Free-motion quilting doubleheader in Huntsville

Free-motion quilting on display at
Huntsville Sew and Vac, Huntsville, AL

The quilts and samples were hung...

two classrooms were ready...

the feed dogs were dropped...

and the anticipation and excitement leading up to a 2-day adventure in free-motion quilting at Huntsville Sew and Vac [Huntsville, AL] was rewarded with a classroom of Huntsville area quilters eager to learn and full of questions and ideas (and, by the way, the weather was perfect—pleasant and mild).

Day 1 was my class, Intro to Free-motion Quilting on a domestic sewing machine. This is my most requested class and Donna, the shop owner, has invited me to teach this class for 3 years now. We introduce beginners to free-motion quilting and prime them for more advanced techniques that I offer in several other classes. A good number of the students in this class had dabbled in free-motion (or were return students from previous years), so were also in my Defining Contours class the following day. Yep, they signed up for a doubleheader!

"Defining Contours," my new free-motion quilting class.

Day 2 was even more fun for me since Defining Contours is a new class offering. Students came to class with an "inspiration word" which we then highlighted through several free-motion quilting techniques—machine trapunto, micro fillers and ruler work.

Machine trapunto, "Imagine."

One of my favorite parts of this class was hearing students tell the story behind the word they chose for their project. When I teach, I like to build in opportunities for personalization and student's self-expression into my classes. We talked about creating meaning in our words by using our own handwriting—not computer technology—to create an original composition.

Free-motion quilting in "Defining Contours" class.

Inspiration words that students chose were "Imagine," "Create," "Grace," "Faith," and "Joy," among others.

Free-motion quilting in "Defining Contours" class.

The class kits, provided by Huntsville Sew and Vac, included fabrics from the Blue Bird collection (by Jennifer Brinley) and Peppered Cottons (by Pepper Cory) from StudioE Fabrics. Peppered Cottons is a wonderful fabric for showcasing the micro fillers and ruler work on this project. Blue Bird provided a lovely frame around the word and also offered bird and flower motifs for additional trapunto—if the student desired.

Free-motion quilting in "Defining Contours" class.

The painting and basting classroom was filled with laughter and chatter as students prepared their quilts for quilting.

Trimming, and basting.

The larger classroom provided plenty of wall space to hang examples of how a colorwashed effect can be achieved through the choice of thread color. Students used 100 wt. InvisaFil thread by WonderFil for their Defining Contours project. For the ruler work portion of the class, students were introduced to the Sew Very Smooth rulers with the "Tacky Technology" strip which helps prevent the ruler from slipping during the stitching process.

The classroom at Huntsville Sew and Vac with examples of
free-motion quilting and threadwork.

All of the students got their trapunto work complete and were on their way to defining the contours of their inspiration words with micro fillers and ruler work. Free-motion quilting micro fillers is not a fast process, but the results are so worth it! There is an investment of time with these techniques but if you like free-motion quilting, you will enjoy this journey.

So, that is a wrap of my doubleheader free-motion quilting classes this past weekend in Huntsville, Alabama. Judging from the round of applause at the end of the second day, I think everyone hit one out of the park! I can't wait to see photos of the class projects. (Please send them to me, Huntsville quilters!)

Tucking in the sewing machine for a good night's rest.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the new places we went for dinner while in Huntsville. The first night was at the Po Boy Factory, just down the street from Huntsville Sew and Vac. After a full afternoon and evening of hanging quilts and preparing the classroom, it was dark outside and we were all tired so I didn't take any pictures. However, I can recommend the shrimp basket and deep-fried pickles... and the homemade bread pudding is gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Homemade pizza and wine for dinner.

The second night was homemade, build-your-own, artisan pizzas at Chez Spivey. Chef Reggie does a fabulous job with the pizza oven! Thanks again to Donna Cagle, Sherri and all the staff at Huntsville Sew and Vac for their hospitality and to the Huntsville quilters who joined me for a two-day adventure in free-motion quilting. May your bobbins always be full!

Defining Contours with free-motion quilting

Do you "Believe" you're ready for a new adventure in free-motion quilting? I believe you are! And there are two opportunities coming up next week—one for beginners and another for those with a little free-motion experience.

"Defining Contours" free-motion quilting class at Huntsville Sew and Vac.

I'm teaching "Defining Contours" in Huntsville at Huntsville Sew and Vac on Saturday, April 16. This is one of my newest free-motion quilting classes. Geared toward quilters with some free-motion experience, this class goes more in depth with fillers and micro fillers. Come to class with your "inspiration word" in mind and we'll work with several free-motion quilting techniques to define and highlight it. I blogged about this class in a bit more detail in this post.

Intro to Free-motion Quilting class.

If you're new to free-motion quilting, sign up for my "Intro to Free-motion Quilting [on a domestic machine]" class. This beginner class in scheduled in Huntsville on Friday, April 15.

If free-motion quilting is new to you, or you want to brush up, this is the class for you. No prior experience necessary! We talk about needles, threads and batting in this class—and all the basics to make you successful. And I bring along a trunk show of my quilts for Show and Tell for quilting inspiration.

With a spacious new classroom at Huntsville Sew and Vac, there are a few openings left in both classes. Call the store today at (256) 536-3757 to register.

I'm also going to bring an improv Kitty Quilt for those interested in trying out one of the store's sit-down quilting machines.

We always have fun at Huntsville Sew and Vac. Donna, the owner, and her staff go the extra mile for the students and customers. I'm looking forward to spending two days dropping the feed dogs and having some free-motion fun. 

The back of the "Believe" class sample. You can see the free-motion quilting.

Why not come to Huntsville and join me on April 15-16? Taxes are done, so come and relax with friends and have some fun with your sewing machine! Believe me. You can do this!

Free-motion quilting in snowy Huntsville

Jill practicing free-motion motifs at
Huntsville Sew and Vac.

In spite of the snowy, near-freezing weather brought on by winter blizzard Jonas, we had a fantastic turn-out (26 students!) at my Intro to Free-motion Quilting class at Huntsville Sew and Vac this past weekend.

Donna, the store's owner, and her staff really go the extra mile to accommodate students and customers! In view of the potential inclement weather predicted for later in the day on Friday, Donna provided a pizza lunch for the entire class to minimize lunch time and keep the class moving. Thanks to her exemplary customer focus, we got all the class material covered and students learned a lot and did a fabulous job.

We talked about batting and fiber content...
had a visual presentation on free-motion quilting terminology...
and practiced drawing quilting motifs on paper...

Intro to Free-motion Quilting on a domestic sewing machine class.

Drawing motifs on paper.

...then we moved on to quilting on practice quilt sandwiches.

Free-motion quilting feathers and fillers.

Because of the overwhelming number of registrations for this class, our class was moved into the new—and bigger—classroom area. Renovations are still being made and the new space will be even more wonderful when finished.

A great turn-out for Intro to Free-motion Quilting at Huntsville Sew and Vac.

A visit to Huntsville is not complete without a stop at Sam and Greg's Pizzaria and Gelateria. After unloading the materials and equipment at the store on Thursday afternoon, Sherri, the Program Coordinator, and I went for pizza (we got the Key West this time) and homemade gelato.

Matt served up a half-and-half cup.

I had a cup of half peanut butter and half chocolate. Sherri had half coffee and half peanut butter. (Yes, even if it's winter, you have to have the gelato!)

Chocolate and peanut butter gelato.

Thankfully, all the students arrived safely home after Friday's class before winter storm Jonas took its toll on Huntsville. Back at S&R B&B, where I stayed, we watched the landscape transform into a wintery wonderland in a few short hours. Here I am with Beau, the B&B's mascot guard dog, in the snow-dusted back yard.

Out in the snow with Beau.

A view from my window, where my hostess, Sherri, served hot foamed coffee with cream. (Check out the lovely silver tray!)

View from my room Friday afternoon (left) and a snow covered Saturday morning (right).

By Saturday morning (the day of my "Defining Contours" class), many roads were closed and travel advisories were being broadcast for Huntsville and surrounding areas. Temperatures were holding at mid-20s (below the freezing mark) so, the "Defining Contours" free-motion class was canceled and is now rescheduled for April 16, 2016.

We awoke on Saturday morning to this snow-covered landscape
complements of winter storm Jonas.

I was so looking forward to teaching the "Contours" class, but safety comes first. Thank you to all the students in my Intro class for being so cooperative in light of the weather, to Jodi and Jill for helping with my free-motion Show and Tell, and to Donna, Sherri and the fabulous staff at Huntsville Sew and Vac for all the accommodations. I'm looking forward to my visit April. Stay warm 'till then!

Take a "free-motion test drive" in my quilting classes this weekend in Huntsville

Intro to Free-motion Quilting class.

I am prepping for FMQ (free-motion quilting) classes, packing and getting ready to spend three days with the Huntsville, Alabama quilters at Huntsville Sew and Vac. [Please pray they have good weather this time.] 

We'll be breaking in the new FMQ-ers on Friday with the Intro to Free-motion Quilting on their domestic machines. 

For those with some FMQ experience under their quilting belts, I'm teaching my new Defining Contours class that explores three FMQ techniques for taking your quilts up a notch... including free-motion micro fillers. 

"Defining Contours" is the class I mentioned in this post in which we'll be quilting an "inspiration word." Everyone's word will make their project personalized and the InvisaFil thread from WonderFil we're using is a match made in [quilting] heaven for micro fillers!

"Defining Contours." A new free-motion quilting class.

As a bonus, class attendees will have a great opportunity to test drive some new quilting machines and equipment. Sherri, the shop's Program Coordinator Extraordinaire, is going to have a Handi Quilter Sweet 16 sit-down machine and a new Brother Dream Fabric Frame set up in the classroom. Students will get a demonstration and have the opportunity to put both through the paces during class and during breaks. Take the class... learn the technique... test drive the equipment... what more could you ask?

Luckily, I have just the quilt top to bring for this test drive. I recently finished another scrappy improv kitty quilt top. It will be tagging along to Huntsville with me. 

Supplies (markers, paints, sketchbook) and the kitty quilt top
ready for "Defining Contours" free-motion quilting class.

So, help the kitties out, Huntsville quilters. It's winter and the kitties need a new quilt!

Quilters: Do you have a word for 2016?

I was reading Upstate Lisa's blog post about how she considered and found her "word for 2016." She chose "Happiness." A fine word, and a great choice. While I don't really make New Year's resolutions, choosing an inspirational word to start off a new year is kind of a cool idea.

If you're a quilter, however, it's not just a matter of choosing a word, but quilting it!

"Defining Contours," a free-motion quilting class using micro fills and more.

Are you up for this? Quilting your New Year's inspirational word?

"Defining Contours," my latest free-motion quilting class, fits the bill. I'll be teaching it in Huntsville, Alabama at Huntsville Sew and Vac on Saturday, January 23. Contact the shop or you can register on-line (eeeeasy).

When I was developing this free-motion quilting class, I didn't consciously consider the "word for the new year" concept but I think it's very apropos for January, and the start of the 2016 year. Here's a peek into the class...

The "Defining Contours" class sample features
Meadowlark and Peppered Cottons fabrics from StudioE Fabrics.

My class sample (above) features one of my favorite blender fabrics—a quilting-weight shot cotton that is fabulous for showing off your free-motion quilting—Peppered Cottons by Pepper Cory [for StudioE Fabrics]. Have you ever done free-motion quilting on a Peppered Cotton? Luscious. See this blog post and this post and you'll see why I chose this fabric.

100 wt. InvisaFil thread by WonderFil.

The thread we'll be using for this free-motion work is InvisaFil [by WonderFil Threads] and it's perfect for the micro fills that will define the contours and elevate your word... right... off... the... quilt.

Class kits have fabrics from the Blue Bird collection
by Jennifer Brinley for StudioE Fabrics.

Meadowlark, one of Jennifer Brinley's earlier fabric collections for StudioE Fabrics is shown in my sample above, but students taking the class will receive fabrics in their class kit from Jennifer's new collection, Blue Bird, along with a coordinating Peppered Cotton.

The associates at Huntsville Sew and Vac have kits prepared for the class and the store has any other supply you might need... so don't worry about hunting for the fabrics and specific supplies. Attendees just need to bring the basics and their favorite FMQ (free-motion quilting) tools. A supply list is available upon class registration. (And you'll want to get it sooner rather than later because there is a little pre-work for the class.)

"Defining Contours," a NEW free-motion quilting class.

Are you ready to quilt up your 2016 word with me? Join me in Huntsville, AL on January 23 and we'll get your New Year started on the right foot—with a free-motion foot!

Freezing weather calls for hot artisan teas

Blizzard-y conditions, nor'easter, accumulation, wintery mix or wintery mess… whatever you call what's been happening in your area, many of us have "stayed put" because of the weather this week. With wings clipped, I resorted to catching up on paperwork, tidying up files (I quickly tired of this activity) and keeping warm with several varieties of organic artisan teas I picked up on recent travels.

Organic artisan teas from The Switch House, Huntsville, AL

My friend Sherri, from Huntsville Sew and Vac, knows all the cool places and unique restaurants in town. You may recall me raving about Granville's Gourmet Ribs and BBQ and Sam and Greg's Pizzaria Gelateria in this post. In January we went to Dallas Mill Deli (gotta try the strawberry pretzel salad and a Southern ruben), the Sandwich Farm, and The Village Cafe.

The Sandwich Farm, Huntsville, AL

Quilters from my classes joined us for lunch at the Sandwich Farm. It was difficult to choose from the enticing menu or from the chalkboard, so Ms. "are you up for an adventure?" Sherri and I ordered and split two sandwiches. The avocado LT was excellent as well as the ciabatta (if you like smoked fish). Gisele, one of my students from class, mentioned the Sunday Brunch is absolutely fabulous, too. So check out the Sandwich Farm if you are in Huntsville on a Sunday.

Sandwich Farm chalkboard menu.

Down the sidewalk from the Sandwich Farm is the Switch House. Yes, the actual building where the controls for switching the train tracks were once housed and operated. Inside this little building was a multi-artist retail shop [which was unfortunately relocating at the end of the month] that had specialty teas from locally grown ingredients. I snagged a 3 oz. sampling of each tea she had and a hand sewn blank book for sketching (great souvies!).

The Switch House, Huntsville, AL

Breakfast on my last day in Huntsville was at the Village Cafe in Owens Cross Roads, AL with Sherri and her husband, Reggie.

The Village Cafe, Owens Cross Roads, AL.
Inside with Sherri and Reggie.

This place offers artisan brewed coffees, savory breakfast bakery, and a lunch menu with sandwiches, ice cream and smoothies (for days when it's not so cold). It also carries fabulous artisan teas by Piper and Leaf. These teas are specially blended from flavors grown by local farmers.

Lemon Berry Blush, Sassafras Strawberry and Monk's Meditation came home with me along with this nifty tea-brewing gadget—an IngenuiTEA (quite ingenious!). See how it operates on this YouTube video.

IngenuiTEA at the Village Cafe.

Upon arriving home in Chattanooga, I decided to check out a local tearoom, The English Rose Tearoom on Market Street. Located in the foyer of the original 1890s Grand Hotel, across from the Choo Choo, the tearoom's gift shop carries some lovely imported teas. I bought a sampling of these teas to send to Sherri and a package of Duchess Delight for myself. This place is also open for lunch or you can plan a special event with them. Be sure to check the English Rose website for coupons before you go.

Dutchess Delight loose tea from The English Rose, Chattanooga, TN

So now the bread in the breadbox has been shoved to one side to make room for my collection of little aromatic pouches. Honey, sugar, milk and my IngenuiTEA are at the ready and have been quite active during these below-freezing temperatures of late.

Artisan teas from my travels.

Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers in Huntsville

"Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers"
free-motion quilting class

"What do you want to learn next after taking a beginning free-motion quilting?"

I've asked students this in many of my Intro to Free-motion Quilting classes and created "Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers" based on their feedback, ideas and requests. I taught this class in Huntsville at Huntsville Sew and Vac mid-January in addition to the Intro to Free-Motion class and the students did amazing work.






We did a little drawing...

Student work from my "Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers" class.

Student work from my "Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers" class.

then determined a layout...

Sara does her layout for free-motion background fillers
on the floor.

Areas on the quilt top were prepped for the background fillers.

Terri (left) and Brandy prepare their layouts for background fillers..

The Elements and Principles of Design were discussed as they related to free-motion quilting motifs.

Gisele (left) and Denise in my"Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers"
free-motion quilting class at Huntsville Sew and Vac.

Several students even used the "Circle in a Square" table runner they made in the reverse appliqué class. Talk about productivity!

Maureen quilts the "Circle in a Square" table runner.

Thanks for letting me hang out with you for 3 days in Huntsville! I had a great time.

Students from "Circle in a Square" and "Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers" classes
Huntsville Sew and Vac, Huntsville, AL

Teaching quilting classes in Huntsville this weekend

My friends at Huntsville Sew and Vac have invited me back to teach for two days! I had a great time last year hanging out with a delightful group of quilters, Donna the owner, and her terrific staff.

This weekend, January 16 - 17, I'll be teaching 3 quilting classes: "Intro to Free-motion Quilting" on a domestic machine, "Circle in a Square" reverse appliqué table runner, and my newest class, "Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers."

If you live nearby or you'll be in the Huntsville area, give them a call (256) 536-3757 and join us for a class or two—or three. Check their web site for a special class bundle price.

"Fillers, Spillers and Thrillers"
free-motion quilting class.

We'll be dropping the feed dogs and putting the pedal to the metal with lots of free-motion quilting. 

 Get ready to do some stitching!

And bring your sketchbook—drawing and designing will be happening in the Fillers class.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!