Sunday, November 18, 2018

My Favorite Things--and People

Just recently, one of my six-month classes finished up. At the last class. 8 of the original 13 were present, the rest were unable to attend due to illness or obligations. They were missed.

The class is called "My Favorite Things" and here is the class sample:


And the class description:

Learn how to make Barbara’s favorite blocks in this comprehensive 6 month fun and educational class. No sewing machine needed--you’ll do all the sewing at home. So many tips and tricks will be taught--increase your quilting skills as you make several smaller quilts OR combine ALL the individual blocks into one complete bed-size quilt, a totally original design, your choice.

Some of the blocks include: Log Cabins, Shoo Fly, Old Italian Block, Flying Geese,  Disappearing Nine-patch, Sawtooth Star, and more...

The students met and surpassed my goals--I wanted them to learn "quilter's math" and how to create and assemble the blocks they want to make. So many newer quilters only know how to follow pattern directions, and lack confidence in selecting fabrics, changing block sizes, changing the quilt layout, and don't know how to be sure their pieces all fit together. I asked them to say what they had gotten out of the class and each one mentioned one of those things as something that they really had improved upon.

Here is their glorious work:


Cyndi  used lots of Kaffe Fassett fabrics and created two wonderful additional borders

Phyllis  almost gave up after the first class but hung in there and has a beautiful quilt on the way


Sally changed the layout and some blocks  to  make the quilt her own--I love that!
Kathy used a lot of Kim Diehl fabrics--while it's not her favorite I LOVE it and she learned a lot from it

Suzanne worked in reproduction fabrics and found the perfect cheddar/gold for sashing 

Holly really spread her wings and changed the border--a great quilt.
We also had show and tell from two other classes I've taught this group:

Holly showing her Long Time Gone, a Jen Kingwell design. She modified the border

Cyndi brought her queen-size Two-For-One, mostly batiks
These students pushed  me to create this class--it didn't matter what I taught, they just wanted another six-month class where they didn't have to haul their machines. I had to design it on the fly and keep ahead of them but I did. They are a fun group to teach and I think we all enjoy our time together.

This would make a great 3-4 day retreat or workshop project. I am teaching it locally, at Patches & Stitches, Part One is Saturday March 30, 2019, 9-4 and Part Two is Saturday May 4, 2019, 9-4. That will be a sewing class, every two hours we'll cover one of the 6 lessons to be learned. That should be fun--and fast!

Students often teach the teachers too--I learned students can stretch their wings and enjoy it and many quilters want to improve their skills with each quilt they make.

I love my job!

And, because I was asked, here is the link to my Cranberry Chutney recipe blog. It's that time of year and I don't want turkey without it. It makes the house smell good too:

Barbara's Cranberry Chutney


Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends.

Let's Quilt,

Barbara

7 comments:

  1. It's so much fun to see quilters expand their talents & vision. Thanks for the recipe!

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  2. What a wonderful class this was. There is a lot to be said for taking multiple classes with the same group. We get to know each other and get comfortable learning and sharing together, in a "safe" place. Barbara is such a positive and encouraging teacher. Her enthusiasm spurs you on to learn more and to do your very best. Thank you, Barbara and classmates. You are the best!

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  3. That's a lot of fun -- they did some great show 'n tell! It's nice to finish a class with a stunner of a quilt like all of these ladies had! :)

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  4. What awesome quilts!! I know you empower your class. I feel like the sign of a good teacher is when the students leave knowing they can accomplish what was taught!
    Happy Thanksgiving friend.

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  5. I ALWAYS learn more than I could imagine in Barbara's classes she is a wonderful teacher and we are so lucky to have her! I am thankful for all I've learned from her as well as our classmates and am looking forward to the Sizzle class starring in january!

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  6. That looks like it was a great class! Beautiful quilts! I love seeing how everyone has the same pattern, but make different creations. Wish I could take that class! Maybe I will have to teach one!

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  7. I'll bet these ladies are so pleased with what they have learned from you. They have made some incredible quilts. I consider you a master quilt teacher!

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