I currently offer a variety of lectures and workshops, and have experience working with all types of groups from local guilds to national organizations such as QuiltCon and QuiltFest Virtual Schoolhouse. Current offerings are listed below, and I’d be happy to work with you on additional topic requests. Please contact me for pricing and availability.
Format: I offer in-person events for groups in the greater Houston area, and virtual events via Zoom (or your choice of teleconferencing app) for other locations. If you are interested in an in-person appearance outside the greater Houston area, please contact me to discuss options.
Lectures
Rockets and Rotary Cutters Trunk Show
This lecture covers my creative journey from 2003 to present, including time for Q&A. I’ll share my early quilts and how I transitioned towards creating my own designs, show off both hits and misses, and talk about lessons I’ve learned along the way. 45-60 minutes
Inspiration to Quilt
Curious about where I find inspiration and how I turn it into a finished quilt? This lecture covers my original work from ~2015 to present, with a specific focus on how I began designing quilts, where I find design inspiration, and how I turn ideas into finished quilts and patterns. I’ll share what’s currently catching my eye, show bits of my design process, and leave plenty of time for Q&A. 45-60 minutes
100 Days to Creative Bliss
100 day projects are an excellent way to both practice creative discipline and discover creative freedom. In this lecture, I discuss the benefits of a daily practice and explore what I have learned about creativity from 10+ years of 100 day projects and similar creative goal-setting. Whether you are looking for renewed focus and motivation in your quilting work, planning to practice a new skill, or simply wanting a bit of daily joy, this lecture will help get you started! 45-60 minutes
Quilted Fabric Postcards
In 2020, I started a 100 day project making and mailing quilted fabric postcards — and kept going, with nearly 200 cards completed so far. This lecture includes a short introduction, my thoughts on the many benefits of doing a 100 day project, and a detailed discussion on the postcard making process plus tips and tricks. Along the way I’ll share photos of some of my favorite postcards and leave plenty of time for Q&A. 45-60 minutes
Lessons from a Challenge Enthusiast
Quilt design challenges have a unique way of getting creative juices flowing! From QuiltCon’s annual fabric and community outreach challenges to the color of the year, there’s something for everyone, and I have trouble saying “no” to any of them. In this lecture, I will share my approach to challenges, tips and tricks for dealing with everything from tricky fabric to tight deadlines, and how lessons learned from challenges can improve your whole quilting practice. 45-60 minutes
Quilt Math 101
Learn quilt math basics and get answers to all of your burning calculation questions! Quilt math is simply elementary math and a bit of optional geometry – see how simple it can be, and gain confidence in your ability to turn your designs into reality. This lecture covers quilt math basics, from quilt sizing and seam allowances to fabric yardage calculations. 45-60 minutes
Workshops
Happy Mail: Quilted Fabric Postcards
Quilted fabric postcards are a fun and fantastic way to use scraps, try new techniques, experiment with color and thread…and bring smiles to family and friends around the globe. In this class, we will cover my process for making quilted fabric postcards and discuss different material options and finishing techniques. I will also share tips and tricks I have learned while making over 200 postcards (so far). All students can expect to finish 1-2 postcards.
3 hours
Intro to Foundation Paper Piecing – Notes to Self Quilt
Notes to Self is an approachable, beginner-friendly foundation paper pieced pattern with 6 unique blocks in 2 block sizes.
In this class, we will cover the basics of foundation paper piecing, walk through the pattern and construction of the quilt, and construct at least 1 block. We’ll also cover alternate layout options and consider quilting motifs. You’ll then be fully prepared to finish the quilt at home on your own.
3 hours
Intro to Curved Piecing – Ribbons Quilt
Ribbons is an advanced beginner pattern that provides a gentle introduction to curved piecing with the quarter circle/drunkard’s path block.
In this class we will walk through the pattern and construction of the quilt, consider fabric selection to highlight the ribbon motif, discuss tips and tricks for curved piecing, cut fabrics using templates, and start constructing the quilt. We’ll also talk about different quilting motifs that work well with this design. Most students can expect to finish several blocks to a whole row, and will leave fully prepared to finish the quilt at home.
3 hours
Supersized Foundation Paper Piecing – Spiraling Triangles Mini Quilt
Spiraling Triangles is an intermediate-level foundation paper piecing pattern. Makers can choose between two layout options to make either a 15″ x 18″ or 18″ square mini quilt.
In this class we will walk through the pattern and construction of the quilt, consider fabric selection and color gradients, discuss tips and tricks for paper piecing with larger templates, cut fabrics, and start constructing the quilt. We’ll also talk about different quilting motifs that work well with this design. Most students can expect to get at least half of their quilt top completed in class.
3 hours