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Quilting the Garden Workshop and Giveaway
The Giveaway is now concluded. Any comments left after 12:13 pm today, July 19, will not be part of the drawing, but comments are still welcome! The winner is Phyllis Carlyle, comment #36 (picked by an online random number generator)! Congrats and THANK YOU to all!
Hey I need some advice! I’m putting together a new workshop and/or class called Quilting the Garden (part of my Quilting the Good Life series). I need your help picking which colors and flower images to use for the class. In thanks for your help, I’m offering a free copy of my Quilting Arts video workshop, Art Quilt Design from Photo to Threadwork (read all about it here), for someone who answers some of my questions here on my blog (not Facebook). I’ll choose a winner in a week’s time, on July 19th. (See last paragraph for The Fine Print.) Read on!
My questions for you, dear readers are these:
- What color flowers do you think the majority of students would pick, including you?
- Should I include the green-only hosta leaves?
- Which individual images would you most want to do in a class? Tell me your favorite three (use the names I have given to each such as Purple 2, Yellow 4, and so on).
- Would you want a complicated image as one of the options, such as Multi 1 below?
Purple, Multi and Green images: four purple or purple and white Iris, a zinnia and hosta leaves. Right Click on image to see it larger.
Some background information
Most students can either put together a top in a day class OR do some quilting in a day class, but not both. And most guilds and shows won’t book multi-day workshops because students tend not to sign up for them. I would dearly LOVE to teach 3-5 day workshops, but in the meantime I’m working on a one-day exercise which can be a standalone class also.
My solution to the “can’t do it all in a day” issue is this: I will provide a kit for a modest fee including a photograph printed on cloth (from Spoonflower, my photos, about 8×10 or 12×10 printed size, or a tad larger) plus an 8 1/2 x 11 color photo, page protector, and possibly several color photos–one of each of the three options offered in the class. The photos will come from the ones on this blogpost (or perhaps a different red, keep reading). And what size is good? is 8 x 10 too small, perhaps 10 x 12 or a bit bigger? Or as large as 17 x 21 (which of course costs more to print)?
Pink Kousa Dogwood, Water Lily, apricot Lily, closer view of apricot colored Lily. Right Click on image to see it larger.
For the class I want a relatively uncomplicated image that will allow students to learn to use thread colors to shade and paint and color their artwork. By working on top of a photo, the imagery is provided. They can then use my collage process, taught in my DVD (info here), to create their own imagery in cloth rather than using a photograph. But they will, having taken this class, have learned the skill to interpret the photo into color and thread. A multi-color flower may be best, but not many fit that bill. The simplicity of a lily is perfect–only six petals! Too many petals make it more complicated. Would you want a complicated image as one of the options? Or should I keep all the images relatively simple?
Reds, alas I don’t know the names of these glorious flowers (sending email to the Botanical Gardens horticulturalist). Should I find a different truly RED flower, as these are burgundy and ladies who love red want REALLY red? Right Click on image to see it larger.
In the red collage, photos 3 and 4 are intriguing, but probably not the best for this exercise, but I couldn’t resist including them.
Are whites too hard for thread selection? Right click on collage to view larger.
I’m also thinking that white flowers are not the best choice, but would like feedback.
Lots of yellows that I love. The solution to the white question might be to choose the cream lily above. The yellow rose will be one of my sample flowers–I’m working on another project for an article that involves this sample, so students may want to try this one. The coneflower photo may be too complicated for a classroom, especially the cone. Right click on the collage for a larger view.
And:
A selection of popular flowers, but the owner of the local gallery that has sold my work tells me orange doesn’t sell, people don’t like orange. What do you think? I think the lily would be a fabulous one for the purposes of the exercise, but….Right click on collage to view larger.
And there is the question of thread:
I use and teach using 40-wt poly thread, which shows up beautifully. But some people prefer cotton, only cotton. If students do not pre-order the photo, they won’t know what color they will get in class. That means they would need to bring a LOT of thread: for the orange lily above, for example, if at home I would use at least 3-4 shades of orange (pale to rust), yellow, yellow-green, and the background greens. Is it better to kit the thread with the photo? Or allow students to bring their own, but perhaps be frustrated because they don’t have the right colors? Me taking a thousand spools of various colors without requiring a purchase is, alas, not an option because I can’t afford to have so much money tied up in inventory. So, what would you prefer from a class/teacher?
So tell me what you think:
- What color flowers do you think the majority of students would pick, including you?
- Should I include the green-only hosta leaves?
- What is a comfortable size for you? Is 8×10 too small?
- Which individual images would you most want to do in a class? Tell me your favorite three (use the names I have given to each such as Purple 2, Yellow 4, and so on).
- Would you want a complicated image as one of the options? Or should I keep all the images relatively simple?
- Should I include a thread as part of the kit? Each one would probably need at least four shades of thread at $6-8 per spool of Superior 40-wt polyester plus a pre-wound bobbin of blending fine thread, so that would be an additional $25-33 on top of a kit fee for the fabric and color photocopies of about $10-12.
If this class is a go, I will offer at most three flower options. IF students register for the class 2 months in advance, they may write to me directly with their choice of flower and I will make sure they get their first choice for the workshop. It takes that much time for me to order the fabric, have it printed, and shipped back to me and be ready in time for the class. The remaining students would have to pick a color from what is available at the class. That means they’d need to bring thread for multiple colors (at least four shades of each colors) if thread is not part of the kit.
THANKS!
The Fine Print:
- Remember to comment by 8 a.m. Saturday, July 19th (US East Coast Time) for a chance at winning my DVD in thanks for your taking the time to read, think, and comment here on my blog!
- If you are outside of the US, you may comment but I’d appreciate a little help with the postage–I’ll pay up to $5 in postage.
- Comments must be here on my blog, not a feed reader or facebook!
- Comments like “gee I’d love to win the DVD” won’t work–I’m really looking for feedback on the images and questions I asked.
July 16th, 2014 at 5:12 pm
SB:
Phew! What a ton of great comments you have!
What color flowers do you think the majority of students would pick, including you?
you know me – go with the bright, warm side of the wheel!
Should I include the green-only hosta leaves?
The hosta leave may be useful as an exercise in subtle thread color changes though.
What is a comfortable size for you? Is 8×10 too small?
I think that managing the *X10 might be a bit small, especially for beginners. Thinking of it as it moves under the machine. What about a standard legal size, 11X17, as an option.
Which individual images would you most want to do in a class?
Zinnia, the water lily, daisies and coreopsis the best.
Tell me your favorite three (use the names I have given to each such as Purple 2, Yellow 4, and so on).
Would you want a complicated image as one of the options? Or should I keep all the images relatively simple?
Having a complicated one as an option might be good if students have a mixed amount of experience.
Should I include a thread as part of the kit?
I think that offering a kit is ALWAYS a good idea. Most people that I know prefer having a kit as it can limit their initial investment.
Good luck!
July 16th, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Multi1
Green one
Yellow 5
Asking for students to bring thread then teacher adding in to round out seems norm
If you want to do kits the cost would be the consideration for your area and time ..I am ok learning a technique with less sense that’s what class are for …having a finished piece is good but it’s a learning so it can be repeated and improved on later
Mostly I hear from friends is the class was fun and easy to flow with ..
July 16th, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Let me start by clarifying that I never did anything about painting with thread, or youcould not take your class to live in another country! But I love challenges and I will’play’ thinking as if I could take your class and even achieve the goal.
As I have not clear is how the technique, will answer your questions the best that can:
What color flowers do you think the majority of students would pick, including you?
Pink or blue most. I would choose purple and orange.
Should I include the green-only hosta leaves?
Maybe if it were another photo, in the small size not I could identify were leaves.
What is a comfortable size for you? Is 8×10 too small?
It would depend on the total time of the class. If only for a day, I think that the small size makes it possible. It could separate sell kits in larger sizes to follow the technique alone at home.
Which individual images would you most want to do in a class? Tell me your favorite three (use the names I have given to each such as Purple 2, Yellow 4, and so on).
Purple2 – Orange 2 – Red 5
Would you want a complicated image as one of the options? Or should I keep all the images relatively simple?
Yes, the complicated love me! As Multi 1 or Orange 4
Should I include a thread as part of the kit?
Definitely Yes. I think that it would be convenient for you, that at the time of confirming the registration the student select the photo. If done in advance, you can assemble the class according to the selections and kits. This will make you avoid losses and more they know in advance what will work. There will always be a fit that day, but it can be less. Sometimes having inadequate at the time of the class materials makes this frustrating.
Thank you very much for your survey, made me think “outside the box”!
And while I’d love the prize, could not receive it, so I just did it for participating! I hope you excuse me the errors, since I don’t know your language well and use a translator to read your blog and write this comment.
Good luck with your class! Your works are precious!
July 16th, 2014 at 10:22 pm
10 x 12 sounds like a good size.
Purple 1 or 2 although the leaves in purple 1 are kinda busy,
I also like pink 2. Keep the images simple.
Many of the folks who take these classes are beginners and easily intimidated.
White seems like it would be difficult; I would pick a color with a broader light-to-dark range.
I would kit the thread & keep it simple for you & the students (see below).
Most students I have taught would rather pay you to get all the supplies together than hunt them all down.But, give them the option to bring more thread for extra colors!
Is there a thread mfg. that offers sampler-size spools or bobbins of thread? I thought I read that on quiltart awhile back.
If you find one, I would be interested to know, as I have thought about doing a similar class locally.
Good luck!
More to the point: Pink 2, Pink 1, Purple 2
July 16th, 2014 at 11:24 pm
I would not include the green hostas. I look at the photos for composition more than for color. The photo that stands out above the rest for composition, for me, is the water lily (pink 2). Orange is my least favorite color and most people don’t have orange as a main decorating color. That being said, a beautiful orange poppy or lily is fabulous. I would think white would be a less popular color because people like color. I would not include a more complicated flower as it can take more time away from other students as you work more with someone who bit off more than they can chew in the time allotted. Barring the more complicated flowers, which I like, I would choose, PINK 2, PURPLE 2, or RED 4. If I was to take the class and see the more complicated options, I would probably choose one of them because they are more interesting, other than Pink 2 because of the composition.
I would want a larger size than 8×10, but would want something I could finish or feel comfortable feeling I could finish at home easily and confidently enough, so the size should be more determined by what you feel fits that.
As to kits, you can’t make everyone happy. I personally like to bring what I own where I can, buy beforehand what I don’t have, and purchase at the workshop if it is something not readily available at local quilt shops. I was very, very turned off (and heard the same comments from every other student that I talked to in a class where the teacher brought supplies and insisted that you really needed her items and did not tell you in advance what they would be. So there you are in class without the supplies you had at home and could have brought, buying from her!! Most people spent over $100/workshop in supplies they “needed” according to the teacher. Every time I will look at it I will remember how I felt about buying the supplies. On the other hand, I did appreciate being able to get some supplies from her. It seems you could do the pre-arrangements of photo and kits beforehand so that you bring the kits ordered and a small supply of extras. I know our guild has people sign up the night before after they hear the program.
You could have suggested items to bring if someone wants to print their own image and bring threads. That would be what I would want to do since I print my photos on fabric all the time. guidelines as to what makes a good or bad image for your technique.
Best wishes! I would take your class if our guild offered it.
July 19th, 2014 at 12:09 pm
For Vivian Helena, who tried to post on July 13th, but the internet wouldn’t let her, so posted directly to me: I sent you a long “letter” on your site, then I got knocked off and it requested my email, but had asked for my web site… but rather than take the time and maybe have it dumped again.. I thought I would just email you.. If you have older ladies, bet they might like the purples.. Maybe one larger flower, one smaller one, and a nice leaf to sew on.. I like the hosta leaves because they show the definition that one can follow. I like 10 X 12 or larger, are you using a hoop? Iris are always loved by everyone.. , blues and burgundy’s usually go with their houses, I am starting to make pillows from the projects I did not finish.. and then I don’t feel guilty..
Hosta leaves are beautiful, wish I could grow them here. But too hot.. They have nice markings that one can follow especially if it is variegated. You are right with the Orange. Keep what you do simple, you will have to help people adjust their sewing machines, threads etc.. Here is an idea regarding the thread,, contact Superior thread… and buy the rewound spools, that should be enough thread for a class, variation of colors, and not as expensive,, and they sell wholesale, with periodic sales.. I use mine for the top thread often, if I can’t find just the right thread.. I liked yellow, #4 & 3^ White won’t work for ladies that don’t see the colors in it.
Bottom Line Keep it simple… I am going to start giving classes also,, but am choosing small projects.. I don’t want to do any hand dyeing classes, or things that get messy… that I leave to teaching at home, where I have control.
Have fun with your project.. hugs, vivian
http://vivianhelena.com
July 19th, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Wonderful class !! Hope it will be offered online.
Now to answer your questions. My first choice would be the Yellow 2 because it would include several things I would be interested in learning.
As to other popular choices it would be Pink 2, yellow 2 NS ORANGE 2.
personally I WOULD ONLY OFFER 2 CHOICES WITH APPROVIMXIMATELY the same level of difficulty such as shading etc. \an 8×10 is ok but would prefer an 11×14 – because of standard fame sizes available.l\Use thread as an option. I personally would order the complete kit. I think the needle size and bobbin thread needed woujld be very important. AND I would insist on prepayment if the kit was ordered.
Sorry for the lousy typing but since I am so late in posting will not take the time to change.
Very interesting discussion. I based my color choices on the pics of the flowers shown.
Ruth
July 19th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Sounds like a class I would really like to take. Any chance you would do an online class?
Now to questions. I believe yellow would be the moist popular because it would blend with more décor.
My personal preference(based on the pics shown) would be Pink2, yellow2 and orange2.
an 8×10 would be ok but I would prefer an 11×14 – sticking to standard frame sizes.
I would limit to 2 choices and keep relatively simple but with tones so they can learn how to shade, etc.\
I would use thread as an option. Ipersonally (being fairly new at thread painting) would choose the complete kit. The needle and bobbin thread is very important as well as any stabilizer needed.
I definitely would insist on prepayment if I was the teacher. Most people mean well but don’t always follow through in payment,.
Ruth
July 19th, 2014 at 12:27 pm
Congratulations to #36, Phyllis Carlyle, the winning comment! Please contact me with your snail mail address. You can use the comment page or reply to this post and I’ll contact you directly by email. Thank you all for helping!
July 19th, 2014 at 7:59 pm
Okay, so I’m beyond the prize deadline, but no matter. Here are my thoughts:
Orange 1, yellow 5, white 3 but I would also include green 1. It’s a great option! White is always what I go to first and it’s a difficult one for many so it would be a good learning experience for those who have shyed away from it in the past. And all these images contain enough variation in color to force shading of colors — a real challenge for many, as you know.
I would want to work on 17×21. 8×10 seems too small. The larger size would insure the project is not finished in a day and there would be more work to pursue at home. I would include the thread in the kit. There will be enough packing and decision making without deciding on thread.
Just one person’s thoughts. Good luck!