Debby's Workshops

I love teaching about quilts. As a former high school math and English teacher I have created hundreds of instructional articles about quilts with my one simple rule: make it easy to understand and help every quilter be confident that he/she can make that same project, too! Math is not a dirty word, because I do a lot of it for you. All workshops are based on projects, but I cover a LOT of tips, tricks and sewing techniques during the workshop time. 

NOTE: I no longer fly to guilds. After 15 years on the road, dragging two 50 pound suitcases through airports, I am selective in how much I travel. 

Click the links below to see each Project Workshop

I create new workshops ALL THE TIME. I sew for the camera (ie, magazines and books) and for my travels to teach at large quilt venues. And I sew for fabric companies. This is only a small bit of what I can teach! I'm always open to discuss what might work for your guild.

• The Modern Vortex Quilt - Using strips in two colors and a common Dresden Plate template, you can make your version of this historic quilt (see the Vortex Quilt from 1920 here). There's a lot of "ooh" and "aah" in this class with great techniques. Contact me for supply list.

• Buzz Saw - A Dresden Plate variation using my own custom designed supersized, multi-sized ruler. Easy to cut and stitch and then appliqued to the background for a very modern looking quilt. See my Orange Crush quilt that uses the same ruler.

• Seven Sisters without y-seams! Go traditional or modern, this pattern has been updated by eliminating those pesky y-seams. All patches are cut using a multisized 60 degree ruler. Make a 37" x 42" table topper using only 3-1/2" and 6-1/2" strips. Make it scrappy or have a controlled palette. And did I say no y-seams?

• Patty's Summer Parasol: This vintage pattern from the 1930s is really a double wedding ring variation. We paper piece the arcs, add the melon umbrella top and then interface this unit for easy applique. We tuck in a prairie point and add the handle for an easier-than-it-looks block updated with today's fabrics.

• Ezekiel's Crown: Satisfy your desire to learn both paper piecing and working with curved units to create this dynamic Ezekiel’s Crown quilt. It is composed of 16 blocks that are arranged in my “When 4 Makes 5” assembly. It’s all in the way four of the units are turned. While this is not for beginners, it is certainly enjoyable - and doable - for those who are confident with their piecing skills.

• Baby Blocks: The traditional Baby Blocks pattern uses 60 degree diamonds and is stitched using a y-seam. My Baby Blocks technique takes out that y-seam altogether. All straight seam sewing. Here is the same technique worked into a table runner: Connie's Vintage Runner. We work some magic with those light background pieces and you will be delightfully surprised at how easy and quick this quilt goes together.

• Pickle Dish - Well, it's really a FAT Double Wedding Ring and the curved unit is paper pieced. You will learn how to sew the two curved units together and actually how to add that tear drop center perfectly! Here is another sample in Red & Black.

• Twisted Hexagons - Did you know that your common, 60 degree ruler can cut both whole and half hexagons, besides the 30 and 60 degree triangles? Well, yes it can and everything in this quick and easy block is cut from one ruler. Choose either the table runner, table topper or even a child's size quilt. They are all offered in the single pattern.

• Circle of Geese - Wow!! Such a big block and so easy to piece. The circle of geese is foundation pieced. One full circle (Quilt #1, Quilt #2) comprises of 8 separate units of 3 geese each. These quilts (Quilt #3, Quilt #4) split the circle for more manageable sections. The quarter circles and the outer background pieces are sewn with the geese rings - gentle and easy curves (because they are so big.)

• Sassy Mariner's Compass - Forget traditional colors and fabrics! Pull out your stash of wild and crazy prints and take a dive into the world of paper piecing a LARGE block. Sharp points, gentle curves, even a halo of little triangles make this a block with a lot of punch! If you can sew a straight line and a true 1/4" seam, you can make this. Nothing to fear, everything to learn for a 22" block and a 38" quilt! Supply List here

• Pyramids & Jewels - Two quilts for the price of one. We make Thousand Pyramids in the morning session using a Charm Pack (5" squares) and a background fabric. The afternoon class is the Fractured Jewels quilt using the LEFTOVERS from cutting the Thousand Pyramids. Quick cutting and piecing techniques are taught using a 60 degree ruler. Innovative designing and the bonus of learning what else your 60 degree ruler can do.