Saving Our Treasures

3-4 hour workshop that touches on the basics of restoration, conservation and repair of antique quilts. The workshop will include discussion and trunk show of historical repairs. The hands-on portion will cover basic repairs, restoration techniques, conservation, rescue tips and the recreation of patterns that are damaged beyond repair.

Participants will be encouraged to bring a vintage quilt in need of repair to discuss and begin work on during the workshop. A conservation kit is required and can be purchased directly from the instructor for $10.

Searching for Clues

This is a 3-4 hour interactive fabric dating workshop. During this class students discover the clues hidden in their antique quilts and tops as we discuss trends, fabrics and patterns and styles over the last 200 years. There are lots of show and tell items and a wide variety of fabrics that span 200 years of American textile history.  Each participant brings 2-3 pieces to share and discuss.

Block Party

This workshop is designed to help students discover innovative ways to set antique and new blocks. Participants bring blocks to share and together we develop ideas to best showcase the block sets. The workshop includes a trunk show of innovative sets in antique and contemporary textiles.

Rescue the Orphans

This is another interactive workshop that focuses on orphan blocks and tops. Participants bring their mismatched orphans and learn ways to design one-of-a-kind textiles. Instructional material includes tips for care, conservation, cleaning, documentation and more. 

Vintage Art Party

This workshop is similar to “Rescue the Orphans” but incorporates the old with Art Quilt flair. Participants will discuss and design art pieces that feature vintage blocks and fragments used in innovative ways. We will discuss and encourage the use of “vintage embellishment” such as buttons, trim, architectural hardware, jewelry and more. Participants are given permission to add the old to our new quilts.

The Art of Appraisals

Participants of this workshop have the opportunity to talk through the Art Quilt appraisal process with an AQS Certified Appraiser. This interactive discussion will touch on what appraisers look for, what factors play a role in establishing value, when an art quilt should be appraised and why we as artists should be concerned about the appraisal process. Students are encouraged to bring in 1-2 pieces for discussion and sharing.

Recycled Rita

Rita is a fictional character whose personality is played out in an innovative series of Art Quilts. She is a shapely mature woman with a wicked sense of humor and long flowing hair. She expresses herself best through the use of recycled materials. Her clothing and hair are always constructed of “reclaimed” objects that are used in innovative ways. The students will be provided the basic Rita pattern and will be challenged to create a unique quilt using unfamiliar and easily found materials.