Our faculty offers exciting, entertaining, educational and inspirational five-day workshops. Join us as we continue to offer the ultimate quilting retreat experience at the renowned “Refuge by the Sea” – Asilomar! Back to Homepage
Sunday to Friday, March 5 – 10, 2023 Closed classes indicated in red
Mel Beach
Mark Making and Mandala Magic
Treat yourself to a week of mark-making magic and mandala Zen. We'll start by learning how to transform solid fabrics into exciting colors, patterns, and textures using a variety of mark-making mediums and techniques. Once the mark-making play is complete, use your personal fabric palette to construct one or more original mandala art quilts that will bloom with layers of petal shapes, patterns, texture, and color—all made by YOU! Daily demos will cover easy and versatile mark-making techniques, designing intricate-looking mandalas that are surprisingly simple to construct using raw-edge fusible applique, along with options for quilting, finishing, and embellishing. Level: Confident Beginner to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF.
I am inspired by the natural world. Won’t you join me in my paint box to learn my technique for painting realistic floral imagery onto silk? You will have a choice between two different flowers for your project - #1 Phalaenopsis Orchid or #2 Lady Slipper. Email Andrea with your choice no later than February 1, 2023. To make it easy, all materials you will need for your project will be provided except for the few. In addition to painting your beautiful flower, I will also demonstrate how I create my highly textural confetti backgrounds and my technique for turning the edges of the finished applique for a clean finish. So, let’s have some fun and create with paint and fiber. Lab fee: $125.00 due on first day of class Level: Confident Beginner Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Vicki Conley
Designing from Photo to Imagination
You will learn how to simplify and combine photos into a graphic design both the old fashioned way with tracing paper and with apps on the IPad. You will learn my turned edge machine piecing technique using Floriani Stitch n Wash stabilizer. Cutting apart the stabilizer to use as templates you will see how easy it is to turn the edges with glue stick. It is left in the finished piece giving nice body to the art quilt. You will also learn my fussy piecing technique using a gradation fabric. You can construct either a landscape or an animal. Bring plenty of photos. Kit fee: $7.00 for stabilizer Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
What will be your choice of two different BeColourful patterns? The gorgeous burgundy red or the bright orange with purple? There are many techniques to learn: applique, paper piecing, working with curves, flying geese, double seam allowance and mitered borders. I love sharing my enthusiasm for my designs and bringing you to a higher skill level. My goal is that each class must be a nice and relaxed retreat. Broaden your knowledge; learn new techniques; be more confident to learn something that appears to be too difficult, yet is within reach. Level: Intermediate to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF.
What to bring? Any project you would like to finish and just need motivation or a confidence re-boot. Finish the project as designed or create a new design levering on what you have already. If you would like to stitch with me, I plan to demo the pieced Hexagon blocks from Elegance, Polygon Sampler Series Book 2. It’s a Polygon Affair! Learn to make piece hexagons using Butterfly Seams. Explore your creative side as you color or fussy cut the polygon shapes. This includes just about everything you need for a bright and colorful hexagon. Make the 12-block sampler or select your favorites for a 4-block wall-hanging. Level: Confident Beginner Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Learn the entire process of selecting an appropriate photograph, developing a working pattern, choosing the appropriate fabrics and fusing into place for realistic collage art. Learn to enhance your quilt with fabric ink, markers, color pencils or other media. Lastly, quilt to both enhance the texture and hold the fused pieces in place. Level: Confident Beginner Download Supply Sheet PDF.
A painting or a photograph will be combined with a grid to create an organic structure embraced with the lines. This is a great way to break down a complex design into doable 5-inch units. The blocks will be connected with a thin strip of fabric to create the lines. We will be working with straight line paper piecing. Each little block will be constructed, quilted and embellished before they are sewn together in a quilt. We will simplify the painting or the photograph to recreate using straight line piecing that can be done with paper piecing. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Build a raw edge wool house, fused and appliquéd to your chosen background, wool, flannel, or cotton. Patterns for different style houses will be provided, English Cottage, French chateau or traditional American house. The fun begins when you make it your own with embellishments. Bring those collected treasures, perle cotton, embroidery thread, silk ribbon, ribbon, trims, lace, buttons, beads, charms and found objects. Demonstrations of many embroidery stitches, silk ribbon stitches, couching and attaching found objects. Hand sewing and embroidery, no machines required. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
David M. Taylor
Animal Artistry through Appliqué
David Taylor’s quilts are often mistaken as paintings, and that makes him very happy. His works are adapted from photographs, and his technique evolved from his love of jigsaw puzzles. In this workshop, students will learn the secrets to his craft. Topics include his unique pattern drawing method and freezer paper appliqué technique. A strong emphasis is placed on fabric selection (bring as much as you can to the class) and using those fabrics wisely. Students are required to submit image options in advance of the workshop. Level: Intermediate Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Jeanette Walton is a Judy Niemeyer Certified Instructor. Learn to paper piece the Judy Niemeyer way! Whether you are a devoted Judy Groupie or want to try your hand at paper piecing, here is your chance to create a visually stunning quilt while you learn and master Judy’s organizational and piecing techniques. Get help with choosing your colors, reading the pattern, and start to finish assembly. You also have the option to work on any Quiltworx pattern. Prior paper piecing experience not required. Yes, you can do that! Let me show you how! Level: Confident Beginner to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Sunday to Friday, March 19 – 24, 2023 Closed classes indicated in red
Kelly Ashton
Sixty-Degree Masterclass: Get Your Hexie (and More) On!
Kelly’s patchwork passion is working with 60-degree shapes, and she wants to share her passion – and her knowledge and tips – with you! We’ll use hexagons, diamonds, triangles, and beyond, exploring how they work together, when “Y-seams” are necessary (or not), and how to accomplish set-in seams easily and flawlessly. With Kelly’s guidance, you can design a setting for your blocks or use one of Kelly’s setting options. Be prepared to become “hexie-obsessed” and to have a great time! Lab fee includes twelve Kellyquilter acrylic templates, anti-skid material, and more. For inspiration and additional Masterclass information, see Kelly’s blog post.
Lab fee: $50 Level: Advanced Beginner Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Making beautiful flowers, concentric patterns, block design, and experimenting with exotic fabrics are all included in this class. Learn Sue’s layered construction technique for cutting, assembling, and arranging flowers as she has done in her extensive Flower Series quilts. This class will give you the opportunity to use gorgeous fabrics and expansive color-plus, the construction method can be applied to other designs. Create a study quilt (about 16" x 16"), then move on to a larger, more involved art quilt with surprising complexity and power. Those who are taking this class a second time can expand on these concepts. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Josephine is a Judy Niemeyer Certified Instructor and a Certified Fiberworks instructor. Did you begin a Judy Niemeyer quilt, put it away, and now don’t know where to start to keep going and complete this project? This is the perfect class for you. Josephine is a certified Quiltworx instructor and can help you get back on track. She is also a certified Fiberworks instructor, if you have a Laura Heine design that you purchased and haven’t started or finished. Josephine is an experienced teacher and will help you problem solve your project regardless of the technique. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Australian quilters love the process of making traditional medallion quilts but with a modern twist! You will enjoy this class if you like the idea of making creative fabric choices in an heirloom style quilt while exploring a variety of fun but easy techniques. We will practice my simple Organic Applique method, using wedge rulers, improv piecing and the Posy Patch templates. Level: Intermediate Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Our world moves very fast. This retreat-like workshop focuses on slowing down and relishing in process rather than product. Supplies needed are minimal and no machine is necessary. Small compositions will be created with an emphasis on how to use the hand stitch as a major design element. So grab a bag of fabric scraps and your favorite hand sewing tools, and jump on board. This is not a technique workshop where you learn how to hand stitch. The focus is on using the stitch line as mark making on cloth. The stitch marks are the brush strokes that make the composition complete. Each day opens with a design presentation. Students will explore personal mark making preferences, with the power of parallel play in groups.
Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Customize your version of the Spiral Lone Star with skill-building techniques and enhance your ‘quilting toolbox’! We’ll cover precision piecing, foundation piecing, and design options while we push fabric and our creativity.
Level: Intermediate and above Download Supply Sheet PDF.
The focus of this workshop will be to create a beautiful landscape full of movement and direction. Diagonal lines bring energy and movement to a design, and when the light is just right, commonplace subjects are transformed and become noticed. The first step will be to paint two different sky fabrics that harmonize together. Then you will be shown a technique to combine sections of hand painted sky with areas of strips placed at an angle. Once you have created your studding sky, the foreground and other details will be added. You will have the choice of adding a dark outline round the edges of some areas to add more contrast. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Rocky is one of the blocks from p3designs next album pattern. There are twelve fun woodland animal blocks surrounding a center medallion. Join Pearl as she guides you through careful prep work for perfect applique results; and let her introduce you to her uniquely successful techniques she has developed. Learn Pearl’s Off the block” prepared edge freezer paper appliqué techniques. Perfect your appliqué skills as we learn the basic step to make: “any size Perfect Bias Stems,” reverse appliqué, sharp points, perfect circles, plus smooth concave & convex shapes. Pearl’s workshops are always open for independent studies please feel free to work on any appliqué project of your choice. Lab fee: $15.00 for Rocky block pattern and precut freezer paper templates Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Nature is an endless source of inspiration. In this class we will begin by studying the characteristics of your favorite flora and then go through a series of exercise to simplify and exaggerate it to capture its essence and energy. Then you will learn Jane’s techniques for Applique Collage and translate your fabric shapes in a dramatic quilt top. Drawing skills are not needed but participants should have a strong interest in developing their own design language and unique visual symbols. This class is especially beneficial for the drawing impaired and the tragically literal. Level: Beginner to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Using a simple technique, you will learn to create a pattern suitable for your comfort zone and level of expertise. You will learn to see value and use that knowledge to change your colors from natural to fanciful if you would prefer. I will also cover different ways to make your animals’ eyes come to life, how to use shading with pen and pencil and how to finish by mounting your artwork on canvas. Lab fee: $40.00 Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Friday to Wednesday, March 24 - 29, 2023 Closed classes indicated in red
Sue Benner
Sewing the Land I and II:Fused, collaged, and quilted landscapes
Each participant will create one or two landscape quilts along with several small studies. The class will explore different approaches to representing landscape, including those of artists in a variety of media. Sue will then show students how to look at the landscape, analyze it and translate it to fabric using several fused construction methods to help them each accomplish their goals. For those that are taking this workshop for a second time, a more ambitious project can be pursued. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Priscilla uses Guatemalan striped fabric in her work. When she learned that quilters don’t particularly like or use stripes, it was too much of a challenge to pass by! She presents a fun approach to the subject, demonstrating different, simple and surprising ways in which stripes can be used effectively in quilts. Discover how to interpret and use directional prints and how to mix-and-match precious fabrics for a unique, ethnic flair. Broaden your knowledge of color, value, texture, and principles of design like balance and contrast. Level: Confident Beginner to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF.
You will enjoy this class if you are interested in making confident choices of fabric combinations with a view to creating lines and shapes in pieced quilts. We will explore the designing, cutting and sewing options available when working with 60 degree shapes while focusing on exciting combinations of fabric. Choose MOJO City, explore other options presented or design your own outcome… all intentions are welcome! Level: Intermediate Download Supply Sheet (PDF).
Learn an easy and fun technique of raw-edge landscape collage and my unique and simple way to add people to your quilts. Bring your favorite photograph or idea for inspiration, lots of straight or safety pins, fine tulle, batting and the fabric you’ll need to make your artistic vision come true. In addition, I’ll show you how to add borders – or even more sections to create a quilt of any size. Be sure to check out The Quilt Show.com, episode #2908, if you’d like to see me demonstrate my quilt-making process. Visit my website to see my award-winning quilts. Level: All Download Supply Sheet (PDF).
Create a landscape where the play of light and color across the surface adds movement and perspective. We will start by drawing out our design then selecting our colour scheme and fabrics. We will extend our range by over-painting and sponging some commercial fabrics that have interesting prints or textures. The collage process will then be demonstrated and participants will work on the backgrounds. The tiles are quilted in place before the foreground details are added. Participants can use one of my patterns or work on their own designs. Level: All Download Supply Sheet (PDF).
Explore the many variations and design possibilities to this classic pattern. Choose from one of the many patterns available. If you are interested in designing your own, useful hand drafting techniques will be demonstrated. Basket quilts lend themselves to patchwork and appliqué, and a combination of both, with enormous freedom in style and settings. You can make a repeat block pattern, medallion style or sampler quilt using several patterns. The choice is yours. Add optional details such as appliquéd flowers or fruit, pieced or appliquéd handles, embroidery, sashiko and more. Enjoy learning new techniques, fine-tuning your skills and exploring a variety of possibilities for this popular quilt. Level: All Download Supply Sheet (PDF).
Give yourself a quilting retreat and the freedom to go your own direction. This is your opportunity to bring that project you want to finish or have questions about what to do next and how to do it. Take this time to explore your creative nature along with overcoming a fear of failure and frustration in the process. This is your time and your pace. Suzanne enjoys the creative process and has great diversity in her art quilts. She has won awards from local art and quilt shows and has published a book showcasing her quilts with accompanying poems. Level: All Download Supply Sheet (PDF).
David M. Taylor
Piece-by-Piece Pictorial Quilts
Working from your own photograph, this workshop guides you through the process of creating an original pieced pictorial quilt. With rulers and pencils we’ll draft an easy-to-piece, fractured pattern and then transfer that onto freezer paper templates. Most of our time will be spent selecting just the right fabrics to enhance the design: fun and funky, bold and beautiful, natural color -- you decide. A focus on individual guidance will help make your project a success. Students are required to submit image options in advance of the workshop.
Level: Intermediate Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Come learn two unique ways to create improvisational pieced circles! One technique results in amazing abstract circles which can be pieced into blocks, appliqued or cut apart and reformed. The circles are fabulous on their own but also work well with other improv/modern shapes. Off-cuts from creating the circles provide even more inspired opportunities. I’ll also show you my way of improv piecing the Dresden plate block, as I did in the award winning quilt “Burst”. Circles are a magical shape with no beginning and no end and the creative possibilities in this class are endless! I foster a supportive and relaxed environment in which to explore and create. Level: Confident Beginner to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Using a simple technique, you will learn to create a pattern suitable for your comfort zone and level of expertise. You will learn to see value and use that knowledge to change your colors from natural to fanciful if you would prefer. I will also cover different ways to make your animals’ eyes come to life, how to use shading with pen and pencil and how to finish by mounting your artwork on canvas. Lab fee: $40.00 Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Friday to Wednesday, April 21 - 26, 2023 Closed classes indicated in red
Linda Beach
Artfully Pieced Patterns
Starting with your original photo, Linda will share her approach to design utilizing a traditional piecing method and guide you through the process of creating your own original art quilt. Beginning with a discussion on composition and design, you will then learn how to draft your own pattern and create freezer paper templates. Tips for fabric choices will be shared and demonstrated. While the primary focus of this workshop is on design, I will also talk about my approach to quilting and finishing your art quilt. Level: Intermediate to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF.
So much goes into making a quilt: the fabric, batting and thread but also the individual’s creativity. We will go over some fundamentals of design and how they apply to quilting. We’ll spend time looking at color and how it can affect a quilt pattern and have some fun with watercolor as we put color theory to a test. We’ll also be spending time sewing and learning tips and tricks to successfully piece and experiment with curved piecing. I hope you will join me for the workshop and days of inspiration and creative growth. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Exploration in textile pattern design using acrylic inks
Have you always wanted to explore surface design using dyes, but have felt intimidated by the process. We use acrylic inks and the best part is the fabric is ready to use as soon as it’s dry. Learn how surprisingly easy it is to make fiber-friendly acrylic inks. In this workshop, learn the basics of color theory while making and mixing inks and how to crate a full spectrum of beautiful earthy colors! Explore a multitude of ways to create richly textured “base” fabrics. We will also do Master screen printing with thermofax screens. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
All About Angles: A Planned Improv Approach to Quilt Design
Sarah comes at quilt making from a perspective of planned improv and an opportunity to play. She will start each day with a demonstration, introducing the initial parameters of this pieced improv technique, followed by design variations. Students can choose to work in a small series or on one larger composition. Sarah’s instruction will include lessons on color and value, and discussions will include free motion quilting and finishing ideas. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Give yourself the gift of time to focus on the quilt you want to make. Your quilt can be an art or traditional quilt, hand or machine sewn, pieced or appliqued. Draft a new quilt from scratch or work from a pattern. This is your time to work without interruption from the outside world. Tap into Becky’s extensive background in all areas of quilt-making as you design, color, and/or construct your own project. Whether your quilt is already in progress or it is one that you have only been dreaming about, this is the class for you! Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Starting with an enlarged photo of your beloved pet make a unique quilt using Jane’s forgiving raw-edge collage technique. Learn to draw a pattern suitable for collage, choose appropriate fabrics, use value in your collage, stitch and finish your project. Experiment with fun, vibrant colors or choose a traditional, life-like color scheme. Relax, embrace the process and create a collage that will capture the pet’s unique character. If you don’t have a pet your favorite animal photo will also work. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Find the joy and confidence to free motion quilt! You’ll learn creative ways to make your quilt stand out and Jenny will meet you where you are, no matter your style or experience level. An independent study option is available. Students will start with a solid foundation of the essentials of unmarked free motion. Each morning and afternoon will begin with a short lesson covering a variety of topics. Students bring their own project and Jenny will provide advice, support and direction as well as suggestions for students without a project. Her style is encouraging and light-hearted. Chocolate will be involved. Level: Confident Beginner to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Nature is an endless source of inspiration. We will begin by studying the characteristics of your favorite flora and then go through a series of exercises to simplify and exaggerate it to capture its essence and energy. Learn Jane’s techniques for appliqué collage and translate your fabric shapes in a dramatic quilt top. Drawing skills are not needed but participants should have a strong interest in developing their own design language and unique visual symbols. This class is especially beneficial for the drawing impaired and the tragically literal. Level: Beginner to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Create an abstract quilt that has amazing movement and drama, using the techniques pioneered by Ursula Kern. Go from inspiration to simple sketch, then have fun “coloring” your sketch with bits of fabric to create a mockup of your design – see before you sew! The design is gridded and blocks are foundation pieced using an easy sew and flip method with room for creativity and improvisation. Lots of discussion of design principles and how to use color and value to create the drama and desired effects. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Big Botany — Abstraction through Color, Pattern, and Repetition
Working from several sources of inspiration grounded in the natural world, students will work through a design process that emphasizes sketching, developing color palettes, creating pattern, and problem solving organic construction issues. Level: Confident Beginner Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Friday to Wednesday, May 5 - 10, 2023 Closed classes indicated in red
Susan Brubaker Knapp
Wholecloth Painting and Thread Sketching
Learn the basics of painting on fabric to make wholecloth painted quilts. Work from your original photographs, and use acrylic textile paints and threadsketching to bring it to life. Do not worry if you’ve never painted anything before – this may look complicated, but it isn’t once you learn a bit. You will learn how to select the right photos for great results; mix colors, shades and tints and choose paints and fabrics. We will create line, color and texture with thread; and gain control and confidence when free-motion stitching. Kit fee: $45. Level: Confident Beginner Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Material Matrix is a technique that uses piecing (no fusing here!) to interpret a gridded image made up of 2-inch squares. Students will create “Beau and Bella” to learn a new way of “seeing” and also sharpen their piecing skills. Topics covered in this workshop include curved piecing, how to grid your own photo, what makes a good image for this technique, color/value/composition, and how to make a matching binding. If you are looking for a new challenge and love piecing you will enjoy this workshop. Kit fee: $5.00 Level: Intermediate to Advanced Download Supply Sheet PDF. Download Pattern Grid PDF
Be inspired by nature for your next art pieces. Learn to look at your fabric stash as your paint palette. Use a favorite flower photo to build a one-of-a-kind fusible art quilt. Learn to analyze and break your photo down into simple shapes to make a pattern. Melinda will show you tricks for seeing colors, values and choosing the right fabrics while training your eye to look closely at details. There will be a lecture/demo on how to finish your quilt with thread painting, but no sewing machine is needed. Just lots of fabrics. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
A symphony of harmonious background designs will be yours as you create this beautiful wholecloth design by Sue. You will learn each unique design with step-by-step instruction and how-to hints – 27 E2E and grid-based designs in all! The class will alternate between learning the designs by drawing them out first, then to the machines for sewing. Two exclusive pattern sizes will be available for you to choose: half-inch grid scale (original – a bit more challenging) and 1" grid scale. Come curious — leave with a stunning creation! Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Twisted Quilt Class and Creating Your Own Sashiko: From Design to Fabric
Don’t let those scraps get you all “Twisted” up! I guarantee this quilt will make your scraps very happy. Don’t know what to do with the leftovers from those 5 inch strips? Now you do. Twisted will help to manage that wild left over pile of beloved fabrics you just can’t throw away. Creating Your Own Sashiko: From Design to Fabric is a long awaited class, so join me on this event and create/transfer your pattern to fabric to stitch as sashiko embroidery. It can be your favorite pet, flower or any design you wish. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Collect the essence of a favorite place based on your own impressions. Design and create your own vision of a town, neighborhood, village, cityscape or skyline: detect common visual elements, highlight details, create building blocks and put them all together using improvisational piecing techniques. Add character to your town by experimenting with different surface design techniques (add texture, discharge color, incorporate 3D elements). Consider creating an irregularly shaped piece and finish off your work with an elegant facing technique. Level: Level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Learn the basics of good design and explore exercises to unleash the creative process. Bring out your inner artist and learn to apply the principles to the making of art quilts. Each day starts with a different exercise in color and composition. You will work in a 12-inch square format. These exercises can then be the inspiration for a larger piece. Composition with line and shape will be explored as well as addressing negative space, soft and hard edges, abstraction of realistic inspirations, etc. Critiques of work will be held each evening. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
The California coast is a perfect place to explore the range of color, value, and expanse of SKY ombré fabrics that promise to make your quilts glow. This class is ideal for all who want to hone their color skills with ease. Lessons include selecting color harmonies, the relativity of hue/value, and how we learn best by doing. Various blocks will be taught that highlight the fabrics as Jennifer shares her favorite sewing tips and techniques. Nature walks are taken as bookends to the day. The workshop is based on Jennifer’s Ombré Quilts book and fabrics. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
Photorealism is a genre of art that encompasses painting and drawing in which an artist studies a photograph and attempts to reproduce the image as realistically as possible in another medium. Reproduce the still life Rembrandt’s Repast using Melissa’s award-winning techniques for transforming a photograph into a masterpiece of Fiber Art. Learn to see as an artist does, select appropriate fabrics, build a pictorial quilt from an image using a raw edge applique method. You will then learn to enhance your work by adding depth, dimension and detail with inks. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
This class is dedicated to developing a skilled mastery of precise and detailed quilt piecing using the technique of Foundation Paper Piecing. Receive step-by-step guided demonstration and instruction while working through the pattern “Heart of a Lion”, an original pattern designed to highlight the skills needed to successfully execute any FPP pattern with masterful craftsmanship. We will cover details such as fabric alignment, organization, trimming, orientation, pressing, construction details and so much more. Level: All Download Supply Sheet PDF.
