Classes

Classes for the 2008 Desert Quilter's Retreat

The Landscape Tree

This is an easy beginning landscape class. You will be creating a glorious tree that has been - until now - in your imagination. No two trees will be alike. Sandy has cut dozens of fabrics for the trunks, branches and leaves, as well as bushes, flowers and rocks to add. You bring the background of sky, mountains and foreground to build the tree with fabrics Sandy provides. Sandy will build the background ($10) if you cannot. An adventurous attitude is required for this fun class.

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The 2008 Necessity Bag

This year's bag is a comfortable size with inside and outside pockets and a sturdy handle. It is great for travel, the pool or crafts. It can be customized for all the necessary items you need to carry. The pattern, instructions and batting are included.

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Knockout Blocks

Here is a chance to learn something fun and fancy. You will learn how to make four different 8-inch blocks that can be sewn into a table runner, wall hanging or the beginnings of a sampler quilt. The blocks are not difficult, but to prevent un-sewing, a hands-on approach makes construction easier. A novice or the most experienced quilter will feel a sense of accomplishment when they have finished this project. You must have a copy of Knockout Blocks and Sampler Quilts, by Judy Martin for this class. Besides the patterns and instructions, this book has an abundance of quilting information to feed your imagination. Effective use of the book will be covered in this class.

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Applique 101

Don't let hand applique intimidate you. Learn the needle turn applique techniques using freezer paper templates. The Swinging into Spring project includes various shapes for practice. You will learn to deal with concave shapes, valleys, points, circles, curves and straight lines. Your project can be a pillow or a wall hanging.

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Strippy table Runner

This clever table runner is already quilted when you have finishedthe construction.

The runner almost looks braided and can be made to be reversible - or can be the same on both sides. It can be "scrappy" or coordinated lights and darks. No matching is required.

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Never Too Much Color

This class is an ingenuous way to rethink the colors you use, and to use colors never used before. You will be trading "uglies" and working fabrics into a simple arrangement to showcase how, as in nature, all colors come together. A good class to give confidence, build quilting skills and break out of your comfort zone.

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Four-sided Placemat

This project is fast, easy and inexpensive. This is a technique and does not require any fancy tools or rulers. You could make a gift with 4 fat quarters in an hour! The class is being offered in two time periods for your convenience.

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Borders and Bindings 101

Desert Quilter's bindings and borders have drawn critical attention from our quilt judges. Borders and Bindings 101 will help you impress the judges with flat, even borders, perfect 45 degree mitered corners and straight bias bindings. It will also help with binding inside corners, outside corners and scalloped edges. Impress judges and win ribbons.