Let’s Start: Constructing a Backpack!
Saturday, February 23, 2019, 9am to 5:30pm (with hour for lunch)
Instructor: Kristi Willard
Location: PNWQFAM Education & Conservation Annex, 102 Morris Street, La Conner WA (Three blocks north of Museum)

Noodlehead Range Backpack
 
A useful and fun backpack to make! It’s great for any outing where you need to be hands free. The fold-over top and closure keep things secure, while the front zippered pocket keeps essentials within easy reach. Adjustable straps make it wearable in any season.
 
Special features:
Fold-over top with closure
front exterior zippered pocket
adjustable straps
interior slip pocket
hang loop
 
Skill Level: Intermediate, or adventurous Advanced Beginner
Finished Dimensions: 15” tall (closed), 10 ½” wide x 4” deep (at base)
 
I suggest you purchase the pattern online (link found in Class Requirement document) and complete all cutting and fusing before class. You should be able to complete your backpack by the end of class. If you have any questions before class, please call 425-760-1778 or email kristen.m.willard@gmail.com
This exhibit is part of the annual La Conner Birding Showcase, January 26 in Maple Hall, and the Skagit Valley Winter Bird Experience taking place the month of February throughout Skagit County.
Here are the correct answers, starting at top left:
1.   Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
2.   Jack Be Nimble
3.   Humpty Dumpty
4.   Little Bo Peel
5.   Old Mother Hubbard
6.   Tom, the Piper's Son
7.   Little Jack Horner
8.   Ride A Cock Horse
9.   The Old Woman in the Shoe
10. Sing a Song of Sixpence
11. Old Woman Tossed in a Blanket
12. The Cat & The Fiddle
13. Mary Had  a Little Lamb
14. Little Tom Thumb
15. Old King Cole
16. Hickory, Dickory, Dock
17. Little Miss Muffet
18. Simple Simon
19. Barber, Barber, Shave a Pig
20. Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater
21. Pussy in the Well
22. Cock Robin
23. Little Boy Blue
24. Three Wise Men of Gotham
25. Mother Goose
And the one everyone got wrong?  No. 24.  All entries put it in as 'Three Men in a Tub."   Although it was a natural guess, there was no tub, no butcher, baker, candlestick maker hats or accessories.  The picture on the quilt actually represented the poem below, 'Three Wise Men of Gotham."
RECENT VOLUNTEER PROJECT

And Down It Came!

Thank you to the volunteers who helped us last Saturday take down our old fence and spruce up the yard, in spite of a gloomy day!  We are really excited that our new fence will be installed soon.   We still have a few panels of the old fence available for anyone who wants a unique souvenir or a good source of some aged wood for just $30!  A special "Thank You!" to Elinor Nakis, our Buildings & Ground Committee Chair, for making this whole project possible!  A few other work-day notes of appreciation:
  • Christianson's Nursery for the discount on some seasonal color
  • Discount Fences for their donation of the labor to install our new fence!
  • Skagit County Work Crew for "muscle" and hauling away our debris!
More pictures to come!
Hilde Morin was born in Caracas, Venezuela. Of Belgian descent, and currently resides in Portland, Oregon, USA. Her work is exhibited at local and international venues including SOFA (Sculptured Objects and Functional Art) Chicago and New York, Museum of the Americas-Florida, Galería Exágono-México, CIART (Centro Integral de Arte Textil) in Argentina, Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland-Oregon, Oregon Historical Society Museum in Portland, Oregon and Visions Art Museum in San Diego, California.

Hilde has been featured in many publications and exhibitions, winning many awards along the way.  She also teaches regularly at her studio and at other venues, promoting the use of free form techniques in the construction of art quilts. See examples of Hilde's work on her website at www.hildemorin.com.

Fiber Bowl: Quilt in a Bowl

Friday & Saturday, October 12-13, 2018, 9am - 4pm, with one hour lunch break
Location: Edward D. Hansen Conference Center
Create a three dimensional art piece in the shape of a bowl. Starting with heavy duck canvas, you will shape a bowl and then decorate with your own design and embellishments.  Sewing Machine required. Kit Fee: $18   Download supply list here.

Fiber Bowl Workshop - Nonmember

$300.00
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Fiber Bowl Workshop - Member

$275.00
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Fiber Bowl Kit Fee

$18.00
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Announcing 2018 Festival Workshops!
Maria Shell’s work is grounded in the tradition and craft of American quilt making. She strives to take the classical components of a traditional bedquilt and manipulate them with the hope of creating surprising combinations of pattern, repetition, and color for the viewer.
 
Maria is the recipient of a Sustainable Arts Foundation 2011 Winter Award, a Rasmuson Foundation Project Award and two Rasmuson Fellowships (2009, 2013, 2017).  In 2012,  Maria was one of 44 artists from the Northwest invited to participate in the Bellevue Arts Museum’s Biennial High Fiber Diet. She was a featured artist for the 2013 Surface Design Association’s International Conference held in San Antonio, Texas. She has had several solo and small group shows and was an artist in residence at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Her first book Improv Patchwork—Dynamic Quilts Made with Line & Shape was published in 2017. You can see more of Maria’s work on her website  www.mariashell.com or learn more about her process by visiting her blog.
Kitchen Sink Quilting - the ART of Making Do
Friday, October 12, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with one hour lunch break
Location: Edward D. Hansen Conference Center


All leftover fabric, UFO’S, orphan blocks, and random strips of fabric are welcome in this class. We’ll take those pieces of what not and make them into a fun improvisational masterpieces. The focus of this workshop is on bit making (creating small improvisation-ally cut and pieced traditional quilt blocks) and composition. 

Fee:  $160.00 Non-member
        $145.00 Member

Download the class supply list here.
This class is currently full.

Shirley Rock is a water color artist and quilter.  She discovered that she could combine her two passions and the rest is history.  Shirley is a Washingtonian and has lived in this state her entire life.  Her third passion is raising fuchsias.  They have often been the subject of her water color art and quilts.
Painting on Fabric
Friday, October 12, 2018; 1:00-4:00pm
Location: Edward D. Hansen Conference Center

In this class you will learn the techniques used to make beautiful art projects from textile paints and fabric.  The subject is fall leaves surrounding a pumpkin just picked from the pumpkin patch.  This project requires no previous painting skills.  You will leave the class with a finished art piece ready to be used in a quilt or wall hanging.  Kit Fee:  $8 (included with class fee.)

Paint on Fabric - Nonmember

$48.00
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Paint on Fabric - Member

$43.00
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Jane Hyde is a popular local basket maker from Anacortes. She produces beautiful pieces, which you can see at her booth at the Festival in Everett Oct. 12-14, 2018.
 ORT Basket Making
Sunday, October 14, 2018; 10am-Noon
Location: Edward D. Hansen Conference Center, Everett WA

Join Jane to weave the “ORT BASKET”!  This is a small basket that can be used to collect your “Orts” or made into a pin cushion or even used as a Christmas Tree Ornament.  The basket is 2 1/2in in diameter and 2 inches tall without the handle.  A wire handle will be added.  There will be a color selection to choose from.  Kit fee of $5 will be payable to instructor at class.

ORT Basket - Nonmember

$40.00
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ORT Basket - Member

$35.00
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David Taylor was born in Peterborough, New Hampshire, and currently resides in Henniker, New Hampshire. He has been the recipient of the Fairfield Master Award for Contemporary Quilting from the International Quilt Association (2006, 2014), the Brother Wall Machine Workmanship Award from the American Quilters Society (2008), and a two-time Best of Show winner at the IQA's Spring Festival in Chicago (2007, 2008), among others. His art quilts hang in numerous private collections worldwide.  His style of pictorial quilts is fun, whimsical and beguiling. Check out David's wonderful work on his website: www.davidtaylorquilts.com
Pictorial Hand Applique
Saturday, October 13, 2018; 9am - 4pm, with one hour lunch break
Location: Edward D. Hansen Conference Center
This workshop demonstrates David's layered, hand applique technique with simple shapes using freezer paper templates and liquid starch. The class will also cover how he builds his pictorial wall quilts and how to get beautiful details by letting the fabric choices do all the hard work. Kit fee: $30

Pictorial Hand Applique Workshop - Nonmember

$160.00
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Pictorial Hand Applique Workshop - Member

$145.00
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Pictorial Hand Applique Kit Fee

$30.00
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Scroll down to see special pricing when you sign up for both days!
Rhythm & Hues : Free-Motion Machine Quilting
Sunday, October 14, 2018; 9am - 4pm, with one hour lunch break
Location: Edward D. Hansen Conference Center
Find your rhythm in this free-motion machine quilting mini-workshop with David Taylor.  This workshop helps build confidence in stitch regulation and tension adjustment.  We'll be using a variety of thread types - cotton, polyester, glitter and metallic - on cotton fabric and batting sandwiches.  This class is best suited for today's domestic sewing machines and/or sit-down quilting machines.  Older domestic machine models, basic straight stitch model and/or portable sewing machines are not well-suited to this class.  All materials are supplied for this workshop and included in your kit fee of $50.

Rhythm & Hues Workshop - Nonmember

$160.00
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Rhythm & Hues Workshop - Member

$145.00
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Rhythm & Hues Kit Fee

$50.00
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Want to take both workshops? Use the buttons below to get $20 off!

David Taylor Two-Day Workshop Package - Nonmember

$300.00
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David Taylor Two-Day Workshop Package - Member

$270.00
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Two-Day David Taylor Workshop Package Kit Fee

$80.00
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Reversible Log Cabin Quilts

Thursday, June 28, 2018, 10:00am-4:00pm
Instructor:  Emiko Toda Loeb

For many years Emiko Loeb has had a career divided between the US and her native Japan, with teaching and frequent exhibitions in both countries, as well as workshops in Switzerland, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.  More than half of her 85 quilts are reversible log cabin quilts using techniques she has developed over the last thirty years.  She has published two books, and has served as a judge in several major competitions. Emiko’s awards include: A/IQA Houston 1987, 1988, and 1989,  Pen and Brush Gallery, New York, 1987, New York finalist at the AQS in Paducah in 2000.

This workshop will introduce students to the techniques needed to make a reversible log cabin block (same design on both sides but different colors.) The workshop begins by explaining which kinds of Log Cabin blocks can be combined in reversible Log Cabin quilts, and which ones cannot.  When this is thoroughly understood, students make a simple reversible Log Cabin block.  When this technique is understood, students will learn to construct a more complicated block (different designs on opposite sides) and how to join blocks together.  Students should be well on their way to making an entire reversible quilt on their own when workshop is done!  Students are required to bring sewing machine.

Experience level: Students should know basic techniques for making Log Cabin Quilt blocks.

Cost:    $150 Nonmembers
            $135 Members

Reversible Log Cabin Quilt Workshop - Nonmember

$150.00
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Reversible Log Cabin Quilt Workshop - Member

$135.00
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Tradition and Cross-Cultural Influences:
A Japanese Quilt Artist in the U.S.

Thursday, June 28, 2018, 6:30pm
Lecture by Emiko Toda Loeb

Emiko Toda Loeb was born and raised in Kyoto, the old capital and cultural heart of Japan.  She has lived in both the United States and Japan since 1977, and her career has successfully blended Japanese traditions with the essentially American quilt tradition.

Her lecture (about ninety minutes, including Q & A) demonstrates various aspects of combining of cultures and traditions.  The presentation contains  160-180 images.  About half of these depict aspects of traditional Kyoto such as temples, gardens and old houses, either complete or in detail.  Some show similar aspects from her travels in Europe.  Discussion of these images shows how they relate (often after the fact) to her own work which is also illustrated by complete and detail images.

Cost:  $15 Nonmember/$12 Member

A "Go Green & Grow" Event for Sustaining Members!

Emiko Toda Loeb Lecture - Nonmember

$15.00
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Emiko Toda Loeb Lecture - Member

$12.00
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Lightweight Nunofelt Scarf

Saturday, June 23, 2018, 9:00am - 5:00pm with meal break
Location:  Civic Garden Club, La Conner, WA  (across the street from the Museum)
Instructor: Flóra Carlile-Kovács
How to create nice lines on nunofelt?  How to felt those lines in the silk, without letting them move away?  What kinds of silks work for this project, and what don’t?  In this workshop we’ll discover possibilities of the nunofelting technique, leaving some open spaces in the silk. Flóra will show you how to secure the design on the silk, and how to felt them in.

Flóra Carlile-Kovács is an award-winning fiber artist whose work has been shown throughout Europe. She began making felt in Hungary, where she learned both the ancient, nomadic ways of felting and the urban styles. She has successfully combined the two into a creative practice and developed her own style.  You can see Flóra's work on exhibit in the 3rd Floor galleries. 

There is a $20 Kit Fee payable to Instructor at time of class.  Space is very limited.

Cost:    $95 Nonmembers
            $85 Members

This class is full.   To be placed on a wait list, please email us.

Fabric Portraits with Jack Edson

May 3 - 4, 2018, 9am -4pm
Location:  Two Forks Room, La Conner Country Inn, 2nd Street, La Conner, WA
Picture
Portrait of FREDERIC BAZILLE; Jack Edson; (2015) 59” x 71”
Picture
Jack Edson with SELF-PORTRAIT; (2017) 52” x 72”
This two-day workshop in La Conner offers a rare opportunity to learn from New England quilter Jack Edson’s step-by-step process for creating photographically-realistic portraits in fabric.

A native of Hamburg, New York, Jack Edson minored in Art before earning his Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. In 1976, he was captivated by the antique quilts he saw at two Bicentennial exhibitions, admiring the handiwork of the long-ago quilt makers, and marveling at the wide variety of colorful fabrics, patterns, and visual styles.

Jack made his first quilt portrait in 1980 using a pixelated black-and-white photo of John Lennon, and has gone on to develop an ingenious process for incorporating realistic portraiture within traditional quilt blocks. His method can also be used to recreate any image in fabric, eliminating the need for pesky, adhesive-based photo transfers.

This workshop will involve simple hand and machine sewing, and is open to all levels of experience. Jack does all of his piecework by hand, so sewing machines are not required. You’ll need to bring your own sewing machine (if desired), basic sewing supplies, and a good selection of solid and small-print fabric scraps. No drawing skills required; images will be provided.  More detailed supply list to come.

Space is strictly limited, so register soon to secure your place.

Cost:
          Non-members     $195
          Members             $175
 

UPDATE:  Only one space left as of 4/26/2018

Fabric Portraits with Jack Edson - Non-member

$195.00
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Fabric Portraits with Jack Edson - Member

$175.00
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Plushwork Flower Class

Saturday, April 14, 2018, 1-5:00pm
Instructor:  Susan J. Torntore, PhD, Curator

Celebrate spring by learning to make dimensional flowers with plushwork embroidery. This is the technique used on the Museum’s popular Yarn Star Flower plushwork coverlet, ca. 1910. The design is stitched with wool yarn over a template, and then trimmed and sculpted. Your flower can be made into a pin cushion or small pillow. Bring a 4” embroidery hoop and a pair of small sharp embroidery scissors. All other tools and materials will be provided.

Cost:   $35.00 + $8 Kit Fee - Nonmembers
           $28.00 + $8 Kit Fee - Members

Plushwork Flower Class - Nonmember

$43.00
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Plushwork Flower Class - Member

$36.00
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Guild Partner Appreciation Week and Holiday Open House is Coming!

Wednesday, November 29 - Sunday, December 3 is our last Guild Partner Appreciation Week of 2017!  Any active member of one of our current Guild Partners will get free admission to the Museum, a small Thank You gift, and a 10% discount on any purchases made in our Gift Shop!  Not sure if your Guild is one of our Partners? Check the list here. Guild Partner Membership is calendar-year based.  Send in your renewal now!
Picture
Open House Make & Take Project
Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 2, 11am - 5pm

Free and Open to the Public!

Enjoy the Gaches Mansion dressed for a Victorian Christmas with quilts and textiles from our permanent collection. Explore all three floors decorated with trees and textiles popular during the long reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). On display on the first floor will be quilts and coverlets dating from the 1830s and into the 1850s including a beautiful hand stitched red & green applique quilt, an 1860s Civil War era red and white Mariner’s Compass quilt, and quilts from the 1880s and 1890s. We also have a display of charming children’s sewing machines featuring characters from nursery rhymes and The Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales.

During the Holiday Open House, join us for an informal, free “Make and Take” from Noon-4 pm to learn a popular Victorian embroidery technique and make a plushwork wreath inspired by one of our quilts from the 1890s.

20th Anniversary Festival!

Friday, October 6 - Sunday, October 8, 2017, 10AM - 5PM
Picture
Time on My Hands; Crystal Colombo

Thank you to everyone who helped make our 20th Anniversary Festival a success! We had some winners!

Raffle quilt, Farewell:  Anne Kendall
Raffle quilt, I Dream in Color: Judith Solanki
People's Choice, Time Flies Challenge, Time on My Hands:  Crystal Colombo

Congratulations!

Celebrity Quilt & Fiber Art Retreat No. 3
Celebrity Host:  Kathy McNeil
Monday, November 6 - Thursday, November 9, 2017; Warm Beach Conference Center, Stanwood, WA

Picture
Kathy McNeil
Picture
Warm Beach Conference Center
Join us for our third and last “Celebrity” retreat this year in celebration of our 20th Anniversary!   We have asked renowned quilters and fiber artists to be our guests at these retreats to simply hang out with you, chat, share their stories, show you some of their art, and perhaps show you a technique or two.  Our November retreat features a special retreat with Kathy McNeil. Kathy is an internationally award winning quilt artist, author, pattern designer, teacher and judge.  She has invited the retreat attendees to a studio tour and tea at her home as part of this event.  Read more about Kathy and see examples of her work here.  We will also have some fiber art demonstrations in felting and weaving!

These relaxed experiences are an opportunity for time away to focus on your quilting or fiber arts, along with other like-minded artists.  The November retreat will be held at Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood, WA.   Accommodations will be in very nice cabins with three guests per room and an en suite bathroom. (Guests will need to bring their own bedding and towels.)

All meals are provided for full registrants (lunch/dinner on Monday, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Tues-Wed, breakfast/lunch on Thursday), and may be added for those selecting a day pass.  We will do our best to honor all requests for "roommates."   When not eating, sleeping, chatting, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings looking out over Port Susan, you’ll enjoy working in a well lit room at your own table. 

(Retreat Pricing not eligible for member discounts.)  For more information, call us at 360-466-4288
Note:  Two-night option may be added; more information to come as soon as available.

Celebrity Retreat No.3: The Full Experience

$325.00
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Includes four days and three nights lodgings, plus all meals from lunch on Monday through lunch on Thursday.   Nov. 6 - 9, 2017 at Warm Beach Conference Center, Stanwood, WA.  Not eligible for member discount.

Day Passes & Meals

Day Camper Pass - Monday

$20.00
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Day Camper Pass - Tuesday

$20.00
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Day Camper Pass - Wed.

$20.00
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Day Camper Pass - Thursday

$20.00
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Picture
Kathy McNeil

Celebrity Quilt & Fiber Art Retreat No. 3
Registration Now Available!
Monday, November 6 - Thursday, November 9, 2017 at
Warm Beach Conference Center, Stanwood, WA

Wearable Clothing From Simple Shapes

Sunday, October 8; 1PM- 5PM
Instructor:  Anita Luvera Mayer

This workshop presents the methods for creating wearable, handwoven, contemporary garments constructed from simple shapes. The workshop includes the style of garment and fit, along with methods of edge finishes, joinings, linings and embellishments. The instructor's wardrobe of vests, kimonos, shawls, and tops will be available for participants to examine and try on, and there will be an opportunity to copy the patterns.  These garments do not involve tailoring or sewing skills and are for "real women" of various sizes who want clothing that is stylish and comfortable.

Students need to bring: Black felt tip pen, four or more yards of paper to copy patterns, 3-ring binder.  Since students try on clothes, it is recommended that you wear clothing that is all one color (pants/top, dress, jeans/turtleneck, etc.)

Lab Fee: $5 payable to instructor for handouts
Picture
Jacket by Anita Luvera Mayer; Image by KP Studios

Simple Shapes - Nonmember

$75.00
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Simple Shapes - Member

$65.00
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Embellishments Galore!

Sunday, October 8; 10AM- 4PM
Instructor:  Heidi Lund

Are you yearning to learn how to add dimension and sparkle to your quilts and wearables? Come join Bernina Fashion Show Designer, Heidi Lund, for a day of glitz and fun. Be prepared to learn machine and hand work.  You'll work on 10" x 10" sample squares using fibers, buttons, beads, tulle, felt, ultra suede, silk ribbon, fabric scraps, and crinkled shapes to achieve the embellishment you desire.  Heidi will lead you through a step-by-step process of layering these techniques for one-of-a-kind works of art.  This is a class for all levels of sewers.

Kit Fee: $30 payable to instructor at class

Embellishments Galore - Nonmember

$125.00
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Embellishments Galore - Member

$110.00
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Traditional Beginner Sashiko

Saturday, October 7, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Instructor:  Denny Fox of Quilting Foxes

This class will introduce you to Sashiko in an easy and enjoyable way.
You will learn:
  • Several techniques to transfer designs to fabric
  • Working with sashiko thread
  • Basic sashiko techniques
  • Sashiko Running Stitch
  • Finishing
Denny is currently the proprietor of Quilting Foxes, an online shop that specializes in Japanese indigo and taupe fabrics and sashiko supplies. She imports many directly from Japan and searches for new Japanese fabrics not readily found at other shops to bring a unique selection to Japanese sewing and quilting enthusiasts. www.quiltingfoxes.com

Kit Fee: $20 payable to instructor at class.
Picture
Denny Fox
Picture
Sashiko Sample

Traditional Beginner Sashiko - Nonmember

$50.00
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Traditional Beginner Sashiko - Member

$45.00
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It's Time!

 Our 20th Anniversary Auction is now live online!  Check out the unique quilts, wearable art, jewelry and fiber art pieces donated by prior Museum exhibitors!  See complete artist list with button below or go right to the online auction and start bidding on your favorites now!

By participating in our auction you help us financially continue to provide local and international exhibits, arts education opportunities for children and adults, and steward our permanent collection as well as our home, the historic Gaches Mansion.  Thank you!
The Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization (Tax #91-1831289.) Your donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.

It's Time!

 Our 20th Anniversary Auction is now live online!  Check out the unique quilts, wearable art, jewelry and fiber art pieces donated by prior Museum exhibitors!  See complete artist list at bottom of this page or go right to the online auction and start bidding on your favorites now!

Photography Techniques for Quilters        

Friday, October 6, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Instructor:  Tony Locke

Tony Locke is a local full-time fine art photographer of landscapes & abstract oddities.  He also does event photography, photo restorations, and teaches photography camera skills, from basic to advanced intermediate, among many other skills! Learn some simple ways to produce better photographs of your quilts, with images that will showcase the colors and detail that has been put into your art.  Excellent for the artist who enters pieces into shows.

Some simple techniques that attendees will learn…
  • Set-up
  • Use of light & shadow
  • Keeping camera steady
  • Color Management basics
  • Having fun!
Any camera can be used for this class!  Click below for more information.
Picture
Bust of Tony Locke

Photography Techniques for Quilters - Nonmember

$75.00
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Tony Locke; Oct. 6, 2017

Photography Techniques for Quilters - Member

$67.00
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Making Paper with Silk

Friday, October 6, 9:00 AM - Noon
Instructor:  Qi Lou         

This workshop was offered last July and the students had such a fantastic time we're offering it again!

Silk paper has the texture of paper but is made out of 100% silk and is as strong as a piece of fabric.  You can sew it, iron it and put beads on it.  For its unique texture and glory, it can be used as a great embellishment resource for surface design.

In this workshop you will use about one ounce of silk to make a ten inch square of silk paper.  You will be using pre-dyed or natural organic silk which has been put through what is called a ruining test.  You can also add items to embellish your paper.  The workshop fee includes all you will need to make one (1) sheet of silk paper.  You may purchase additional tested silk for $6.00 an ounce or top quality silk batting for $12.00 an ounce.
 
What to bring:
  • dried flowers, leaves, or knotty or nubby yarns for decoration on the paper. (Instructor will bring some as well.)
  • garbage bag or plastic bag to take your artwork home as it will be wet.
Picture
Silk Paper Example

Silk Paper Making - Nonmember

$50.00
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Silk Paper Making - Member

$45.00
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Endless Mountains: Freeform Piecing

Friday - Saturday, October 6 & 7; 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Instructor:  Sujata Shah

Sujata Shah, a graphic designer and textile artist, is originally from Mumbai, India. The mother of three grown children lives with her husband in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. 

In 2003, she found an instant connection between the abstract utilitarian quilts of Gee's bend and Godharis from India. Her instinctive ability to work with colors and textures combined with education in graphic design has helped her develop a unique style as a designer.

She draws her inspirations from imperfections and irregularities of free-spirited folk art and crafts from around the world. As a calligraphy major, she believes that each handmade craft has a stamp of the maker. In 2014 she wrote the book, Cultural Fusion Quilts - A Melting Pot of Piecing Traditions, in which she introduced free-form blocks, an abstract interpretations of traditional quilt blocks to reflect her theory.

Endless Mountains: Freeform blocks are abstract interpretations of traditional quilt blocks. How would you like to make triangle blocks without templates and marking, with as few measurements as possible? See what happens when you embrace the imperfections and irregularities of human hands. Triangles cut with organic cutting and piecing technique mimic the appearance of block prints of India.  Each triangle is different than the next, yet there is overall harmony and balance to the quilt. You will learn to trust your instinct and eyeballing skills and explore many possibilities for the final layout.
Picture
Sujata Shah
Picture
Endless Mountains

Endless Mountains - Nonmember

$260.00
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Endless Mountains - Member

$230.00
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Nuno Felted Scarf

Sunday, October 8; 10AM - 4PM
Instructor:  Patti Barker

If you enjoy puzzles, you will love this technique. Participants will learn how to build a Nuno felt scarf using a variety of silk remnants, a little wool and soapy water. This technique is perfect for using recycled silk fabrics. Samples will be presented, some of larger clothing projects created using similar techniques. Kits will be available for purchase, or participants may gather their own materials. Those required include: approximately 1 yard total of several kinds of sheer silk; 2 oz. merino wool; and embellishments, such as silk fibers and loosely spun wool yarns.

 Instructor will provide: Samples, towels, bucket, soap, sprayers, rolling mats and any hand-outs.

Kit Fee: $40.00 payable to instructor at class

Nuno Felted Scarf - Nonmember

$100.00
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Nuno Felted Scarf - Member

$90.00
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How to Use A Rotary Cutter Well!

Saturday, October 7, 9:00 AM - Noon
Instructor:  Peggy Schafer

This workshop is meant to takes the mystery out of using rotary cutters with Omnigrids.  You will learn how to manipulate the angles, what the lines are for, and how to cut the basic geometric shapes. You will also learn what rulers you really need as well as rotary cutting safety.  Repeat takers always learn something new. 

Peggy will talk about the history of Omnigrid (new name Rulersmith) and how it came to be.  It is a Northwest product manufactured in Burlington and has won many awards including Small Business of the Year.  Peggy has been involved with Omnigrid since 1986 having 30 plus years of experience traveling the world designing, lecturing and demonstrating.  She has been a demonstrator for Quilt Market for many years.

Rotary Cutter - Nonmember

$30.00
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Rotary Cutter - Member

$25.00
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Silly Bird

Friday, October 6, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Instructor:  Tonye Phillips

From Tonye, "I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon where I learned the love of hand work from my mother, Marjorie Hood. From crewel embroidery, to sewing, counted cross-stitch and knitting and then in 1992 I fell in love with quilting. Growing up with all of that hand sewing has carried over to my quilting. I now have a small studio in Sisters, Oregon but I do most of my hand sewing at home or on the road. That is the beauty of hand work….you can take it almost anywhere with you.
I love to appliqué! My shapes are whimsical and playful and I like to use unexpected fabrics whenever possible. I also like to keep it light, as in fun, goofy and a bit odd."

Silly Bird:  How "silly" can you get? Birds come in all shapes and sizes so it is easy to play with this fun creature and its many possibilities.  Get crazy with your choice of fabrics and colors.  Now is your big chance!  There is nothing to lose.  This class will instruct in wool applique and decorative stitches. 

Silly Bird - Nonmember

$125.00
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Silly Bird - Member

$100.00
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Exhibit Opening
Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Free & open to the public!

Time Flies Whether You're Having Fun or Not!

2017’s Festival Challenge is a special one.  We are celebrating our 20th Anniversary!   Each kit contained a timeless vintage quilt block.   The challenge was to incorporate the block into a quilt or fiber art piece representing “Time.”   We also encouraged everyone to take a before-and-after picture of the square they got in their kit.

We have received over 20 entries for this year's challenge!  Come see!
Save the Date!  Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival:  October 12-18, 2018

CURRENT  SPECIAL EVENT

As a special thank you to our members, we are presenting a 'Bed Turning' event
Saturday & Sunday, August 19 & 20 - 11AM - 5PM
La Conner Civic Garden Club
(across the street from the Museum)
We will present approximately 45 quilts representing the best of our collection, many have seldom been on exhibit.  Quilts will be on three different beds and "turned down" one at a time, with a descriptive narrative given.  Turnings will run continuously throughout the day.   Cookies and lemonade will be offered in the garden.
Members and their guests are free! 

Museum non-member guests may view by paying a small additional admission fee. 
Regular Museum admission  fee is $7; additional fee is $3.
Monday, August 14 – Thursday, August 17, 10am – 4pm
Open to Ages 8 – 14

$120 plus $25 Material Fee
Space is Limited!

Camp Coordinator & Instructor:  Kristin Loffer Theiss
Garden Club, South 2nd Street, La Conner, WA 
Have four fun-filled days exploring fiber arts:
Screen & Block Printing
Painting on Fabric
Puppet Making
Indigo Dyeing
Weaving
Paper Making
Museum Tour
…and more!

Summer Fiber Arts Camp

$145.00
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Just For Kids, ages 8 -14!  Price includes $120 camp fee plus $25 material fee.  Not eligible for member discount.     Registration confirmation will include additional information regarding camp, drop-off/pick-up's, meals & snacks, etc.   We can't wait to see you!
Cancellation Policy:Refunds minus a 10% processing fee will be given up to two (2) weeks before camp begins. Requested refunds less than two (2) weeks before camp begins will only be issued if the vacancy is filled by another child. In the unlikely event that the camp must be cancelled by the Museum, a full refund will be issued. 
What’s Happening with the Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival 2017?

After many years of spectacular Quilt & Fiber Arts Festivals, we’re doing something very special in 2017 – celebrating our 20th Anniversary. (QuiltFest will return next year!) The weekend of October 6-8, 2017 is our 20th Anniversary Festival, packed with unique curated exhibits, a variety of classes, and a Gala fundraising event to mark this Museum milestone!  

On display at the Museum will be extraordinary quilts from our permanent collection in the “Pieces of the Past: 20 Years of Collecting” exhibit.   Many of the items in this exhibit have never been on display before.  During the celebration weekend only, we’ll also present a traveling exhibit, ‘Pieces From the Prairie,’ from the Poos Collection, one of the largest privately held pre-1860 quilt collections in the world.

The culmination of the festive weekend will be a 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Art Auction on Saturday evening, October 7.   This dress up, catered affair will have great food and live and silent auctions.  World-renowned quilters and fiber artists who have exhibited their work at the Museum over the past 20 years are donating some of their finest work for this fundraising event.  

More Pieces of the Past: 20 Years of Exhibiting contains the remarkable quilts and fiber art auction pieces donated by prior exhibitors.  This exhibit will be on view to the public all day on Friday, October 6, and half the day on Saturday, October 7. An online auction, beginning on September 17, is planned for those who cannot attend the Gala.

Round out the weekend by learning a new fiber art skill!  Choose from a wide variety of full- and half-day classes such as:  Painting on Fabric, Nuno Felting, Beginner Traditional Sashiko, Photograph Techniques for Quilters, and more!  Specific class, times, and cost information is available by clicking on button below.

COME LEARN

Space still available!

Scholarships are available. Contact us for details. 
(360) 466-4288
August 14-17, 2017
Four Fun-Filled Days for Ages 8 - 14!
Screen Printing
Block Printing
Indigo Dyeing
...and more!

Painting On Fabric

Saturday, October 7, Two classes available:  9am - Noon or
                               1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Instructor:  Shirley Rock

Learn Shirley's method of painting beautiful images on fabric.  The 9 1/2" square design will be drawn for you on Sea Grass batik and taped onto a board, ready for you to apply paint.  Your kit will include a 1/4" chisel edge paint brush, water container, palette, and fabric stabilizer for thread painting, as well as an informational sheet listing techniques, brushes, paints, and fabrics preferred.  

Shirley will provide the paints and demonstrate thread painting on a finished block for you to try at home.  The result is suitable for inclusion in a quilt, wall hanging, etc.  She will also have many samples on hand for you to be inspired by.

The morning class will be doing the Pumpkin image and is an excellent beginner's class.   In the afternoon, students will do the Blue Poppy image.  Experience is recommended for the afternoon class but not required. Shirley says, 'I have taught this class many times and students say 'this was easy!'

What to bring: an old shirt or bib apron to wear

Kit Fee:  $6.00 payable to instructor at class

Painting On Fabric, AM - Nonmember

$50.00
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Shirley Rock; Saturday, October 7, 9am - Noon

Painting On Fabric, AM - Member

$45.00
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Shirley Rock; Saturday, October 7, 9am - Noon

Painting On Fabric, PM - Nonmember

$50.00
Add to Cart
Shirley Rock; Saturday, October 7, 1:00-4:00 PM

Painting On Fabric, PM - Member

$45.00
Add to Cart
Shirley Rock; Saturday, October 7, 1:00-4:00 PM

NURSERY RHYME QUILT CONTEST WINNER!

The Nursery Rhyme quilt on recently display challenged our visitors to name all 25 poems represented on the quilt. Donna Capis got all but two correct and won the prize basket.  Congratulations, Donna!  We had quite a few entries but everyone got one square in particular wrong. Would you have guessed it correctly?
Added Meals For Day Campers Only:  (click "Add to Cart" for the number of times you would like the meal, i.e. if you have selected two day passes and would like a lunch both days, add item to your cart two times.  You can also change the quantity at checkout.)
Please indicate in the note section of the checkout cart if you have any food allergy or dietary needs.
Want to come for just a day?  A limited number of Day Camper Passes are available for just $10/day, with an additional fee for any meals you may want. 

Day Camper Pass - Monday

$20.00
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Day Camper Pass - Tuesday

$20.00
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Day Camper Pass - Wed.

$20.00
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Day Camper Pass - Thursday

$20.00
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Celebrity Quilt & Fiber Art Retreat
Monday, May 15 – Thursday, May 18, 2017 at The Firs Conference Center, Bellingham, WA

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Colleen Wise
Picture
The Firs Conference Center, Bellingham, WA
Next Retreat Dates:
September 22-24, 2017 
Baker Lake Lodge, Concrete, WA
November 5-9, 2017
Warm Beach Retreat Center, Warm Beach, WA
Join us for the first of three “Celebrity” retreats this year in celebration of our 20th Anniversary!   We have asked renowned quilters and fiber artists to be our guests at these retreats to simply hang out with you, chat, share their stories, show you some of their art, and perhaps show you a technique or two.  Our first retreat will feature Colleen Wise, an engineer, quilter, and author, she teaches and exhibits her award-winning work around the world. An expert on creating the illusion of three-dimensions on a two-dimensional surface, she lives in Puyallup. Quilters and fiber artists alike will find time spent with Colleen both inspirational and motivating!  Open to both women and men!

These relaxed experiences are an opportunity for time away to focus on your quilting or fiber arts, along with other like-minded artists.  We have selected a wonderful venue, The Firs, in Bellingham, WA – a 7-acre campus among mature fir and cedar trees, just 2 blocks from Lake Whatcom and their own private beach. The central location is convenient whether coming from Vancouver, B.C. or from the Seattle area.
 
During the day you’ll enjoy working in a well lit room at your own table.  We will have a small satellite Gift Shop there for those things you may have forgotten or for additional inspiration.  On Tuesday afternoon, there will be a masseuse coming in case you need help with those shoulder kinks or stiff neck. 

Great dining is essential to a successful retreat, and The Firs’ executive chef turns meal time into a dining experience where family-style, pleasing menus are served in the casual, friendly atmosphere.  The sleeping accommodations are shared cabins with Queen or Double beds and a full bathroom.  All lodgings are centrally located, with a short walk through the trees taking you to the Conference Center. You can find more information at www.thefirs.org

Space is limited!  To ensure we are able to cover all costs, a limited number of day passes are available. 

(Retreat Pricing not eligible for member discounts.)  For more information, call us at 360-466-4288

Register online below or download the form here to send in via mail or in person. 

Celebrity Retreat No.3: The Full Experience

$325.00
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Includes four days and three nights lodgings, plus all meals from lunch on Monday through lunch on Thursday.   Nov. 6 - 9, 2017 at Warm Beach Conference Center, Stanwood, WA.  Not eligible for member discount.

Private Room

$15.00
Add to Cart
One Time Fee to reserve a private room
Please indicate in the note section of the checkout cart if you would like to room with a specific person and any food allergy or dietary needs.
Want to come for just a day?  A limited number of Day Camper Passes are available for just $10/day, with an additional fee for any meals you may want. 

Day Camper Pass - Monday

$20.00
Add to Cart

Day Camper Pass - Tuesday

$20.00
Add to Cart

Day Camper Pass - Wed.

$20.00
Add to Cart

Day Camper Pass - Thursday

$20.00
Add to Cart
Added Meals For Day Campers Only:  (click "Add to Cart" for the number of times you would like the meal, i.e. if you have selected two day passes and would like a lunch both days, add item to your cart two times.  You can also change the quantity at checkout.)
Please indicate in the note section of the checkout cart if you have any food allergy or dietary needs.

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day Gift?
Celebrity Quilt & Fiber Art Retreat

May 15 - May 18, 2017
The Firs Conference Center, Bellingham, WA
Celebrity Hostess Colleen Wise! 

Quilters and fiber artists of all types are welcome, women and men! Now open for registration!

Guild Partner Appreciation Week!
April 10 - 16, 2017

  Are you a member of one of our Guild Partners?  If so, this week is all about thanking you for your support!  Your Guild members will receive complimentary admission to the Museum, a 10% discount in our Gift Shop, and a small thank you gift!  Please come for a visit so we can say 'Thank You!' in person!
Extended Hours in April!
Open 11am - 5pm every day!

    Celebrity Quilt & Fiber Art Retreat Registration                                                 May 15 - 18, 2017
    The Firs, Bellingham, WA

    Items with red * are required.
    Day Campers Only:
    Refund Policy:  Full refunds less a 10% handling fee will be given for any cancellations through May 7, 2016. Because the museum will be required to pay all fees after that date, no refunds will be issued after May 7, 2017 unless the vacancy is reserved and paid for by another guest.
    By clicking on the Register button below,

For The Love of Children

Thursday, March 30; 10am - 4pm
Instructor:  Miwako Kimura & Students
Location: La Conner Country Inn

Enjoy a really fun time with our Japanese visitors, making four different projects throughout the day!  Each project is a traditional Japanese children's toy or decoration.  Various piecing and stitch techniques will be presented.  Students will leave with having received four kits and the opportunity for lessons in how to make each one:
  • 'Twisted' Lunch Bag
  • Beanie Bags (choice of three designs:  gold ball, twisted, or bunny)
  • Prince & Princess dolls, made with vintage Kimono silk
  • 'Bunny Looking at the Moon' Wall Hanging

Tools to bring:  A small pair of scissors
                       Straight pins

Non-members:   $60 plus $42 Kit Fee = $102
Members:          $55 plus $42 Kit Fee = $92

New!
A Box Lunch is available to be ordered for this workshop, provided by La Conner High School Culinary Club.  Lunch contains 1/2 Sandwich, Salad, Piece of Fruit, Cookie, and Bottle of Water.   We had them at FiberFest and they were delicious!   $10

Non-Members: For The Love of Children Workshop

$102.00
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Members: For The Love of Children Workshop

$92.00
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Advanced Sashiko Workshop

Tuesday, March 28; 10am-4pm
Instructor: Kazuko Yoshiura
Location:  La Conner Channel Lodge

Work on an exquisite table runner with Sashiko expert, Kazuko Yoshiura, here in the US for only a few short days! Students will learn advanced sashiko stitches and techniques in variety of patterns on indigo dyed fabric.

Students are required to purchase class kit which includes: 36" x 14” Indigo dyed fabric, top and lining, 2 types of Sashiko needles, 4 types of threads, tracing chalk paper, and a variety of patterns.  Fee:  $25 (included with class fee)

Tools to bring; A pair of scissors,
                      A small ruler (20 - 30cm)
                      Pins (5 - 10)

Experience Level:  Basic Sashiko stitching experience advised.

Non-members:     $110 plus $25 Kit Fee = $135
Members:             $100 plus $25 Kit Fee = $125
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Class Project

Non-member Advanced Sashiko

$135.00
Add to Cart

Member Advanced Sashiko

$125.00
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Grounds Work Day!  Saturday, April 8, 9am-1pm

Join us this Saturday as we do some Spring clean up in the yard and planting beds and put in a bit more color.  We are also taking down our old fence in preparation for the new fence to be installed by the end of April! Bring your gloves, rakes, garden tools, knee pads and join in the fun!  Coffee & doughnuts on us!

Would you like to have a piece of history?  Buy a piece of the old fence!  Only $5 for a slat or $30 for an entire panel!   Come pick it up on Saturday between 9am-1pm (or call to make other arrangements, if needed.  360.466.4288)

"LA CONNER IN BLOOM" ANNUAL CHALLENGE

QFAM has issued a Challenge to use the phrase by illustrator, Mary Engelbreit, "Bloom Where You Are Planted" as your inspiration to create a small fiber art piece for exhibit in April.

Pieces will be on exhibit March 29 - April 30, 2017 and Museum visitors will vote on "People's Choice"!
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Detail view of Feathered Friends & Feather Star Flights of Fancy by Betty Kincaid, 2016 People's Choice Winner.
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Click on logo to read more about our new name
Welcome to our new website! Please be patient with us as we continue to iron out any wrinkles!

Abstract Quilts in Solids Workshop

Monday-Wednesday, March 20-22; 9am - 4pm
Friday-Sunday March 24-26, 2017; 9am - 4pm
(1-Hour Lunch)
Instructor:  Gwen Marston

Quilts made in strong solid colors made by the Amish were the first quilts to be viewed as art. Of late, the dazzling assortment of new prints has justifiably attracted great attention and solids have been regulated to the back burner. This class is meant to be a reminder that solids have their own distinctive characteristics which shouldn't be overlooked by quilter's intent on doing original, abstract work.

Working with free-form, improvisational construction, students will create their own, original quilts using Gwen's easy design concepts and techniques. This design class is good for the beginning and advanced, traditional and art quilter. Come and join the fun as Gwen shows you her easy methods for creating your own original quilts.

Gwen's book Ideas and Inspirations: Abstract Quilts in Solids, is a valuable resource for this class.

Experience Level:  all
Registration Deadline:  February 26, 2017

Non-members:  $400.00
Members:          $360.00

Download Material/Supply list
PSSST...
Want to attend a Gwen Marston lecture?  Become a sustaining member! (only available online.) Gwen will be the Guest at our next "Go Green & Grow" event exclusively for our sustaining members, Sunday, March 19.  Invitations will go out in February to all sustaining members.
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Broken Dishes by Gwen Marston. Image by Martingale.
SOLD OUT!   We did add an additional workshop March 20-22.  It was also immediately filled with the wait list.  It is not possible to add another workshop but there are occasionally cancellations.  To be placed on the wait list and notified of an opening, please email us or call (360) 466-4288

Prim Dolls:  Introduction to Doll Making Workshop

Instructor:  Mardi McLaskey                         
Date/Time:  Saturday, March 4, 2017, 2-4pm               
Location:  Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, 703 S. 2nd St, La Conner
 
Prim Dolls -- those sweet, adorable handmade dolls – made to look as if they were made by a child or lovingly repaired many times. In this introductory Prim Doll workshop, Mardi will be talking about all the ways you can use your own creativity to make your own artistic statement. She will bring examples of Prim Dolls, magazines, and a book for you to peruse and to spark your imagination. You will start with a basic shape and then create a doll with its own unique personality. The best part about the Prim Dolls is that there are no rules!
 
Kit Fee:  $10, includes a sewn doll body, stuffing, embellishments, etc.
 
Supply list:  basic hand sewing tools, (scissors, needles, thread). Nothing else is required but feel free to bring any special fabrics for clothing or embellishments that you might like to incorporate into your doll.
 
Class size: 8 students, maximum

Non-members:  $40.00 *
Members:          $35.00 *

* Does not include kit fee, payable to instructor on day of workshop.

Prim Doll Workshop - Non-member Registration

$40.00
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Prim Doll - Member Registration

$35.00
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703 South Second Street
Mail to: P.O. Box 1270
La Conner  WA 98257
(360) 466-4288
Hours
11am - 5pm
​Wednesday - Sunday
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