Workshop Program ...

Important Notice

Code SS1: Ribbon Twists

This makes a delightful wall hanging, the block could also be a medallion in the centre of a quilt or the block could be repeated and alternated with plain blocks to make a bed quilt.The technique simplifies curved piecing, making it a joy to do and gives great accuracy. Delicate twisted ribbons seem to just happen. Hand and machine piecing will both be taught in the workshop. The use of colour will be discussed for greater visual impact. Machine quilting the wall hanging will enhance and add extra dimension to the design.

Code SS2: Brazilian Embroidery

During the workshop students will learn the basic techniques needed for Brazilian embroidery. Students will learn a variety of stitches to complete a small project which could be made into a cushion or be framed. Advanced stitching can also be taught to students who have already learnt the basic Brazilian stitches. A kit will be available for this workshop which will include fabric, design, threads, needle and hoop.

Code SS3: Playing with Blocks

Students will have some fun with these easy-cut paper techniques for creating simple geometric blocks for single and repeating motifs and designs. Experiments with plain and printed fabrics will also be included. Patterns and designs completed should be suitable for piecing, applique and quilting. The use of a computer, scanner, printer and suitable program, will show easy manipulation of students designs with colour. Students should complete a selection of sample designs, perhaps working one of these into a quilt top or textile design, including block set out, border sizing, quilting patterns and colour preference.

Code SS4: Going Crazy

Add a little razzle dazzle to your quilts with this new approach to crazy patchwork. Combine lots of different fabrics with quick cutting and piecing techniques and create an exciting quilt! There are numerous size and setting variations and colour/fabric combinations you can choose from to make an "up to the minute" version of an old favourite design.(Embroidery, embellishment and traditional application of crazy patchwork will NOT be covered in this class).

Code SS5: Creative Machine Embroidery

Using creative machine embroidery techniques, students will create a small landscape or seascape picture. The background will be built up using overlays of fabric. The foreground will be created using free-motion embroidery, 3-D appliqué, and webs made with the use of water-soluble fabric. This picture will be completed ready for framing or if you prefer you can take it home and make it into a small wall quilt. NB: Kit available at a cost of $20.

Code SA6: Applique Hearts and Flowers - Marie Antoinette’s Le Petit Hameau

A fresh approach to applique using a variety of techniques and approaches. Students will learn how to make and apply bias the easy way, needleturn applique, iron-on applique and how to make three-dimensional flowers and butterflies. This quilt is embellished with beads, knots and various creative stitches. Students are encouraged to add their own creative touches to their work and in doing so, every quilt will be personal to the individual maker.

Code SA7: Kaleidoscope Quilt

This workshop is designed to learn a simplified version of the fascinating "Stack-n-Whack" technique, which takes full advantage of a largish print with distinctive colours, though it can be equally spectacular with a muted fabric. Combined with a dark background - many quilters would already have suitable fabrics in their stash. You will make eight unique and exciting blocks from the fabric. These blocks make a generous lap quilt but there are no restrictions on going bigger. This is one of the most exciting workshops held at the Be Creative Studio. Don’t miss this one.

Code SU8: Smocking

In this workshop you will learn basic and advanced smocking stitches to make a small silk sampler which can be framed as in the photo or used as an insert in a variety of articles. NB: Kit available for $14.

Code SU9: Square in a Circle Quilting as You Go

A great quilt to make as it is finished when you complete construction. In a one day workshop you learn all the techniques involved in making this simple-looking quilt and be under way to making a quilt of your own size preference. It also depends on your circle size as to how quick the quilt will grow. Spectacular when made with hand-dyed fabrics.

Code SU10: Designing Quilts with Quiltfuse

Choose the fast/easy way and expect to have a creative fun day. A demonstration of the variety of printed quilt fuse available, and ideas to quickly produce interesting and innovative quilts will introduce the workshop. Students will then focus on designing a small watercolour or impressionist quilt, learning and fine tuning the technique ie. painting with 2" fabric squares, creating a design of your choice eg. vase of flowers, heart or wreath, a garden or impressionist landscape. Workshop time will be used for designing. Finishing the projects will be treated in the workshop, but students need the skills to complete the quilt. To make life easy Quiltfuse and Kits available for sale at $25.

Code MT11: Creating a Landscape

Workshop for those who love to have fun with fabric and thread and be creative. Discussion on how to create a design for a landscape from a picture or photo so that students can attempt their own designs after the workshop. In the workshop students will choose one of the designs offered and make a wall hanging quilt using a variety of techniques including straight stitch applique, strip piecing, free hand machine embroidery and machine embroidery. Machine quilting further enhances the design. All the techniques needed will be taught in the workshop. Participants should be familiar with their sewing machines.

Code MT12: Designing Bargello Quilts

Bargello is a simple strip piecing patchwork technique that can be used to create exciting, spectacular designs. Quilts are made using a quick strip method from a range of colours or shades to produce a gradual colour value change of exciting patterns. Students will learn to design their own bargello quilt or can complete the design featured. Some preparation is required prior to the workshop.

Code MO13: Wool Embroidery

Introduction to wool embroidery to create a plump wool fabric coathanger perfect for your jacket or coat. Embroidered with posies of roses and daisies using all the basic wool embroidery stitches. Piped with satin and trimmed with pretty ribbons. NB: Kit available for $14.

Code MO14: Machine Quilting

A practical class in machine quilting, using samples to learn the techniques of presser foot (walking foot) and free motion machine quilting as well as how to handle large quilts and general problem solving associated with machine quilting. You must have a darning foot for your machine. A great opportunity to learn from an expert.

Code MO15: Sashiko Simplified

Students will choose from one of the three sample items and will learn to transfer the assorted sashiko designs (supplied by the tutor) to their selected plain coloured fabric. These designs will be hand-stitched in contrasting thick cotton thread (Sashiko stitching). Pattern transfer, stitching technique and a demonstration of simple tassel-making for finishing the sashiko stitched fans. Ideas for extra embellishment, using beads and metallic or contrasting threads will also be discussed. A very special day!

Code MO16: Razzle Dazzle Log Cabin

Stitch a lively scrap Log Cabin or Courthouse Steps wall quilt. Discover easy ways to add innovative variations to traditional blocks and sets, and learn how to use colourful fabrics with pizazz. An exciting contemporary version of a traditional block.

Code TW17: Vase of Flowers

Using simple fabric painting combined with lots of fun experimentation with creative machine embroidery. Students will create their own unique work of art, featuring a vase of flowers. The background and vase will be coloured using simple methods of paint application using brushes, sponges, and rollers. This will then be embellished using quick and easy printing and stencilling techniques. The flowers will be created after experimentation with 3-D appliqué, free motion embroidery and water-soluble fabric. Finally the assembled picture will be embellished with fast embroidery techniques and beading. A creative 2 days guaranteed. A kit is available at a cost of $20.

Code TW18: Leaves Quilt

Learn the techniques of applique/quilting (applique and quilting at the same time) and at least three different methods of joining quilt-as-you-go together to make a bigger quilt. Great for people with limited space, or those who find handling large quilts difficult. You will learn the easy way to quilt large quilts in smaller pieces and then join them to make larger quilts - desirable that students have very basic walking foot machine quilting skills.

Code TW19: Silk Embroided Panel

Select from eight original panels painted especially for Anne’s Glory Box, by renowned cloth doll-maker Elinor Pearce Bailey. Embellish the silkpanel, learning techniques with silk ribbon, laces, fabulous buttons, beads and charms. Featured in Gloria's TV segment on NBN Television.

Code TU20: Playing with Texture, Line and Pattern

In this workshop students will play with felt pens, paper and scissors, cutting and pasting strips of paper to create patterns. From these easy and fun paste-ups, numerous ideas will be found as starting points for making original designs for use in embroidery, patchwork, quilting, fabric design and applique. Basic use of colour will be covered, with exercises and discussion on colour values relating to fabric and threads. Discussion on the design process with examples and exercises, will enable students to create their own design from their own image.

Code TU21: Quickie Strippy Quilts

Inspired by Old English strippy quilts (usually scrap bag quilts), of pieced rows alternating with strips of solid or patterned fabric, these Quickie Strippy quilts enable you to use lots of different fabric combinations. Whether you choose a sophisticated colour scheme or want to use up all your scraps and leftovers, you will have fun playing with colour and pattern. Fast, easy and accurate quiltmaking ensures your quilt top is finished in a day.

Code TU21A: Kaleidoscope Quilt

This workshop is designed to learn a simplified version of the fascinating "Stack-n-Whack" technique, which takes full advantage of a largish print with distinctive colours, though it can be equally spectacular with a muted fabric. Combined with a dark background - many quilters would already have suitable fabrics in their stash. You will make eight unique and exciting blocks from the fabric. These blocks make a generous lap quilt but there are no restrictions on going bigger. This is one of the most exciting workshops held at the Be Creative Studio. Don’t miss this one.

Code WE22: Designing Quilts with Quiltfuse

Choose the fast/easy way and expect to have a creative fun day. A demonstration of the variety of printed quilt fuse available, and ideas to quickly produce interesting and innovative quilts will introduce the workshop. Students will then focus on designing a small watercolour or impressionist quilt, learning and fine-tuning the technique ie. painting with 2" fabric squares, creating a design of your choice eg. vase of flowers, heart or wreath, a garden or impressionist landscape. Workshop time will be used for designing. Finishing the projects will be treated in the workshop, but students need the skills to complete the quilt. To make life easy Quiltfuse and Kits available for sale at $25.

Code WE23: Colourways

Colour theory made simple in easy to follow exercises for all quilters and textile artists. With the colour wheel as the starting point, discover ways you can choose colour schemes. Learn about value, harmony and contrast. This is a "hands-on" class where you will use your own fabrics on worksheets provided by the tutor. No sewing but what an opportunity to learn from one of the colour experts. There is a small fee for materials supplied.