Quilting Instructor - Quilting Book, Quilting Patterns

I love to teach. To spend time with students who are full of enthusiasm and are anxious to learn is a very rewarding experience. I also like to have fun, so my classes tend to be full of laughs, but also lots of information. My theory is you'll learn faster if you are enjoying yourself. And besides, isn't this supposed to be a fun activity?

My classes are all six hours but some can be expanded to two days if desired. My favorite class size is between 12 - 20.

All classes require sewing machines.

I have listed only my current classes, some of the older ones have been left off this list but are still available if requested. So, if you don't see what you want, ask me about a special class and we'll see if something can be arranged.

Click on the class you're interested in or scroll down and browse through what's available.

Two At A Time - A Reversible Quilt
Sensational Sashiko
Machine Applique for the Terrified
Japanese Family Crests
Double Wedding Ring
Crop Circles

Two At A Time - A Reversible Quilt

This is my most popular class. It is also the subject of my first two books, Reversible Quilts-Two at a Time, and More Reversible Quilts, both published by Martingale & Company (That Patchwork Place).

Do you hate basting quilts? Have too little time to hand quilt and are afraid to try machine quilting? Then this is the quilt for you. As you piece the blocks they are miraculously quilted at the same time. And, when you are finished, you have TWO quilts - a different color on each side.

The class covers the construction of the basic block, how to join blocks together and reversible binding. Demonstrations of some of the variations are also included. In this hands on class, you will learn everything you need to know to finish your quilt and will get a good start on it in class. Sewing machine (and walking foot) required.

This is a table runner like the one on page 32 of More Reversible Quilts, the finished size is 14 1/2" x 40"

This quilt by Gail MacRae of Toronto Ontario is on page 42 of Reversible Quits: Two at a Time.

Sensational Sashiko This is a non-traditional approach to a traditional needle art form. My theory is that if it can be done by hand, it can be done by machine and sashiko is no exception. Originating as the "common" man's garment decoration, sashiko has been adopted by quilters to add exciting designs to their quilt tops and garments. Using your sewing machine and heavy weight threads learn how to achieve this stunning embellishment on either a single thickness of fabric or through a quilt "sandwich".

Machine Applique for the Terrified

Satin Stitch, Mock Hand Applique, Reverse Applique, all this and more. In this process workshop Sharon will lead you through many exciting ways to applique your quilts. After this class you will look at patterns in a totally different way. What new tools are available to make the job easier? Sharon has them all and will show you how to use them. Zig Zag sewing machine required.

Double Wedding Ring

I always wanted to make a double wedding ring quilt but was not the least bit interested in sewing a convex curve to a concave one. It was only when I realized I could do it with machine applique that I was tempted to try. Now I consider Double Wedding Ring a beginner technique - it's that easy. To make the process easier I have had templates made so that all of the cutting can be done with a rotary cutter. Make it any size you want - with either pieced arcs or plain.

Kamon - Family Crests of Japan

The history of the Japanese family crest goes back to 11th century warriors who affixed flags and symbols to their banners on the battlefield, and continued the practice when they returned home. These beautiful graphic symbols lend themselves wonderfully to quilting as either applique or quilting designs. With about 200 basic designs and over 4,000 variations the problem is choosing from the wonderful array. In this machine applique class students will work with the Crane pattern (provided in class). Zig zag sewing machine required.

Crop Circles

Crop Circles Quilt

This delightful wall hanging is a variation of the New York Beauty block but with a real twist. In class you will learn a very easy paper piecing method and the curved piecing goes smoothly as the pattern is very well drafted. Choose rainbow colors on a black background as in the sample, or put your own personal stamp on it with colors of your choice.