Holly is currently teaching regularly scheduled classes as Thread Bear Fabrics in Cumming, GA. If you’re close by, stop in the shop to see samples of upcoming classes and available workshops.
lectures | classes | workshops | retreats
Lectures
All lectures last about 1 hour with Q/A session at end. $100 per hour. Any destination further than 30 miles will require mileage and travel expenses. Contract necessary.
WHAT’S IT WORTH TO YOU? THE VALUE OF A CERTIFIED APPRAISAL
This is a frank discussion about appraisals and the 5 w’s: (1) who needs an appraisal? (2) what do you put into an appraisal? (3) when would I need an appraisal? (4) where would I use an appraisal? (5) why do you need a certified appraiser? Tips on care and conservation will be discussed as time permits. Lecture ends with a question and answer session.
TAKING STOCK OF YOUR SEWING STUDIO
This lecture came about after visiting a quilt guild in Louisiana and hearing about their losses after hurricane Katrina. Do you know what lurks on the shelves of your studio? This will open your eyes to the need to inventory and document your materials, machines, and supplies.
HERE COMES THE JUDGE
Are you afraid to enter a judged show? Do you wonder just what are they thinking? Then this lecture and Question/Answer session is for you. Holly will share some tips on how to make your quilt stand out against the competition.
QUILTS OF GEES BEND AND THEIR MAKERS
In a land, not so far away, were some ladies and some cloth. They learned to make quilts to keep their families warm and to liven up their otherwise plain surroundings. Hear about their humble beginnings and their rise to fame.
QUILT REVIVAL: WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE THE ‘70’S
During the 1970’s, quilting experienced a renaissance which continues today. What are the trends? What are the gadgets that have come (and gone)? Journey with me through the ups and downs of the life and times of Suzy Wannamakit, her good, and not so good accomplishments along the way! (Yes, there will be quilts to see!)
Classes
All classes last 3 hours. $275 each. Any destination further than 30 miles will require mileage and travel expenses. Contract necessary.
FUSE AND FINISH APPLIQUE
This is a great class for people who want the look and experience of appliqué without all the fuss! Using an all-in-one quilt and applique method for small projects you can finish in just 3 hours!. A discussion about the use of different fusible products will also be included with this project. Kit fee for fusible shapes additional charge. Choice of several kits from Two Star Design.
THE GREAT MIGRATION: FUN WITH FAST FLYING GEESE
Ever look at a quilt and think, “Not in a million years do I want to make all those triangles?” Join the fun as you learn the fast technique and the secret to getting 4 for 1!
BUILD-A-BASKET CLASS
The quick and easy way to applique with the blanket stitch or zig zag! With a fat quarter background of your choice and a kit with precut and prefused shapes for filling your basket, you will create your very own, unique wall hanging. Kit fee for basket and contents additional charge in class.
TABLE RUNNERS FOR ALL REASONS
Choose to make a table runner to spruce up your dining room or breakfast table or make one for a friend! You can make one for every day use or make one for a special occasion or holiday. A choice of designs is available from Two Star Design. Kit fee additional.
TWO COLORS, ONE TERRIFIC QUILT
This quilt is actually dedicated to my dad, who loves turkey, and especially looks forward to the gizzard at Thanksgiving. Traditionally known as Hearts and Gizzards, learn a raw edge technique of appliqué as you piece together this unique wall hanging.
Workshops
All workshops last for 6 hours. $400 each. Any destination further than 30 miles will require mileage and travel expenses. Contract necessary.
GONE SOUTH: FLYING GEESE AND MORE
This workshop will explore the technique to create fast flying geese as well as other ways to spread your wings and fly! This is an expanded workshop from the above Great Migration by exploring the world of flying geese, how to create a flying geese curve, and using flying geese in blocks and borders.
BUILD-A-BASKET WORKSHOP
This is an expanded version of the 3 hour class and can allow you a great way to try out some of your decorative stitches with stunning results. We will explore the world of mystery as we uncover a use for some of those unused stitches on the sewing machine! Time will be spent creating and filling your basket with flora and fauna galore, adding decorative stitching and borders! Kit fee additional.
ABC’S OF APPLIQUE
Start with a charm pack. Add prefused die cut alphabet letters from Two Star Design. Create this charming ABC quilt for the child(ren) in your life! Basics of raw edge applique will enhance this project. Setting options will be explored. Alphabet letters are available in two styles, Bow Tie and Happy Days. Color options are available. State color(s) when scheduling. Alphabet kit fee additional.
Retreats
Programs set up for 2 days. $700 / 2 days. Any destination further than 30 miles will require mileage and travel expenses. Contract necessary.
BLOOMIN’ QUILT
A choice of three quilts, each based on early 1850’s American applique but updated for the 21st century. You will learn the basics of fusible machine applique while creating a four block wall hanging.
The second day concentrates on setting blocks together, how to create a fudge factor, choosing a quilting design or pantograph, binding and labeling your quilt.
Kit fee additional.
BECAUSE OF MARGARET
Begin by learning the importance of accurate cutting and piecing of 9-patch and hour glass blocks. Alternate the blocks to create a stunning results. Surround them with an appliquéd border for a stunning design. Several sizes can be accomplished by changing the sizes of the 9-patch. Learn how to adapt for your own designs. Kit fee for border.
DOUBLE VISION
A simple applique “compass” surrounded by celestial color of pieced stars within stars! Use a raw edge applique method or turned edge technique for the center compass. Add fast flying geese in two sizes to create the 9-patch star. Flying geese border completes this design. Plain border is optional.
FRIENDSHIP’S FLOWER
Day one is dedicated to learning how to produce beautiful, turned edge, machine appliqué, with just a little bit of glue and clear thread.
Day 2 is spent creating the outer border, with tips on how to measure for accuracy, how to include a “fudge factor”, and ways to label your quilt for future generations.
TIE ONE ON
Day one concentrates on creating traditional pieced or dimensional bow tie blocks and their possible settings.
Day two concentrates on adding borders, which can be pieced or appliquéd according to the desire of the participant. This will include tips on how to make borders with “the perfect fit”, labels and how to make them, and how to add a hanging sleeve.
