Teaching

lectures

Below are lectures that I give, please contact me for scheduling for your group.

Don’t Get Stuck in a Scrap Trap

Colby shares her tips on how to determine if scrap quilting is for you and will share ideas on how to set up a scrap system that enables you to actually start using your scraps. She will debunk common myths about scrap quilting, share tips on how to maintain and actively use your scraps, along with many examples of scrap quilts she has made over the years.

Duration: 1 hour lecture + trunk show

Understanding Color

Think outside the fabric collections and learn how to choose fabrics for your quilts using color theory. We will cover color theory and how that applies to quilting and learn what to look for when picking fabrics. Through interactive trial and error, you will walk away with pointers on how to make your next quilt pop.

Duration: 1 hour lecture

workshops

Below are workshops that I teach, please contact me for scheduling workshops, private, or group lessons.

Crumb Quilting

Overview: Ever wonder what to do with those itty bitty scraps? Learn how to do crumb quilting, a great technique to make use up every piece of fabric. Bring a bag of scraps (as little as 1 in square!) and we will teach you how to sew them into fabric panels that can then be used in a myriad of different projects.

Duration: 3 hour session

Improvisational Quilting

Overview: Learn the basics of how to do improvisational quilting. We will be exploring how to do improvisational piecing, improvisational curved piecing, and different ways to quilt improvisational pieced works to accentuate the design.

Duration: 3 hour sessionHand Quilting

Modern Traditionalism in Quilting

Overview: Modern quilting is rooted in traditional concepts, learn how the two are connected and how to explore the spectrum between your grandmother’s quilt and a modern art exhibit. Learning how to take a traditional block design and make it modern. Explore the differences between modern and traditional composition and design. Discover how to use the same techniques you know to create a modern aesthetic in your quilts.

Duration: 3 hour session

Intro to Free Motion Quilting

Overview: Learn the basics of Free Motion Quilting. Bring your own machine and learn how to set it up, solve common problems, and a set of beginning motifs to get you started on your FMQ journey.

Duration: 3 hour session

Intro to English Paper Piecing

Overview: Learn how to English paper piece (EPP), a technique done by hand, making it a terrific on-the-go or on the couch project. Learn how to stabilize fabric pieces with paper and piece shapes together, allowing you to sew intricate designs often difficult or impossible to piece by machine. Get tips and tricks along the way and gain a new skillset to create beautiful handwork.

Duration: 3 hour session

How to Hand Quilt

Overview: Learn how to hand quilt, a process that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. This is a great way to slow down the process and add extra texture and character to your quilt. Learn everything about proper preparation to picking a design and perfecting the stitch. Whether you are interested in learning tiny even stitches or want to opt for a big stitch look, this class will give you tips and tricks to get there.

Duration: 3 hour session

Scrap

How to Hand Piece

Overview: Learn how to piece a quilt by hand. From cutting pieces out by hand using templates, to marking sewing lines and mastering a tight running stitch, learn the differences between piecing by machine and by hand. Colby will share tips and tricks along the way to help you gain confidence and overcome common problems as you practice the art of true hand work.

Duration: 3 hour session

How to Hand Bind a Quilt

Overview: Have you ever wondered how to do a quilt binding so it actually looks nice and also will stand the test of time? In this hand binding class, we will cover how to prep your quilt for binding, how to create your binding, how to sew it onto the quilt and how to sew it down by hand. We will cover how to make sure those corners are perfect and troubleshoot common issues that come up throughout the process.

Duration: 3 hour session

Intro to Foundation Paper Piecing

Overview: Learn the basics on how to foundation paper piece. Get tips and tricks on how to read the pattern, set yourself up for success, and start a journey of precision unattainable by traditional means. Mix and match these sweet plants and pots to make your own creations such as wall hangings, table runners, pillows, bed quilts, etc.

Duration: 3 hour session

Color Theory for Quilters

Overview: Think outside the fabric collections and learn how to choose fabrics for your quilt. We will cover color theory and how that applies to fabrics and learn what to look for when picking fabrics. Through interactive trial and error, you will walk away with pointers on how to make your next quilt pop.

Duration: 2 hour session