If you thought you heard strange noises recently, it might have been me squealing with excitement because Margaret Solomon Gunn is coming to teach at Quilted Joy! Margaret is a quilting hero of mine and I’m so thrilled to share with you this opportunity to learn from her! If you’re not familiar with her work, jump over to her website and ohh and ahh for a little while!
Margaret will be teaching a 2 day machine quilting workshop on November 11 & 12 here in the Quilted Joy Showroom in Louisville, KY. Her lecture/demo classes will cover topics like feathers, fillers, grid designs, and more. Read below for full descriptions of Margaret’s classes. These classes are for all skill levels and are perfect for both stand up longarm quilters and sit down quilters. Students will receive a delicious boxed lunch for both days, so come ready to learn!
Additionally, we will host an optional open studio after class each day. During this time we will have all of our longarm machines ready for students so you can practice the skills learned each day in class if you so wish (no additional cost for open studio time). Take the time during class to soak up Margaret’s instruction and then you can spend time stitching out your new skills! This open studio time is completely optional but we thought you might like the opportunity to play a bit.
Ready to sign up for Margaret’s classes? Click here to register for the 2 day workshop!
About Margaret Solomon Gunn
Margaret Solomon Gunn has sewn everything from heirloom smocked dresses to curtains, with a current love of hand-piecing and applique. She made her first quilt while in college studying to be an engineer (gasp… 32 years ago!). Ten years ago, she traded in the high-tech career to stay at home. She bought a longarm in 2009 and started her business, Mainely Quilts of Love. Known for her often intricate secondary patterns and use of templates, Margaret is a free motion quilter with many national awards, published articles and books to her credit. She currently resides in southern Maine with her husband, three teens, and 3 cats (& 2 gerbils, but who’s counting?). You can also visit Margaret online at www.QuiltsofLove.blogspot.com
Day 1
The Victorian Feather & Beyond
Most quilters desire at some point to quilt traditional feathers. Margaret will show students how to quilt this quintessentially traditional motif, then we will toss that book to the wind and learn dozens of other “fun” feather variations, as well as ways to customize feathers to your taste. One of the possibilities is bound to be perfect for your next quilt.
Getting the Most from Your Arc Template
There are many templates on the market, and there is nothing worse than owning something that does not do what you want it to do. Margaret is an avid user of the arc templates of all sizes, BUT not all are created equal. We will discuss the nuances of this type of template, cover basic curved cross-hatching and then demystify some beautiful cathedral window designs. Students should bring an arc template – What Margaret suggests is EITHER the Boomerang by DeLoa Jones or the QP Curves by Linda Hrcka, in either 10″ or 12″ diameter.
Designs for Negative Spaces
Tired of stippling or pebbles? <<Margaret too!>> Margaret likes to think that the patterns she’ll teach in this session follow the road less traveled. This class teaches creative variations on designs for background spaces. Some patterns may require making a grid, but all are freehand quilted and may be dense. Students will leave knowing stitching patterns for designs, as well as other useful details to maximize the appearance of their design (thread, stitch length, etc).
Day 2
Designing a Masterpiece
Ever wonder what characteristics of quilt design elevate it from nice to award winning? This class spends time analyzing characteristics of design, before implementing your skills on a sample design (of Margaret’s choosing). With Margaret’s guidance, students will utilize her techniques to break up background space to create interest as well as secondary patterns. Note: we are designing on paper. Margaret will bring sample cloth panels for purchase for those who wish to take their masterpiece design to the next step! Students should bring proper drawing/designing supplies including pencil, eraser, straight edge, circle templates, and at the bare minimum a couple of curved templates. Designs created will vary based on each person’s skill level, and tools brought to class. This class is also a great place to pick Margaret’s brain with regards to batting preferences, favorite threads, best order of stitching, and any other quilting-related inquiries! **There is an optional kit fee due to Margaret at the start of class**
Beautiful Backgrounds – Grid Based Fills
Grid-based fillers are a favorite of Margaret’s because they mimic the clean repeatability which can be created with a computerized longarm (ps… she is only hand guided!). Margaret will teach a number of more traditional designs first, most of which stem from Sashiko, Japanese embroidery. She will discuss all things related to creating these patterns (types of grids, how to get grid, marking tools, thread, etc). We will also learn many other patterns that are considerably less traditional, but still attractive and different. Note: Margaret will bring pre-gridded fabric for purchase if there are students who may wish to practice these patterns on a longarm. **There is an optional kit fee due to Margaret at the start of class**
Ready to sign up for Margaret’s classes? Click here to register for the 2 day workshop!
I’m Angela- Co-host of the Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting PBS show. APQS Long arm Dealer and Educator. Triplet Momma. Designer. Thread Bimbo.
