Programs and Classes

​Our speaker for January 2, is our own Pam Riss.  Her program is “My Quilting Evolution.” She was our featured artist at our May 2019 Quilt Spectrum.   Many of us were so busy “working the show” that we might not have had a chance to see and enjoy her exhibit.  This will be your opportunity to support her and view her artistic creations.
 
Pam’s introduction to a sewing machine was in her junior high’s home economics class in Decatur, IL. She enjoyed making her own clothes throughout her years at Stephen Decatur High School.  In 1973, Pam started teaching math and science in Streator where she met her future husband, Gary. Then came the children and all the fun that comes with Easter, Halloween, Christmas and birthday outfit sewing.
 
Learning to quilt was a goal Pam set for herself when she retired from teaching in 2012.  Her mother-in-law, a talented hand quilter, was her inspiration to begin this adventure.  Pam’s favorite quilting technique…wait for it…is paper piecing!  She loves the exactness that can be achieved.  (Must be her mathematical background.)  Recently, Pam has developed an interest in machine embroidery and wool applique.  Many of us would agree with Pam that there are just not enough hours in the day to learn all there is to learn!
 
Pam quilts with several groups in Streator.  Her husband is a blacksmith, her daughter is a dancer and sews, and her son is a woodworker.  In Pam’s words, they are a family of “makers.”
 
LOOKING AHEAD 
February’s speaker/teacher is Christa Watson.  Both or her classes are full with waiting list.  Those registered for her classes will receive the supply list from Pam Riss or find it on our web.
 
Her program Thursday, February 6, 2020 is: How Do I Quilt It?  This is a preview of her presentation.
 
Most quilters understand how important it is to practice machine-quilting designs on small fabric samples, but they often have trouble applying those designs to an actual quilt. In this informative lecture, Christa will share her secrets for machine-quilting success which include: adequate basting, choosing the right thread colors, thinking about how to divide and conquer each task, and learning how to create rich texture with little to no marking of the quilt. Christa will also discuss the importance of making a quilting plan, so you can figure out the best path around the quilt with the fewest stops and starts. Once you see how easy and stress-free her methods can be, you’ll feel empowered to quilt your own quilts! Christa Watson is an award-winning quilter who loves to perform all of her own “stunts” on a regular home sewing machine. She’s a fabric designer for Benartex, and author of three books on machine quilting. She loves to empower others to quilt their own quilts and have fun doing it!
 
February 7, 2020 class:  Walking Foot Wonders
February 8, 2020 class:  Free Motion Favorites
  
LOOKING W A-A-Y  AHEAD
 
Our speaker/teacher for March, David Gilleland, has openings in both classes. Please visit his web site, www.vectorquilts.com and type in Equinox and Star Voyage in the search window. Equinox will help to teach you the skills needed to progress to intermediate and advanced foundation piecing patterns. Star Voyage, along with the instructions and follow along videos, will also teach you the skills needed to progress to intermediate and advanced foundation piecing patterns. Perhaps this will interest you to sign up for a class. The Program Committee would like to see more members participating in his classes.
 
March 5, 2020-David Gilleland Program: Foundation vs. Traditional Piecing
March 6, 2020 class: Equinox
March 7, 2020 class: Star-Voyage