Workshops ~ Lectures         

Quotes:	Click picture for Student Gallery
"At long last, landscape patterns suitable for the rank beginner with little experience and no self-confidence! (Said with tongue firmly planted in cheek) .... you'll be hooked on this easy, no-template, surface-stitched technique"     Karen Reed / PA "... it (Layered Curves) has added a new dimension to my work as a fine art quilter. The Accidental Landscape is a practical new skill. It is both fast and marketable as fine art. It promotes creative self expression for artists using fabric for their medium."  Joan / Massachusetts "... your method allows for much tighter curves in the design and also gives an interesting texture with the topstitching."    Ionne / British Columbia
Lectures:
Happy Villages and Accidental Landscapes
New for 2008 Two totally different techniques with the same fun results!  Karen shares her two favorite approaches to playing with fabrics: Fabric collage (Happy Villages) and layered/topstitching (Accidental Landscapes). This lighthearted and informative power point presentation will show you how the techniques evolved and will inspire you to try fabric collage or layered/topstitching in your own creations.
Layered Curves and Peaks
One hour slide presentation and trunk show:  An overview of how to create curves and angles using Karen's "Layered Curves and Peaks" and how they are used in her Accidental Landscapes™ series.  Inspired by the textures, lines and colors found in nature,  Karen shares her love of curved piecing and collage, and how it  led to the creation of her  layering/topstitching technique.
Collaged Creations    One hour slide presentation and trunk show:  From whimsical lizards to contemplative landscapes, Karen leads you step by step through several approaches to fabric collage. She will show you how to cut fabrics to get the look of precision piecing or even to give your piece a soft painterly glow.
Workshops:
Let's Make Waves! ~  NEW FOR 2009!
	This technique workshop is an introduction to working with Layered Curves and Peaks. Students will learn how easy it is to create a textured fabric with wild curves and dramatic points. Karen’s layered topstitching technique is  featured in Rodale’s book “Innovative Piecing” and is soon to be the topic of her new book "Layered Waves" available in 2009. Learn how to use your fabric in traditional or contemporary designs, impressive borders, eye catching wearables, and much, much more!       All Levels ~ available as   Half Day Workshop: hands-on introduction to the technique (Book optional) 1 Day Workshop: students will be able to complete an approximate half yard+ piece of Layered Waves fabric to be used for a project of their choosing. (Book highly recommended) 2 - 5 Day Workshop: really get into the flow by  creating mini projects each day. Warm up to the idea with easy gentle waves then get really wild at the end of the week as you create amazing designs on your own. (Book required)
Accidental Landscapes ™: Beaches
	Here is an introduction to creating landscapes "accidentally" using Karen's layered topstitching technique. These little beach scenes are quick and easy to make, no templates, not fuss - just free form rotary cutting and topstitched edges. Personalize your beach by adding collage details like a dune fence, beach grass, shells, sailboats, beach chairs, umbrellas, lighthouses, photo transfers, etc. See Accidental Landscapes Gallery for variations. Beach scene measures approximately 8" x 12" (without borders). (Additional pattern fee $ 7) All Levels ~ available as  Half Day Workshop (the basic Beach scene is created; collage details will be discussed) 1  Day Workshop (students will have time to add collage details, borders and start quilting - as an option students may choose to use their new skills to create a different landscape in the afternoon instead of finishing their beach scene)   Fabric Kits are available at $20 and may be reserved for workshop participants  by contacting me by email or phone.
Collage Workshop "Happy Villages"
	Explore the freedom of fabric collage! No seams to piece or match, no lines to trace ... Just free form cutting of step and window shapes. Step by step your little village will magically come to life.  Finished size 16 1/2 inch square.  (Additional book fee $ 16.95) Technique:  Fabric Collage  All Levels ~ available as  Half Day Workshop (leave your sewing machine at home for this introduction to fabric collage. Projects can be completed at home either by machine or by hand)  1  Day Workshop (A layer of tulle and machine stitching will complete your fabric collage project) See more Happy Villages made using this collage method

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