Held 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m to 5:30 p.m. both days. This workshop presents an in-depth study of the judging process, including duties and responsibilities, specific criteria for evaluating hand and machine work, and color and design, defining categories and awards, comment sheets, contracts, and other paperwork, ethics, and the role of aides and scribes in a judging situation. A combination of lecture and hands-on experience will be used throughout the two days. The workshop will provide important information for those interested in judging, sponsoring, or working behind the scenes at a judged show or simply interested in learning what makes a prize winning quilt. This might include judges seeking continuing education, show organizers, teachers, and quiltmakers who are interested in basic information about quilt judging. Supplies: Note-taking materials; current resume, including any quilt-related teaching or judging experience; Bring 1 large and 2 small less-than-perfect quilted pieces (wall hangings or garments) for mock judging experience.

Learn Susan's fabric colage method using a simple yet dynamic spiral as your subject. This abstract project will give you a a complete overview of the technique, which can then be used for more complex subjects. Skills covered include: piecing, gluing, quilting and finishing. Sewing Machine is Optional

A workshop for quilters who are ready to "dive into" the world of free motion machine quilting! Learn the basics of machine quilting...thread, needles, tension, and "tricks of the trade." Then apply this knowledge to 12 simple (but effective!) free motion quilting patterns. These patterns taught can be found in all Mickey’s award winning quilts!

Beginning with a 13" pre-constructed crazy patch or a printed square, design tricks and hand application of embellishments and special custom design techniques will be presented. Ribbons, lace, beads, special threads, charms and more will be covered.

Isn’t it time to clear the clutter in your life? What about using up all those bits and pieces stuff in nooks, crannies and boxes? Let’s make an old fashioned favorite pineapple quilt with a new and contemporary twist; sewn with perfection and totally random; and without paper piecing! This workshop turns trash to a treasured one of a kind pineapple quilt. Required Kit fee: $30 (Book and Tool).

Learn hand applique techniques that will help you sew better and happier. In addition to easy template making and how to make and use a placement for applique, you will perfect your invisible applique stitch as you work on a 12" x 12" version of this block in class. Note: You have the option of piecing your background as I did in the book or using a single piece of fabric. A 12" x 12" pattern is included.

Recreate an Asian Koi pond with colorful blossoms on the water. You’ll learn Korean Chopkey (folding) techniques to make 3-D flowers, bobbinwork and free-motion threadplay techniques to depict Koi fish and ripples in the water. Beading adds sparkle to this animated quilt wallhanging.

Create an impressionist-style quilt using 45-degree diamonds. Working from a favorite photo of Claude Monet’s paintings, students will design a quilt with a painterly approach using a fabric palette. Workshop attendees will share a small number of fabrics, resulting in a richer collection of patterns, prints and colors for each quilt. Water lily pads, flowers or other details (student’s preference) are added to the pieced quilt top with the student’s preferred appliqué method and thread work. Optional: KITS are available for the flowers & lily pads (students will receive one complimentary kit in class. Optional kits are in addition to the class kit.)

This class was developed from Toby’s prize winning quilts. If you are tired of tearing off foundation paper, learn Unfoundation Piecing on circular flying geese and New York Beauty blocks. She also takes the fear out of sewing curves using only three pins and her unique pinning technique. Toby’s original pattern is used for the class or you can design your own. This is not a class for beginners. This is a technique class. Kit fee: $30 for pattern and acrylic templates required.

Learn to draw, color and sew each of the four types of spirals. We’ll do Nesting and Baravelle spirals in the morning, Point-to-Point and Pinwheel spirals in the afternoon, then finish off with some basic design techniques for incorporating spirals into quilts. Expect to finish two spiral blocks in class; you will receive a pattern for a hot pad to make at home using your spiral blocks. Don’t let the title scare you -- spirals are actually much easier than they look! Class kit includes preprinted foundations, instructions and pattern. Kit fee: $10.

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the arduous task of creating quilting designs to fit your borders? Have you ever lacked the confidence needed to design one-of-a-kind block motifs? Gina Perkes will show you how to find inspiration and simplify the drafting process. You will create a wall-hanging which you will design yourself using Gina’s award-winning techniques which anyone can benefit from. You will learn how to mark your quilt top both prior to quilting and after quilting has begun, gain control, achieve balance, select and use threads, and much more! Whether you consider yourself an artist or are intimidated by the thought of drawing - you will come away with new confidence and techniques that you can begin using on your own quilts!

Whether you quilt by hand or machine, practice with a purpose as you choose patterns from a multitude of quilting stencils and printed patterns that look good together! Plan a small quilted wall hanging to showcase medallion, blocks or mitered border designs. Learn the principles of good design, various methods needed for marking individual quilts, and how to make a quick, simple edging.

Do you want to design your own, original quilts but feel you lack the necessary skills? If so, this is the class for you. In it, Heather will teach you all about the elements and principles of design and introduce you to a tool box full of skills that will make the process from composition to completion much easier and satisfying. In class you will make your own booklet full of mock quilt compositions using decorative papers. Later you can use those compositions as jumping off points for new quilts!

Use one of Lorraine’s Collage Curves Mini-Quilt Series patterns to make a 15" square quilt in this one day class. Learn the technique for doing curvy edge shapes, raw edges together, with self-made bias tape covering the raw edges. Kits are available for $25 in class without pattern, or $35 with pattern. Kits include fabric for top, bias strips for bias tape, backing, muslin, binding and batting. Everything but thread!

Do you want to EQ and don’t know how? This is the class for you. We’ll start from scratch and cover the basics of Electric Quilt software. We will learn designing, coloring, drawing, saving, and printing work. We will make a few quilts and blocks, and then see what our patterns look like. By the end of this class you will have the skills to create and print designs of your own. For EQ6 and EQ7.

Simple blocks in simple layouts can always be jazzed up with sashing and borders. Sampler quilts sometimes need pieced sashing to unite the unrelated blocks together. In this class we will learn how to do all this and more. We will cover classic designs (like the Garden Maze and Storm at Sea) and create our own unique secondary designs. We will go over the basics of setting up borders, filling them with blocks and printing the patterns. Then we’ll take borders to the next level and start using the automatic borders and designing our own from scratch. For EQ6 and EQ7.

Learn the correct way to create this beautiful traditional Japa-nese hand stitch. Sashiko stitches, which are unique from running or big quilting stitches, will add texture, interest and visual boldness to your quilts. Kit fee: $15 includes thread, needle and stencil.

This 2-day class combines aspects of Susan’s earlier classes (Somethin’ Fishy and Somethin’ in the Air) with her evolving techniques of fabric collage. Cutting Loose demonstrates a looser approach to the piecing and assembly of a wall quilt. Emphasis will be placed on the collage piecing process. Patterns or templates will not be used. Instead, students will sketch their designs onto a foundation fabric and fill in the design with fabrics of their choice. This encourages playfulness, serendipity, and a willingness to "cut loose." Due to time constraints, students need to choose simple, whimsical designs such as fish, butterflies, or other bugs. If needed, designs will be available from Susan for a small fee. Sewing Machine Optional.

Nothing is more stunning than twenty brilliant stars made from diamonds. "Seven Sisters" block is what makes this quilt sparkle. The power in the sparkle is created by using 20 great fabrics from a narrow color palette. Assembly is not as hard as you think. In this workshop you will learn the Butterfly Seam for perfect set-in piecing. Come ready to relax and chat; you are not expected to finish this in class since there is no speed sewing. This beauty takes time to complete. Required Kit fee: $19 (Pattern and Tool).

This lovely block from an old fashioned garden is yours, fresh for the picking! Learn the hand applique techniques that will help to you sew better and happier. In addition to easy template making and how to make and use a placement for appliqué, you will perfect your invisible appliqué stitch as you work on your block in class. Techniques include cutaway applique, points, and curves.

Learn how to create an intricate cubic pattern with optical illusion by weaving folded fabric strips in three different directions. Add 3-dimensional blossoms from lined prairie points to embellish your quilts and wearable arts.

This classic "one patch" star design is up-dated, featuring today’s striped or batik fabrics. The diamonds are cut with either the 6.5" diamond ruler (for a bed-sized quilt) or the 3" diamond ruler (for a smaller wall or lap-sized quilt). The finished sized is determined by the number of diamonds used in the project, making it a versatile design that is easily customized. Some advance preparation recommended.

Due to a high interest in Toby’s Millefiori quilt featured in McCalls Quilting magazine May 2010, she has designed a class on how to create this unique New York Beauty quilt. It is an extension of her Unfoundation Piecing 101 class, which includes curved piecing, foundation piecing with freezer paper, and adds how to find designs with mirrors, fussy-cutting with templates, using stripes in your block, and construction of the block. Kit fee: $30 includes templates and required pattern.

Make this stunning quilt using Point-to-Point spiral blocks. Working with a single Point-to-Point spiral block you’ll learn how to color and combine these elegant spirals to create a quilt design with flowing ribbons, fountains, stars and more. Along the way, you’ll also learn how to select fabrics by color, value and pattern, and learn techniques for foundation piecing that make it easier than ever before. You’ll work on the center block in class to learn the techniques so you can finish the quilt at home. Kit fee: $5.00. Kit includes pre-printed foundations, templates and instructions for finishing the quilt, and placemat pattern.

Feathers are amazing! They can be stylized and are incredibly versatile. Gina Perkes will show you how to find your own unique style in your feather work. There are a variety of techniques for drafting and stitching feathers which can be used in different applications from block/border motifs to freehand work - experiment with them all! You will then explore the exciting world of filler designs which will make your feathers jump right off the quilt! Gina will show you how to avoid backtracking when an heirloom look is desired and how to select threads and achieve control for intricate work. Gain confidence as you create a wall-hanging which you will put your own individual style on!

Do you have a pile of "unfinished objects" waiting for a final decision on the quilting designs? This is a must-take workshop for all quiltmakers who hesitate before they "quilt as desired." Discover what types of quilting patterns are appropriate for patchwork and for applique tops. Learn how easy it is to make any quilting pattern fit your quilt.

This class is for machine quilters with some experience who are tired of stippling and stitch in the ditch. If you want to learn how to make intricate feathers, flower, leaves, paisleys, and other designs without marking, then this is the class for you. I will also cover how to size designs for particular spaces and how to mix and match design elements. Must have a machine that can drop or cover the feed dogs and have a free motion/darning foot.

Create fabric from trimmings, left-overs, yes, even shreds of fabric too cherished to throw away but too small to possibly use (at least you thought so until now). Sandwich the scraps between two layers of a dissolving film (or one layer of fabric and the dissolving film) and stitch all over it with transparent nylon thread. Dissolve away the dissolving film and make a vest with the remaining "fabric."

Simple blocks in simple layouts can always be jazzed up with sashing and borders. Sampler quilts sometimes need pieced sashing to unite the unrelated blocks together. In this class we will learn how to do all this and more. We will cover classic designs (like the Garden Maze and Storm at Sea) and create our own unique secondary designs. We will go over the basics of setting up borders, filling them with blocks and printing the patterns. Then we’ll take borders to the next level and start using the automatic borders and designing our own from scratch. For EQ6 and EQ7.

Learn a beading technique used for embellishing your garments and quilts. Using a kit for quick results, we will make a small block and pin with an image embellished with beads. Other applications and ways to complete the project will be discussed. Kit fee: $12.

Learn how to use those wonderful straight-line embroidery stitches on your machine for spectacular appliqué. The additional texture/color added to your project by use of these stitches is simply amazing. Workshop will cover the use of Pellon Décor Bond in appliqué application. Students will make a stitch sampler and finish off with a small project (approx. 8" square) that can be used as a quilt starter or pillow front. No UFO’s here! Just learn the technique and apply it to your next appliqué piece of art. Kit fee: $10.00.

Edge to Edge quilting is the foundation of our business but there is more than one way to achieve the result. This class will use Creative Studio to discuss edge to edge mode; repeat pattern mode; relocate, end of set, and how to create a scene on a quilt.

Want to create your own appliqué and quilting stencil designs? In this Electric Quilt software class we’ll learn to draw appliqué designs and stencils using the PatchDraw tools. We will start by drawing a simple flower, then learn how to turn it into an elaborate wreath. We will learn tracing techniques for drawing lines around images we may have on our computer to create realistic patterns. In the stencil portion, we will practice with the Freehand tool and learn to draw custom quilting stencils to fit pieced blocks in our quilts. For EQ6 and EQ7.

Create a simple pieced block in this beginning piecing workshop. Join Certified Teacher Connie Davidson as she introduces you to the basic skills of machine piecing. You’ll learn accurate cutting, stitching and pressing. Required Kit Fee: $10 includes all the fabrics you'll need to piece your block.

Using a pre-made block, we will learn to sew on single beads, buttons, lace, charms and embroider your initial. Bring any sort of embellishment, and learn to sew it on by machine. Finished project is a 10" square wallhanging or pillow. Reverse appliqué and finishing techniques will be shown. This is a great gift that can be finished in a few hours.

Take English Paper Piecing a Hexie to a whole new level with Mickey’s Pieced Hexie Sparkle Pattern. Don’t worry if you have never basted a paper before, traditional English Paper Piecing will be covered, along with Mickey’s innovative tricks to obtain flat corners and a hand piecing technique to guarantee invisible stitches. After machine sewing the beginning blocks, we will twist and turn them in every direction to form new and exciting designs. They are addicting! Book purchase of Pieced Hexies (at a discount) is required for class.

Part design and part technique, this class will discuss pattern choices, thread colors, and which designs to place on custom quilts. We will consider which quilts should be custom quilted and which need an edge-to-edge pattern. Using the latest version of Creative Studio, we will look at placing designs, keeping quilting density consistent and when to consider the piecing when selecting quilting designs.

Learn pieced and appliqué curved lines by machine with a simple technique that can help you when working with any pieced or appliqué design. You may bring your own inspirational photograph, or use a class sample for your project. Any geographic design can be achieved. Don’t let curves stop your creativity. The class design is 30" x 20." A project using your own design will vary in size.

Choosing just two colors keeps the contrast high and piecing looking sharp. Don’t you just love the appearance of curves and circles even though you are sewing straight lines? Image is everything! Participants will learn how to fool the eye and master yet another block that uses the Tri-Recs Tool. Required Kit fee: $20 for pattern and two tools.

Wouldn’t you want to live here?! Make your own happy neighborhood as you learn a variety of hand applique techniques that include easy template making, placement overlays, reverse applique and cutaway applique. The pattern for three 8" x 8" house blocks is included in the class handout. (NOTE: These three houses are from the I Want To Go Home ePattern.)

Go beyond traditional 3-D. In this technique workshop you will learn 5 of the exotic and unusual methods that are the trademark of Rami’s award-winning works including hexagon and biscuit Chopkey, mirror-imaged continuously folded prairie points, harlequin tucks, North American hand smoking and lined prairie points. This workshop could be the answer to those who wish to know about adding 3-dimensional textures and a lot more extra touches to art-to-wear and quilts.

Based upon Jan’s book Quick Star Quilts & Beyond, design your own Broken Star quilt! Incorporate large scale prints, or create a Split Broken Star. Learn to sew accurate Y-seams with ease! Finished size: 58" square without borders; approximately 65-68" square with borders.

Learn curved piecing with Toby’s special pinning technique to create this unique and up-to-date block. Part of the lesson also includes machine applique to apply the small circle. Yin and Yang was featured in the May/June, 2011 issue of McCalls Quilting Magazine. Required Kit fee: $25 for templates and pattern.

Based on RaNae’s new book Magnificent Spiral Mandala Quilts, this is her most current and most popular workshop. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to design and make a Magic Mirror Mandala Quilt -- in one day you’ll go from mystery to mastery! In the morning we’ll use a "wedge puzzle" to design your own unique version of the quilt shown; in the afternoon you’ll start sewing spirals. Kit fee: $13. The class kit is required, and includes all of the class instructions, pre-printed templates and foundations used in class, instructions for completing the quilt, and a package of translucent foundation material.

Learn how to truly enhance both your quilting designs and/or your applique’ designs through the use of grid work and fillers. Gina will share her award-winning free-hand filler designs covering thread selection, gaining control, achieving balance, quilting speed, and much more! She will then help you discover the many uses for grids. You will learn how to use even and uneven grids to quilt both straight lines and as a guide for freehand work!

Join Charlotte in solving another fun Mystery Quilt designed by Rita Fishel especially for the sleuths at the 2013 NQA Show in Columbus, Ohio! The pre-cut kit includes block fabrics, borders and binding to complete a generous lap quilt measuring 60" x 70." Put your detective skills to work and stitch up a memory of your visit to the wonderful NQA Show! Required Kit Fee: $89.95, includes all fabrics and patterns to make the top. Students with fabric/color requests or larger size requests can contact Rita at SewClevr@bright.net. Rita’s helpers will be there to help you press and rip. It’s guaranteed fun and success! Bring your Sewing Machine, and Basic Sewing Supplies.

A class for those quilters ready to combine quilting patterns in the same project, as well as for those who want to develop their own unique style of quilting. Learn how to take a block, add backgrounds, turn borders, miter corners, and change overall pattern sizes before you start quilting! Discover proper scale and proportion techniques while selecting the appropriate patterns for patchwork, appliqué, or wholecloth quilts. Perfect for longarm, shortarm, traditional machine and hand quilters alike.

Tired of traditional bindings? In this class you will learn lots of different ways to finish the edges of your quilts. From satin stitching to couched fibers, ruched ribbons and edge wrapping to simple facing and fancy hand stitching. For anyone who wants to explore the possibilities.

Starting with a two color pieced checkerboard, cut, add, piece, appliqué and embellish to produce a better design. Along the way, explore important lessons in color, composition, scale and other formal elements that artists in all media use regularly. Technical "stuff" too!

Custom Set and Layers have been vastly improved in EQ7. It’s so easy to just drag and drop what you need onto the quilt. If you are tired of designing quilts only in straight sets with blocks all the same size, then come learn how to use EQ7 to make custom quilts with blocks of all different sizes. In addition to custom quilts, we’ll work with medallion quilts, row quilts, and other complex-looking layouts. After that we’ll practice setting appliqué motifs, stencils, photos, & embroidery on our quilts. By the end of this class you will have a stockpile of ideas and tricks for creating your next masterpiece. For EQ 7 only.

During this class, we will remove the bobbin winder, and tune it to wind perfect bobbins every time. The hook assembly will be removed to learn how stitches are created. We will rebuild the tensioner, replace the backlash spring, and rebuild the bobbin case. We will check the motor brushes and belt tension, the timing hook and needle, the hopping foot, rocking finger, and the intermittent tensioner. Every element that affects stitch quality and the life of your machine will be examined. Maintenance tips for Statler Stitcher will be included, including adjusting the drive belt tension. The Gammill Service Manual will be used as a reference, so that you can repair your own machine anytime, day or night. The manual can be downloaded and printed from the Gammill site, or you may purchase one from A Touch of Thread.

Create a simple appliqué block in this beginning workshop. Join Certified Teacher Connie Davidson as she introduces you to the basic skills of hand appliqué, including inside and outside curves, stems, points, and reverse appliqué. Required Kit fee: $10 includes everything you’ll need for your block. Supplies: Small Scissors; Paper and Pencil.

Take English Paper Piecing a Hexie to a whole new level with Mickey’s Pieced Hexie Tumbler Pattern. Don’t worry if you have never basted a paper before, traditional English Paper Piecing will be covered, along with Mickey’s innovative tricks to obtain flat corners and a hand piecing technique to guarantee invisible stitches. After machine sewing the beginning blocks, we will twist and turn them in every direction to form new and exciting designs. They are addicting! Book purchase of Pieced Hexies (at a discount) is required for class. www.mdquilts.com/workshops.

Can’t freehand?? No worries with Creative Studio! The rules for the fill feature are simple, and the more you understand it the more you can do with it. This class will discuss inside and outside fill and the differences between the fill and trim features.

The Image worktable is new to EQ7. In this EQ7-only class we’ll use all the new features on the Image worktable to create our own images. We will learn how to use photos to make fabric kaleidoscopes, photo art quilts, memory quilts, and even edit fabric scans. After covering the basics of printing photos on fabric, we will go over memory quilt ideas and questions.

Remember the original Colorforms? The fun you had playing with the simple circles, squares, triangles and bars? We will play with the fabric versions when designing your own fabric swatches. Simple exercises and guidance will help your own creativity come alive. Students will create two fat quarter samples along with several small "tester" squares. Discussion of design impact and color placement will be covered. Kit fee: $17.00.

Creative Studio will do the thinking for you on borders and corners. We will discuss how to set them up, how to quilt them, how to ‘chunk’ down the side borders, and how to turn the quilt to achieve that endless look. We will examine all types of borders and options when there is no corner for the pattern that you use in the border.