Creating Loving Quilts

Charm Quilts usually feature a single shape, such as a square, hexagon or diamond, with no two patches cut from the same fabric. Creating these enchanting quilts was originally popular from 1860 - 1900.

Read the rest of this entry ... (366 words left)

I am often asked "what is the best quilter's tool". One of the best quilter’s “tools” you can acquire is absolutely free - patience. Slow down a bit to enjoy the process, not just the result, and your work will benefit by being more precise. Hobbies, after all do not have to be rushed.

Pauline Rogers demonstrates how to create the fabulous shaggy look of chenilling in the Chenilling DVD workshop. Chenilling is a technique that produces an extraordinary effect reminiscent of Grandmother’s beautiful bedspreads.

Read the rest of this entry ... (242 words left)

Many people look at quilts and cannot imagine that they are capable of creating such intricate designs. With foundation paper piecing it is easier than you think.

Read the rest of this entry ... (393 words left)

A two-part workshop The Joy of Piecing with instructor Pauline Rogers is ideal for those eager to learn the art of patchwork. You will become skilled in numerous patchwork techniques while creating a magnificent wall quilt.

Pauline guides you block by block taking you through the basics and beyond, demonstrating how to:

• achieve correct pressing
• accurate cutting
• perfect piecing
• to create a patchwork masterpiece

The Joy of Piecing tutorial incorporates a complete patchwork quilt project from start to finish with easy-to-follow lessons, precise workshop instructions and original patterns to guide you through your project.

The eleven block patterns – Hour Glass, Churn Dash, Hexagon – Grandma’s Flower Garden, Pinwheel & Four Patch, Double Hearts, Old Maid’s Puzzle, Flower Basket, Bird House, House, Spinning Star and Dresden Plate – along with instruction on layout of sashing and borders, cover an extensive array of quilt making skills.

Do you want the ability to create patchwork masterpieces?

The Joy of Piecing workshop focuses on accuracy so that you achieve a superior finished result in your quilt making. Your friends and family will be amazed. You learn the secrets of professional quilters – the proper use of tools for meticulous measuring and precise cutting, accurate machine piecing, getting seams sitting flat with correct pressing, and more!

Do you want to gain an in-depth understanding of piecing techniques?

Beginning with the basics Pauline demonstrates what you need to know to start piecing. She progresses you through the different techniques for creating the blocks, from the simple Four Patch to the more challenging Dresden Plate.

As you advance through the workshop, you gain proficiency in the craft.  The demonstrations of the various techniques used in the different patchwork blocks provide ample practice and reinforcement of the techniques

The Joy of Piecing is a whole learning experience making it an essential guide to patchwork. You will discover various methods for making blocks:

• Fun approaches and time saving tips to cutting and sewing triangles – Half Square Triangles, Square in Square and Flying Geese (sew & flip).
• Become confident with quick and easy fusible web appliqué.
• Learn different appliqué options using needle and thread
• Follow the instruction in the English paper piecing method.
• How to make yo-yo flowers to adorn your quilt.

Just imagine all the different quilts you will be able to make!

Mastering the techniques for creating all these quilt block patterns will give you a substantial repertoire to draw from in your quilt making. By the end of the DVD workshop you will possess knowledge of a vast assortment of patchwork skills.

Did you always wish you had a grandmother that would teach you the art of patchwork and quilting?

For years, there hasn’t been an easy way for most people to learn the art of patchwork in the comfort of their own home. The instructional DVD’s provide home learners with what has been missing. A friendly expert on quilting to demonstrate all they know.

A book cannot “show” you what these DVD’s do. Skip the trial and error learning process that most beginning quilters go through. Put an end to frustration by discovering how an expert quilter achieves perfection. Learn how to save time and even money. Putting all that effort into a quilt you aren’t proud to display is such a waste.  

The Joy of Piecing is full of proven, practical quilting advice. It will help you avoid the common mistakes beginners make. It can aid you in overcoming challenges and take your skills to a higher level.  The Joy of Piecing makes patchwork easier, more enjoyable and ensures all your quilts are … works of art. 

It's not hard once you kinow how. Discover how.

 

Patchwork and Quilting Academy recognised that quilters, whether beginners or advanced, share a desire to improve and develop their patchwork and quilting skills. The exciting series of DVD's from the Patchwork and Quilting Academy provide patchwork and quilting enthusiasts with a convenient way of learning new skills and increasing proficiency.

 

Learning with the DVD tutorials can easily take your patchwork and quilting ability to a higher level. Imagine the exceptional creations you will produce. The professional virtual workshops feature knowledgeable tutors - Pauline Rogers, Ruth Bloomfield, Kay Meale and Bev McClune – sharing their expertise (and secrets) in what is essentially a private quilting class.  A class that gives you the freedom to watch and learn, any time you choose.

 

It’s simple to learn the secrets to perfect quilts. With a wide assortment of titles covering various patchwork and quilting skills – The Joy of Piecing, Basic Trapunto, Chenilling, Confetti, Crazy Patch, Foundation Paper Piecing, Machine Quilting Journey (Beginners) and Stained Glass – you can discover new techniques from the comfort of your own home. Each tutorial incorporates projects with easy-to-follow workshop instructions, and includes the original patterns used for the project.

 

The Patchwork and Quilting Academy tutors possess a passion for teaching the art of quilt making and quilting. They remember what it was like to be a beginner.  “We remember the discouraging snags that can occur when learning new skills. Our workshops are designed to provide an easy and enjoyable way to learn the art of patchwork and quilting.”  

 

Whether you are taking the first steps in the journey of patchwork and quilting or you are aspiring to develop new skills, the Patchwork and Quilting Academy tutors want to help you achieve results you never thought you could or would. The DVD workshops provide step by step instruction in numerous patchwork and quilting techniques, along with encouragement and enlightenment from the tutors. You will be producing work you never thought possible and boasting, “It’s really not that hard once you know how!”

 

Get all the answers to your patchwork and quilting questions. The Patchwork & Quilting Academy DVD’s are an essential resource for the beginner quilter and a great companion for the experienced quilter, providing a solid foundation of patchwork and quilting skills. Whether you are new to quilt making or have been making quilts for years, these exciting DVD’s provide patchwork and quilting workshops to inspire you.

 

Each DVD is a total workshop that allows you “to watch, learn and create”. You discover new skills and innovative ideas with the personal guidance of professional patchwork and quilting tutors. Along with the thrill of developing your talents, you achieve the satisfaction of being able to create spectacular pieces, showcasing your creative new flair in the art of quilt making.

 

Acquiring information on a new topic is learning. It occurs when something catches your attention, making you open to the information, which you then process to arrive at a conclusion. You have gained new knowledge and understanding – you have gone through the process of learning.

Read the rest of this entry ... (399 words left)

By Bev McClune of Country Fabrics and Quilters

Read the rest of this entry ... (763 words left)

If you’ve taken machine quilting lessons from Bev McClune you already  know how talented she is at her craft.

At the Sydney Quilt Show on 14th June  2006 Bev was awarded 1st Prize in the category of  Domestic Machine Quilted Quilt, confirming  that she is the best in all of Australia.

This year the Sydney Quilt  Show, the biggest quilt show in Australia, displayed a record 370+ quilts.  Entrants were only allowed to enter one category but that was an easy decision for Bev, who entered the  domestic machine quilting category  she said “because that is what I do best.”

Her first introduction to sewing was back in high school. The only thing the class achieved for Bev was an overwhelming decision that she would never be a dressmaker. It is fortunate that years later when Bev again came face to face with a sewing machine that she didn’t let her school experience deter her.

She is a great example for us all of what you can achieve when you keep trying.  When she was first learning about patchwork and quilting she found it slow and frustrating. It took  her days to get one 12-inch block pieced together.  No longer interested, Bev decided that patchwork and quilting were not for her.

A friend encouraged her to give it another chance and showed Bev how to use the cutting board, ruler and rotary cutter. She went from disillusioned to addict.  Being able to make nine 12-inch blocks in one day was much more satisfying!

Since that time ten years ago Bev has become a professional machine quilter, a tutor of machine quilting and a partner in Country Fabrics and Quilters. Her machine quilting workshops even feature on DVD’s, so anyone who desires can learn from a blue ribbon winner.

Bev finds patchwork and quilting a wonderful respite from all the demands of every day.  She loves the craft so much that she has challenged herself to – “learn how to sleep faster so that I can quilt longer”.

Hobbies should be fun and satisfying, not frustrating. When learning new things, such as patchwork and quilting you aren't aware of all the tricks and tips that come with years of experience. Here are 14 fabulous tips to make quilting more enjoyable.

Read the rest of this entry ... (608 words left)