Our Program Chair has been hard at work putting together four wonderful workshops for us.  The classes are quite diverse.  You can create an art quilt, or go more traditional.  You can do something completely different from anything you’ve done before, or you can make a more contemporary quilt.  There is something for everyone.  In fact, you’ll probably be interested in more than one workshop. You can click on any of the images below to see more detail.  All workshops are open to members and non-members alike.

On Wednesday, March 28, Laura Jaszkowski will be bringing us her “Sew Your Garden” workshop.  You have the option of bringing your own fabrics or she will have kits available for purchase as well.  These quilts are very whimsical and fun.  To add texture to your quilt, she will be teaching you some special bobbin work, too.   Laura has taught at the Quilter’s Affair in Sisters many times.  In fact, click on the picture to the right. See if recognize anyone.  Hint:  they are MPS members.

Then on Wednesday,  April 25, we have the opportunity to make a “Gateway to Mongolia” quilt at a workshop led by Maggie Ball.  She says she likes to bring innovative techniques to imaginative traditional quilt-making.  This is a beautiful quilt and a great study in how to use values to accomplish the look you are striving for.  This quilt can be made with a light or a dark background.  This class is good for all skill levels.  You’ll have to visit Maggie’s website to see all the wonderful quilts she has created.

We will hold one of our rare Saturday workshops in June.  On the 23rd, Betsy Sayre will teach us how to make snowflakes and turn them into a lovely winter quilt. Can’t you see something like this in your own home when the weather turns cold?  Betsy is a member of MPS and has a real heart for teaching other quilters.  The possibilities for this quilt seem endless and should be great fun to create.

Finally, Dawn White will teach us the “Secrets of the Quick-Curve Ruler” during another Saturday workshop held on July 28th.  You will have the option of using either the Quick Curve Ruler or the Quick Curve Mini.  Then you get to decide between two different quilt patterns depending on the ruler you choose.  Each one of these quilts is a delight and would be a great addition to your quilt collection. The skill level of a confident beginner is perfect for this workshop. Dawn is also an MPS member and she teaches classes at the Pine Needle in Lake Oswego, OR.

Signing up for any of the workshops is easy.  In fact, it just got a little easier.  Go to our Workshops Page for more information about each of these classes.  There is a registration button for each class.  And now, you will be able to pay for the class right from your registration form.  Once you submit the form, you will be taken straight to our PayPal account where you can pay with your credit card.  When you’re done, you’ll be directed back to our website where you can print your information sheet and supply list.  Easy!

Why do we work so hard to offer workshops?  Because we believe that, just like any other art form, education enhances the abilities of the artist as new tricks and techniques are learned.  And creativity is inspired by the teacher as well as the other students in the workshops. Our Program Chairs work hard to provide a variety of workshops in a safe and comfortable environment that works for the many skill levels represented in our guild.  They also gladly welcome any suggestions for possible future workshops.

Don’t delay in signing up.  We have minimum as well as maximum requirements for each class, so your timely response ensures you get the workshop you want.

Questions? Contact Linda at programs@metropatch.com.