IN PERSON: You Are a Star – A Liberated Quilting Class with Fern Royce

IN PERSON: Class, Saturday, May 11th, 10AM - 3PM PST 

Bay Quilts

The Liberated Star looks complicated but, the way Fern teaches it, it is actually a quick and easy block to construct. Use this new skill to make big ones, little ones, pointed or blunt, stars inside stars or feature one large star as the center of a medallion.

Liberated Quilting is an attitude, a philosophy and an approach to quilting, all in one. It is a willingness to try new things, a curiosity and a can-do attitude.

This is an opportunity to play with your creative side. Liberated Stars are pieced improvisationally so you don't have to use templates or traditional exact techniques. The stars are made with a 9-patch block-based construction where four of the squares include the star points. You, the maker, have the liberty to create star points as identical or liberated as you please. Indeed, you can also intentionally or unintentionally cut off your points and create blunt-nosed stars. Your overall quilt’s style, whether conventional, modern or mix of both, is influenced by the style of your star points.

This class will cover block construction of liberated stars including how to vary the points or eliminate (blunt) them.

You get to play with your stars to make big ones, little ones, pointed or blunt, stars inside stars or feature one large star as the center of a medallion.

This class is a “process” class versus a “product” class, meaning we will be focusing on learning tips and techniques for making "squares" rather than completing a quilt top. During the workshop, you can focus on making just one style of log cabin or make a sample of multiple types of blocks. I will also spend time talking about how to combine blocks of all sizes so you leave with ideas of how to put all those blocks together to make your own unique quilt. Join us for one class or all three, you're sure to develop log cabin fever!

Skill level: ✂️✂️

You have used a sewing machine and maybe have a few projects under your belt. You already know how to thread and use a sewing machine and you're ready to learn some piecing and quilting skills.

Supplies: You will receive the fabric requirements once you sign up. Bay Quilts is glad to help you select fabrics for your quilt.

Sewing Machines and Equipment: You will need to bring your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies to class. The specific tools you need will be included in the supply list.

About the instructor: 

Fern Royce grew up surrounded by textiles and what we now call “makers.” She learned to sew when she was very young, but did not begin quilting until the mid 1990’s. She took quilting classes at her local quilting store, learning the basics including the “all cotton” rule. That rule seemed odd when she considered the quilts she grew up with, including the corduroy quilt her grandmother made for her from the scraps of the all the clothes she had made for her grandchildren. In Fern’s experience, quilts meant using what was on hand, using or reusing any type of fabric, including clothing. When you look at her quilts you will see that she often includes repurposed and unconventional textiles in her own quilts, following her own rule: if she likes it, she uses it - from wool to silk, linen, or the unknown.

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.