Fireworks!   Have you looked at fireworks and wondered how you could capture the moment when all the rockets explode into a rainbow of colors?  Helen Marshall has done it and would like to show you how.  The fireworks are machine embroidered onto the pieced surface with brilliant rayon machine embroidery threads.  A few beads can be added after the quilting to truly catch the light.  Fireworks! is 18" x 18" and is suitable for quilters with experience in accurate cutting and piecing and who are ready to try machine embroidery.  Four Lessons.  See Supply List for larger picture.
$36         Class starts July 12.

Printing on Fabric   Learn how to take your favourite photographs and print them onto fabric using your ink jet printer and computer.   Ruth Blanchet will take you through the process of preparing fabric to accept the photograph and then show you four creative ways to use your fabric photos in projects.  You will be able to make quilt labels,  fabric books and a small memory wall hanging.  In the last project, you will use a scenic photo as the base for thread painting.  This exciting technique will open the doors to many possibilities in quilt making.  Level: basic quilting and sewing skills.  Must be comfortable with your printer and scanner.  You need either MS Word or a graphics software program to create labels.  Three Lessons.  See Supply List.
$27         Class starts July 19.

Filament Fantasy   Fantastic, frantic, frustrating, festive filaments; turbulent, twisting, tormenting threads.  If those words describe your feeling about any threads but cotton, this class is just for you.  Award-winning quilter Linda Schmidt will show you how to use fine and  twisty metallics, rayons, blending filaments, yarns, fine braids, invisible threads and others in your machine as you create this beautiful heart sampler.  Learn how to do invisible machine appliqué, cutwork, make thread appliqués, machine bead, use two threads in one needle, and much, much more.  Four Lessons.  Intermediate to advanced level.  See Supply List for full project picture and outline.
$36         Class starts July 26.

To Bead or Not to Bead   Beads are everywhere these days, in all shapes, sizes and colors.  The allure is irresistible, even when you have no idea how or when to bead. Susan Brittingham will teach you the seed, quilting and lazy stitches, how to add beads to embroidery stitches and how to couch beads or to fill a space with them.  All work is done by hand.  You will also learn how to combine different types of beads and how to make fringe and beaded pins.  By the end of this class, you will be able to bead clothes, quilts and accessories.  Level: Starts at beginner and advances to intermediate by end of class.  Four Lessons.  See the Supply List.
$36         Class starts July 26.

Elements in Fabric:  Earth, Wind, Fire and Water   How do you create the four elements in fabric?  How do you make earth, wind, fire and water so vivid they leap off the surface?  In this class, you will gain a greater understanding of design principles as you work with a wide variety of techniques and products to thoroughly explore the possibilities open to us today.  Linda Schmidt will show you how to create water with fabric paints, painted melted cellophane, sheer fabrics and melted fibers.  Then, let the wind carry you up into the sky to make storm clouds and lightning with batting and sheers, fabric paints, Angelina fibers and bobbin work.  Next, you will feel the fire with Tintzl, shredded sheer fabrics, Bonding Agent 007, foil, fabric paints and markers.  Finally, come back to earth to learn to make Puff Paint, mica chip and Tyvek rocks and Fiber Etch trees.  You will experiment with paint sticks, metallic paint powders and more.  This class takes you from where you are to someplace else.  Level: Intermediate to advanced.  Six Lessons.  Extra week after Lesson Two.  See Supply List for outline and additional pictures.
$55         Class starts August 9.

Fabric Painting is a satisfying art form.  No drawing or painting skills are required for this class.  It’s really quite simple.  The fabric paints  come ready-mixed.  Use Marjie McWilliams's designs or make up your own.  Together we will make color samples, experiment with color mixing, color thinning, and color layering.  Although this is a process class, the results may trigger great project ideas and expand your quilting horizons in new and exciting ways.  Five Lessons.  All Levels.  See Supply List and Gallery for previous student work.
$45         Class starts July 12.

Playing with Paint   Have you ever wanted to create your own fabric prints for that special project?  Let Lyric Kinard introduce you to the wonderful possibilities of fabric paint.  Using paint with an assortment of brushes and sponges, you can add fascinating patterns to fabric.  You will also learn to carve simple stamps, cut basic stencils and print with found objects, even food!  At the end of class, you will paint a silk scarf that is sure to become your favorite wardrobe accessory.  All levels.  Four Lessons.  See the Supply List.
$36         Class starts July 26.

Painted Landscapes is a study in painting and embellishment with Michele Scott.  Using Sétacolor paint from Pebeo,  you will create  beautiful watercolor-style mountain scenes and landscapes.  No painting experience necessary! Create your painted impression using your own imagination or from a picture you took on vacation.  See the wonderful effects this paint can create in two easy lessons!  In Lesson Three you will take that painting and embellish it, bringing out the detail in your scene.  You will unleash your creativity using a variety of decorative threads that add depth and character to your work.  Michele has many examples so you can see how to use the wide array of threads available in today's market.  Level: beginner for painting, some experience using specialty threads.  Three Lessons.  There is an extra week between Lessons Two and Three so students can finish their painting.  See more examples on the Supply List.
$28         Class starts August 2.

Silk Dyeing   The art of dyeing silk is thousands of years old.  With today's technologies and advances in chemical processes, we no longer have to go out and dig up bugs, earth or berries to make exquisite colors nor wait months and months for our ship to bring the silk to us from the outer edges of the world.  In this class, Marjie McWilliams will teach you to mix and apply dye colors to two different kinds and weights of silk.  You will learn three dyeing techniques: total immersion, partial immersion to create mottled colors, and painting with dyes to create watercolor effects that will dazzle the eye.  This is primarily a process class, but will include quite a few project suggestions for things you can do with these extraordinary fabric creations.  This class will be offered once a year.  For best results, a minimum room temperature of 65º F throughout the dyeing process is recommended.  Four Lessons.  All Levels.  See Supply List.
$36         Class starts August 2.

On Land And Sea   Do you just love landscape quilts, but have no idea how to make one yourself?  Explore techniques and strategies you can use to create beautiful quilted landscapes and seascapes.  Starting with fabric selection and design planning, Susan Brittingham will teach you how to translate a sketch or photograph into fabric for a stunning quilt.  Learn how to combine various forms of machine appliqué and decorative embellishments to create a unique environment that will intrigue viewers.  Quilting strategies specifically suited to landscape quilts will also be covered.  Five Lessons.  Skill level: Intermediate to advanced.  See Supply List.
$45         Class starts August 9.

Pacific Aquarium   Mix piecing, appliqué, embroidery and beading to create a charming undersea picture only 13" wide.  This class is suitable for all who have confident basic piecing skills.  Ruth Blanchet will cover the techniques required so even beginners should have no difficulty.  It is all machine pieced and embroidered, with beads added by hand.  Learn to use yarns and other oddments on the surface as well as burning fabric and fraying for more realistic scenery.   The background is made with basic Bargello piecing.  The creative student will love adding other ocean occupants.  The technique is easily adapted to any style fish, shell or seaweed.  Be creative and have fun.  Four Lessons.   See Supply List for more pictures.
$36         Class starts August 9.

Journal Quilts   Lily Kerns will help you learn how to make journal quilts that reflect you and your view of the world.  You will gather many ideas and find your own voice for creative quilt making.  Your journal quilts can be based on your life or they can be explorations of color or technique.  As you make three journal quilts in class, you may use techniques you have learned in other classes or that have piqued your interest in books or magazines.  This class does NOT teach techniques. You will look at how other people approach journaling and complete a series of mental exercises to open your mind to self expression. Lesson Four will teach you several ways to display your quilts, including how to turn them into a book.  This class will stretch your imagination.  It is not recommended for beginners.  Four Lessons.  See Supply List.
$36      [credit card only]   Class starts July 5.

Structured Fabrics: Stripes, Checks and Plaids   Step away from straight seam construction and reliance on commercial fabric design.  Build your own structured fabrics using materials in your stash.  You will learn how to use freehand rotary cutting techniques on fused fabrics to make stunning stripes, checks, and plaids.  Dena Crain will teach you an easy way to design your own wall hanging or you can use one of the layouts provided.  Dena will also show you how to enhance your structured fabrics with embellishments.  Every piece of fabric you build will have your personal signature look.  Skill Level: Intermediate.  Three Lessons.  Visit the Supply List to see examples of completed wall quilts.
$27      [credit card only]   Class starts July 5.

Watercolor Wizardry   Let Carol Miller show you how to paint with fabric.  Imagine holding a palette with 200 dabs of paint!  Your stash is  your palette.  Color, value, texture, and pattern all come into play as you practice with a geometric design and a landscape.  In Lesson Four, you will work on an original picture.  Learn to add depth, shape and shadows to your work.  Watercolor Wizardry will stretch your imagination and lead you into experimentation.  If you think all quilted watercolors are filled with floral fabrics, think again.  Basic piecing experience required.  Four Lessons.  Extra week after Lessons Two and Three to allow time for sewing.  See Outline and Supply List for more pictures.  This class will be offered once this year.
$38      [credit card only]   Class starts July 5.

Are you ready to break out of the mold and design your own geometric quilts?  Multiple Magic with Carol Miller puts training wheels on the design process.  It is a no-stress method, where all the parts are numerically interchangeable.   You will use familiar, easily constructed units such as checkerboards, 4-patches and half square triangles.   You will learn to critique work and to help each other in the design process.  This will be a truly interactive experience.  There is a two-week interval between Lessons Two and Three to give students plenty of time to work on their exercises.  This class is offered once a year.  All levels.  Three Lessons.  See Supply List.
$28         Class starts July 19.

Playing With Lines and Shapes is a beginner design workshop.  Students will play with lines and shapes as you explore original design.  Leave lots of time for working through both pencil and fabric exercises.  Lily Kerns will help you to think and see from a different point of view.  You will then move into shapes, starting with a dimensional exercise to help you understand the changeable quality of objects.  The class also includes a basic introduction to art principles. See student work from previous classes.  Four Lessons.  See Supply List.
$36         Class starts July 19.

Creative Color starts by making you aware of what you already know about using color and then moves into discovering color in the world around you.  Taught by Lily Kerns, this process class will enhance your knowledge of color, whether you are a novice or an expert.  Interactive exercises let you play with the colors right on the screen.  You can complete your exercises in fabric, colored paper or play with computer graphics.  Use the learning tools that work for you.  Four Lessons.  Skill level: advanced beginner or higher. See Supply List.
$36         Class starts August 2.

Gradations and Transparencies   In this advanced color class, you will learn to do more than match your fabric and move beyond picking two hues from across the color wheel.  Carol Miller begins with a look at gradations, fabrics that are the same color but move in an orderly way from low to high intensity.  You will learn tricks for showing off these fabrics or for using them with commercial prints.  You will also learn some artist's tricks, such as creating the illusion that one fabric is crossing over another.  This class assumes that you have a large stash to play in.  You will be cutting up strips of lots of fabrics and sewing them together in a multitude of ways.  When you finish, your mind will be filled with rainbows and your quilts will have a new sparkle.  Level: intermediate.  Extra week after Lesson Three.  Basic understanding of color terminology is essential.  Four Lessons.  See Supply List. 
$37        Class starts August 9.

EQ6 Building Blocks   Let Fran Gonzalez show you the power of the two EQ6 drawing tables, EasyDraw and PatchDraw.  You will learn how to analyze designs, set up the drawing board and use the program’s sophisticated drawing tools to create a collection of pieced and appliquéd designs.  Start with simple grid structures and progress to complex arc designs, appliqué blocks, appliqué motifs and quilting stencils.  Your confidence with EQ6 will grow as you discover how to edit, rotate, resize, clone, partition and flip your designs.  You will also combine EasyDraw and PatchDraw drawings, briefly explore WreathMaker, and experiment with many of EQ6's generous printing options.  This is the second class in the EQ6 series.  See Supply List.  Four Lessons.
$36      [credit card only]   Class starts July 5.

EQ6 Advanced Layouts   Now that you have a working knowledge of EQ6, are you ready to dive into the deep end of quilt design?  In this class, Fran Gonzalez will show you how to use EQ6's powerful advanced design tools to create a series of complex quilts in a wide variety of layout styles: Horizontal, On-Point, Medallion, Strip and Custom Set.  As part of the design process, you will experiment with border styles and explore special features such as Serendipity, Symmetry and WreathMaker.  You will work extensively with the Graph Pad as you set blocks in Custom Set, appliqué motifs in Layer 2, and stencils or embroidery in Layer 3.  If you use appliqué with your pieced quilts or like to add digitized embroidery designs, learning to use layers is essential.  You will also discover EQ6's advanced color features and learn special printing techniques.  This is the third class in the EQ series.  Four Lessons.  See the Supply List for prerequisites. 
$36         Class starts August 2.

Pineapples Plus  Have you been admiring the wonderful pieced pineapple designs you see at shows, books and magazines?  This graphic Log Cabin variation is easy to construct using foundations, and once you learn the basics, there are so many alternatives for the pattern, you will be hooked.  From the classic traditional design to some incredible innovative pieces, Jane Hall brings it all to you in this class.  You will begin by making one block to learn the technique.  At the end of class you will be pineappling with the best of them.  You will learn classic and off center designs as well as ways to vary them.  There will be several small projects for you to make along the way, and ultimately you can choose to make a whatever size quilt you like, with infinite variations to make it your own design.  It looks complex, but success is very attainable for all levels.  Four Lessons.  See Supply List.
$36         Class starts August 2.

Tools of the Trade   Do you know how to use your sewing machine for anything other than straight stitching?  Can you use all of the presser feet that are available for your machine?  Do you  know which needle to use with which thread?  This class will answer your questions and help you learn to use your machine to its fullest, from the latest top of the line model to Grandma’s hand-me-down!  You will create samples of many popular techniques using both standard and optional sewing machine attachments.  Chris Pascuzzi will give you lots of ideas for interesting ways to incorporate what you have learned into your current work.  This is not a project class.  All skill levels.  Four Lessons.  See Supply List.
$36      [credit card only]   Class starts July 5.

Getting Started Online   Are you ready to take your place online?  Whether you are planning to enter the marketplace, help run your guild Web site or just establish a showcase for your quilting talents, Julie Neu will guide you to the correct choice and help you establish your Web presence.  Defining your goals will determine whether you choose to enter an established community, start a blog or launch a Web site.  Julie will also show you the best ways to publicize your site.  No Web experience or design software is needed, but you should be comfortable with your computer and with navigating online.  All levels.  Three Lessons.  See Outline.
$27   Registration closed   Class starts July 19.