Contact me at catbirdquilts @ gmail.com for lecture fees and more information or to schedule guild presentations or classes. I’m located in east central Iowa and can travel.

PRESENTATIONS

Top Ten Tips for Magnificent Medallion Quilts

Have you ever made one great block but swore you’d never make that block again? Did it become an orphan? In my most popular lecture, I shares secrets for turning any interesting block into the center of a special medallion quilt. With a trunk show of my own work, I’ll show you the keys to a great center block and the borders to enhance it, and share my top ten tips to make a medallion uniquely your own. I’ll bring loads of examples to illustrate design concepts that create a quilt’s look, and inspire you on your own medallion journey. 

“Got the creative juices flowing for me … well done!” “Your quilts are so beautiful, Melanie. I learned so much.”

Life is Funny

In life as in quilting, we never know how things will turn out. In this light-hearted lecture with trunk show of 15-18 quilts, I’ll share a few of the unexpected ways quilting has changed my life. Join me in reflecting how quilting has changed yours, too! 

“After seeing your quilts I will look at a block or design a little differently now and feel like I can be more free to think outside the box.” 

Is it Improv?

Are you an improv quilter? What does “improv” mean to you? In this lecture, I demonstrate the differences between improv style and improv process, using lots of my own quilts and some of yours!

“You made an impression, gave us ideas, and will help us grow. Thank you so much!”

CLASSES

Medallions for Beginning Quilters

Can you measure and cut accurately and sew a pretty good 1/4″ seam? Have you noticed all the modern medallion quilts around and want to get in on the fun? Or maybe you love the history and beauty of traditional medallions. Join me to learn some basic medallion techniques. You’ll improve your 1/4″ seam, chain-piece, press, and construct five basic blocks. We’ll cover multiple methods to make half-square triangles and flying geese, so you can choose what works best for you. With blocks in hand you’ll assemble them into a medallion quilt top. This 5-session class is for confident beginners.

Medallion Improv!

This Design-As-You-Go class will show you strategies and techniques to customize a medallion quilt. Whether you love modern style, traditional, or somewhere in between, your imagination and favorite fabrics will create a quilt unique to you! You’ll learn how to create a center block to serve as your focal point and inspiration; choose and size borders to enhance the center block and each other; and lots of tricks for dealing with color, shape, value, balance, and unity. This 5-session class is for the experienced quilter who isn’t afraid to design her own quilts or change patterns to suit her own vision. Class size is limited due to extensive discussion time needed.

Contact me at catbirdquilts @ gmail.com for more information or to schedule guild presentations or classes.