Lectures
Color Magic --- Lecture, 60 - 75 minutes
Welcome to a quilter’s colorful world! Learn recipes for making colors sing. We will look at many examples of color schemes that really work and how to create special effects using color and value to create dimensional effects, luminosity and luster in your quilts. Whether you like bright vibrant hues, quiet tones, or dark mysterious shades, you will find something in this program to enjoy, and will leave knowing more about color than when you arrived. This lecture runs the gamut from traditional to art quilts and has something for everyone.
Landscapes, Architecture and Quilts --- Lecture, 45-60 minutes
A trunk show presentation, which takes a look at the themes of nature, landscapes and architecture as they have developed over time in my quilting. May include a brief slide show depending on availability of quilts.
Adventures in Embellishment --- Lecture, 45-90 minutes
A presentation designed to stimulate ideas for the embellishment of garments and quilts through various fabric manipulation techniques, machine work and hand stitchery. The trunk show with numerous examples of techniques used in quilts and clothing will encourage viewers to experiment and create on their own.
Applique Rules! --- Lecture, 45-90 minutes
I used to think Applique was a four letter word, that applique was hard and piecing was easy. Join me as I reflect on how a stubborn piecer became an Applique addict. This trunk show covers many types of applique and a wide variety of projects. By the time you leave you may also believe Applique is the Easy Way.
This class introduces some of the major principles of designing realistic landscapes using atmospheric perspective. Emphasis will be on the effective use of color to create the illusion of depth. Participants will begin one or more of their own small, enchanting fabric "paintings" using fusible appliqué and free-motion machine stitching. This class is also available in an abbreviated (3 hour) format.
Color Magic --- 3 hours or 6 hours
Learn recipes for color schemes that really work. Create special illusions using color
and value for dimensional effects, luminosity and luster in your quilts. Recognize your
color preferences and discover how to make them work for you whether you like bright
vibrant hues, quiet tones, or dark mysterious shades. We will work on color and quilt
block exercises with real fabric as we experiment with color. No sewing machines required.
This class is available in either a 3-hour or 6-hour version.
Add a new machine appliqué technique to your repertoire of quilting skills. Achieve perfect shapes and accurate placement of all your appliqué elements, no matter how small or complex. Use this method to create multi-layered appliqué motifs by machine when you can’t or don’t want to fuse.
Bring the art of perspective, one of the most important of an artist’s tools, to your quilt making as you learn to create the illusion of depth in your work. Learn to make eye catching three-dimensional frames to border your quilts. The simple techniques we study are essential for creating realistic landscapes and interiors.We will practice some exercises in linear perspective, learn about columns and arches, as well as other architectural details.
Lizards, cats, butterflies, flowers... What do they all have in common? They can all be turned into unique pins and broaches. Take a motif from a favorite fabric and make it into a stunning bead encrusted pin. Learn the stitching and finishing techniques you need to make beautiful beaded pins for yourself and all of your friends.
Who doesn’t love flowers? Capture the unexpected burst of color of a wildflower in the woods, or the riotous hues of a summer garden in your quilts. You will learn the process of transforming a sketch or photo into a beautiful free-motion appliquéd flower portrait. This is a good class for intermediate to advanced quilters who are looking for a new technique to add to their skills. Photos and patterns will be provided, but you may also bring your own photos of favorite flowers.
Using your sewing machine, learn a number of methods for creating embellished details which will enrich the surface texture of your quilts and wearables. Some of the techniques are particularly effective in pictorial quilts, but all are versatile, their uses limited only by your imagination. Learn to create tunnels and texture, and tiny embroidered windows in your fabric. Machine needle lace, has infinite possibilities as an addition to landscapes and pictorial quilts, capturing the subtle colors and textures of trees, leaves and mosses or insect wings. This is a process class involving samples of various techniques in class, not a finished product.
This class provides an introduction to several machine appliqué methods. The three methods are Fusible Appliqué finished with Satin Stitch, Fusible Appliqué with Buttonhole Stitch, and Invisible Appliqué. We will have an opportunity to try each method in our project. A small wall hanging project is suitable for beginners with little or no previous experience with machine appliqué. A larger wall hanging is a bit more challenging.
Impressionist Piecing --- One or two days
Create an impressionistic background using patchwork shapes and blocks. Learn to use your fabric shapes and a wide variety of fabrics just like a painter would use her paints to create a scene. Then use applique, embellishments, beading and quilting to add life and excitement to your quilt. This class can be a great first step into non-traditional quilting or a fun, spontaneous way to use lots of different fabrics in a single quilt.
Explore techniques and strategies to use in creating beautiful quilted landscapes and seascapes. Starting with fabric selection and design planning, you will learn how to translate a sketch or photograph into fabric for a stunning quilt. Learn how to combine various forms of machine appliqué and decorative embellishments to create a unique environment that will intrigue its viewers. Quilting strategies specifically suited to landscape quilts will also be covered. This is intended to be a machine appliqué class, although hand appliqué enthusiasts are welcome to adapt the lessons to their needs. This class is available as a two-day workshop, or may be expanded for a more in-depth approach if time permits.
Susan Brittingham
Post Office Box 165
Riner, Virginia 24149
email: sbritt@swva.net
Suggested skill requirements for my classes.
If you email me to request additional information, please include your snail mail address or an alternative means of getting in touch. I have problems sometimes in replying to AOL email addresses so if you do not hear from me, this could be why. Spam filters also can block messages. Thanks!
I am currently accepting teaching jobs predominately in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky, West Virginia, and Maryland. Check with me about larger conferences outside this area. Available April through October.