. If you don't hear from me in a day or two, email again, or call me, just to be sure the information gets through. I ask that you let me know when you receive the supply list so that I know you know what to bring with you.
• Payment of the class fee is made in class. You are on your honor to come to the classes you have signed up for, or find someone to take your place.
• Class fee include the handout of instructions, and depending on the class, some of the supplies needed. There are additional supplies you will need to bring, and these will be sent to you on your supply list when you register.
• If there is a specific class you would like that you don't see in the schedule (I have over 60 program offerings on my website), or if the dates listed don't work for you, you may request a specific date if you have a group of 4 or more students. If you have fewer than 4, contact me because I may have a waiting list for the class you are interested in.

Newsletter Notification...

If you would like to be added to my mailing list, send me an email at wihalpin@mwt.net
Clicking on this link will open an email window for you. Fill in the subject and message, saying you want to be added to my mailing list.

You will then receive future emails notifying you when the newsletter has been updated, with a link to the newsletter. You may also pass along the class info to your group or guild. If your email address changes, be sure to let me know so I can update your information. As always, if you decide you no longer want to receive info, ask to be removed from my mailing list.

Also, a website hint: Remember to refresh or reload your page when you go to a place on the computer you have bookmarked. (Go to the VIEW option: one of the choices will be RELOAD PAGE or REFRESH PAGE) Otherwise, you will see the same version you saw when you bookmarked the page, rather than the current version of the site.