IN PERSON: Introduction to English Paper Piecing with Jean Smith

IN PERSON: Sunday, December 3rd, 11AM - 2PM and Sunday, December 17th, 11AM - 1PM 

This is a two session class - please note that the hours are different for each of the class meetings.

This class will be held at Bay Quilts

Piecing by hand is relaxing and meditative and highly portable. You will learn to make a 12” LeMoyne star using the English paper piecing method, also known as EPP. EPP lends itself to utilizing fabric patterns to create secondary patterns, further enhancing the visual impact of the block.

Topics covered will include:

• choosing the right fabric
• fussy cutting techniques
• glue basting
• the safe way to sew by hand (avoiding finger/hand pain and eye strain)
• finishing techniques

The first class will include a trip through the quilt store, discussing how to choose effective fabrics and then we’ll jump into placement, fussy cutting and sewing. The second class will allow students to focus on sewing technique and then Jean will show how to finish your piece or continue making LeMoyne stars to make a larger piece. The goal is to finish one block, but be warned, EPP is highly addictive!

Skill level: ✂️

You do not need previous sewing experience to do EPP.

Supplies: You will receive the fabric requirements once you sign up. Jean will review the types of fabrics that work well in the first class and Bay Quilts is glad to help you select fabrics for your quilt.

Sewing Machines and Equipment: You will need some basic sewing supplies that will be included in the supply list. You DO NOT need a sewing machine.

About the instructor: 

Jean Smith has been quilting for close to 25 years and still finds the art form exhilarating. You may have met Jean as she works at Bay Quilts three days a week. She specializes in English paper piecing and foundation paper piecing. Before joining Bay Quilts, Jean spent almost 34 years working at UC Berkeley’s Office of Public Affairs - never a dull moment. Jean currently lives in Berkeley with her two dogs and would rather sew and spend time with quilters than do anything else…except eat chocolate.

Location:

This class is being held at the Bay Quilts located at 5327 Jacuzzi St. 3-C, Richmond, CA 94804. Bay Quilts is run by Sally Davey and her daughter, Abbey-Shane  a team of lifelong artists and crafters who have been in the quilting industry for over 30 years. They opened Bay Quilts to share their passion and knowledge with the vision of creating a community where artists, crafters, quilters, and makers of all ability can learn, grow, and create together.  This unique fabric shop is so much more than a store - from consignments quilts and gifts, and cloth figures to monthly gallery exhibitions and artist receptions to workshops.  Bay Quilts is a sanctuary for creatives of all skill level. Bay Quilts is generously offering a 10% discount to students on the day of the class.

The classroom space is on the 2nd level so you will need to be able to climb a flight of stairs. There is a convenient caddy so you don't have to carry your equipment up the stairs.

Cancellation Policy:

Class fees are non-refundable. However you may transfer the class to a friend if you let us know in advance.