Past workshop information is listed below.
Freezer Paper Piecing – Diamonds
Saturday, September 19th
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Online Workshop
Tara Faughnan
Tara will be giving an online workshop, “Freezer Paper Piecing – Diamonds.” Learn how to draw and create freezer paper foundations for precision piecing. This technique is similar to paper piecing but foundations are reusable and there is no tearing out bits of paper afterwards! The class will use the Diamonds quilt to learn the technique and will discuss how to apply it to many other patterns. The class will also look at the use of value and color to create visually complex quilts from the repetition of a simple Block. The class will be held on Zoom and will consist of prerecorded videos, real time demos, Q and A, and photo presentations .
Creating a Scrappy Slab
Saturday, August 15th
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Online Workshop
Sarah Goer
In her Saturday, August 15th Workshop Online, Creating a Scrappy Slab, Sarah will share tips and tricks for stitching your own created fabric from your favorite scraps. The scrap fabric you make in class can be used alone or in a favorite block or pattern.
The workshop format will be a combination of live Zoom sessions and online recorded video coursework with lots of time to sew for the workshop day.
Christine Barnes
Sunday, March 8, 2020
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Urban Sunsets
Learn about color, value, and pattern, plus my technique for making super-skinny strips in this modern-quilt workshop. Three related (but not matching) fabrics make up each center unit. Narrow black-and-white strips inserted asymmetrically between the “segments” define and separate the 
fabrics. You’ll also learn how to cut and add the ombré borders to make it appear as if light is sweeping across the surface. (The gray ombré will be available in class.) Pattern is required and will be available for $8.
Learn more about Christine.
Click here for the Supply List for the Christine Barnes Workshop.
Timna Tarr Workshop
Sunday, January 12, 2020
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Oh Happy Day
Learn how to make this very happy quilt while also having a great time! We start the workshop by playing with fabrics and color to help us loosen up our color muscles. Timna with teach five (or more!) techniques on how to make perfect circles, using both hand and machine techniques. Come prepared to play, experiment, and have fun. Supply fee of $5.
Mary Lou Weidman
Saturday, November 9, 2019 &
Sunday, November 10, 2019
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Self Portraits
On Nov 9 and10 Mary Lou Weidman will teach a two day class on Self Portraits at the Community Foundation.
This class has become very popular and in fact has taken many quilter’s self portraits to Museums for shows. Step out of the box and learn about 
yourself and how you can put ideas and things you had not though of before into a quilt to leave a lasting impression about who you are and what is important to you. These quilts become legacy pieces that can tell others imaginative, fun and creative things. It might even surprise you to see how wonderful a self portrait of YOU can be.
Click here for the Supply List for the Mary Lou WeidmanWorkshop
Cindy Myers
Sunday, October 13
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fabulous Fun Ornaments
On October 13 Cindy Myers will be teaching her class Fabulous Fun Ornaments at the Community Foundation. These ornaments use Paula Nadelstern’s fabrics to create sequined and beaded ornaments for your Christmas tree or for gifts. It’s a stress free fun class.
A fun and very addictive workshop. Sit back and relax for a great time making one or more of these beautiful ornaments. To make these we will be using Paula Nadelsterns gorgeous medallion fabrics (included in the kit)
Joe Cunningham
Sunday, September 8
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Creative Design
In this one day workshop Joe will demonstrate and teach how to develop a small idea into an abstract quilt. Along the way he will teach the techniques he uses for freehand piecing, working with bias tape, and creating memorable compositions. Under his instructions, students will develop their own designs and get them to a point where they can be completed.
Click here for the Supply List for the Joe Cunningham Workshop.
Sue Fox and Julia McCleod
Sunday, August 11
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Basics of Working with Silks
Silk may be one of the most beautiful materials, but it can also be one of the most challenging to work with! They say that “knowledge is power” and for the quilt-maker who wants to work with silk, knowledge is also the key that opens the door to freedom and creativity.
Over the years, through the trial and error of making dozens of silk quilts, Sue Fox and Julia McCleod have learned many systems and strategies—these are tips, tricks and techniques that will enable you to enjoy the process and to succeed in using silks. They always bring lots of samples and examples for you to study, and they will share simple exercises that will give you confidence to continue working on your own.
The day will start with an overview of tactics they use for incorporating silks in their own quilts, demonstrate some reliable construction techniques, and include time to discuss the best way to exploit your own personal stash of silks.
Working with your stash, you’ll construct “art parts” that can be incorporated into either small and larger projects. The goal is to send you home with a game plan for how you will develop your lovely art parts into a full blown quilt.
Demonstrations will include: The fiber ID burn test; How to deconstruct a necktie; and 3 Methods for stabilizing silk.
Click here for the supply list for this workshop.
Workshop location:
Beth-El Jewish Community Center
3055 Porter Gulch Rd at Soquel Dr
Aptos, California
Learn more about Sue and Julia.
Dory Cary
Sunday, June 9, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Make It Modern
Create a modern quilt inspired by traditional patterns. Choose one of the four patterns listed below for the class. This class is fun, fast paced and informative. Fast and different piecing techniques, plus layout and design tips are part of the class.
The patterns to choose from are:
- Motherboard – inspired by the traditional Log Cabin block (top left in the composite photo)
- Patch Nine – inspired by the traditional Nine Patch block (top right)
- On the Plus Side – inspired by the traditional Nine Patch block (bottom left)
- Split Pinwheels – inspired by the traditional Pinwheel block (bottom right)
All patterns work great with precuts. The first three patterns are Jelly Roll friendly, while Split Pinwheels is Layer Cake and Charm Pack friendly. Kits for each of these patterns will be available for purchase in class, if anyone needs one.
Mel Beach
Saturday, May 18, 2019 &
Sunday, May 19, 2020
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
A Slice of Improv
Let’s explore improvisational piecing one slice at a time! We’ll warm up with the basic Slice and Insert technique and then introduce simple variations that lead to exciting design opportunities. Bring your scraps and get ready for some improvisational fun!!
You can see more beautiful quilts using these techniques at melbeachquilts.com/gallery#/slice-of-improv/
To register for the workshop, contact the Ellen McCarthy at secondvp@pvqa.org . Ellen will email you to confirm there are openings and request your payment for the workshop. Once you have gotten confirmation from Ellen you may pay for the workshop at a PVQA General Meeting or via PayPal.