Workshops

Cheryl Arkison

Photo of Cheryl ArkisonThe following two courses, Traditional Variations and Improv Lettering, are being presented by Cheryl Arkison. Here is her background:

Back when I started quilting it was practically unheard of for a 23 year old to do so, but there I was. Now, over 20 years later I haven't stopped. In addition to my own creative work, I love to teach, write books, spread the gospel of improv and design quilts. Every now and then I make a garment, my Grade 8 Home Ec Teacher would be proud.

When it comes to making, I am happy to make what inspires. I am well known for my use of bold colour and quiet whispers of low volume fabrics but I will use anything in between as well. Use what you love, make what makes you happy. Just get your butt in the seat and sew. I am a huge proponent of play and through the Quilters' Playcation lead us all on adventures!

In the past decade I've published three books: Sunday Morning Quilts (co-authored with Amanda Jean Nyberg), A Month of Sundays and You Inspire Me to Quilt. I've also travelled the world to teach quilting and have even judged the Modern Quilt Guild's show: Quilt Con. In between I am raising 3 active kids and running a business with my husband.

Sometimes, I sleep.

Traditional Variations

Take some familiar blocks and shake them up. Playing with improvisation, scale and colour, you will create fun and funky alternatives to old favourites such as Churn Dash, Pin Wheel and Star.

Traditional Variations Workshop image

Date & Time: Saturday, October 14, 2023. Set up 9am, Workshop 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Location: Bradley Centre, 975 Shearme Road, Coombs, BC

Cost: $70

Maximum number of participants: 20

Registration will begin at the Guild meeting on June 19, 2023 and online on June 20, 2023 using the Traditional Variations registration form.

All online registrations must be paid within 5 business days of registering.

A waiting list will be kept.

Registration closes September 30, 2023

Supply List

Improv Lettering

Say what you will but say it in a quilt. From simple holiday greetings to profound statements, use words to convey your message. With a little bit of planning, you can turn your words into beautiful quilts, table runners or even personalized baby quilts.

Improv Lettering Workshop image

Date & Time: Sunday, October 15, 2023. Set up 9am Workshop 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Location: Bradley Centre, 975 Shearme Road, Coombs, BC

Cost: $70

Maximum number of participants: 20

Registration will begin at the Guild meeting on June 19, 2023 and online on June 20, 2023 using the Improv Lettering registration form.

All online registrations must be paid within 5 business days of registering.

A waiting list will be kept.

Registration closes September 30, 2023

Supply List

Free Motion Quilting

This class is suitable for new free motion quilters as well as those wanting to refresh their existing skills and add to their skill set.

Free Motion Table Runner

In this free motion class we will cover the basic shapes that all free motion designs are built upon. You will be doodling on paper first and then transferring this 'motion' for fabric using the basic shapes that will be taught. We will work on building on those shapes / combining shapes and work within a variety of spaces (open, linear and shapes). The goal of this class is to encourage all levels of quilters to have fun and learn how to make free motion a regular part of their quilting repertoire. A variety of options will be offered for each student to work at their own pace.

Looking forward too seeing you there!

Instructor: Deb Morrissey

Photo of Deb Morrissey

About the instructor:

I started working at Huckleberry’s Fabrics just over 19 years ago in July 2004 and I was a total newbie! Earlier that spring I pieced a queen size Yellow Brick Road in 5 days and I was hooked.

I love the teaching aspect of my job and have taught many classes in the past 19 years, trying to keep up with the trends and techniques in the quilting world.

I learned to free motion quilt a few months after I made my first quilt but was too nervous to actually quilt it so it sat in a closet, basted for 18 months - I had the use of a quilting table that fit my machine and only had 2 weeks before Ann Marie wanted it back as she was moving into her new home. I do work better under pressure! And so I started quilting loops on the large quilt (I had practiced loops on a table runner before the quilt but that was it). Every night for 2-3 hours I would quilt and it got easier and I got better as I worked on that one quilt which was so encouraging. I think it took me 15 hours to finish(today the same size quilt with loops might take me 6 hours:) Since then I have continually challenged myself in quilting different designs and many videos and books have been watched too. I hope to give you the inspiration and encouragement to play with free motion quilting and to see how you can use it in your projects. Practice will make you better and that’s one thing I’ve learned in my quilting journey - nothing is impossible if you want to take the time to learn but most importantly enjoy the journey and appreciate the people and experiences that this wonderful hobby brings into your lives.

Date and Time: Saturday, November 18,2023 Set up 9:00 am, workshop 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Please bring your own lunch and beverage.

Location: St. Mark's Anglican Church, 138 Hoylake Road, Qualicum Beach, BC

Cost: $40

Maximum number of participants: 18

Registration begins: September 11, 2023 at the Guild meeting and online September 12, 2023 using the Free Motion Quilting Registration form.

All online registrations must be paid in full within 5 business days of registering.

Registration closes: November 11, 2023

Supply List


Ideas for topics can be shared with anyone on the workshop committee or sent to workshops@quilthouse.ca

Cancellation Policy:
If you would like to withdraw from a workshop, please submit written notice via e-mail to workshops@quilthouse.ca at least five business days before the workshop begins to be eligible for a refund (less a $10 administration fee). We cannot offer refunds for cancellations received less than five days before a workshop begins. Workshop fees of $10 or less are non-refundable unless the workshop is cancelled.

Terryl E.
Workshops Committee Chair