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Hankies From Heaven: A Quilted Pillow

This fast paced 3-4 hour workshop teaches a quick and easy way to showcase a treasured handkerchief. Participants will create a quilted pillow using their own handkerchief, threadwork and a recycled shirt.

Supply list: Supply list includes basic sewing supplies, rotary cutter and mat, thread and sewing machine in good working order. Bring your vintage handkerchief, ½ yard of a coordinating solid cotton fabric, thread and a cotton buttonfront shirt. Finished sizes will vary. Pillow forms to be purchased later by each participant. Additional vintage handkerchiefs and Mary's book will be available for purchase

My First Quilt

Samantha Buckler

In our family, my neices come when they turn 16 to learn to "quilt with Aunt Mary". Turn your favorite teen into a new quilter by joining her (or him) at this exciting two day workshop. Our young quilter makes all the color decisions and does all the sewing. The "helper" provides background support with cutting, pressing and unsewing if necessary. You are there to make sure that their first quilt project is a successful one! Together you will complete a 60 x 70 inch top in their choice of colors that is ready to be quilted as desired. Both participants must be present for the entire two day workshop. The project is designed for teens and young adults alike. Please contact Mary directly for pricing.

Getting it Ready: Restoration and Repair for Machine Quilters

What do you as a machine quilter need to do to get that vintage quilt ready to go? This 3 hour workshop touches on the basics of restoration and repair of antique quilts. What skills to you need to add to your price list to provide the highest level of service to your clients? The hands-on portion of the workshop will cover basic repairs, restoration techniques, conservation and rescue tips . Participants will be encouraged to bring a vintage quilt top in need of repair to discuss and share. A conservation kit is required and can be purchased directly from the instructor for $10. No other supplies are needed.

A Vintage Challenge

This is a fast paced 6 hour workshop that is designed to challenge participants to create a small quilt using a surprise box of vintage blocks, buttons and trims. Students will discover their inner creativity as they are given permission to play within a limited choice of vintage materials. Participants bring basic sewing supplies and one yard of solid fabric plus batting. A challenge kit is required and can be purchased directly from the instructor for $20. 

Click Here to see students at work in the Road to California workshop.

Saving Our Treasures

AQS Appraisers

Mary Kerr (L) and Sue Reich

Photo by Judy Grow

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 6 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.

Anonymous and Me

This is a 3-4 hour workshop that allows for an in depth look at  quilts that were started by one generation and finished by another. You will see numerous examples of both vintage and new compilation pieces that incorporate unfinished blocks, tops and pieces. Mary reviews the history of multi-generational pieces and introduces you to some of the modern innovators of this medium. You will learn about documenting and labeling your own “new” pieces, tips to honor those quilters whose work we finish and have an opportunity to ask lots of questions. Share Mary’s lighthearted approach to age-old UFOs.

 

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.


A Quilted Memory

This exciting 6 hour workshop encourages participants to showcase treasured vintage linen in a contemporary quilt. Students are challenged to bring those memory pieces out of the trunks and off of their tables. Work with a vintage table runner, dresser scarf, doily or tea towel and discover ways to design a quilted memory. Supply list includes basic sewing supplies coordinating fabrics and batting. Finished sizes will vary. Additional vintage materials will be available for purchase.

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.

The Business of Being in Business: Marketing and Development for Professional Quilters

This is a 6 hour workshop for the professional quilter or anyone who is interested in making their mark in the quilting field. This is an opportunity to learn about developing yourself professionally and promoting your business successfully.

American Quilts: 1801-1900 and American Quilts 1901-2000

Each of these 3 or 6 hour workshops provide an in-depth look at history, fabric trends and social situations that influenced the quilting traditions of each era. Students will be provided with significant historical information and will have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of fabrics that span each 100 years of American textile history. Participants bring note taking materials (no pens please) and 2-3 quilts, tops or block sets to share and discuss.


Costs for 2012- 2013:

  • Lectures: $450 for a one hour lecture plus expenses ---- $400 if booked in conjunction with a workshop
  • 3-4 Hour Workshop: $450 plus expenses
  • 6 Hour Workshop: $650 plus expenses
  • Expenses: travel @ current government mileage rate and accommodations if more than 2 hours away