Fronds, Feathers, Flowers, Froth, Fun....Home from Asilomar

Another fabulous class at Empty Spools Seminars, at the beautiful Asilomar State Park near Monterey, California!  Above, my intrepid and amazing students, 25 in total, who worked with me for 5 days to accomplish more refined and beautiful machine quilting, all done on a home sewing machine.  My table is in the foreground and this "chairs up" session at the front of our huge classroom/building covered one of many techniques included in the class.

This particular group forged out on their own to counter the next building's group, who chanted all day long and were interfering with our own Zen and the sounds of our machines.  Original chants were devised and performed, highlighting lessons learned and teacher foibles, ha. 

With all the class work, the other activities, the evening sessions, time to eat and sleep, who knows when they had the time to do this, and practice, and perform so very well!  This will be my "chanting" class in my memories, the class where all I had to do was hold out my arms, and a chant would ensue. 

Yes, we had fun.

Yes, we learned about doing beautiful motifs and techniques on our home sewing machines.  Podflowers grew, feathers flowed, gingko stretched our brain power.

My trip home was smooth, my last day there I spent in a fantastic new room far away from the woods, up on a scenic outcropping with a full ocean view.  A wonderful way to unwind, pack for the trip home, and relax.

Class, I never found the gingko handouts with the diagram.  They were not on the kitchen counter after all.  I may have unpacked them in my first night's hotel and left them there.  Who knows what some housekeeper might be practicing in her off time, and what wonderful gingkos she is quilting.....!

Thanks to everyone for making my last class so wonderful.  I will always remember my times at Empty Spools, the fun and talented people, the scenery, the buildings and charm.  Special thanks to Diana, Suzanne, and Gayle for making it all possible and for taking such great care of me and everyone, and for all those over the years who were my classroom assistants/hostesses and made it all go smoothly.  

Special thanks to Roberta for all her assistance with the machines and who provided me with a wonderful smooth familiar Bernina 730 for my quilting demos, and for the lovely bag, which I shall show in a future post.

Oliver was ecstatic when I arrived home, and is still checking out my luggage and interesting crumbs and exotic scents in my things.  There were even a few pine needles.  I think he grew while I was away, but is now so content and happy that I am home and doing fun things like laundry. 

More on what we learned in a future post.

Meanwhile, keep quilting....your work gets better every day!

Diane 

Thank you GLHQ! On to Asilomar....

I just returned from a wonderful trip to the Detroit, MI area where I taught classes and gave a lecture to the Great Lakes Heritage Quilters.  The weather was summery, food amazing, scenery lovely.  Special thanks to Diane and Joyce for taking such great care of me, and Linda for chauffeuring me in a pinch, and for sharing their time so generously. 

We had fun, we talked, laughed, quilted.  Everyone worked so hard in class, and the results were terrific.  Keep on quilting, work on those tops or make tops to quilt and perfect your free motion skills.  Remember to take breaks too.

Loved seeing all the cousins, uncles, aunts and other relations to my amazing Buick on the roads there too.

I returned to Wisconsin to find spring has finally arrived, the trees are blooming and the warm days are here.  I had a few hours rest and relaxation, some time to assure Oliver it really was me back again, but he knows I am not even stowing the luggage in the hidden room.  I must be going somewhere again, and he is right.

Next week is my last session at Empty Spools Seminars at Asilomar in California.  I am busy shipping things and hoping they get there in time.  My silk thread cones arrived on Monday and I shipped off a box of them for class, but I am also bringing some with me in case these don't arrive in time.  When I dumped them all out on the kitchen table they were so pretty, like jewels in all the colors and shine.  Yum.

Those of you in class next week should keep in mind:

•  Prepare the project to quilt in class ahead of time.  You may layer it, and even stitch in the ditches first, with fine weight thread of your choice.  If you decide on marking something in the squares or border, that can be done in class after we get started and discuss options.  I will have some stencils for you in class.
• Be sure and have good markers - you need to see the marks.
• The on-site shop will have wonderful wool batt, Pellon Legacy, in case you'd like to try it. 
• Sew EZ tables are a great thing to have if you are driving.  There is plenty of room in our classroom.
• The chairs could use a small cushion if you are short. 
• Please do not wear strong perfumes, essential oils, or insect repellent to class as many of us are allergic to them....thanks from me, and all of us.

I look forward to spending this time with all of you.  I hope the class will have something for everyone so your quilting will improve and you will leave with new excitement about this amazing art.  Please email me if you have specific questions.

Back to packing, but do keep quilting!  Your work gets better every day.

Diane

 

Lessons Learned

The Monterey Peninsula coastline was rugged and beautiful last week while I was at Empty Spools Seminars at the Asilomar conference center.  Our class was also rugged and beautiful!

We learned so many things about free motion machine quilting, taking care of sewing machines, the sounds they make that indicate happiness or trouble, materials used that affect our work and make/break our quilting efforts, oiling and cleaning machines, even winding nice bobbins.  Oh yes, we learned some great quilting designs as well, how to do them, where to use them in quilts.  Below is a summary of some of these things, for quilting on a home sewing machine:

• Beware the “dreaded lagoon of puff”! Whether you are using a lofty batt like wool or even something more flat, if you quilt a design in peninsulas and then come back towards the main design already quilted you may end up with a small pond or lagoon of “puff” that has to be controlled and worked in. It is possible with many of the curving designs, but sometimes it is not. You end up with a pleat. Try and avoid going out on these long journeys away from the main design area because filling in can lead to problems.

• Building designs from the bottom to the top gives you great visibility for spacing and design formation because you can see the design already quilted, in front of the needle.

• Touch the preceding design area – don’t leave gaps as they will draw the eye, rather than the good parts of the design.

• An open-toe foot is crucial for precision. Designs like Bananas, Headbands, Diane-shiko, Gingko, Celtic Bubbles, and many others need the visibility that this foot provides so it is easier and more relaxing to quilt, plus the results look so spectacular when the work is precise, even when done in a larger scale.

• Thread color and choice of design both affect tension. You might have to tweak the upper tension a bit when you change out colors, even in the same thread. Small circular designs like rocks and froth need a lower upper tension number than big designs, or straight or gently curving lines.

• Bobbin thread should not be heavy. Go for lighter weight cottons or specialty bobbin threads, even #100 silk for the most useful and best looking threads for the back of your quilt.

• Don’t be afraid to switch out colors of bobbin threads to match the color of the top thread you are using. Wind them first, it only takes a moment. Check tension before stitching on quilt.

• Quilt a real quilt, a placemat, a table runner. Apply what you learn to something that will be useful, and use lovely fabrics in colors and designs that you really, really like. There are more out there, either in your stash, or new ones that appear all the time in quilt shops and online.   Even if you let your cat sleep on it, and make another better one, do it!

• Remember the three important things to get right every single time you machine quilt: tension, stitch length, and color of thread.


• In order to become proficient at any one design you must quilt it a lot. Not a 6” square, but many 6” squares. It is also good to use it on a quilt so that you have to resolve the edges, learn how to meet other designs or parts of the quilt and make it look wonderful, effortless. No one wants to practice every day, so “warm up” and then add the technique or design to a real quilt and do a lot of it. Repeat it throughout the quilt for continuity and cohesiveness.

• Always keep something appropriate and pretty layered and ready to go near the machine, so when you clean and oil it (often!) you can quilt out something and make sure the oil is distributed well at the same time. Some of my best designs and ideas come at these times. Below, a sample of doodling I did after I oiled the hook area of the machine, and wanted to quilt a bit to work any excess oil out.  I began with a simple curvy line, then kept going with echoes and curves, added stem and leaves.  It was fun, and it helped me get warmed up for my quilting on the project I was doing at the time.

• Experiment with thread so you can express your artistry, but if your machine develops problems, go back to the same lightweight cotton thread top and bobbin, same color, and get things working well with it, then branch out to new threads. You’ll see if it is the machine that has a problem or the new thread. Also, get the right needle for every thread you use.

• Don’t forget about the “float” or pressure adjustment on the foot of the machine. Lessen the pressure for higher loft or working in the puff. Increase it for straight lines so you stay nice and steady.  Below, the new foot for Janome machines (and some other brands like Baby Lock)  lets you adjust the pressure of the spring on the foot itself so you can float over seam allowances or puffy areas.

• Learn to look ahead of the needle, especially when the foot obstructs your view. Look at negative space instead of the stitching; visualize the puff.

• Take breaks! Stop after those first few feathers for just a second to re-gain concentration, then proceed, so the entire line of feathers will look great. If a design deteriorates, you have lost focus and concentration. As you progress you will be able to work longer with better results.

• Enjoy it all, the colors, the threads, the wonderful dimension that you achieve as you machine quilt your own quilts.

The sun set over the Pacific on our last day at Asilomar.  It was a wonderful week with a great class.  I'll be back at the end of May, so if you are in that class and have questions, please email me and I'll try and give you an answer. 

Keep quilting - your work gets better every day!

Diane

Home from Asilomar

The fire was roaring, the soft salty sea air felt wonderful on my wintry dry skin last week at Empty Spools Seminars, held at the amazing California state park, "Asilomar," or Refuge by the Sea.  And refuge it was.  Right on the coastline near Monterey, it takes you back in time as you live, eat, and work in the historic buildings scattered through the acres, deer freely roaming, surf booming in the distance.  Huge Monterey pines and natural vegetation frame the ocean views.  Delicious food three times a day, and fun and laughter with all who are there in the various classes.  And quilts, quilts, everywhere.

My class, "A Quilting Journey," was all about free motion machine quilting on a home sewing machine, and my 24 intrepid quilters did great.  We worked very hard but were relaxed and had a good time as well. 

My trip out there had a few glitches, one which involved 12 hours in Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix.  It was after 8 hours that I noticed the carpet, below, was a funky rendition of my "Celtic Bubbles" design I teach, only this one had little jet airplanes sprinkled throughout.

Our small prop jet plane ( 8 rows, noisy) left Phoenix at 9 p.m.-ish, and did ok until it met the high winds in California and along the coast.  The turbulence was terrible, still have bruises from that, and for the first time I turned green from airsickness but managed to refrain from throwing up on the handsome man seated next to me. 

In the pitch dark night we were told the loud noises we heard were just chunks of ice being thrown off by the propellers and were hitting the plane.  Eek.

Then amidst the turbulence the pilot announced we would have to land in Fresno as we were almost out of fuel.  Double Eek. 

At least the buffeting ended when we landed for fuel, and I chewed a Tums.  Ground felt so good, but soon we were up again and more turbulence.  The clouds cleared, and Monterey Bay was spread out below us like jewels in the clear night air.  I arrived at Asilomar and my lovely room around 3 a.m. Whew.  Sometimes I wonder why I teach quilting!

Above, the deer were my view out of my sleeping room, so gentle and pretty.

My class began the next day, 24 quilters who rose to every single challenge I threw at them.  We laughed, had fun, were serious about our work, but could also smile when things didn't go that well.  In the end, I think everyone improved and some were sailing free with their quilting.  It was very rewarding for me, but some gremlins took time to sum up my teaching and the class on the board one evening, below.  And if it is too fuzzy to read, that's fine too.  I think they hit all the salient points of my barking at them for 5 days!

Special thanks to Toyo and Evette, who helped with the class and did a terrific job, and Jan and Helen-Mary, who let me demo on their machines. 

Next blog post I'll give a summation of things we learned in class.

Meanwhile, Oliver was ecstatic to see me and climbed in my carry-on of quilts when I was unpacking.  He is just now truly believing I am back for good and is thrilled his two "people" are together again, just for him.

Keep quilting!  Your work gets better every day. 

More to come,

Diane

Out from Hibernation

Happy National Quilting Day! 

Snow mountains and glaciers are receding here in Wisconsin and we are slowly but happily emerging from hibernation. It was 60 degrees yesterday and the muted sunshine felt wonderful. I haven’t been quilting over the winter so had no inspiration to write blog posts, and I realize not everyone wants to read about Oliver’s daily exploits, although gosh they are very cute.

I discovered a new display at a favorite store of tiny pet clothing, for small dogs or larger cats probably, and had to seriously resist a little shiny plaid raincoat and cap for Oliver. As if he would stoop to something so ridiculous.

This weekend I am organizing things for my upcoming trip to Empty Spools Seminars at Asilomar Conference Center near Monterey, CA. I have a big class of 24, and hope everyone is excited about spending 5 days with me working on all sorts of free motion quilting, some easy, some challenging. I think you will learn as much from one another as from me, so it is definitely a productive week in a beautiful and peaceful setting.

The photo, above, features some lovely gifts I have received over the years from fellow quilters that I wanted to share with you. The intricate Bavarian egg was created by Carole Sturgis and is a collector’s piece in this particular art form. The lovely scissors from Sandra Leichner, tastefully blingy pin cushion by Cheryl Little, and Ming Hsu’s exquisite needle case are some of my favorites and seem to say “spring.”

And I am so happy to say that one of my past Asilomar students, Cindy Seitz-Krug, a fabulous quilter who has won many awards in quilt competition, has just received the Best of Show award at the AQS Lancaster, PA show! Her quilt, Simply Santa Fe, is beautiful and has exquisite original home sewing machine quilting and Cherrywood fabrics. Judy Robinson also won an award for her wonderful and colorful wall quilt, “Judy in the Sky With Stitches,” also done on her home sewing machine.  

Congratulations also to Sherry Reynolds for the Machine Workmanship award with her "Christmas All Around" quilt, done on her home sewing machine too.  Visit the AQS blog to see these quilts and find a link to all the winners.

The fragile egg, below, resides behind glass in a display case.  Oliver was sleeping when I took the photo........

Enjoy the spring days, and hope to see some of you soon in California.

Diane

Unpacking and Napping

Home is wonderful after you have been away.  Everything seems new and fresh and bright, yet familiar and comfortable, welcoming you in.  I opened the door from the garage, came in the kitchen, and Oliver tore around the corner and ran full tilt into my arms.  He purred so hard he was shaking, with happiness and disbelief.  I guess I probably was purring too....oh my, so good to be home.

I had a terrific week at Empty Spools Seminars at Asilomar near Monterey, California.  It was cool and lovely, some fog in the mornings, low to mid 60's during the day.  One lunch hour I tried for about 10 minutes to stand and chat outside and get a tan but nope, just felt good, no tan for me. 

Unpacking is almost done.  I pulled out pile after pile of samples and things from my clown-car suitcase, above, and re-lived the week through the variety of interesting objects that surfaced, like my own archaeological dig. 

Top of the pile was my new tote, my Laurel Burch socks that my students told me Oliver made them buy for me, and my new bag of Pinmoor fasteners for layering a quilt with fine straight pins.  They caused a little excitement, as the inventor, Loretta Ivison was in our class.  You can check them out at http://www.pinmoor.com/.  Oliver liked my socks and tried eating them.  I didn't let him even see the Pinmoors.

He also tried eating the hand squeeze workout ball for quilters so that is already in a drawer, along with 2 yards of the new Pellon Legacy wool batt that somehow compressed into my suitcase.  If it was opened by security, I bet they jumped when all that batt popped out at them!  It looked the same as I had packed it, so they must have missed the fun. 

I'm thinking this wool batt is lovely, not quite as thick and sprongy as Hobbs has been recently, so I will post when I get a chance to try it out.

It was a great group of students, all y'all who were there know that, and I hope new quilting adventures await you with what we learned in class.  I left at 4:30 a.m. to the sound of the Pacific, and arrived back in Wisconsin about suppertime.  Long day, I was very tired, tons of holiday travelers, and it was really hot and steamy here, but so good to see the familiar Wisconsin landscape, and actually get in my own car and drive.  

It was nice to see some of my other teaching friends there, and hear a memorable presentation by Nancy S. Brown who made me wonder what have I been missing all these years with no penguins in my quilts?  I don't think I have laughed so hard in years. 

The next a.m. while diagramming what not to do with pod flowers on the board in class, those penguins somehow sneaked in after all to my work.  Below, I quickly added some jaunty sunglasses and now I think I can make a winner!

Yes, we do have fun in class.  But, I can only imagine Nancy's class....

Another thing I noticed on the way home was a floor mat in the airport that looked like an interesting variation on our Celtic Bubbles or fans, below.  Play with these echoing lines and come up with your own designs.

 

See you next year at Empty Spools, and keep quilting, your work gets better every day.

Diane

Happy Memorial Day

Yes, that is Oliver on his dad's laptop, trying to update my blog as he knows I have been way too busy!  He wanted to tell you all to take some time to enjoy the weekend, and remember those who have served our country so well, so bravely.  He tried really hard to post this comment but somehow he only changed all of the settings on the computer, much to Dad's dismay.

Was it fate, irony, or Oliver's doing that right after this event the laptop died a fast and furious death, and we had to pick out and set up a new one, shiny blue and oh so wonderful for poor Dad.  He is happy.  He remembers to close the lid now when he is not using it.  Note his coupon magazine nearby.  You will get an idea of life at our house while I am busy upstairs at my machine.

Above, the center portion of the Mega Hoop design in my new OESD collection.  I did a small wall quilt with the new designs, but of course they are quilted free motion from the traced designs.  The center is a Cherrywood bright mustard fabric, really lovely to work on.   I used gold silk thread for the quilting and quilted it as it will look in the digitized version.  I can't wait to get mine and try these out.  We are hoping for a September '10 release.

Above, the sleeping cat design with lovely wings on each side, in a 7" border, so you can get an idea of size. The designs can be resized and the computer will compensate, add or subtract stitches, etc.  They will look great quilted with fine thread as I do, or used as outline embroidery in a heavier colored thread.  For example, the cat on the bib of a child's overalls.  I would have loved it, maybe stitched in soft rose embroidery thread.....

Thanks to everyone who signed up for my 2011 Empty Spools classes - you do know how to put the pressure on a teacher!  There are many fabulous classes available so take a look at all the offerings at http://www.emptyspoolsseminars.com/

And for this year's June class, please email me if you have questions or concerns.  I am getting things organized for it over this weekend.  I like to sleep at night, so try to have things ready.  I do have my plane ticket and a new suitcase.

I have two new books to review soon, so stay tuned.  I was planning on writing another book on machine quilting but have a hunch there are so many out there now it would be a moot point, so we'll have to see about that.

Also, please email questions for me for my column in American Quilter, the aqs magazine, at http://www.americanquilter.com/  I've been getting some very interesting ones, so it really helps the column if you all participate.  And if you are not a member, you should join aqs, as this is a quality quilting magazine.

Meanwhile plant some flowers, enjoy the weekend.  Do a little quilting just to keep your machine happy.

Keep quilting!  Your work gets better every day,

Diane

Empty Spools Info

Monterey coastline near Asilomar, California

I have been getting questions about the upcoming June class at Asilomar, as well as those wondering about the 2011 classes with registration opening May 10 (tomorrow!).  And this info applies to most of my classes, so Paducah people, you too.....!

For the pieced project you will prepare for class, if you want to add a square or two with piecing or applique or whatever, go right ahead.  If you want to add sashing between the 6" squares, that is terrific too. Choose a size and proportion that works with your design, and allows space for some quilting.

In fact, my original instructions did have sashing but some did not like the extra piecing and felt it was too traditional of a setting, and the piece became too large for them in class.  I will leave it up to you to decide.  Again, feel free to email me with your questions so you feel confident about what you are preparing for class.  diane@dianegaudynski.net

Consider this project a class quilting piece, to really use and have in the future for reference.  Bring a permanent marker like a Pigma pen or fine tip Sharpie so you can add notes to the back about anything and everything and the info will be right there on your piece.  It will be your library.  You will have the info on what thread, even the color #, on the quilt itself.  Sign it, it's a collectible.  :-)

Also, bring paper and pencil for sketching and drawing and doodling.  For many, the drawing of a design helps so much.  For me, I like to do it at the machine, but we are all different.  I can quilt better than I can draw.

If you have feather templates, bring those.  One is Infinite Feathers by Anita Shackelford  - http://www.thimbleworks.com/

Another is the collection of individual feather shapes by June Tailor.  These are invaluable if you have not quilted/drawn feather designs, or feel you need to have the correct shape to trace for learning. 

Another great tool we will use in class is Anita's Perfect Spirals.  This tool lets you do all sorts of wonderful things, provides guide lines for your freehand work, is a great basic to own.  Look through the section on Quilting Templates and see if there is anything else you might like, good stuff is on this web site.

Sewing machines!  Any brand is fine, as long as it works properly, is clean, oiled, in tune, has the correct free motion feet and settings, and you are very familiar with it.  If you have a brand spanking new machine, spend a few weeks right before you come to class working with it, experimenting a bit with different threads, etc., and going over and over how to do the basics on it.  If you took lessons when you bought it but haven't used it much, go over it again, practice.

If you have had your machine serviced right before class, try it out before you pack it.  Do some free motion quilting and make sure everything works ok.

If you own more than one model of a brand of machine as many do, or even several machines that are different brands, be very very sure you bring the right feet for the machine, the right throat plate, the correct bobbins.  Accessories get jumbled together, so take the time to double check and bring everything for the machine you choose to use in class.  Don't forget the foot control, and the cords.

Needles, needles, needles.  Bring a selection if you are unsure, but Microtex Sharps #70, #60 (for #100 silk thread), #80 .... just in case.  A #80 Top Stitch needle will handle most of the other threads you might have with you. 

Make sure the opening of the throat plate isn't all gouged up.  If it is, get a new one, or have it filed and smoothed down if possible.

Some students who drive to the event bring an extra, "back up" machine.  It has come in handy more than once.  Definitely a luxury to have that security, and not necessary, but.....

We had one student in March bring her new Bernina 830 because that is the one she plans on using for quilting.  She could have brought another lighter, smaller machine that worked well, but she wanted to use the machine in class she would quilt with in the future.  There were no problems, the table was sturdy enough, and she did great on the machine. 

As long as you can trundle things in to class and set them up, you will be fine.  All machines and work stations stay set up for the duration, doors are locked when we are not in the room.  Two people are present at all times when the doors are open.

A Sew EZ table is a great addition if you have one.  Yes, there is room in the classroom for these tables if we get Kiln or Fred Favre Forum (check your mailings).  I have not yet received my classroom assignment.

One student brought two machines, tried the same technique on both with the same thread and sample quilt, and could see immediately which machine produced the best results. 

Winding a bobbin, replacing a bobbin and putting it in properly and quickly, threading the machine, adjusting tension on top, foot pressure if you have that, feed dogs down--these are things you need to know. 

Bring the right thread delivery equipment - if you have cones of thread, a cone thread holder (metal preferred) is almost a necessity.  Small cones like #100 silk, Aurifil #50, work great on a horizontal spindle on your machine. 

Some older machines like Berninas only have an upright spindle, so for those machines it is helpful to have a separate cone thread holder so the thread feeds easily and with the correct tension.

A "Slider" is a super accessory to invest in for class and for future quilting at home.  I will have some for the class to use/try, but it's one of those things that if you have, you will know how wonderful it is.  If you use one, you don't need gloves, you get smooth movement of the quilt.  http://www.freemotionslider.com/

Check the plexi surround and make sure it is slippery and clean.  If it is brand new, wash it with hot mild soap and water, buff it dry.  I never add things to my sewing machine bed or plexi insert even though I recently read on a forum that I endorsed using Pledge on this area.  I don't use Pledge; can't use or tolerate any chemicals.  Never used Pledge.  Don't know where that quote ever came from.

A cushion for your chair.  This is really important, you need a bit of extra height, just a bit, so you can see what you are doing in a class with machines on tables. 

The chairs in my classroom don't stack well.  We brought in others that did, but two were two high for many, with shoes dangling, backs aching, we went back to one chair and a cushion.  Find something ahead of time and bring it along.

A small task light for the area.  The high intensity lights attached to your machine are OK but sometimes too intense and it's easier to see without them. 

If you are interested in the '11 classes, sign up right away, don't wait and ponder.  I have a few testimonials on the previous blog posts, but these classes can be life changing.  You learn a new way to think about machine quilting, you learn from other highly talented quilters in class or at the event in other classes.  You see so much wonderful work in all the classrooms there that your mind will be bursting with color and design and quilting when you leave.  This is a great class.

Hope to see you at this terrific event, run by wonderful and talented women who will go out of their way to make it the best for you.

Happy Mother's Day!  And, keep quilting, your work gets better every day.

Diane

Empty Spools Class Registration

Classes at Empty Spools Seminars, at sunset, above, are going to open soon for registration,  I believe around May 10.   I will be teaching two 5-day classes there, near Pacific Grove/Monterey, California at a state park called Asilomar.

From Wisconsin I fly to Phoenix, run like crazy to catch the connecting flight, and then on directly to Monterey in Northern California, a simply beautiful part of this country.  A short cab ride and I am at my location.

Both classes are the same content, with the focus on learning to improve your free motion machine quilting skills (home sewing machine) and learn some freehand motifs on a simple pieced project.  Stencils and following planned, marked lines are also an option, so both marked and unmarked quilting will be covered.  My goal is to have you improve and go up a level in your quilting skills.

My first class is March 25-30, and the second one is May 27 - June 1, 2011.

Because I am not traveling as much as in the past, and these are the only 5-day classes I teach, they do fill fairly quickly, as do many at this event. 

The location, the relaxed atmosphere, sharing of meals with others as well as those in your class and teachers, the beautiful architecture, no tv, fresh air, wildlife, and the Pacific ocean all contribute to the experience and make it very special.  It truly is a Refuge by the Sea.

If you have questions about my class and if it would work for you, please email me:  diane@dianegaudynski.net

And I'll see this year's last session at the end of June.  Meanwhile, keep quilting!  Your work gets better every day.

Diane

Packing for Asilomar

I can't wait to sit down by the fire in Phoebe Hearst Hall and relax and watch everyone arrive for classes at Asilomar next week.  I am busy packing with an awful lot of help from Oliver, who is making a 2-day process take a week.  But gosh it is so much fun, for him at least. 

If you don't know about this conference, it is called Empty Spools Seminars, and is held just outside of Monterey, CA right on the Pacific coast, in a state park named Asilomar, or Refuge by the Sea. 

Go to http://www.emptyspoolsseminars.com/ to see who will be teaching, read about the seminar, and perhaps sign up for a class with me next year.  Class registration opens towards the end of May, and classes do fill quickly.

It is my chance to teach the same group for 5 days.  We explore the important basics, and then play with motifs and design on a small pieced project.  I don't make one as a sample because in my experience that limits creativity.  Here is a chance for you to come up with a plan for quilting, and I will help you and give suggestions constantly. 

No two projects are alike, and some who are there to learn choose to not make a project but instead to create a library of samples for future reference. 

Whatever your choice I insist on your use of the best tools and materials, the right color thread, the right needle, etc. so even this small library of examples will be done well.  If you are unsure about threads and color and have room to bring extra, do that.  The Cotton Patch has an on-site shop for purchases of fabric and thread and all sorts of things as well.

Two really helpful items to bring if you can are a small table for your machine such as the Sew EZ, and a Supreme Slider for the machine bed so the quilt will move smoothly.

Our classroom tends to have a few dark areas away from the windows, so an extra light is nice as is a seat cushion.  This year they don't want us to have food and snacks in the classroom, so save those for breaks outdoors or at meals.

 

Kathy was the classroom assistant last year, and she made this beautiful project and quilted it in class, combining various motifs and techniqes we covered to create her own design, a one-of-a-kind. 

If you have any questions, please email me:  diane@dianegaudynski.net

Bring your walking shoes, and see you soon!

Diane

Deer wander freely at Asilomar