Workshops

The most effective way to enhance your quilting skills is to break free from self-imposed limitations and shift your mindset about your creative process. As time goes on, quilters can develop counterproductive habits that hinder creativity and disrupt the natural flow of inspiration. Artists across various disciplines have recognized that embracing creative flow can unlock new dimensions in their work, leading to the satisfying, therapeutic effects that we often associate with quilting. Dr. Andy Wiginton’s Enlightened Quilting, is a philosophy of quilting practice based in the fundamentals of art education, educational psychology and holistic learning. Enlightened Quilting is based on the premise that creative flow yields many positive “side effects” for quilters and that by changing the way we think about our work, quilters can improve their craft and expand their creativity.

In his one hour workshop, Dr. Andy explains the benefits of this approach in an easy to follow, interactive lecture. Dr. Andy uses his experiences as an artist and an educator to help participants identify areas to improve in a non-threatening, fun way. Drawing on his own practice and that of his past students, Dr. Andy empowers his students to make small changes that yield big results. At the end of the workshop participants will have identified areas where they can activate simple, practical strategies to improve.

“I have re-read the notes from the Enlightened Quilting workshop over and over. I keep them tacked up next to my machine in my sewing room. It’s a practical method that continues to make me a better quilter.“ -Donna Scheel, Budd Lake

For many, foundation paper-piecing (not to be confused with English Paper Piecing) is challenging. Many quilters struggle with the fundamentals of this essential technique. However, mastering this skill opens up an entire creative world. Paper piecing excels at bringing to life the most endearing and whimsical motifs, as well as achieving precise, eye-catching geometric shapes. Whether you’re drawn to kitschy cuteness or the allure of sharp, intricate designs, paper piecing empowers you to craft quilts that are as unique as they are stunning.

Dr. Andy’s background in education helped him figure out how and why quilters often struggle with paper piecing. He’s come up with a step-by-step method that helps quilters succeed by avoiding the common problems and sharing tips to make sure that his students achieve great results every time.

“I spent a lot of money on a very expensive pattern. I even booked a week of intensive lessons with a paper piecing expert and ended up spending more time ripping out than sewing. Then I took a paper piecing workshop with Andy. He broke it down for me and helped me to really understand why I was struggling. Now, it’s one of my favorite methods!” – Liz Coogan, Randolph

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to make a special quilt for a loved one. Maybe you want to reimagine a vintage quilt you saw in a book or museum. Perhaps you would like to try and adapt a pattern to your own taste. This workshop helps quilters turn their idea into an executable plan.

Starting with the idea, quilters learn how to make color and fabric choices; how to choose a pattern or technique; and how to bring unity and “good design” to every part of the project.

Dr. Andy draws on his background in the theatre to help quilters “self-direct” the quilt that they want to make. By focusing on tried and true design principles and only worrying about “what’s now and next” quilters are able use this method over and over again to create successful, original, works of art.

“I never felt confident to stray from the pattern. After this workshop I realized that I had the tools right in front of me all the time. Dr. Andy’s approach has not only made me a better artist, it’s helped me to rediscover the joy in my craft again.” — Megan McGlone, Madison

From trimming and binding, to labels and hanging sleeves, this workshop shares all the tips and tricks for professionally finishing your heirloom creation. Dr. Andy believes that there are many perfectly acceptable ways to finish a quilt, and in this workshop students will learn the pros and cons of many different finishing methods including Dr. Andy’s no-fail fusible binding technique.

Whether you are making a quilt for a baby or for a national show, Dr. Andy will show you how to finish your quilt with a professional finish you can take pride in. Creative ways to label and hang your quilts will be shared along with many tips to make finishing quilts as fun as the rest of the quiltmaking process.