Category: Teaching

Quilts from my Craftsy Class, and Your Chance to Win it Before You Can Buy it!

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My Craftsy class, The Quilter’s Path: Plan It, Stitch It, Quilt It is scheduled to launch next week!! Whoo hoo!! It’s all about showing you how to quilt some of my favorite motifs using your walking foot, free motion, or both. To celebrate, one of you lucky readers will get a chance to win it before you can buy it. 🙂

Update: Congrats to winner Linda B! The class is now live and available for purchase!

Click here to save 50% off The Quilter’s Path through April 4, 2017

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Win My Class!

To enter, first click here to sign in or register for a free Craftsy account (if you don’t have one yet). Then leave me a comment letting me know if you’ve ever taken a Craftsy class before.

If you are a regular Craftsy user, I’d also love to know what you love best about the class platform. As for me, I love being able to interact 24/7 via the Q&A sidebar in each class. 🙂

The giveaway will be open to all and will run through the end of the week. I’ll draw a random winner on Saturday and will contact them via email.

Pinwheel Quilts from Class

I used Craftsy’s Boundless precut strips in three different color schemes to make the 3 full-sized pinwheel quilts shown in class. With careful cutting you can actually make 2 quilts from each set, or make one larger version. The free pattern will be included exclusively as part of the class.

Here’s closeup shots of each of the pinwheel quilts I share in class:

pinwheels-navy

The Navy/30’s Pinwheels (with walking foot quilting) was made from 30’s prints and navy solids. I actually show two versions of this quilt in class, the finished red/white/blue version shown above, plus the pastel version shown below. I separated the precut 2 1/2″ strips into two color schemes to make both quilts. I used a contrasting thread on the pastel version that I actually quilt on during class, so you can see what I’m doing.

pastel_quilting

Click here to purchase Boundless 1930’s Delights 2 1/2″ precut strips.
Click here to purchase Boundless Solids Navy 2 1/2″ precut strips.

For the Pink/White pinwheels, I free-motion quilted a fun and easy edge to edge design that gives the quilt lots of texture. This is a fast way to finish that looks amazing on your quilt!
pinwheels-pink

During class, I teach many more quilting motifs than shown in these three samples, but I still quilt them on real blocks so you can see how the designs will look before you commit to a full quilt. For the pink/white version I used some of the leftover solid pink strips to make a scrappy binding. I think it adds such a fun look to a quilt!

scrappy_binding

Click here to purchase Boundless Solids Tickled Pink 2 1/2″ precut strips.
Click here to purchase Boundless Solids Bright White 2 1/2″ precut strips.

For the grand finale, I show how to combine both walking foot and free-motion techniques to create a truly custom look with your quilt, as shown in the Teal/Gray Pinwheels quilt.

pinwheels-teal

There’s plenty of leftover pieces in each bundle that you can use to whip up sample blocks to practice on like I did. It always amazes me how different a quilt can look, once it’s quilted!

pinwheel_block

Click here to purchase Boundless Blenders Aura Coastal Escape 2 1/2″ precut strips.
Click here to purchase Boundless Solids Nickel 2 1/2″ precut strips.

In class, I also share several of my other finished quilts for inspiration, explaining how I apply the quilting to each of these quilts. My goal is for you to not only learn the designs, but feel comfortable quilting them on any quilt. Once the class launches, I’ll be back with a detailed class summary, along with an exclusive discount available only from me. I can’t wait!!

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Craftsy Holiday Sale and a Sneak Peek of my Upcoming Class

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While I excitedly await the release of my Craftsy class in January, I’m paying much more attention to all of the great deals the company is offering. For example, I just saw that ALL classes are on sale for under $20, now through the day after Christmas (12/26 at 11:59 PM MT).

holiday-sale

So now that you are done with your gift shopping, why not reward yourself with a gift of learning? Click here to view all quilting classes on sale.

Speaking of learning, here’s a behind-the-scenes shot of me quilting for my upcoming Craftsy class, The Quilter’s Path: Plan It, Stitch It, Quilt It.

pinwheel_quilts

The best part of filming was getting to quilt on a BERNINA. I felt right at home!

See those pinwheel quilts? The main focus of the class is showing how to quilt the same quilt in different ways depending on the look you are going for and what your skill level is. My students have been asking me to show them how I physically move an actual quilt under the machine; so most of the class is spent quilting real blocks and real quilts, using both walking foot and free-motion techniques. I also wanted to give as much value as I could, so the Pinwheels design is included as a free pattern in the class. 🙂

bernina_dualfeed

Tip from class: If your machine has built in dual feed – you DON’T need a walking foot!

I’ll be telling you much more about my class as it gets closer to launch day in early January. In the meantime, be sure and grab the other quilting classes you’ve had your eye on, now while they are on sale. I highly recommend taking as many different classes as you can, from as many different instructors as you can. We each put our own spin on the material, and you never know when one of us will say something in a way you’ve never heard before. I sure love teaching, but I’m still always learning, too!

Click here to view all Quilting Classes on sale. And remember, every class site-wide is on sale, too! (Note: this post contains affiliate links, so thanks for your support!!)

My Week at Craftsy – The Big Announcement

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craftsy-door

Opening the door to the Craftsy studio kind of reminded me of Charlie Bucket getting to peak inside Willy Wonka’s factory for the first time. And yes – there was chocolate!!!

Last week I filmed a Craftsy class! It’s been on my bucket list for awhile, and many of you wonderful readers have been asking me to do one now for over 2 years. The stars finally aligned this year for it to happen. Craftsy first approached me at Spring Quilt Market but I was right in the middle of some crazy deadlines, so I told them I wouldn’t be available until the fall. (Can you just imagine how scary that is when someone asks you to do something big and you have to say “I’d love to – but not right now!!”) My class will launch in early January, and I’ll tell you all about it then. But for now, here’s a little recap of how last week went:

denver

I have a thing for old red-brick buildings!!! This is a view of downtown Denver, (not Craftsy HQ!)

I arrived to Craftsy Headquarters in Denver, Colorado last week and couldn’t help but admire the architecture of this amazing city. When you live in a city known for imploding buildings when they get too old, seeing old brick buildings and interesting architecture is such a treat!

The day after my arrival, it was time to head straight to Craftsy studios which is housed in a one-story industrial complex that used to be a bustling taxi depot back in the day. Very cool. Day 1 consisted of meeting the crew, getting some publicity photos taken, and going over the lessons and agenda so we could begin filming the next day. As an added bonus, I got to participate in a couple of promo videos for the new year. Craftsy has some creative marketing on tap for next year, and it was fun to be a part of that!

makeup

Getting made-up by Danica. What a great way to start each day!

On Day 2, we began filming. I felt quite pampered getting my makeup done and my hair professionally styled each day. That’s something I could definitely get used to! The production crew at Craftsy are super smart – for first time instructors they film some of the lessons out of order so that we can get used to the whole process and not look nervous at the beginning of the video! I loved that I was able to use a teleprompter to help me stay on track whenever I needed it.  By the afternoon, I felt like I had hit my stride. 🙂

teleprompter

Using a teleprompter was such a luxury. But I tried not to rely on it too much!

On Day 3 we wrapped up the series of lessons. As we shot each scene, the producer would make notes and confer with the technical director so that they would know where to splice and dice any scenes that needed post production editing. The camera guy was pretty amazing, too. He knew what shots to get and used a series of 3 cameras so that we could get some really great closeups of my quilting.

on-set

The set was very comfortable even with cameras and lights everywhere.
I even got to quilt on a BERNINA – score!!

The whole process from start to finish was completed over a series of about 3 months from concept planning to the actual filming date. I worked with a content editor to flush out the idea, and the producer was able to help me plan how each concept I teach would show up best on camera. I have to say one thing for sure – it’s a whole lot faster and easier than writing a book, LOL!!

quilted-sample

Sneak peek of one of the smaller samples I quilted live on camera.

Overall, it was a fabulous experience, and if the class does well, I’ll be invited back to film more of them in the future. My class is called The Quilter’s Path: Plan It, Stitch It,Quilt It! It basically explores the steps I take to machine quilt a “real” quilt on a home sewing machine while sharing some of my favorite quilting designs using both the walking foot and free motion techniques.

production-crew

My fabulous production crew – they made me feel right at home!

So barring anything out of the ordinary happening between now and release day, it’s scheduled to launch in early January. I’ll keep you posted it gets closer. 🙂

For now, be sure to create a Craftsy account if you haven’t already so you’ll be ready to order once the class becomes available. I can’t wait to share it with you! And click here to check out their current holiday promotion using my affiliate link. They have some super deals happening now through Dec. 12th!

Last Class of the Year is at Christmas Goose Quilt Shop in Las Vegas

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Local Vegas friends! I’ll be teaching my last machine quilting class of the year at the Christmas Goose Quilt Shop this Wednesday, Nov 16 from 6-9 PM. Stop by the shop or call 702-877-1158 to register. There’s only a few spots left!

Plumb Lines Machine Quilting Detail

fmq_straight_line_alternatives

My version of Plumb Lines from The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting

I’m teaching Free-Motion Alternatives to Straight Line Quilting  from mine and Angela Walters’ book The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting. This class is already sold out at QuiltCon next year, so here’s your chance to get in on the action! Here’s the full class description:

“Go beyond the straight line and use your free-motion quilting skills to their fullest. In this workshop, students will learn how to turn basic shapes into linear free-motion quilting designs.Quilt them as allover designs across the surface of your quilt, or use them sporadically to create custom quilting motifs. Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.”

Award Winning Quilting Techniques

HMQS quilt show

Plumb Lines earned a second place ribbon at HMQS earlier this year.

Although I can’t promise that your quilting will win an award, you’ll definitely get my seal of approval for learning how to let go of machine quilting perfection in my class. The secret to quilting success is to choose thin blending threads and quilt the heck out of it! Then all you will notice is the yummy quilted texture rather then each individual stitch.

Where I’ll be Traveling to Next

If you can’t make it to this class, click here for my complete teaching schedule. I keep it up to date for myself as well as my potential students. In fact, my family regularly checks my schedule so they know when I’m available for family trips! 🙂 I may just be traveling to a city near you!

**As always, thanks for your support! This post contains affiliate links.**

My Local Teaching Schedule, Fall 2016

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I enjoy traveling around the country at various quilt shows, guilds and events to teach. But I can’t neglect my local friends and fans, so I’ve made sure to schedule a few classes around here, too. If you live nearby, or plan to drop by for a fun Vegas weekend, be sure to sign up for my machine quilting classes this fall, taught at three fabulous quilt shops in town:

Upcoming Machine Quilting Classes in Las Vegas:

Quatrefoil-Applique_Christa_detail

Sept 8, 5:30-8:30 PM at The Christmas Goose
Ultimate Free-Motion Fillers

Learn 12 fun fillers in just 3 hours! This class will walk you through a dozen of the free-motion motifs from The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting. This will be a fast paced class, so students should be comfortable working with their machines and have a little bit of experience with machine quilting. Class size is limited to 10 students. Call the shop at 702-877-1158 to register, or stop by the shop at 2988 South Durango #109.

improv_machine_quilting_image

October 14, 2:30-5:30 PM at Quiltique
Improv Machine Qujilting

Liberate yourself from traditional quilting symmetry by combining your favorite machine quilting motifs in a seemingly random way. Add amazing texture to the negative spaces in your quilts and create your own unique combinations.

The class will cover basic free-motion filler designs such as pebbles, swirls, leaves, paisleys, triangles, and more. Learn how to improvisationally combine them for stunning results. Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.

Stop by Quiltique’s class sign up day event in August to register, located at 213 N. Stephanie Street, Suite E, Henderson, NV 89074. Or call the shop after Sept. 1 at 702-563-8600.

spirals_swirls_classimage

October 15, 1-4 PM at Sew Yeah Quilting
Machine Quilting spirals and swirls

Learn how to quilt modern, geometric spirals and swirls using both walking foot and free-motion motifs. Students will learn how to quilt stunning designs from Machine Quilting with Style, such as large continuous spirals, geometric spirals, and several swirl variations. Spirals can be quilted in different areas of your quilts, or used as an allover design. Combine motifs for even more possibilities! Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.

Click here to register online. You can also register in person at the shop, located at 3690 N Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89130, or call the shop at (702) 586 – 8687.

fmq_straight_line_alternatives

November 16, 6-9 PM at THE CHRISTMAS GOOSE
Free-Motion Alternatives to Straight Line Quilting

Go beyond the straight line and use your free-motion quilting skills to their fullest. In this workshop, students will learn how to turn basic shapes into linear free-motion quilting designs. Quilt them as allover designs across the surface of your quilt, or use them sporadically to create custom quilting motifs. Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.

Class size is limited to 10 students. Call the shop at 702-877-1158 to register, or stop by the shop at 2988 South Durango #109.

My Traveling Schedule

If you live outside of the Las Vegas area, be sure to check out my traveling and teaching schedule here. My schedule is currently booked through the end of 2017 but I’m now accepting offers for 2018, so I may be visiting a place near you!

Machine Quilting Tips in Modern Patchwork Magazine

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I love that more and more people are jumping on the modern quilting bandwagon! I’m a huge fan of quilting magazines and I love that more and more of them are devoted to the modern aesthetic. I’ve been pleased to work with several of them (in between other sewing deadlines) so I’ll be sure and share updates with you whenever I’ve published something new.

cover

My quilting tips are found on page 38 in this issue of Modern Patchwork!

I was recently able to share some of my favorite domestic machine quilting tips in the summer issue of Modern Patchwork Magazine. I’ll share a little bit about how this came about, for those of you who are interested in what goes on “behind the scenes.”

The Modern Quilt Guild put out a call for submissions for QuiltCon magazine last year (for this year’s 2016 issue), so I submitted the idea originally for that magazine. When I heard back, they said they had already selected content for QuiltCon magazine, but would I be willing to write it up for Modern Patchwork, since they are owned by the same company? That was a quick and easy yes.

Then, quite by chance, the editor happened to be in one of my QuiltCon classes earlier this year. I love when stuff like this happens. It makes me feel like we are all friends and associates in this industry, connecting us together in more ways than one.

Christa Watson Books

My books – all about quilting on a domestic machine!!

I wrote up my top 10 tips for domestic machine quilting, then got permission from my publisher to share a few images from my books to go along with the article. That way, the photography would be of the highest quality, and help cross promote the books. Because I’m the type of person who likes to make sure I dot my i’s and cross my t’s (and because I want to make sure I never step on any toes) I always try to keep everyone in the loop of what I’m doing and make sure I never share the same the exact same content word for word.

tentips_image

Credit goes to Angela Walters, my co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting for her version of Swirling Butterflies, the white quilt shown in the title of the article.

Although I write and teach about the art of machine quilting on a regular basis, I always try to present my material in a somewhat different way between books, patterns, and workshops. Besides, it really helps to hear/read the same information in different ways to really let it sink in.

In addition to my article, the current issue of Modern Patchwork has loads of other interesting articles to read as well as a plethora of fabulous machine quilting designs. It’s a little on the pricey side for one issue, but it’s worth it because it has as much content as a book!

Click here to get your hands on a copy of Modern Patchwork, and be sure to let me know what other quilting magazines you enjoy, modern or not!

QuiltCon Registration Opens June 25, 2016 for MQG Members, July 8 for General Public

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Have you picked out your classes for QuiltCon 2017? It’s going to be the modern quilting party of the year!! Registration opens this Saturday (June 25th) at 7 AM PST for Modern Quilt Guild Members, and July 8 for the general public. Be sure to register as soon as you can because classes sell out fast!

Click here for the complete catalog and descriptions of all lectures and classes.

As a reminder, here are the classes I’ll be teaching:

(220) Getting Started with EQ7 – Thursday 2/23 9-5

introtoEQ7

In this comprehensive workshop, students will learn the basics of Electric Quilt Software – version 7 for Windows or Mac. Topics include: learning to use the block library, setting blocks into quilt layouts, adding borders, importing fabric swatches, designing simple quilts, calculating yardage and more. This is a hands-on computer class, and students must be comfortable using their own laptops, with their version of the software installed and validated prior to class.

(826) Machine quilting Spirals and Swirls – Thursday 2/23 6-9 PM

center_spiral

Learn how to quilt modern, geometric spirals and swirls using both walking foot and free-motion motifs. Students will learn how to quilt stunning designs such as large continuous spirals, geometric spirals, and several swirl variations. Spirals can be quilted in different areas of your quilts, or used as an allover design. Combine motifs for even more possibilities! Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.

(LE08) Quilting on Your Home Sewing Machine: Tips and Tricks – Friday 2/24 10:30-11:15 AM (lecture)

trunk_show

There are quite a few differences between quilting on a long arm and quilting on a sit-down home sewing machine. Although many of the same motifs can be quilted on either machine, the techniques on how to approach the quilting are different. In this lecture, I will share her best tricks on how to approach quilting on a sit-down machine. Plus, I’ll answer your questions and share tips on how to become a better quilter.

(232) Designing Modern Quilts in EQ7 – Saturday 2/25 6-9 PM

Designing-Modern-Quilts-in-EQ7-Image

Take your modern designs to the next level by learning how to draw and change them in EQ7. Topics will include drawing improv blocks, manipulating borders, incorporating negative space, going off the grid, changing sizes, and designing custom set quilts. We will work at a quick pace, so students should be comfortable with the basics of EQ7 prior to class. This is a hands-on computer workshop, and students must be comfortable using their own laptops, with their version of the software installed and validated prior to class.

(817) Free Motion Alternatives to STraight Line Quilting – Sunday 2/26 9-12

fmq_straight_line_alternatives

Go beyond the straight line and use your free-motion quilting skills to their fullest. In this workshop, students will learn how to turn basic shapes into linear free-motion quilting designs. Quilt them as allover designs across the surface of your quilt, or use them sporadically to create custom quilting motifs. Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.

(833) Improv Machine Quilting – Sunday 2/26 2-5

improv_machine_quilting_image

Liberate yourself from traditional quilting symmetry by combining your favorite machine quilting motifs in a seemingly random way. Add amazing texture to the negative spaces in your quilts and create your own unique combinations. The class will cover basic free-motion filler designs such as pebbles, swirls, leaves, paisleys, triangles, and more. Learn how to improvisationally combine them for stunning results. Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.

Who’s going to QuiltCon?

Let me know if you plan to attend – I would love to see you there!

My QuiltCon 2017 Workshop Schedule – Catalog Available Now!

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I’m super excited for QuiltCon East 2017 in Savannah Georgia! After having a blast teaching in 2016, I’m so excited to return in 2017! The 2017 Catalog is available now.  Registration for Modern Quilt Guild Members opens June 25th. Public registration opens July 1.

teaching_at_quiltcon_2017_v2

I am excited to be teaching 2 classes on EQ7, 3 classes on domestic machine quilting, plus a lecture. Here’s my schedule, in order:

(220) Getting Started with EQ7 – Thursday 2/23 9-5

introtoEQ7

In this comprehensive workshop, students will learn the basics of Electric Quilt Software – version 7 for Windows or Mac. Topics include: learning to use the block library, setting blocks into quilt layouts, adding borders, importing fabric swatches, designing simple quilts, calculating yardage and more. This is a hands-on computer class, and students must be comfortable using their own laptops, with their version of the software installed and validated prior to class.

(826) Machine quilting Spirals and Swirls – Thursday 2/23 6-9 PM

center_spiral

Learn how to quilt modern, geometric spirals and swirls using both walking foot and free-motion motifs. Students will learn how to quilt stunning designs such as large continuous spirals, geometric spirals, and several swirl variations. Spirals can be quilted in different areas of your quilts, or used as an allover design. Combine motifs for even more possibilities! Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.

(LE08) Quilting on Your Home Sewing Machine: Tips and Tricks – Friday 2/24 10:30-11:15 AM (lecture)

trunk_show

There are quite a few differences between quilting on a long arm and quilting on a sit-down home sewing machine. Although many of the same motifs can be quilted on either machine, the techniques on how to approach the quilting are different. In this lecture, I will share her best tricks on how to approach quilting on a sit-down machine. Plus, I’ll answer your questions and share tips on how to become a better quilter.

(223) Designing Modern Quilts in EQ7 – Saturday 2/25 6-9 PM

Designing-Modern-Quilts-in-EQ7-Image

Take your modern designs to the next level by learning how to draw and change them in EQ7. Topics will include drawing improv blocks, manipulating borders, incorporating negative space, going off the grid, changing sizes, and designing custom set quilts. We will work at a quick pace, so students should be comfortable with the basics of EQ7 prior to class. This is a hands-on computer workshop, and students must be comfortable using their own laptops, with their version of the software installed and validated prior to class.

(817) Free Motion Alternatives to STraight Line Quilting – Sunday 2/26 9-12

fmq_straight_line_alternatives

Go beyond the straight line and use your free-motion quilting skills to their fullest. In this workshop, students will learn how to turn basic shapes into linear free-motion quilting designs. Quilt them as allover designs across the surface of your quilt, or use them sporadically to create custom quilting motifs. Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.

(833) Improv Machine Quilting – Sunday 2/26 2-5

improv_machine_quilting_image

Liberate yourself from traditional quilting symmetry by combining your favorite machine quilting motifs in a seemingly random way. Add amazing texture to the negative spaces in your quilts and create your own unique combinations. The class will cover basic free-motion filler designs such as pebbles, swirls, leaves, paisleys, triangles, and more. Learn how to improvisationally combine them for stunning results. Students should be comfortable with basic machine quilting techniques.

The rest of the time, I’ll be walking the show floor, checking out the quilts, and of course trying to meet as many of you! Let me know if you are planning to attend.

Download the QuiltCon 2017 catalog here.

The Hallmarks of Modern Machine Quilting Free Creative Webinar April 14

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Be sure to join me for my upcoming creative webinar, The Hallmarks of Modern Machine Quilting. Registration is free to all Modern Quilt Guild Members, and the webinar will go live on Thursday, April 14, 2016 from 6-7:30 PM Pacific Time. There will be a Q&A after.

Modern Machine Quilting

In the webinar, I’ll explain how the modern aesthetic applies to the machine quilting process, using examples of many of the quilts from QuiltCon 2016. If you are not yet an MQG member, be sure to join The MQG here!

I can’t wait – it should be super fun and informative!

Binding Class – Next Saturday at The Christmas Goose in Las Vegas

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If you will be in or near the Las Vegas area, next Saturday, April 9th, from 2-5 PM, I will be teaching Binding A to Z at The Christmas Goose Quilt Shop, located at 2988 South Durango, Las Vegas, NV. The cost is only $25 and you will be binding on a real quilt! Call (702) 877-1158 to register, and I hope to see you there!

binding

Learn to bind on an actual quilt! You supply the quilt, I’ll teach you how!

The Christmas Goose is owned by mother-daughter team Jeanette and Andrea, and they’ve been in business for over 20 years – almost as long as I’ve been quilting!! It’s been fun getting to know them over the years and they have always been supportive of my work.

Mother and Daughter at The Christmas Goose

In fact, if you come to my class on April 9th, you’ll be able to pick up a copy of either of my books at the store, and I’ll be glad to sign them for you, on the spot!

book-covers2

The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting and Machine Quilting with Style are both available for purchase from The Christmas Goose.

If you can’t make it to this weekend’s class, you can keep up with my teaching schedule here. Jut think – I may be coming to a city near you!!

binding