Machine quilting is like a big onion, with many, many layers.
When you learn one thing you can peel back the next layer
and absorb another concept at a deeper level.
First I want you to know, I am not a super human. I was who you are before I took a 3-day seminar that changed my life. I had your same insecurities and assumptions that I now know were incorrect; but how do you know better (unless you practice this for 15 years)? I know my quilts look intimidating but that is just to get you to look so I can show you that
if I can do this you can too
if you follow my formula for success. I can teach you to set up the machine, choose the right supplies and follow my tried and true process, but are you open to the possibility of your success? I consider each teaching event an opportunity to provide in-depth instruction for a solid foundation to rely on for a lifetime. 
Who are my classes for?
I do not assume that students have prior knowledge or experience of machine quiltingwhen I write a class, I provide everything you need to learn for each class. I get students of every level in my classes, you are all welcome! I don’t expect everyone to comprehend everything that I tell them the first time, so I repeat it again and again until it all sinks in. It is SO wonderful to see the light bulb moments when someone sees their accomplishments!
What happens in the Classroom?
My workshops each focus on teaching a specific technique, with plenty of individualized coaching on the machine quilting basics you will use every day. I want each student to take home confidence in the operation of their machine for the essential free-motion quilting process and the lifelong skills needed to complete their future quilts.
The first thing I do when arriving in a classroom is to declare it a problem free zone. Any issues that arise are considered an opportunity to learn something new, in a different way. Class time begins with introductory PowerPoint presentation where information is organized efficiently, for all to be able to see clearly. This allows students to relax, focus on the topic and understand the plan for the entire day. Everyone will see an illustrated explanation of the concept; learn recommended supplies and the machine set-up.
Next, time is spent practicing skill building exercises to gain confidence in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. Each student is coached to adjust their machine for good tension and may stitch at their own pace. The project is taught step-by-step and repeated as many times as necessary until each person feels ready to move on. Finally, these new skills are set in action stitching the beautiful project and sharing thoughts as they learn the process.
After teaching professionally for many years, I have a pretty clear vision of the needs of students. Most workshops include a kit with the best supplies chosen to get the job successfully. This avoids any struggle to purchase difficult to find products, assuring that class time is not wasted on unprepared supplies. With everything there ready and waiting, you can relax and focus on the suggestions for success.
How to prepare for a class
First, stop worrying about what you don’t know or haven’t done. I have listed everything you need to prepare right here for you with clear instructions.
At least two weeks before class:
Find the owners manual for your machine. Read the instructions for free-motion, lowering the feed dogs, adjusting the upper and lower tension (if possible) as well as how to adjust the pressure of the presser foot for thick bundles. Be sure the machine is clean and oiled if necessary according to the manufacturers recommendations.
Call or visit the dealer of your machine. Ask to see the smallest open-toe free-motion foot available for your machine. This is a case where less is better; avoid springs, wires, and clunky plastic parts that block the view of the quilt.
Gather the workshop supplies from the list provided. Go to a quality quilt shop, machine dealership or plan ahead to allow for shipping if you need to order online. If you are unsure about something, email me. If you are reading this at the last minute, don’t worry, just bring what you have and we will have an opportunity to try something different. I always have thread, needles, and basting pins available for purchase in class.
Pre-wash your fabric and partially dry in the dryer. Then, press it completely dry using spray starch to stabilize the fabric before you cut the pieces. Use a generous application for both the top fabric that will be marked with the design, and for the backing fabric, to avoid stretching during the stitching process. Press with the straight of grain with a hot dry iron until it is completely dry.
Pin-baste your practice sandwich and experiment with the lightweight thread in your machine. (100/2 silk, 60/2 cotton) Adjust the tension if needed for the threads to catch one another in the middle of the layers. Stitch some loops, or write your name. Take this ecercise a step further by following the steps in my book, Joanie’s Quilting Elements. Use the bonus CD odf quilting designs, trace a design on fabric and follow my stitching advice. You have done all I could ask to be ready for our big day.
Which Machine and Equipment
Bring your BEST machine. I know you don’t want to lug that heavy machine to class. If necessary, find help to get it into your car the night before class and ask for help when you arrive if you need it. Know your body and its limitations. I will be teaching you to adjust your machine so it only makes sense to learn on the machine that you will ultimately use to perform this skill. The only failure I have had teaching this workshop was when a tiny, lightweight machine unable to be adjusted for the specialty thread, was used. Remember to pack of the cords, the foot pedal and all of the machine accessories listed on the supply list. Some students bring their own portable sewing table, adjustable chair or chair pad, extra lights and magnifiers. If you are wondering if we might need something, bring it.
Prepare for Success!
This is just one day (or three days) in your whole life, and you have invested your hard-earned money on this workshop. You have this golden opportunity to learn this skill, put time into the preparation for the class. You will feel more relaxed when you arrive, better able to achieve success because you know you have done all you can to put yourself in the best environment to learn. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast and leave some extra time for traffic on the way to class!
From the first seeds of inspiration, right through to that very last stitch, each step of quiltmaking is important and can be so much fun! Enjoy the process and delight in your progress. Do your best and you will achieve a great sense of satisfaction in your work. I look forward to seeing you in class!
Joanie
I am offering two Machine Quilting classes this fall, a 1-day landscape filler class and a comprehensive 3-day skill building seminar. I got a late start on advertising them so there is a potential that these could be semi-private lessons. I still want to hold classes and hope to attract a few more students. I received several notes about the classes which prompted me to write about who these classes are for, how much experience a student needs to be successful when attending one. UPCOMING MACHINE QUILTING CLASSES.
