classes

Joe Vecchiarelli knows the Fashion District from his role as a dresser on TV’s Dancing with the Stars. He’ll be our guide today as we explore his favorite shops in the Fashion District. Our first stop is the Los Angeles Fashion District www.fashiondistrict.org where you’ll have a chance to wander and shop. We’ll drop you at Michael Levine’s where you will find fabric of all kinds at a discount.  Michael Levine’s is located in downtown Los Angeles and carries fabrics at great prices from many well-known manufacturers such as Kaufman, Hoffman, RJR, Kona Bay, Wilmington, South Sea, Riley Blake, Studio E, Elizabeth Studio, and Westminster, just to name a few. From there Joe will take you on a walking tour of the Fashion District to share his favorite places for fabrics and embellishments.  There are shops with beads, ribbons, silks, and just about anything you can think of to incorporate into your next quilt or garment. Travel to the Grand Central Market where we will have lunch (on your own).  The Market is a downtown landmark since 1917 and brings together the cuisines and cultures of Los Angeles. With over 30 eateries to choose from, there is something for everyone. If time allows, walk across the street to see the Bradbury Building.  Built in 1893, it is an architectural landmark in downtown Los Angeles known for its extraordinary sky-lit atrium of walkways, stairs and elevators made with ornate ironwork. After lunch, take a private tour of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (better known as FIDM). The FIDM Collections currently hold over 15,000 objects of high fashion, covering more than 200 years of history. Then travel to Mood (www.moodfabrics.com). Yes, that Mood! The one you’ve heard about on Project Runway! This, too, is one of Joe Vecchiarelli’s favorite shopping spots. He promises fabric, fabric, and more fabric!

If you are a beginner quilter, or an experienced quilter who would like to review the basics, this class if for you! Cover all the essentials to machine piece a quilt –use of basic quilting tools, accurate cutting of fabric using a rotary cutter and mat, sewing an accurate ¼ inch seam, matching seams, ironing vs. pressing, adding borders and binding, etc.—as you make a small, simple wallhanging. www.kathiebeltz.com

Work on a colorful cat or dog portrait using one of the patterns and kits that are provided. Learn Haworth's raw-edge fabric collage technique using glue and no pattern pieces. Discuss how to create a pet portrait pattern of your own pet so you can do this at home. www.janehaworth.com

Free-motion quilt in a fun, supportive, and encouraging atmosphere. Draw designs on paper, then move to sample quilt squares. Discover how the right choice in fabric and notions can significantly improve your work. Learn five versatile motifs, then begin quilting your own quilts. Anyone can learn to free-motion quilt! www.quiltskipper.com

Learn two techniques in one class! First, Sullivan guides you through her liberating and modern slash 'n sew technique while making cute ColourBug blocks—no ¼ inch seams to follow and no rules to worry about. Next, she'll guide you through sewing perfect curves with her handy tips and tricks. Both techniques come together in one class while making this cute ladybug quilt! www.colourwerx.com

There's more than one kind of feather, from classic to modern. Explore a variety of feathers and immediately put them onto your quilt. All levels of quilters welcome and our classroom will operate on the famous quote by Theodore Roosevelt "Comparison is the thief of joy." This is your opportunity to find your courage to quilt those feathers! www.quiltwithgina.com

With a focus on value and its importance in art, discuss and see demos of the various aspects of color harmony, value, color theory, psychology of color, the expressive aspects of color, and value in nature and in Art/Traditional quilts. Learn to use value to create a focal point, to set the mood in a piece, to create 3-dimentionality, or to give the perception of perspective in a landscape. You will see value and color in a new way and will start releasing the artist within! Start by creating a perfect 8-value gray scale from fabrics provided by the teacher. Then, learn how to look at value using the Periodic Table of Value in Color and Errea’s Value Matching Tool. By the end of the class you will realize that value is the dynamic difference between good quilts and amazing quilts. www.amazingquiltsbygrace.com

Confidently finish your quilts on a domestic machine with all the control of your walking foot! Start with a brief discussion on preparing your quilts for quilting, marking included. Then make some samples of different styles including modern grids, Matchstick quilting, altered stitches, and spirals A fast-paced class. QATV series 1400, FW, Modern Machine Quilting, DVD, and book. www.catherineredford.com

Frustrated with cramming your quilt into the small throat of your domestic machine? Thinking about upsizing to a stationary/sit-down longarm? Taylor has been quilting on these machines for more than a decade and will introduce you to all the exciting and easy features of the HQ Capri by Handi Quilter. www.davidtaylorquilts.com

Explore how thread can be like painting with a brush to enhance the fabric design.  Flowers may vary from the picture. The technique will yield amazing results and open your mind to what is possible with thread. www.quiltwithgina.com

Translate favorite photos to fabric by creating a pattern for a quilt! Enhance perspective and depth, proportionately enlarge the drawing from the photo, and incorporate multiple photos in one design. Working from provided photos, identify shapes, create a pattern, and value-ize it for easy fabric selection. Discuss composition and photography options. www.amazingquiltsbygrace.com

You love your walking foot but want to do more? Tackle organic curves, sharp turns, square and irregular shaped straight-line spirals, and round spirals. With time to try them all, go home with new ideas and the confidence to add fun details to your next quilt. QATV series 1400, FW, Modern Machine Quilting, DVD and book. www.catherineredford.com

"You can't play in the orchestra, unless you show up for rehearsal. Before you attend the rehearsal, you need to practice regularly." This is Taylor's mantra for free-motion quilting. This class will start beginners off with simple movement exercises to strengthen free-motion abilities. After learning the notes, you'll be ready for a symphony! www.davidtaylorquilts.com