Boise Basin Quilters

03/21/26 - Lit from Within Workshop - MJ Kinman
2026-03-21 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Boise) | The Hampton Inn and Suites, 7499 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID, 83709, United States
No Sew Workshop
On March 21, 2026, from 9:00-12:00, MJ Kinman will teach a half-day color workshop called “Lit From Within: Make Your Quilts Glow Using the Magic of Color Interaction.” The workshop will be held in the Arrowrock South Meeting Room at the Hampton Inn/ Boise Spectrum, 7499 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709.
The workshop is open to everyone — guild members and the general public alike!– for $35. Ticket sales will open on Jan. 1st, and refunds for cancellations may be requested until March 1, 2026.
Please note that the content of this workshop overlaps with the “Cracking the Color Code” workshop being offered on March 20th, so we recommend that participants register for only one (not both!) of these two workshops!
Kit Fee: $5 (for color wheel and fabric)
After introducing you to the four rules of color interaction, MJ Kinman will lead you on a deep-dive into the fourth rule – saturation contrast. Using fabric squares of different hues and saturation levels, you’ll learn how to combine colors to create a glowing effect in your quilts, as though they were lit from within.
This class is an exploration of just one of the topics presented in MJ’s new book “Crack the Color Code: Add Drama to Your Designs Using the Secrets Color Interaction.” There is no sewing in this class.
Supplied by Instructor:
• Fabric strips and squares for experimentation
• Color wheels
Supply List for Students:
• Notebook and pen

03/21/26 - Playing with Pixels: Find Inspiration Using Photo Editing Apps - MJ Kinman
2026-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 | The Hampton Inn and Suites, 7499 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID, 83709, United States
At 2:00 on Saturday, March 21, the Boise Basin Quilt Guild will host a lecture by MJ Kinman, Playing with Pixels: Find Inspiration Using Photo Editing Apps. The lecture will be held in the Arrowrock South Meeting Room at the Hampton Inn/ Boise Spectrum, 7499 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709.
The lecture is open to both guild members and the general public for just $15. Ticket sales open on Jan. 1st, and refunds for cancellations may be requested until March 1, 2026.
MJ Kinman, maker of giant gem quilts, will share one of her favorite ways to find inspiration for new work or a new series – playing with images in a photo editing app. These apps allow you to manipulate images in infinite ways, transforming them into intriguing ideas for new work.
MJ will show specific examples of the process she has used to create new mock-ups of current and future work.
Additionally, students will learn more than 20 different ways to manipulate images to create fascinating designs. For example:
• Want to turn a ruby into an emerald? MJ will show you the tool to use.
• Boost the saturation of an image to make your image glow.
• Add a gentle curve or tight twist to your image.
• Pixelate your image into squares or triangles of different sizes.
• Slice your image into segments horizontally, vertically, or both.
• Create an infinite variety of kaleidoscopic images. (Caution: this is addictive!)
• Melt your image into waves of color.
• Tilt an image backwards, forwards, or side to side to add perspective.
• ….and more!
Instructor Contact Information:
MJ Kinman, 709 Fairhill Drive, Louisville, KY 40207 Cell Phone/Text (Eastern Time Zone): 502-287-3034 Email: mjkinman709@gmail.com Website: https://www.mjkinman.com

03/27/26 Pillowcase Sew Day
2026-03-27 09:00 - 15:00
Upcoming Pillowcase Sew Day

Please come help make pillowcases for children in the hospital. We’re still working off fabric donated to the Guild and this is a great way to get together and have an enjoyable day. Sign up using the following link: Signup Genius

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time: 9 am to 3pm
Place: First Congregational UCC
2201 Woodlawn Ave
Boise, ID 83702

Please bring your sewing machine, cutting mat, ruler, rotary cutter, pins, extra thread, power strip, and any other tools you might need.

Lunch will be provided, and we need an accurate head count, so please sign up when you get the email with the link.

04/16/26 - "Captivating Compositions" by Deborah Boschert Program (via ZOOM)
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
“Captivating Compositions” is a lively introduction to design and composition. Deborah introduces eight classic compositions and shares inspiring examples from traditional, modern and art quilting, plus examples from fine art! Learn how using these compositions can generate ideas for fabulous, original work.

Learn more about Deborah and her work at www.DeborahsStudio.com

04/18/26 - 4-Patch-Posie Schoolhouse by Dianne Kane
2026-04-18 09:30 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Dianne Kane has agreed to teach a “4-Patch Posie” Schoolhouse Class for us on April 18th, 2026.
Are you ready for some surprises? Like a simplified form of stack-n-whack, this technique will create surprising new blocks, each with its own special design. It’s as satisfying and addictive as eating a box of chocolates, because every block you make will automatically create four design options and you’ll get to choose your favorite! Because you’ll be making 4-patches, the process will go pretty quickly, and it’s likely that you’ll get many of the blocks made during our sewing time. We’ll also talk about how you can set and lay out the blocks: for example, with or without sashing or borders; on-point; with mitered strips on 2 sides; courthouse steps; and more. This is a technique that you’ll want to use again and again – just because each block is a pleasant surprise!
Supplies
Matt (bring the largest one you can)
Rotary cutter (consider a new blade)
Ruler (at least 4 x 12″ up to 8½ x 24″)
Sewing machine (only need straight stitch)
Thread for piecing
Scissors, seam ripper
Pencil & paper for taking notes
Flat head pins
Optional
(Bring along if you have them but no need to purchase)
Pattern: 4-Patch Stacked Posies by H.D. Designs
A folding mirror
Design wall
Digital camera
Square rulers (any and all sizes 3″ to 12½”)
extension cord
Fabrics
This technique works best with a “busy” fabric. A piece with lots of variations in color will create a variety of unique blocks. Retro, floral, geometric, and Asian are all good choices. (Batiks are not a good choice for the focus fabric.) Because there are so many options in the cutting and layout of the fabrics, it’s hard to provide specific fabric requirements.
You will be sent a supply list with more detail about this, but be aware that you must have at least 4 repeats of the design in the focus fabric. (Look along the selvedge edge to help you find the repeats.) You might consider buying extra yardage for borders or get at least one more repeat to use on the backing. It’s fun to use a piece of the “mother” fabric somewhere so others will know what you actually started with! If you want a large quilt and the repeat is only 12″ you might consider getting 8 repeats.
You may want to purchase coordinating fabrics for sashings or borders. Or, you may want to wait until you’ve made some blocks and decided how you will lay out the design.
The deadline to register for the class (or to cancel and request a refund) is April 16th.
If you have questions, please contact Dianne.

02/20/27 - Couching Schoolhouse by Amy Carter
2026-05-11 08:00 - 17:00
“Experience the Quilt” More information to follow.

10/23/27 - Dresdens and Wheels Schoolhouse by Janice Black
2026-05-11 08:00 - 17:00
More information to follow.

05/21/26 Rediscovered (Antique Quilts) Karen Tabor Programs
2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Karen Taber will give a presentation and trunk show featuring some of her collection of about 100 antique quilts. Quilts from Karen’s collection can frequently be seen at the Rediscovered Bookshop, where she uses them on rotation as part of the seasonal displays.

New Member Coffee 06/06/26
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Alchemist Coffee, 2701 W Stewart Avenue, Boise, ID, 83702, United States
Please join us for a New Member Coffee gathering at Alchemist Coffee, 10650 W Overland Rd, Boise on Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 am. Open to all members and free coffee for new members in 2025 or 2026 who have yet to claim theirs. Hope to see you there.
Alchemist Coffee
10650 W Overland Rd,
Boise, ID 83709

06/18/26 Cyanotype: Blue Printing History and Modern Explorations Program
2026-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Join contemporary cyanotype artist Jessie Swimeley for a discussion of the history of cyanotype– how it came to be and its historical uses. Learn how she puts a modern spin on her work and explore examples of other cyanotype artists working with textiles.
Jessie Swimeley is a contemporary cyanotype artist based in the Treasure Valley. Her lifelong passion for analog photography has evolved into exceptional photo and print-based mixed media art.
Growing up in Wyoming, Jessie found a deep respect and love for the wild and untamed spaces of the American West. She began taking photographs with her father at an early age and processed her own film and prints. She received her BA in Photography from the University of Oregon.
With the glut of technology at our fingertips Jessie has made the intentional switch back to more tangible and analog processes. The pairing of cyanotype with encaustic satisfies her love of process and allows her to capture the raw beauty of the natural world.
You can follow her on Instagram @jessies6005 to see her latest works and projects or explore her work on her website jessieswimeley.com.
Jessie will also be teaching a cyanotype workshop for the guild on June 27th.

06/20/26 Machine Applique' Schoolhouse - Maureen Stevens
2026-06-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Boise Rigging Supply
6750 West Victory Road, Boise, Idaho
This is a learn it-and-do it class. We will learn about several types of machine appliqué. We will explore using different materials and stitches on our machines. I hope to cover fusible, faced, turned under edges and raw edge. I will provide you with a handout of instructions and a packet of products to use in the appliqué process. We will use the blind hem stitch, zig-zag, and blanket stitch on our sewing machines. If your machine only has a straight stitch we do have some machines that can be rented. Talk to Janice Black about that. I will give you instructions and patterns and have different products for appliqué for you to try. We will make a “sampler” of techniques and products and if desired make a pillow-top using one of the techniques. Come prepared to have a great time with fellow class members and try out some new techniques and ideas. Cost is $15.00.
Supply list:
Sewing machine in good working order
needles and feet for machine to do various stitches
rotary cutter, mat and ruler
pins, scissors and seam ripper
pencil or marking instrument
iron and pad (we will have a couple of irons and boards available)
applique pressing sheet (or can use baking parchment paper)
Scraps in various sizes and colors (for the pillow top you will need a 7″ square of green and a 7″ square of a fall color)
Fat quarter of muslin for the “sampler” piece
A 12″ square of a suitable background for the pillow top
Thread colors to match your scraps
Permanent ink pen to write on the muslin (no Sharpie–it bleeds)
Please note that June 18 is the deadline to either register for the class or request a refund.

06/27/26 - Discover the Blues: Cyanotype Basics Workshop with Jessie Swimeley
2026-06-27 10:00 - 15:30 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
No Sewing Workshop
Treasure Valley artist, Jessie Swimeley, will guide her students through the process of using CYANOTYPE – an historic photographic process that can be applied to fabric or paper.
Cyanotype creates beautiful blue and white prints using UV radiation (the sun) and the shadows of objects like leaves, lace, keys, small trinkets, or large format negatives such as photographs. It is an easy to learn and fun process that brings creativity and your own special magic to quilting projects.
You will learn the basics of cyanotype printing including the chemistry used, how it works on different surfaces, and composition. You may choose to use your own photographic negatives or to use a variety of organic materials in your creations. You will walk away with several of your own prints that can become a quilt block or be added to other projects.
Please Note: that Cyanotype is best suited for art quilts. The images you create will degrade if they are washed or come into frequent contact with the oils from skin.
Kit Fee: $10
Supplied by Instructor:
• Paper, for making prints
• Fabric, for making prints
• Chemistry
• Objects for printing
• Optional: photographic negative for interested students, see note below under Student Supply List
Supply list for students:
• Notebook and pencil/pen
• Optional- Unique items to make prints with, the best items have a strong flat silhouette – examples: keys, lace, small items, fancy glass, leaves and flowers
• Optional- One or two photographs to turn into a negative. Photos should be between 3 x 5 and 5 x 7. Images must be your own photo or an image you have permission to use. Digital images must be of high resolution – 300 dpi. Photos with plain backgrounds work best. If you have a paper photo you can take a photo of it to send or bring the paper photo to the June 18, 2026 meeting and the Programs team will help you. Send digital photos to jessie@jessieswimeley.com. Please send by 6/18/2026 so Jessie can prepare the negative to work with during the workshop on 6/27.
Class registration will be open to non-members on May 27 and the last day to cancel with refund is June 15, 2026.

08/20/26 Modern Quilting: A Twist on Tradition - Darla Christiansen - Programs
2026-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Explore characteristics of Modern Quilting, and find out how a modern approach to quilting is, in many ways, a twist on tradition. See quilts that have been exhibited at QuiltCon in a slide presentation, followed by a trunk show with members of the Boise Modern Quilt Guild.
Darla Christiansen is a Boise native and a past president of the Boise MQG. Her quilt making leans heavily toward scrappy and she often uses rescued fabrics that otherwise might be destined for the landfill. She delights in the challenge of creating beautiful things from others’ discards, and describes her process as design-build. When she’s not sewing (which is most of the time), you’ll find Darla on her bike, in a kayak, tending to her yard, feeding the cat and finding outdoor adventures with her husband.

2026 Featured Quilter Jennifer Perry Price Program 09/17/26
2026-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Our September Program will feature Jennifer’s quilting journey and a review of her quilts.
Jennifer shares her inspirations for quilting and sewing:
I made my first quilt when I was a senior in high school. Before that, I had been making my own clothes since 6th grade. I started out sewing with my mother and seeing how she used patterns when sewing clothing. I began designing my own clothes and altering existing patterns when I was in 6th grade. My mother would help me sew out my creations. By 11th grade, I was making my prom dresses from my own designs and drawing my own patterns. I made cheerleading camp uniforms and song leader pinafores for my cheer teams. We didn’t want to ask one of the moms to make them all and I had ideas for the original designs I wanted. When I was a senior in high school, I got a job in the fabric department at TG&Y, and that is where I found my first quilt pattern.
Both of my grandmothers were very good seamstresses also and both quilted. My whole life I was surrounded by quilts. Even the blanket I took to preschool for naps was a quilt that had been made for my mom when she was a child. I learned a lot from both of my Grandmothers. They each had fabric around that I was free to create with. I learned to sew on a treadle machine at one grandmother’s house, and learned a lot of hand sewing techniques, and how to make draperies from the other grandmother.
I have an AA in both Fashion Merchandising and Home Economics from Fullerton College, which at the time the Fashion Merchandising program was equivalent to the Fashion Institute in Los Angeles. The course requirements included designing, pattern drafting, and draping as well as construction. I have a BS in Home Economics with my emphasis in Fashion Merchandising. I have drafted patterns and sewn for a designer, but never had the financial backing to start my own label but I have always continued to sew for myself and my family.
When my brother and his wife started having children, I made each child a flannel rag quilt, and I think that is when I caught the bug. I started making flannel rag quilts for Halloween and Christmas with designs I made up for my daughter and me.
I designed and made several figure skating dresses for my daughter, a huge t-shirt like quilt, but out of my daughter’s sweatshirts from eleven years of skating competitions. I did not layer or quilt it because the sweatshirt fabric was heavy enough.
Not too long after that, I started enjoying going to quilt shows and the Quilt, Craft, and Sewing show every year. I would get inspired, and start purchasing patterns, and fabrics. Since I have been retired (almost 8 Years) quilting keeps me out of trouble. I love having projects to do. I want to feel purposeful. My closet is full, so making clothes for myself isn’t necessary, so I sew quilts. I don’t stick to one style, I love learning new techniques. My quilts don’t really look like they belong to a collection, they are more individual, and what I wanted to make or learn at a time or I just thought was cute. I have over 20 project boxes full of fabric and the patterns for future quilts, two Judy Neimeyer kits, two more of her patterns and some fabric to go with them, at least five projects in process, and lots more ideas in my head. I keep buying fabric because I believe I have to live long enough to finish everything.
Be sure to see Jennifer’s quilt display at the BBQ Quilt Show on September 25 and 26, 2026.

2026 Quilt Show
2026-09-25 10:00 - 2026-09-26 17:00 | Expo Idaho, Garden City, Idaho, 5610 N Glenwood St, Garden City, ID, 83714, United States

10/15/26 Post Modern Quilting by Joe Cunningham (in person)
2026-10-15 19:00 - 21:00
Joe Cunningham has been a professional quilt artist since 1979. He began making quilts in his hometown of Flint, Michigan; eventually moving to San Francisco where he lives with his wife, Carol LeMaitre, above her Pilates studio, and maintains a gallery/ studio to make and show his quilts. Joe travels the world to show quilts and teach, as well as teaching his popular online classes from his studio. He has written ten quiltmaking books, and his quilts are in the permanent collections of several museums.
Here’s how Joe describes “Post Modern Quiltmaking,” the lecture he’ll be giving at BBQ:
We all know what “Modern” quilt making is. Sort of. Now that Modern Quilts have been around for a while the world is starting to move on, or maybe it’s just me. In this lecture I’ll talk about Modern Quilts and how they have influenced the wider quilt world, and explain how I have come to find my own style of “Post” Modern quiltmaking. With lots of examples and time for questions, this is a crowd favorite.
For more info about Joe and his quilts, please visit his website at joecunninghamquilts.com .

10/16-17/26 Creative Design Workshop by Joe Cunningham
2026-10-16 08:45 - 2026-10-17 15:45 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Here’s how Joe Cunningham describes this two-day workshop: “I will demonstrate and teach how to develop a small idea into an abstract quilt. Along the way I will teach the techniques I use for freehand piecing, working with bias tape, and creating memorable compositions. Under my instructions, students will develop their own designs and get them to a point where they can be completed.”
Since the cost is supplemented by the guild (making this workshop available at less than half its price elsewhere!), registration will be available only to guild members until Aug. 20, 2026. On that date, nonmembers are invited to register for any remaining workshop spots. The workshop price includes Saturday lunch (a half-sandwich and soup cup from Cafe Zupa’s). Lunch on Friday will be on your own.
Aug.20th is also the final day to cancel and receive a refund.
SUPPLIES
This is primarily a machine class but some hand sewing may be required.
Besides your sewing machine and standard machine sewing equipment, you will also need the following items:
Extension cord, pins, seam ripper, etc.
Rotary cutter, mat and rulers
Iron and pressing board (a few will also be available to share)
Scissors
Bias tape and matching thread (3 packs)
At least six yards of fabric, including fabrics that contrast strongly.
A 40″ wide design board (may be flannel or something similar, to be taped to the wall). Design board may be longer vertically than 40″, but only 40″ of wall width per person will be available horizontally.

10/24/26 "Fearless Foundation Paper Piecing: Tips and Techniques to Make FPP Easier and More Fun" by Esther Kleinkauf Schoolhouse
2026-10-24 10:00 - 17:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
This class is for someone who has done some FPP, especially if some part of the process is frustrating to you. I really want to invite anyone that has tried FPP and given up on it. You are missing so much!
We will discuss everything from what constitutes a quality pattern to why the size of the pieces is not what defines the difficulty (and what does). I will give you ideas on how to organize your fabrics and how best to cut pieces to minimize frustration from too small pieces. We will also look at what “paper” is best to sew on and you will get to try 3 different kinds.
You will be making at least 3 blocks designed especially to demonstrate and practice the ideas discussed.
Supply List

Sewing Machine – Set up with a #70 needle and a Straight Stitch Foot. (I prefer a clear plastic foot)
Thread – The “best” choice is 80 wt Deco Bob. If you are just starting out, buy a mini cone in a light shade of your favorite neutral. If you have 100’s of spools of thread , like I do, you can use other fine threads. I would not recommend anything heavier than Aurifil 50 wt.
“Add a Quarter” and “Add an Eighth” rulers. For this class you need the 6 inch ones. The ones labeled “Plus” are not more useful.
Small and large (45mm) rotary cutters, small cutting mat, small rotary cutting rulers (nothing larger than 6in x 12 in}.
Small Scissors or thread snips.
Small ironing board and small iron. The classroom will have irons.
A rectangle of heavy/crisp plastic for folding back pattern sections. Mine is 3.5 inches by 7 inches for no particular reason. You can also just use the heaviest advertising/political postcard that shows up in your mailbox.
Glue stick -I was once told that the UHU brand is the best for fabric to paper gluing.
Pins – You won’t need more than a half dozen. My preferred pins right now are Clover Patch work pins with the blue and yellow heads. They have the right balance of thinness and length.
Clover MINI clips. I have some to give out if you don’t already own any.
Acorn Precision Piecing Pen – You can buy the Essentials pack or the Starter kit and get their Easy Press fabric treatment, but you can fill the pen with other liquids such as Best Press, Magic Starch or even water…but you really need the pen!
Ballpoint awl/stiletto
Paper and pen to take notes.

Optional Supplies:

Light box with translucent mat
Roxanne’s or other glue
Tailor’s clapper
Seam ironing bar

11/21/26 Quilting on Your Domestic Machine by Madeline Trainor Schoolhouse
2026-11-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States

Lollipops and Lemon Drops Schoolhouse by Kadee Porter 01/30/2027
2027-01-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Guild member Kadee Porter has had several quilt designs published in American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, and her quilt “Lollipops” was a first-place winner in the 2025 Hoffman challenge. Kadee, an ACHD construction supervisor, has developed her own slow-stitch method. Using a 3D printer, she creates stamps that can be used to help you easily mark and cut out quilt pieces. A single stamp will transfer cutting lines, stitching lines, and registration marks for accuracy directly onto your fabric.
This class is designed for both beginning and accomplished hand stitchers. It will include tips on fabric selection; instruction and practice in hand stitching; and an opportunity to try out some of Kadee’s stamps to see whether this technique will become your new favorite! The class will focus on a very simple design selected to be approachable for beginners, but participants will also have the option of trying out Kadee’s “Lollipops” block design (shown here). if they feel confident in doing so.
More Information to Follow!

Fractured Images Schoolhouse by Dianne Kane 03/13/27
2027-03-13 09:30 - 15:30 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
“Fractured Images,” taught by Dianne Kane.
9:30-3:30 on March 13, 2027, at Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 W. Victory Rd., Boise
15 tickets should be set to open for sale on January 13th, 2027. The deadline to register (and to receive a refund for cancellations) will be March 12th.
Class Description:
Want to learn how to create this interesting effect that makes your fabric appear to vibrate? If you like surprises, this is a class for you. We’ll make a wall hanging that will amaze all of us. Plan on getting most of the top put together during our class time. Just be forewarned: you won’t be able to stop with just one.
Supplies:
· Sewing machine
· Mat, new blade and ruler
· Pins, scissors, seam ripper
· Thread
Fabrics:
You will want a fabric with large strong motifs. Florals, Asian and Hawaiian prints are great. Kaffe Fassett fabrics would probably work well too. The Frond big flowers (22×24) are also really fun. Choose a fabric with a repeat of at least 18-24″. The more colors in the background, the more interesting your piece will be. Movement in the background is good too–marbles, swirls, or shadows. Avoid fabrics with people or straight vertical or horizontal elements. Batiks are not appropriate either because they are hand printed and the repeats are not always evenly spaced.
Purchase at least 4 repeats of the fabric–5 to be safe. (Did you hear the “voice of experience”?) We will use only one long side of the fabric, so you’ll have half of your fabric left to share with a friend or use in a border or on the back of your wall hanging. Bring coordinating border fabrics too if you’d like so we can audition your choices. If you have any questions about your fabric choices, please call or email Dianne Kane (whose contact info is in the directory).

Curve Confidence Schoolhouse by Roberta Parsons 04/17/27
2027-04-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Quiltmaker, pattern designer, and barn quilt painter Roberta Parsons grew up on a multi-generational rural egg-ranch with three older brothers, a rugmaking/quilt teacher mother and a model airplane builder/pilot father. Their unspoken family philosophy was that creativity was a given! Roberta retired from the corporate world in 2019 after a long career in the retail catalog production, magazine and printing industry. She now happily resides in Payette, Idaho.
Roberta says, “This workshop is intended for all the people who see quilts or blocks with curves and decide they can’t do it because for whatever reason, someone once told them that curves are HARD unless they plan to learn applique. Curves are not hard! They’re bias, so they can get stretched out of whack and not behave if you don’t handle them tenderly. But they’re NOT HARD.
Once people are comfortable with improv curves and understand the geometry of how curves work, they can move on to the more rigid, template-based, seam- allowance-added curves without the fear of a block that ends up lumpy and misshapen.
Probably one of the most BASIC things that I’ll demonstrate and teach in this workshop is how I don’t pin, glue, clip or add seam allowance (for improv) to my curves. I’ll teach you how to recognize when you do need to make adjustments for seam allowance or use templates and WHY. From that initial demonstration sequence, we will move into exercises that you can complete at your own pace.”
The photos show a quilt made by Roberta (“Improv with Curves”), and a small table-topper made by a participant during a 2-hour workshop that Roberta taught for the Treasure Valley Quiltmakers.
More Information to Follow!
