Teaching/Workshops

Improvisational Stained Glass Quilt Class

Take some scraps, fat quarters or yardage, cut out triangles, rectangles, or other shapes, of various sizes, and sew them together with narrow strips of contrasting fabric. Trim them into blocks of the same size, or not. With the right fabrics, the pattern practically glows. This class is great for learning to design your quilt as you go, and also for improvisational thinking. Although it’s harder than it looks to sew all these random shapes together, Claire makes it seem easy with her encouragement, and tricks of the trade. Three hour class. Confident beginner+

 

Improvisational Mystery Quilt Class

This is a great class for beginner and intermediate quilters, or anyone who loves the challenge of improvisational quilt design on the design wall. Learn to make a variety of simple blocks. Then, the fun continues, when we put them on the design wall, and discover so many different, but wonderful ways to put them together. Usually, with a mystery quilt class, there is only one right way to put them together. In this class, everyone can end up with a different quilt, from the same blocks. Beginner to intermediate- three hour class

 

Circular Rectangles

This class explores curved piecing in a rectangular block. Learn how to boldly cut curves with a rotary cutter, but without a ruler or a cutting line! Stack four rectangles of different colored fabrics, cut through all of them, shuffle the layers, and sew together four different blocks from each stack. This is a process class. Once you learn the process, the world of curved, pieced quilts is yours to explore. Three-hour class. Intermediate

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond Disappearing Nine-Patch

Discover the possibilities when we cut nine-patch, pinwheel, hourglass, and four-patch blocks into pieces and rearrange them into intricate new blocks. Amazing variety is possible from this simple technique. These blocks are easy to make, but when finished, they look much more complicated than they actually are.

Claire is excited to share with you what she’s learned about all these disappearing blocks. The class will start with a brief introduction about each of the variations. Then each student will choose one or more of these blocks to make in class. This is a process class. However, once you make one block, you have the knowledge to make a quilt, placemat, or table runner from these blocks. Three-hour class. This class is beginner friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

Hamsas & Amulets: Paper-cutting For Everyone 

A hamsa is a stylized hand for protection against the “evil eye,” frequently worn as jewelry. Made by both Jews and Muslims, hamsas are found all over the Middle East, but are older than either religion. Come learn about the folklore of hamsas and Jewish amulets, as we make them out of paper. (People of all religions, and atheists welcome). Learn the basics of paper-cutting, a traditional Jewish folk art. We will cut out our hamsas with scissors, and/or Exacto knives for accuracy, then glue them to a background. No artistic talent is required to make stunning hamsa designs. The finished paper-cut hamsa can be framed, to hang on the wall.

One class meeting for three hours. Materials fee of $5 to the instructor.

 

Easy Machine Appliqué with Fusible Web

Before Claire made appliqué quilts, she was an accomplished “paper cutter”. Learn paper cutting techniques to make stunning appliqués with fusible web backed fabric. We will cut out our appliqués with scissors, and/or Exacto knives for accuracy, then iron them to a background. Several options for stitching will be covered, such as zigzag/satin stitch, straight stitching, and monofilament. One meeting, three hour class. Appropriate for all levels.

 

 

 

 

Exploring the Hamsa

A hamsa, is a stylized hand for protection against the “evil eye,” frequently worn as jewelry. Found throughout the Middle East, hamsas are made by both Jews and Muslims, but predate both religions. Come learn about the folklore of hamsas, as we make them out of paper or fabric. The basics of paper-cutting, a traditional Jewish folk art, will also be taught. Learn paper cutting techniques to make appliqués with fusible web backed fabric. We will cut out our appliqués with scissors and/or Exacto knives, and for the fabric ones, iron them to a background. The paper hamsas are glued to paper. No artistic talent or sewing is required to make stunning hamsa designs. The finished paper-cut hamsa can be framed, to hang on the wall, and a fabric hamsa can be a wall hanging or become part of a quilt. Appropriate for all levels.

One class meeting for three hours. Materials fee of $5 to the instructor.

 

 

 

 

Wonky Star

The Wonky Star quilt is a versatile and dynamic design. We will have fun playing with fabrics and simple shapes. Students will explore easy improvisational cutting and piecing techniques to create their own unique quilt.  We will use the “sew and flip” method of improvisational piecing. If you don’t know what “sew and flip” means, then this is the perfect class for you, because once you learn it, you’ll use it again and again. One class meeting for three hours. Appropriate for beginners on up-

This class will cover:

Using a rotary cutter and ruler

Improvisational piecing and cutting techniques

Working with color and design choices

Use of a design wall to audition quilt layout ideas

 

 

 

 

WONKY LOG CABIN

Whether or not you know how to make a traditional log cabin block, come join Claire and learn how to make a wonky/improvisational one! Learn a little about improvisational quilt design as we look at our log cabin blocks. It’s amazing what you can make with left over strips of fabric. This is a great way to use your scraps. The class is a process class. However, Claire will discuss how to turn these sample log cabin blocks into a quilt. Three hour class. This class is appropriate for beginners on up.

 

MAKING SHABBAT YOUR OWN: SHABBAT CANDLESTICKS

 

 

 

 

Very Variable Star Quilt

Learn a fun and versatile way of making improvisational star blocks to make a Very Variable Star Quilt. We will have fun playing with fabrics and simple shapes to create an eight pointed star. Students will explore easy improvisational cutting and piecing techniques to create their own unique quilt top using the “sew and flip” method of improvisational piecing. If you don’t know what “sew and flip” means, then this is the perfect class for you, because once you learn it, you’ll use it again and again. The class is beginner friendly and is appropriate for students who have taken Claire’s Wonky Star class as well as for students who have no idea what a wonky star is, or how to make one. Three hour class, appropriate for all levels.

This class will cover:

• Using a rotary cutter and ruler
• Improvisational piecing and cutting techniques
• How to do chain piecing
• Working with color
• Design choices
• Use of a design wall to audition quilt layout ideas

 

 

 

 

 

Fabric Collage without Sewing

We will make small wall hangings, Challah/Matza covers, or postcards that can be sent through the mail.  Come have fun cutting and playing with fabric. Since we will be using “fusible web,” an iron-on fabric glue, no sewing is necessary!

 

 

 

Metal Foil Ornaments

Come make hamsas, pomegranates, or other shapes from metal foil. We will explore lots of options for decorating: emboss lines, color them with Sharpie pens, and add beads. This metal is thin enough to cut with scissors. The hamsa or hand design is common to both Judaism and Islam but is older than both religions. Claire will teach about the folklore of hamsas as we make them.