Category: Teaching

It’s a Year Full of Giveaways from Electric Quilt

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I had so much fun teaching EQ7 to two groups of students at QuiltCon, and I’m looking forward to teaching a more in-depth 3 day class at EQ Academy coming up April 21-23 in Ohio. But one of the best things about being a designer and EQ7 artist is getting to know the wonderful folks behind the company.

EQ_academy_groupMary Ellen Krantz and I will be teaching EQ7 for beginners, Barb Vlack will be teaching an intermediate level EQ7 class and Yvonne Menear will be teaching EQ stitch.

The Electric Quilt Company was founded by Penny McMorris and Dean Neumann in 1991 (coincidentally the year I graduated from high school) and it’s been going strong now for 25 years? Can you believe it!!

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To celebrate such a milestone my friends at EQ have partnered up with various companies in the quilting industry to bring you a year full of amazing giveaways! Each month, one of their industry partners will be giving away a copy of EQ7 of their site, and EQ will be giving a way a prize pack of quilting goodies on theirs. So there’s 2 chances to win each month!

Who’s ready to win???

QuiltCon 2016 – Modern Quilting is About More than Just Quilts

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I returned from QuiltCon yesterday and it was such an amazing experience. As I begin to process everything, the thing that sticks out most in my mind is the community aspect of it all. In fact, for today’s post, I won’t even be talking about the quilts. But don’t worry, I’ll get to them later. 🙂

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Lunch on the Steps with Melissa – pictured are Melissa Averinos, Molli Sparkles, Lacy J. Law, Becca Bryan, Violet Craft, Monica-Solario Snow and another gal in the upper left whom I met but sadly forgot her name (if you are out there new friend – please speak up!)

It’s been stated that the modern movement is part attitude/part aesthetic. The modern quilting community itself is a huge part of that! QuiltCon is unlike any show I’ve ever been to and it’s so unique in that you really feel like you are among friends. It’s so fun to meet up with instagram/facebook friends in person and have longer, more in-depth face to face conversations. I think we all love being a part of something and being around others who get it.

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One of the fun things I got to do was take part in a panel discussion on how to stash our fabric. The moderator was Rossie Hutchinson and panelists were myself, Mary Fons and Judy Gauthier. I was able to give Mary a big hug and thank her for giving me my first “big break” in the quilting community (when she selected my Charming Chevrons quilt for the cover of Quilty magazine back in 2013). Chatting with her before the panel began felt like we were old friends catching up.

I love being part of both the local and national MQG community. So many of my local Las Vegas MQG members attended, since the show was only a few hours drive. I didn’t realize what a huge help they would be in helping me set up and break down my classes each day.

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My “roadies” – Melissa B., Ida, Melissa C. and Vicki with our guild’s group entry.

One of my favorite moments at the show was meeting up with Angela Walters and Jennifer Keltner (Chief Visionary Officer for Martingale/That Patchwork Place) for a little chat about our book, The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting which releases in April. We have something extra special planned for Spring Quilt Market in May and I can’t wait!

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And finally I love, love, love, my community of students. Teaching is one of my favorite parts of my career as a quilter. That spark of excitement on a student’s face when they get it is one of the huge reasons I do what I do!

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Student work from my class “free-motion favorites for the modern quilter.”

I taught two machine quilting classes while at QuiltCon along with two classes on EQ7. I’m always a little unsure of how the material will be received and it makes my day when a student comes up to me at the end of class and tells me how happy they are with what they’ve learned. Yay! That kind of positive feedback propels me to do more. I love it!

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It makes me happy to see students chatting together before class begins.

And the best news is, for anyone who was unable to attend QuiltCon 2016 – I’ll be teaching again at QuiltCon in 2017, this time in Savannah, Georgia. I can hardly wait!

quiltcon_2017

Quilt Market is This Week! What I’m doing and Where I’ll be.

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International Quilt Market, the twice yearly industry trade show is this weekend in Houston, Texas, from Friday-Monday. I’ll be there of course, purchasing the latest and greatest for our precut store.

But perhaps even more exciting (and nerve-wracking) is that I’ll also be there on behalf of Martingale/That Patchwork Place, promoting my book Machine Quilting With Style. I’ll be participating in three promotional  events for my book, so if you are attending I invite you to come see me!

quilting_buttonsMeet me at Quilt Market and choose your favorite button!

Schoolhouse Schedule

On Friday, during the Schoolhouse Series, I’ll be giving a 30 minute presentation and showing the quilts from the book. The point of this presentation is to educate quilt shop owners on why they want to carry my book in their shops and how to sell it.

martingale_schedule

Why carry my book? – it’s the perfect machine quilting reference for 18 different designs, using both walking foot and free motion quilting techniques. Quilters always want to learn more tips and tricks on how to quilt their own quilts! It’s also great lesson manual for teaching how to make a complete quilt from start to finish.

How to sell it – bundle it up with a kit purchase, include it on the supply list for at least 15 different classes (12 piecing classes, 3 different machine quilting classes); for sewing machine dealers – offer it as a “freebie” with any sewing machine purchase.

Machine-Quilting-with-Style-demoDemos and Giveaways

Then on Saturday, I will be presenting two demos in the Martingale booth, one at 11 AM and then again at 3 PM. The purpose of these demos will be to show shop owners how they can create a fun customer experience around my book and how to encourage add-on sales. I’ll be showing how shop employees can demo improv piecing, how to use a few of my favorite rulers for precision cutting of the blocks, and how to get their students comfortable with quilting by practicing daily free-motion sketching.

It’s sure to be a whirlwind of a time and I plan to share tons of live play-by-plays on Instagram and Periscope so be sure to follow me there @christaquilts!

QuiltCon Class Registration Opens June 25!

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QuiltCon registration begins Thursday (June 25th) for Modern Quilt Guild members at 7 AM Pacific Time. General registration opens July 1. I’ll be teaching 4 workshops (two on EQ, and two on Free-Motion Favorites).  I will also be a panelist for a discussion on how I stash my fabric, moderated by Rossie Hutchinson.

Click here for descriptions, times and dates for each of my workshops.

CQ_classesClick here for the QuiltCon class schedule and catalog.

Free Admission for Members

If you are an MQG member, be sure to register ASAP! The first 1000 paid registrations get a free goody bag. AND if you register by November 30th, you get free admission to the show. How great is that?!

Are you planning on attending? If so, I can’t wait to see you there!

PS – If you are new to my blog, be sure to sign up for Friendly Threads, my email newsletter.

 

NQA 2015 Quilt Show Wrap Up

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I just returned from teaching for the National Quilting Association‘s annual quilt show in Little Rock, Arkansas and it was such a great time for both me and my students! Each time I teach, it rejuvenates me and rekindles my love for the craft! Here are some eye candy pics from my weekend.

The Classes

modernlogs_studentsStudents showing off their Modern Logs blocks after a fun day of sewing!

I taught two classes: Modern Logs and Modern Machine Quilting. The students had a great time exploring their creativity and I’m sure I had just as much fun as they did!

mmq_samplesStudent practice samples from Modern Machine Quilting. I love the texture they created!

The Quilts

The quilts in the show were top notch! I was very pleased with the number of Modern Quilts that were entered into the show, just a few of which I’ve shown below. (Check my instagram feed @christaquilts for more fun pics from the show!)

modern_quiltsA great showing of modern quilts including my entry, Optical Illusion in the 3rd row.

I was thrilled to see ribbons on many quilts of friends and acquaintances I admire!

I follow Margaret Solomon Gunn’s blog and her writings in Machine Quilting Unlimited magazine. Although her style is vastly different from mine, she’s an amazing quilter who won Best of Show – small for her quilt Jester’s Folly. She also won a Masterpiece Quilt award, which you can read about on her blog here.

bestofshowJester’s Folly by Margaret Solomon Gunn, Best of Show Small, NQA 2016

I was so proud of my friend Vicki Ruebel from Orchid Owl Quilts for getting ribbons on 2 of her quilts in the show! Me and My Shadow picked up 2nd in the Small Applique Quilts category and her Big Star quilt (in the modern montage above) won 2nd in the Modern category.

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I was also thrilled to see a top prize ribbon on my friend Cory Allender‘s quilt, Convergence. Cory’s work is nothing short of amazing, and she’s the one who first encouraged me to start entering my quilts into national shows. Just about every time Cory enters a quilt, she picks up a ribbon. I love it!

convergenceConvergence by Cory Allender, Best Embellishment, and 2nd place Art category

The People

A fun part of any show is getting to meet up with other like minded quilters. I was able to hang out with Jodi Robinson and Gina Perkes and  for a bit one evening and swap quilting stories and inspiration. They are both amazing long arm quilters and I’m super excited for what they have coming up, so be sure to follow them, if you don’t already.

jodi_ginaJodi Robinson and Gina Perkes, two amazing long-arm quilters whose work I admire.

As a teacher, NQA took care of my accommodations which were super nice! I was roommates with another fabulous quilting instructor, Sue Rasmussen who specializes in Domestic Machine Quilting (whoo-hoo) and one-of-a-kind landscape art quilts. She’s self-published a book that includes tons of great info on the technical aspects of quilting, so of course I snatched up a copy!

sue_rasmussenHanging out with Sue Rasmussen in our hotel room after a fun day of teaching.

And finally, I can’t give enough thanks to the staff and volunteers of NQA who helped make my time there a success! I was able to connect with many of the people I’ve only worked with online and through emails. Meeting them in person was such a treat!

barbara_polstonBarbara Poslton is the editor of NQA’s Quilting Quarterly magazine. She’s a doll!

If you ever get a chance to visit a national quilt show, I highly recommend it!

On My Way to NQA for More Teaching Fun and Inspiration!!

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Have I told you guys lately how much I love teaching machine quilting?? It’s so fun to teach, both locally and nationally and see that spark of excitement when one of my students “gets” it! 🙂

Last month, I taught my full-day Modern Machine Quilting class and I’m off to teach it again this week at the National Quilting Association’s annual show in Little Rock, Arkansas. I’m so excited! I’ll be teaching my Modern Logs class, there too. It’s been super fun to teach the same class to different audiences. So far, no one has ever made the exact same quilt!

christmas_goose_may2015Here are a few pictures from my Modern Machine Quilting class that I taught at The Christmas Goose in Las Vegas last month. (Not to worry for those locals who are on the waiting list – I’ll be repeating the class again in October.)

christmasgoose_2_may2015It’s amazing the textures and designs you can create with just a walking foot and some simple free-motion quilting! I organize the class similarly to how my first book, Machine Quilting With Style has been written: students start off getting comfortable quilting with their walking foot, then they move onto several of my free-motion favorites.

Machine quilting truly is my favorite part of the quilt-making process. What’s yours?

Christa’s SoapBox – Hallmarks of Modern Machine Quilting

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There’s been a lot of buzz about modern quilts since the debut of QuiltCon in 2013. And with my recent announcement that I’m part of the QuiltCon 2016 faculty, I thought I’d throw more of my voice into the mix. It thrills me to no end to see so many quilters embracing the modern style as they learn how to design and piece modern quilts. When I returned to QuiltCon in 2015, I noticed that elements of modernism had now been applied to the hand or machine quilting process, too.

Since machine quilting is my favorite technique, I’ll share 5 trends I’ve noticed in today’s machine quilted modern quilts:

1. Functional quilting enhances the design of the quilt without overpowering it.

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Closeup of my HST quilt, which was recently featured in Make Modern Magazine.

Quilting stitches serve a functional purpose by holding the three layers of a quilt together. Over time, sophisticated quilters have learned to add an extra layer of decoration to their quilts by quilting intricate motifs onto the surface. With modern quilts, decorative quilting can be used to make the pieced design come alive, but the quilting is usually a little bit more subdued and is not the star of the show. Because many modern quilts emphasize clean lines and minimalist designs, over-the-top ornate quilting is not often seen on modern quilts.

2. Quilting motifs are often inspired by elements of graphic design.

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Closeup of Optical Illusion, included as part of QuiltCon 2015

The seven basic elements of graphic design are line, color, texture, shape, size, value and space. These elements can be incorporated into modern machine quilting design motifs, too. Modern quilts often emphasize linear quilting because it adds such a textural quality to the quilt. Think irregular grids, tightly spaced lines (often known as matchstick quilting), and evenly spaced parallel lines. Thread colors, simple shapes, contrasting motif sizes and even the amount of negative space in between the quilting can all play a role in creating a successful modern composition.

Although my new book is not exclusively written to a modern audience, it does include a healthy portion of geometric quilting motifs. It’s what I’m drawn to, and what I love to quilt!

3. Asymmetrical quilting designs add depth and dimension.

Asymmetrical, “off the grid” piecing is one of the hallmarks of modern design. This idea can be incorporated into machine quilting as well. When you can see the hand of the maker in his or her quilt, I’m sure you’ll agree that a quilt doesn’t have to be computer perfect to be both functional and beautiful. Ditch the stencils and embrace irregularity to create perfectly imperfect quilts!

4. The walking foot has been reclaimed.

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Spiral Quilting with a walking foot, part of my full day class on Modern Machine Quilting

No longer relegated to “stitch-in-the-ditch,” walking foot quilting is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Using a walking foot, or built-in dual feed, quilters can do more than quilt simple straight lines. Think of gently flowing waves, organic, angular textures and continuous large-scale spirals. And don’t forget the possibilities of decorative stitches. Continuous zigzags and undulating serpentines can add drape and body to a quilt, just begging to be snuggled with!

5. Dense free-motion quilting adds incredible texture.

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Detail of Swirls and Pearls free-motion quilting with geometric spirals in String of Pearls

From pebbles and swirls, to shattered lines and echoed spaces, dense free-motion work adds character to a quilt with an extra layer of composition just waiting to be explored. Contrary to popular belief, a densely quilted quilt can be soft and cuddly. Since most modern quilts are meant to be loved and used, they tend to soften up wash after wash. So don’t be afraid to quilt your own quilts, and when in doubt, add more quilting!

 So – what are your thoughts about the “quilting” part of modern quilting? I’d love to know!

QuiltCon Class Schedule Now Available – And I’m Teaching

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Come take a class with me at QuiltCon! The now-annual Modern quilt show and conference will take place Pasadena, California, from February 18-21, 2016.

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I’ll be teaching 4 workshops: two sessions of free-motion quilting and two classes on EQ7.

I will also be a panelist for LE16: What I Stash and How – moderated by Rossie Hutchinson on Saturday, 1:30-2:30

Here are the descriptions and times for each of my classes:

830 Free-Motion Favorites for the Modern Quilter
830A Thursday, Feb. 18, 6-9 p.m. (Domestic Machine)
830B Friday, Feb. 19, 6-9 p.m. (Sit-Down Mid-Arm)

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Take your modern free-motion quilting to the next level by learning a dozen different fillers that will add depth and dimension. Let go of perfection by quilting asymmetrical textures that require little to no marking. Students will practice on sample squares or orphan blocks to discover geometric alternatives to straight- line quilting. This fast-paced workshop is for quilters comfortable with basic free-motion quilting techniques. Taught on a sit-down machine.

220 Getting Started with EQ7
Friday Feb. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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. Class also includes a trunk show of the instructor’s quilts designed in EQ7 for inspiration. This is a hands-on computer class, and students must be comfortable using their own laptops, with their version of the software installed prior to class.

221 Designing Modern Quilts in EQ7
Saturday Feb. 20, 6-9 p.m.

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Take your modern designs to the next level by learning how to manipulate them in EQ7. Topics will include drawing improv blocks, scaling and numbering foundation piecing templates, applying a layer of quilting, designing custom set quilts, manipulating borders, incorporating negative space, going off the grid, changing sizes, and more. 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 prior to class . Students may use EQ7 for either PC or Mac.

I can’t wait!

If next year’s QuiltCon follows the previous trends, classes will sell out quickly, so be sure to mark your favorites and get online quickly, once registration opens. Whether or not you take a class from me – I’d still love to see you there!

Great News – Sewing Machines to be Provided at NQA

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I just got great news that sewing machines will now be provided for all classes at the National Quilting Association show this June. Since I will be teaching 3 hands on classes, this will be so much easier on the students!

nqaclassesIf you are thinking of attending, be sure to register for classes now as the deadline for workshop registration is May 1st.

Just to recap, here are the 3 classes I will be teaching. I’d love to see you there!

Modern Logs  This class is quickly become a student favorite. It’s fun to teach the same workshop in multiple venues and I love to see how everyone makes it in their own way! My quilt measures 48″ x 54″ and it’s super easy to make it larger – just add more blocks!

Modern Logs

Modern Machine Quilting  Enjoy the satisfaction that comes with learning to quilt your own quilts! In class, I’ll teach a plethora of walking foot wonders and free-motion favorites that are accomplished with little to no marking. Let go of perfection and enjoy the rich textural effects of modern quilting!

modern machine quilting samples

Charming Chevrons  The one that started it all, this design was my entry into the world of modern quilting. It’s quick and easy to make from your favorite collection of charm squares, whether they are solids, prints, or a mix of both!

Colorful Chevrons

My Week at the Folkschool – How to Make a Modern Quilt

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Last week I embarked on an exciting adventure that I want to share with you. I spent 5 full days teaching a full group of students How to Make a Modern Quilt at the John C. Campbell Folkschool. Although it’s hard to capture such a full week in one blog post, here’s a little recap:

fiber_studioThe fiber arts building housed both the weaving studio and the quilting studio in separate halves of this beautiful structure, complete with a barn block!

Day 0 – Arrival and check in. This wasn’t a full day of teaching, but as soon as I got off the airplane (in Atlanta) I took a beautiful scenic drive through the woods of Georgia to the mountains of North Carolina. The Folkschool is located in a quaint little town called Brasstown and it was a beautiful place where time literally seemed to stand still. As soon as I was out of the car, it was time to check-in for teacher orientation, enjoy a wonderful southern dinner (the first of many delicious meals), and then meet the students.

Fortunately many of my students had been there before, and knew their way around, so they were able to lead me to the quilting studio, a huge space that was fully equipped for some serious sewing (though most of my students brought their own machines).

openstudioThere was enough space for all 12 students to each have their own table, design wall and cutting area, plus plenty of ironing boards. We even had room for full-size basting tables!

Day 1-2 Cutting and sewing. Once the students had settled in and organized their supplies, it was time to cut fabrics and learn some modern quilting basics (letting go of perfection, embracing asymmetry, discovering improvisational piecing.) Throughout the week it was fun getting to know the quilters and their various styles. As a teacher, I love to share my methods but I am so happy for each student to settle into her own process and find a comfortable work-flow.

modernblocksSome of the Modern Logs blocks starting to emerge. I love all the fabric choices!

Day 3 – More block sewing and piecing the backs. Throughout the class I encouraged the students to work at their own pace. Some decided to make bigger quilts, others took their time with the process, and they all seemed to embrace the design possibilities in their backing.

pieced_backingIsn’t this a great pieced backing?

A few of the students even made me smile by throwing in a few random pops of color to their wonky blocks. They agreed that they were channeling their inner Jacquie Gering. 🙂

colorpopDay 4 – Basting and machine quilting. This was the day that many had been waiting for, a chance to learn how to quilt their own quilts! They all agreed that they preferred spray basting hands-down to pin-basting and were pleased to learn some of my tips and tricks: such as smoothing each layer with a long ruler, applying spray to the top and backing (not the batting) and ironing the whole thing to set the glue. Each time a quilter finished her backing, several others came together to get it basted in mere minutes. It was quite the efficient process!

machinequilting2This combination of modern fabrics and nearly solids makes my heart sing!

Our week just happened to coincide with Southern Appalachian Modern Quilt Guild meeting, so several of the students and I were able to attend. We got to see inspiring show ‘n tell, eat yummy treats and watch a wonderful slideshow recap of QuiltCon highlights. I even picked up a couple of great ideas to share with my local modern quilt guild (LVMQG).

wovenrunnerPam’s SAMQG show ‘n tell – her original woven fabrics pieced into a table runner.

Pam Howard is the Resident Weaver at the Folkschool and a member of the SAMQG. She was in my class and we became fast friends. She’s experimenting with incorporating her hand-loomed fabrics into her quilts. Isn’t that a cool idea?

modernlogs

Day 5 – The finish and closing ceremony. I am so proud of my students! After a full week of nearly-non stop quilting, smiles were aplenty as everyone got to display their work for the entire school to see. From basketry to woodworking, to tin-smithing, photography, soapmaking, beadwork and more, just about every craft you could think of was well-represented.

folkschoolcraftsSeveral of the arts and crafts on display at the Folkschool Closing ceremony.

If you’ve never been to the Folkschool, I highly encourage you to visit. They run week-long classes year ’round and I can’t wait to return!

For those of you near the Little Rock, Arkansas area, I will be teaching a shorter version of Modern Logs at the NQA 46th annual quilt show June 18-20, 2015 along with a few other classes. Click here for details.

I just made some new BQF’s (best quilting friends) and I’d love to meet some more!