Below is a listing of my current class offerings. I'd love to teach for your local quilt shop or guild, so shoot me an email! If there is a class you'd like but don't see, let me know and perhaps I can fashion a custom class for your group!
Machine Quilting Classes by Patsy Thompson
Ruler Work for the Sit-Down Quilter (aka Ruler Work 101)
This hands-on class will teach you the basics of ruler-guided free motion quilting using your home sewing machine. We will cover straight line ruler work and curved ruler work, as well as some free motion quilting designs to “fill-in” the framework we create with our ruler work. We will also learn how to audition your ruler work designs on paper before taking them to fabric. This class will give you the skills to create block and border designs using ruler work. I will loan you rulers to use during class so you do not need to spend a lot of money to “try out” the technique of ruler work!
**NOTE: You must have a true ruler foot for your machine to participate in this class. If your machine manufacturer does not yet offer a ruler foot, please seek the assistance of your dealer ahead of class so a foot can be ordered for you.
Class Length: 6 hours with break for lunch (this means 6 hours of class time + a break for lunch-we REALLY need the full 6 hrs!)
Maximum Number of Students: 20
Skill Level: Beginner
Ruler Work 102: Beautiful Borders Using Ruler Work
This class is designed for the quilter who knows the basics of ruler work on a home sewing machine and is ready to explore more challenging designs using ruler work. This class will focus on ruler work border designs created with basic arc rulers. We will learn how to create a variety of ruler-based border framework designs and then we will fill them in with free motion quilted designs. This class will bolster your ruler work skills, your free motion quilting skills, and your design skills. I will supply loaner rulers to be used during class, so there is no need to buy any rulers for this class! (Know that if you already own arc rulers, you’ll be able to transfer all these skills to your own set of arc rulers.)
**NOTE: You must have a true ruler foot for your machine to participate in this class. If your machine manufacturer does not yet offer a ruler foot, please seek the assistance of your dealer ahead of class so a foot can be ordered for you.
Class Length-Can be taught as either a 4, 5, or 6 hour class
Skill Level: Student must have basic ruler work skills
Maximum Number of Students-20
Ruler Work 103 - Creating Stupendous Feathered Wreaths Using Ruler Work
Have you ever wondered how to create an intricate feathered wreath with all kinds of thread detail that set it apart from other feathered wreaths? In this class, we will use ruler work to create a complex feathered wreath with a compound spine zone. To create it, you will learn how to use the Westalee Circles on Quilts templates as well as how to couple circles with basic arc ruler work to create a stupendous circular design! If you’re frightened by the plumes on the outside of the wreath, don’t be! I’ll show you how to stitch those freehand, but I’ll also show you a way to quickly lay down a marked template of plumes that you can easily trace. If you love ruler work, you will love learning what you can do by coupling circle ruler work with arc ruler work and free motion fill-in quilting!
Note: You will need a true ruler foot, an extension table for your machine, and either Westalee Circles on Quilts Set #2 or the 4-pack set of Westalee Circles on Quilts Templates. I will supply you with a loaner set of arc templates to use during class if you do not own the PTD Starter Ruler Pack.
Class Length – 6 hours
Skill level – Student needs to have completed my ruler work 101 class OR have experience in using arc rulers
Maximum Class Size – 25 Students
Introduction to Featherettes
Featherettes are related to feathers, but they’re a little bit different and they are easier to stitch than a feather. They come in all types of sizes and shapes so they can easily be used to fill all kinds of spaces on a quilt. This class will combine both drawing as well as hands-on quilting exercises to help you learn how to design and quilt featherettes. We’ll start with the most basic types of featherettes and build on those skills; you’ll also learn how easy it is to create featherette borders. If you can already stitch a basic feather, this will expand your repertoire and if you aren’t able to stitch a feather yet, featherettes are a great gateway to learning feathers!
Class Length: 4 – 6 hours
Skill Level: “Seasoned beginner” to intermediate level free motion quilter. Student must have some experience using the free motion foot on his/her machine.
Maximum Class Size: 25
Pattern/Supply Fee: None
If you’ve ever admired machine-quilted feathers and wished you could stitch them yourself , then this class is for you! We will start with a brief discussion of how to mark your quilt for feathers, and then turn to a day of hands-on stitching! We’ll begin by learning the basics of feather construction by stitching the free-form feather, then learn addition techniques of feather construction. Next, we’ll learn to stitch the whimsical feather, and you’ll see how altering the shape of a plume can transform the entire look and feel of your feather! From there, we’ll move to more traditional feathers as we learn to stitch feathers with a stitched spine and feathers with a scroll spine.
We’ll also learn some feather embellishment techniques where we hyper-quilt or over-quilt an already stitched feather with decorative threads. This class will give you so many wonderful ideas of how to stitch feathers that you’ll want to stitch them everywhere!
Class Length – 6 hours
Skill Level – Intermediate to Advanced (the student must have a solid background in free motion work and feel comfortable manipulating the quilt sandwich) THIS IS NOT A CLASS FOR A BEGINNER.
Maximum Class Size – 25
Class Fee – Shop fee or Guild Fee (no kit or pattern fee)
“Yes, There is Life After Stippling”
(Exploring design and bolstering skills in free motion machine quilting)
If you have mastered stippling and would like to take your free motion quilting to a new level, then this intermediate free motion machine quilting class is for you! In this hands-on 6-hour class, you will learn basic techniques to improve your control of the quilt sandwich, and then you will learn several new quilting designs to expand your repertoire. Using the “Fast and Free” technique, you will learn how to create infinite “spin-off” designs from one basic quilting pattern! Learn how to make your quilts really sing by adding a new design element with your quilting!
Skill level –advanced beginner to intermediate to advanced (students must have experience with a free motion foot)
Class Length – May be taught as either a 5,or a 6-hour class
Maximum Class Size – 25 students
Fee – Shop or Guild Fee (no kit or pattern fees)
Free Motion Quilting for the True Beginner
If you’ve never free motion quilted before or you’ve just barely dipped your toe into the free motion quilting pond, then this is the class for you! In this 4-hour class, we’ll first cover all the basic tips and tricks to make free motion quilting easier, and then we’ll get to the hands on stitching where you can learn to stitch some basic designs. This class is geared to creating a good foundation of free motion skills that will serve you well as you continue practicing and move on toward more challenging designs. Let me help take the fear out of free motion quilting so you can discover the fun of it!
Cost: Shop Fee or Guild Fee (no pattern fee)
Skill Level: Beginner free motion quilter
Maximum Class Size - 25
Free Motion Quilting Skills-Quick and Easy Trapunto of a Quilted Motif
Have you ever wondered why some quilted motifs stand out from the rest of the quilt and really catch your eye? It’s all because of the magic of trapunto, or adding one or more extra layers of batting behind certain parts of the quilt! In this short class, you will learn how easy it is to add a trapunto layer to a quilted motif as you create a beautiful trapuntoed feathered wreath. You won’t need to quilt the wreath itself as I will supply you with the wreath, but you will see the magic of trapunto come to life right before your eyes as you “define” portions of the wreath with invisible thread. This is SO much easier than you think and you will go home with a beautiful 16-inch block holding a complex feathered wreath that you can use for the front of a pillow, tote bag, etc. In addition to the class fee, there is a kit fee of $7.50 to cover the cost of the quilted wreath block kit. (Note: there will be a variety of wreath designs from which to choose, each having a complex spine design and hyperquilted plumes.)
Class Length: 4 hours
Maximum Class Size: 20
Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate level free motion quilter
Class Fee: Shop (or Guild) Fee + Kit Fee of $7.50 to cover cost of pre-quilted wreath block
Trapunto, Couching Of Decorative Thread, And Free Motion Extravaganza!
Skill level: Intermediate. Student must have prior experience with and be
comfortable using a free motion foot
Class Length: 6 hours
Class Fee: Guild Fee, plus a $10 lab fee paid to the instructor at time of class to
cover pattern and embellishment threads and yarns
Maximum Class Size: 20 students
Class Length – 6 hours
Skill Level – Intermediate (The student must have experience and some comfort level with using the free motion foot and an eagerness to experiment!)
Course Fee – Guild fee plus $10 pattern fee per student to be paid to instructor at time of class.
texture to your quilts, then this class is for you! We will learn the skills of fusible appliqué, trapunto, basic thread painting, and free motion machine quilting as we create a pansy wall hanging. This is one technique that is surprisingly easy to do, but adds tremendous interest to your quilts!
Skill Level – intermediate (students must have experience with a free motion
foot)
Class Length – 6 hours
Maximum Class Size – 20 students
Course Fee – Guild Fee plus $10 pattern fee per student, paid at the time of
class
Maximum Class Size: 12 (due to need to share machines/cutting dies)**If any students supply their own machine and dies, class size can be increased.
Class Length: 6 hours
Skill Level: Beginner Level to create applique quilt; Student should have some free motion quilting experience for the embroidery/quilting phase of class
Fee: Guild Fee + $10/student to cover use of machines and dies
Machine Embroidered Applique Classes by Patsy
(The Following Classes Require the Use of an Embroidery Machine)
Kissed by a Butterfly Machine Embroidery Applique Quilt
Finished Size: 46 in x 46 in
Learn the secrets to easy and accurate applique placement in multi-hooping designs as you create this stunning machine embroidery applique quilt! I can teach the basics in (1) 6-hour class or I can teach you how to handle each design "section" in (3) 6-hour classes. Either way, You will learn the following in this class:-How to stabilize the fabric block
-How to stabilize the applique shapes
-How to perfectly align the fabric block as you move from one hooping to the next so that your design will line up
-How to cut intricate applique shapes using a Sizzix™ die cutting system
-We won’t have time to quilt this beautiful wall hanging, but we’ll talk about ways to approach the quilting
This entire quilt can be appliqued/embroidered using a 5 in x 7 in hoop size!
File formats available are: ART; ART5; ART6; EXP; HUS; JEF; PEC; PES; PHC; SEW; VIP; VP3; and XXX.
Class Length: (1) 6 hour class (we’ll learn how to embroider the circle of butterflies in the center block and all the principles you'll need to finish the other areas on your own), OR (3) 6-hour classes where we will tackle each design section individually.
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced level embroiderer
Maximum class size: 20 students
Cost: Guild or shop fee + cd ($60)
**Note: if guild or shop is within driving distance of my home, I will bring 2-3 cutters and steel rule dies for students to use during class to cut shapes, but students will need to have fused their applique fabrics to fusible web prior to class to save time. If class is not within driving distance, the shop will need to have held a separate class to help students cut applique shapes prior to the MEA class.
The Serpentine Floral Table Runner
Finished Size: 47 in x 14 in
-How to stabilize the fabric block
-How to stabilize the applique shapes
-How to perfectly align the fabric block as you move from one hooping to the next so that your design will line up
-How to cut intricate applique shapes using a Sizzix™ die cutting system
-We won’t have time to quilt this beautiful table runner, but we’ll talk about ways to approach the quilting
This entire quilt can be appliqued/embroidered using a 5 in x 7 in hoop size!
File formats available are: ART; ART5; ART6; EXP; HUS; JEF; PEC; PES; PHC; SEW; VIP; VP3; and XXX.
**Students will need a hoop size that can accommodate a stitching area of 11.63 in x 5.53 in to embroider this block.
Class Length: 6 hours (We won't have time to applique the entire table runner, but we'll get far enough that you will learn everything you need to know to complete it on your own!)
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced level embroiderer
Maximum class size: 20 students
Cost: Guild or shop fee + cd ($25)
**Note: if guild or shop is within driving distance of my home, I will bring 2-3 cutters and steel rule dies for students to use during class to cut shapes, but students will need to have fused their applique fabrics to fusible web prior to class to save time. If class is not within driving distance, the shop will need to have held a separate class to help students cut applique shapes prior to the MEA class.
The Swirly Floral Quartet Table Runner
Finished Size: 39 1/2 in x 13 1/2 in
Learn how to achieve perfect alignment in multi-hooping designs the easy way as you create this beautiful table runner! You will learn the following in this class:
-How to stabilize the fabric block
-How to stabilize the applique shapes
-How to perfectly align the fabric block as you move from one hooping to the next so that your design will line up
-How to cut intricate applique shapes using a Sizzix™ die cutting system
-We won’t have time to quilt this table runner, but we’ll talk about ways to approach the quilting
These wreath blocks can be embroidered as a 2-part split design (minimum hoop size required is 180 mm x 300 mm) or a 4-part split design (minimum hoop size required is 130 mm x 180mm).
File formats available are: ART; ART5; ART6; EXP; HUS; JEF; PEC; PES; PHC; SEW; VIP; VP3; and XXX.
**Students will need a hoop size that can accommodate a stitching area of: 6.60 in x 5.53 in to embroider these blocks.
Class Length: (1) 6 hour class (we’ll learn how to embroider the block and complete 1 block but won’t have time to finish the entire runner in this class.)
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced level embroiderer
Maximum class size: 20 students
Cost: Guild or shop fee + cd ($25)
**Note: if guild or shop is within driving distance of my home, I will bring 2-3 cutters and steel rule dies for students to use during class to cut shapes, but students will need to have fused their applique fabrics to fusible web prior to class to save time. If class is not within driving distance, the shop will need to have held a separate class to help students cut applique shapes prior to the MEA class.
The Feathered Wreath Table Runner or Door Runner
Finished Size: 14 in wide x 51 in long
-How to stabilize the fabric block
-How to stabilize the applique shapes
-How to perfectly align the fabric block as you move from one hooping to the next so that your design will line up
-How to cut intricate applique shapes using a Sizzix™ die cutting system
-We won’t have time to quilt this table runner, but we’ll talk about ways to approach the quilting
These wreath blocks can be embroidered as a 2-part split design (minimum hoop size required is 180 mm x 300 mm) or a 4-part split design (minimum hoop size required is 130 mm x 180mm).
File formats available are: ART; ART5; ART6; EXP; HUS; JEF; PEC; PES; PHC; SEW; VIP; VP3; and XXX.
Class Length: (1) 6 hour class (we’ll learn how to embroider the block and complete 1 block but won’t have time to finish the entire runner in this class.)
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced level embroiderer
Maximum class size: 20 students
Cost: Guild or shop fee + cd ($25) + kits of pre-fused and pre-cut plumes for wreaths ($6.75 per set if provided by me; shop to determine fee if they are supplying kits)
**Note: if guild or shop is within driving distance of my home, I will bring 2-3 cutters and dies for students to use during class to cut additional shapes for later use, but they will need a set of applique shapes ready to be used at the start of class, so either the shop or myself will need to provide a kit to use during class.
Finished size is 21 ½ inches x 21 ½ inches
-How to stabilize the background fabric for MEA
-How to stabilize the applique shapes for MEA
-How to properly align the fabric block to achieve perfect alignment as you move from one hooping to the next. Once you learn this system of hooping only the stabilizer and floating the fabric block, you’ll find multiple hoopings to be a snap!
-How to cut applique shapes using a Sizzix™ die cutting system
-We won’t have time to actually quilt this project, but we’ll talk about ways to approach quilting it
The center bird block is created in 4 separate hoopings and each pair of corner setting triangles is completed in 2 hoopings. A hoop size of 160 mm x 260 mm or larger is needed to create this wall hanging.
File formats available are: ART; EXP; HUS; JEF; PEC; PES; PHC; SEW; VIP; VP3; XXX.
Class Length: (2) 6-hour classes
Maximum class size: 20 students
Skill level: Beginner to Advanced embroiderer
Cost: Guild or Shop Fee + Kit ($20 if supplied by me; fee to be determined by shop if provided by shop) + Love Birds pattern/CD ($35).
(Kit includes pre-fused and pre-cut applique shapes.)
**Note: if guild or shop is within driving distance of my home, I will bring 2-3 cutters and dies for students to use during class to cut additional shapes for later use, but they will need a set of applique shapes ready to be used at the start of class, so either the shop or myself will need to provide a kit to use during class.
(Finished Size 18 ½ in high x 22 in wide; tote bag portion only)
We will learn the following in this class:
-How to stabilize the fabric block
-How to stabilize the applique shapes
-How to perfectly align the fabric block as you move from one hooping to the next so that your design will line up
-How to cut intricate applique shapes using a Sizzix™ die cutting system
The center tulip quartet block can be embroidered as a 4-part split design (160mm x 260mm minimum hoop size required) or as an 8-part split design (130mm x 180mm minimum hoop size required). File formats available are: ART; EXP; HUS; JEF; PEC; PES; PHC; SEW; VIP; VP3; XXX.
We will only have time during class to embroider the center block but will review how to piece together the tote.
Class Length: 6-hour class
Maximum class size: 20 students
Skill level: Beginner to Advanced Embroiderer
Cost: Guild or Shop Fee + Kit ($6.75 if supplied by me; fee to be determined by shop if provided by shop) + Tulip Tote CD/pattern ($25).
(Kit includes 4 sets of pre-fused and die-cut tulip pieces/4 stems.)
**Note: if guild or shop is within driving distance of my home, I will bring 2-3 cutters and dies for students to use during class to cut additional shapes for later use, but they will need a set of applique shapes ready to be used at the start of class, so either the shop or myself will need to provide a kit to use during class.
Finished Size 43 ½ in x 43 ½ in
-How to stabilize the fabric block
-How to stabilize the applique shapes
-How to perfectly align the fabric block as you move from one hooping to the next so that your design will line up
-How to cut intricate applique shapes using a Sizzix™ die cutting system
We will complete the embroidery of 1 block during this class. The tulip/stem sets are embroidered using a minimum hoop size of 180mmx 300mm and the feather pairs are embroidered using a minimum hoop size of 260mm x 160mm. File formats available are: ART; EXP; HUS; JEF; PEC; PES; PHC; SEW; VIP; VP3; XXX.
Class Length: (2) 6-hour classes
Maximum class size: 20 students
Skill level: Beginner to Advanced Embroiderer
Cost: Guild fee or Shop fee + Floral Serenade CD/pattern ($39). NOTE: Students will need to have all applique shapes pre-fused and pre-cut before class. This means shop will need to either supply kits or be able to rent time using dies on a shop cutting machine ahead of class.
(Finished size 53 in x 53 in)
-How to stabilize the fabric block
-How to stabilize the applique shapes
-How to perfectly align the fabric block as you move from one hooping to the next so that your design will line up
-How to cut intricate applique shapes using a Sizzix™ die cutting system
The tulip quartet block can be embroidered as a 4-part split design (160mm x 260mm minimum hoop size required) or as an 8-part split design (130mm x 180mm minimum hoop size required). The 11.5 inch feathered wreath block can be embroidered as a 2-part split design (180mm x 300 mm minimum hoop size required) or as a 5-part split design (130mm x 180mm minimum hoop required). File formats available are: ART; EXP; HUS; JEF; PEC; PES; PHC; SEW; VIP; VP3; XXX.
Class Length: (2) 6-hour classes
Maximum class size: 20 students
Skill level: Beginner to Advanced Embroiderer
Cost: Guild fee or Shop fee + Tulip Quartet CD/pattern ($39). NOTE: Students will need to have all applique shapes pre-fused and pre-cut before class. This means shop will need to either supply kits or be able to rent time using dies on a shop cutting machine in advance of class.
(Finished Size 35 in x 35 in)
-How to stabilize the fabric block
-How to stabilize the applique shapes
-How to perfectly align the fabric block as you move from one hooping to the next so that your design will line up
-How to cut intricate applique shapes using a Sizzix™ die cutting system
A minimum hoop size of 180mm x 300mm is needed to embroider the files for this wall hanging. File formats available are: ART; EXP; HUS; JEF; PEC; PES; PHC; SEW; VIP; VP3; XXX.
Class Length: (2) 6-hour classes
Maximum class size: 20 students
Skill level: Beginner to Advanced Embroiderer
Cost: Guild fee or Shop fee + Celebrate CD/pattern ($39). NOTE: Students will need to have all applique shapes pre-fused and pre-cut before class. This means shop will need to either supply kits or be able to rent time using dies on a shop cutting machine in advance of class.