Upcoming Quilting Workshops, Sewing Classes, and Lectures

Along with the launch of my newest book, I am excited to be teaching some new sewing/quilting classes and lectures this season! My workshops are designed with the beginning quilter in mind, as well as a more experienced quilter who is interested in learning more about how I upcycle fabrics in my work. I have such a good time teaching others to love quilting as much as I do!

1- Upcycle Your Quiltmaking

The foundations of quilt making and patchwork are deeply rooted in the simple concept of creative reuse and making new out of old. These are concepts I explore in my own quilt making, which I like to call traditional modern. I wrote my newest book, Wise Craft Quilts: A Guide To Turning Beloved Fabrics into Meaningful Patchwork to expand on this idea.
In this 6 hour, full day workshop, I will guide you through thinking differently about your own modern quilt making. We will plan and begin executing a quilt based on fabrics you have picked from your own life. These fabrics are most likely hiding in a drawer, attic, or a relatives’ house. They could be a loved, yet tattered t-shirt collection, Grandmother’s well-used table linens. They may be as cherished as your baby’s first year clothes, or as mundane as last years clothes set aside for Goodwill.
I will share all my strategies and secrets for cleaning, cutting up and preparing the fabrics for use in a quilting. I’ll discuss other aspects of the quilt making process such as needle size, thread types, etc, suitable for your fabrics. Each student will also receive a copy of The Complete Quilt Design Planner pattern to use both in class and take home to use.
You will leave with an understanding of what our Great Grandmothers innately knew. Look no further than what you already have to make something beautiful.

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2- Hand Stitched Wall Hanging

In this 3 hour, half day workshop, students will discover the absolute joy and relaxation of the current trend of “slow stitching”. This project, simply called Hand Stitched, is from my book Wise Craft Quilts: A Guide To Turning Beloved Fabric Into Meaningful Patchwork, and is made using a method called English Paper Piecing (EPP). Your favorite small bits of scrappy fabrics are hand sewn around acid-free English Paper Pieces chosen by me, for their shapes, to create this unique piece that can be framed and hung, to be enjoyed for years to come. I will share my efficient methods for this type of hand sewing, as well as how I create a carry-along kit of these pieces for stitching on the go. A relaxing, inspiring workshop!

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Wise Craft Quilts Cover sewing classes

Lecture- Wise Craft Quilts: A Guide To Turning Beloved Fabrics Into Meaningful Patchwork

Using vintage and second hand fabric that tells stories and keeps memories alive in our everyday lives has provided endless inspiration for me. In fact, I just wrote a book about it! In this lecture/trunk show, there will be lots of colorful examples showing how I use these textiles in my work. Based on my background in textile science and designing in the apparel industry, I also share many practical tips on how to find these fabrics, how to wash and prepare them to use in your work, and how to store them, etc. 60-90 minutes long, with actual samples, powerpoint images, and a Q&A. It is a very inspiring talk that will make you think differently about the textiles you have stored away for the “someday” quilt.

See this page for all my current workshops. If you know a guild or quilt/sewing shop that would be interested in having me come present or teach, please email me at blairwisecraft@gmail.com for details.

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