Lectures

Bits and Pieces

This lecture and slide show is a review of my years as a quilter including my experiences teaching kids to quilt and voluntary work in Mongolia – inspirations, growth, and evolution. (1 hour)

Bits and Pieces - trunk show

A lecture without slides, reviewing my years as a quilter including my experiences teaching kids to quilt and voluntary work in Mongolia - inspirations, grown, and evolution. (1 hour)

Quilting in Mongolia

In June 2004, I visited Mongolia as a volunteer to teach quilting to low income and unemployed women. I returned in June 2006 to help organize the first International Quilt Show in Mongolia. The lecture and slide show describes my experiences teaching and traveling in Mongolia, a land rich in tradition and beauty. My association with the Mongolian quilters continues as we fundraise to purchase a permanent community center for them in Ulaanbaatar. (1 hour)

Creative Quilting with Kids

This lecture and slide show should inspire you to pass on the quilting tradition to the next generation. Based on my books, Creative Quilting with Kids and Patchwork and Quilting with Kids (Krause Publications 2001, and 2003), this talk illustrates examples of projects made from a variety of techniques by children of all ages and skill levels. There are many appropriate for intergenerational groups with little quilting experience as well as some new ideas for seasoned quilters to enjoy. (1 hour)

Workshops

Maximum class size for all workshops is 20 students.

* Featured in my book Traditional Quilts with a Twist (Krause Publications, August 2006)

* Featured in my upcoming book Bargello Quilts with a Twist (Krause Publications, summer 2008)

Gateway to Mongolia – 1 Day

The ölzii, or never-ending knot, is a traditional Mongolian motif symbolizing the dynamic expanse of the universe and the endless cycles of life and death. It brings long life and prosperity, and drives away wild beasts and evil spirits. This symbol is used widely in Mongolia as decorative art and the pattern for the quilt, including the border, was taken from the door of a Mongolian ger (yurt). You may use either a dark or light background with contrasting ölzii and border. Shading with similar values in the ölzii adds to the subtle woven effect. Skill Level – Some experience/Intermediate.

* Bargello Quilts with a Twist – 1-3 Days

The bargello block is my new concept with enormous potential for creating your own designs. This strip-pieced block is easy to make and can be arranged in a great variety of ways. You will be amazed at the possibilities. In the 1-day class, you will learn the technique on a small 16-block quilt. In 2 or 3 days, you’ll have enough time to make additional blocks and explore using two or more different colored sets together. The picture shows a 36-blocker. Click here to see another 36-block quilt made using this technique. Skill Level – Some experience/Intermediate.

* The Bears Come Out at Night - 1 Day

This charming crib quilt or wall hanging features Sawtooth Star Bear Paw blocks set with three sizes of Ohio Stars. Choose a variety of colors and make your stars shine out like gems. The pattern is one of several new Bear Paw blocks that I've created, and I'll introduce you to some of the others. Skill Level – Intermediate.

* 6-Block Bear Paw Sampler – 1 or 2 Days

You will learn to piece a variety of new blocks derived from the traditional Bear Paw pattern. Pick out your favorites to make this attractive large lap 6-block Bear Paw quilt. I'll also share an alternative 5-block setting and more ideas for creative variations.   Skill Level – Intermediate.

* 13-Block Bear Paw Sampler – 2-5 Days

You will learn to construct a variety of blocks derived from the traditional Bear Paw pattern. Choose all thirteen, or select your favorites for your Bear Paw quilt. We will discuss ways in which you may change the value placements within the patterns and a variety of options for assembling the blocks. Class includes instructions for the pieced borders. Skill Level – Intermediate.

*Ohio Star Lattice – 1 or 2 Days

 Kaleidoscopic Pinwheels – 1 Day

Inspired by Bethany Reyold’s Magic Stack ‘N Whack, I have devised a technique for making pinwheels that float on the background. If your piecing isn’t perfect, the blocks may be trimmed without losing the pinwheel points. The pinwheel patterns you create will surprise and delight you. A great class for those who like instant gratification! Skill Level – All skill levels.

Quilt Design and UFO Clinic – 1 Day

We'll discuss many aspects of designing quilts and choosing fabrics including color, value, scale and proportions. After a simple exercise examining value, we'll study your unfinished quilts and brainstorm any problems. Bring your stack of quilt blocks or partially made quilt tops that are begging for help. You'll be offered suggestions for solutions and benefit from multiple opinions. No sewing in this class.

Quilt Show Judging

I am trained and certified by the Northern California Quilt Council to judge quilts and wearable art. Contact me for a judging résumé.

Fees and Schedule

Fees are negotiable, contact me at maggieball@bainbridge.net for details. Please click here for my schedule.

The contents of this website are copyrighted (2006).  No material may be reproduced without the permission of Maggie Ball.