Workshops and Lectures

Workshops (Supply lists have been updated as of January 2010) To guilds, conferences and shops: When selecting more than one workshop of the same subject- Machine Quilting workshops or Machine Applique workshops- there will be some repeat information on basic supplies and techniques. Each workshop has its own individual project, concept or subject, but basics will be reinforced in all workshops. Please contact Sue if you would like help deciding what workshops to select for your students.
Machine Quilting Essentials Beginner/Intermediate- 1 Day* In this basic workshop, learn all aspects needed to master machine quilting. Start with a discussion on machine quilting supplies, including thread, needles and notions. Next, practice the basic techniques of straight line and free motion machine quilting on small quilt packages. After learning the skills to feel confident with these techniques, Sue will demonstrate how to successfully baste; package and machine quilt the actual quilt. Go home feeling confident to quilt any size and style quilt. Many quilts will be shown for inspiration. With Sue’s patient guidance learn all the basic skills needed to master machine quilting on your home sewing machine. Supply List ... “Machine Quilting: A Primer of Techniques” is a companion book for this workshop- not required. *This workshop is also available in a 2 day option- contact Sue for details.

Machine Stipple Quilting and Much More! All levels- 1 day In this all day workshop, free motion quilting will be explored for background areas on your quilt and for overall surface designs. Traditional stipple quilting will be covered as well as many fun alternatives. Some of the variations include: loopy meandering, psychedelic stippling and curvy crosshatching. Students will make a small stipple sampler to showcase these techniques. If you are looking for ways to make your machine quilting different from the crowd, this will inspire you. Some basic free motion quilting skills will be reviewed, then jump into the fun! Supply List and Project ... Sue’s book “Machine Quilting- A Primer of Techniques” features stipple sampler (Page 93) that can be used for this project.	Click to Enlarge

Machine Stipple Quilting- Make a Tote! Sue will no longer will be offering this workshop. If your group has selected this workshop before January 2010- contact Sue for Supply List.	Click to Enlarge:

Machine Quilting Traditions Intermediate- 1 day In this workshop explore machine quilting using traditional quilting designs. Sue’s inspiration for choosing quilting designs comes from antique quilts keeping with the traditions in quiltmaking. Feathers, cables and motif designs will be covered as well as stipple quilting and crosshatching for background areas. Discussion will include thread choices, batting selection and handling the larger quilt project. This is a great choice for students who are interested in adding to their machine quilting experience. With Sue’s expert guidance learn to become more confident with free motion machine quilting and enjoy the process. Supply List and Small Quilting Project ... “Machine Quilting: A Primer of Techniques” is a companion book for this workshop - not required. *Students don’t have to have a lot of machine quilting experience, however free motion knowledge is helpful.	Click to Enlarge: Also: Click for Detail

Mastering Feathers on the Machine Advanced beginner, Intermediate, Advanced- 2 day This workshop will focus on beautiful feathers, from drawing your own feathers to free motion quilting with ease. First, explore the techniques Sue uses to custom design her feathers. It is easier than you think! Next, learn to control your stitching successfully to create your own free motion feathers on the machine. Practice will make perfect as you stitch on practice samples. Students will then design their own feather sampler to combine the techniques covered in this workshop. Students will learn how Sue approaches the actual quilt project- marking, basting and quilting the actual quilt will be covered. Fabulous feathers are a perfect choice for the machine quilter! Supply List and Small Feather Sampler Project ...	Click to Enlarge

Mastering Feathers on the Machine Advanced beginner, Intermediate, Advanced- 1 day This workshop will focus on beautiful feathers, from drawing your own feathers to free motion quilting with ease. First, explore the techniques Sue uses to custom design her feathers. It is easier than you think! Next, learn to control your stitching successfully to create your own free motion feathers on the machine. Practice will make perfect as you stitch on practice samples. Also covered in a demo format, Sue will show her approach to marking, basting and quilting the actual quilt. At the end of the day, feel confident to design and free motion quilt fabulous feathers! Supply List ...	Click to Enlarge

Machine Quilting: What a difference THREAD makes! Sue will no longer will be offering this workshop. If your group has selected this workshop before January 2010- contact Sue for Supply List.	Click to Enlarge

Machine Quilting: Feathers and Stippling Intermediate In this six hour workshop explore the beautiful feather design and how to enhance it with traditional stipple quilting. Sue has used the feather design successfully on many of her quilts and uses traditional stipple quilting to add dimension. The feather is the ideal design for free motion quilting and is easier than you might think. Students will work at the machine on a small feather project that Sue has created just for this workshop. Fall in love with this fabulous combo- Feathers and Stippling! Supply list ...	Click to Enlarge

Machine Quilting the Appliqué Quilt, 1 Day Workshop Advanced beginner, intermediate In this workshop explore the options for quilting the appliqué quilt. Outline, echo quilting and designs to enhance this quilt type will be explored. Stipple quilting for the background areas will be covered as well as other interesting options. Also, see what can be added within the appliqué shapes to enhance the quilt. Surface embellishments will be introduced to add interest and texture to the quilt. Students will work on two practice appliqué blocks to learn these techniques. If you love appliqué and have always wanted advice on how to quilt your quilt, this is a perfect workshop for you. 1-Day Supply List ... Students can also bring appliqué quilt tops for discussion on how to quilt them. **Sue’s book “Machine Applique: A Sampler of Techniques” has 3 easy appliqué techniques to choose from for stitching your blocks.	Click to Enlarge

Machine Quilting the Applique Quilt, 2 Day Workshop advanced beginner, intermediate In this workshop explore the options for quilting the appliqué quilt. Outline, echo quilting and designs to enhance this quilt type will be explored. Stipple quilting for the background areas will be covered as well as other interesting options. Also, see what can be added within the appliqué shapes to enhance the quilt. Surface embellishments will also be introduced to add interest and texture to the quilt. Students will work on practice blocks to learn the techniques and then will begin work on a small project. If you love appliqué and have always wanted advice on how to quilt your quilt, this is a perfect workshop for you. 2-Day Supply List and Project ... Sue’s book “Machine Applique: A Sampler of Techniques” has some simple appliqué blocks if students need a small project for this workshop. *Students can also bring appliqué quilt tops for discussion on how to quilt them.	Click to Enlarge

Stitched Raw Edge Applique- Tulips and Hearts Beginner- 1 day Learn all about easy machine appliqué in this great little project. A small amount of fusible is used to seal the edge yet leaves the block soft. The machine blanket stitching makes this project secure for washing. Students will work on one block in class to learn the technique. Explore the details of points, curves, and a great bias stem option. This quilt looks perfect in 30’s prints, but can be done in your favorite fabrics as well. Students will receive the block pattern and instructions to complete the small project. Supply list ...	Click to Enlarge

Stitched Raw Edge Fusible Machine Appliqué “Twenty-One Birds” Sue will no longer will be offering this workshop. If your group has selected this workshop before January 2010- contact Sue for Supply List.	Click to Enlarge

Stitched Raw Edge Machine Appliqué “Morning has Broken” Intermediate- 1 day Explore the details of this great fusible machine appliqué technique. Students will work on one block* from Sue’s quilt “Morning has Broken” featured in the new AQS book “Stitched Raw Edge Appliqué” co- authored by Sue and her sister Pat Holly. Really sharp points, reverse appliqué, embellishments and other details will be covered. Embellishing the background will also be an option for students on this block. Learn the machine skills used by Sue and Pat for their award winning quilts “The Space Quilt” and “The Beatles Quilt. Please note- Students will receive the pattern for the center block only, books will be available to purchase for the remaining patterns for this quilt. Supply List ...*	Click to Enlarge

Machine Appliqué Flower Basket Confident Beginner/Intermediate- 1 or 2 day options This workshop is best with the 2 day option! In this workshop learn how to appliqué using a quick raw edge fusible machine technique. Ashley’s Flower Basket, the first pattern in a series of flower basket designs Sue and her sister, Pat Holly are creating for JWD Publishing will be used in this workshop. Learn the fine points of machine appliqué including perfect points, neat curves and creative surface embellishments. This technique is the focus of the new AQS book “Stitched Raw Edge Appliqué” co-authored by Sue and her sister, Pat Holly. Quality workmanship is the priority in this workshop! Supply List ...	Click to Enlarge

Baltimore Style Appliqué by Machine Advanced beginner/Intermediate- 1 day Learn machine appliqué using a versatile raw edge fusible technique that is perfectly suited for the smaller more intricate style associated with Baltimore album blocks. This project features folk art inspired images reminiscent of the beautiful quilts made during the 19th century. Students will work on one block during the workshop and receive this pattern. The remaining two patterns to complete this unique project will be available for purchase. Sue and her sister, Pat Holly, have been inspired by the this folk art style of appliqué quilts to create their award winning “The Beatles Quilt” and “The Space Quilt”. Learn the same techniques they have used in these modern Baltimore style quilts in this wonderful workshop. Focus on quality workmanship that never compromises quality for speed! Supply List ...	Click to Enlarge

Folk Garden Borders: Machine Appliqué Techniques Advanced Beginner/Intermediate- 1 day In this all day workshop, learn Sue’s Stitched Raw Edge appliqué technique while creating a folk garden border from Sue’s Quilt “Blue Tulips on Pink Skies”. Nineteenth century folk art quilts were the influence for this completely machine made quilt. Learn all the details of the technique including bias stems, points and circles. Make your quilts spectacular by adding beautiful appliqué borders. Project can be the start of the quilt or can be made into a small runner. Supply List ...	Click to Enlarge

Appliqué Elements: Fun Flowers Sue will no longer will be offering this workshop. If your group has selected this workshop before January 2010- contact Sue for Supply List.	Click to Enlarge Also: Click for Detail

Fun Flowers Tote Sue will no longer will be offering this workshop. If your group has selected this workshop before January 2010- contact Sue for Supply List.	Click to Enlarge

Award Winning Machine Appliqué with Sue Nickels In this multi- day workshop, learn how to appliqué using a raw edge machine technique that Sue and her sister Pat Holly have used on their award-winning quilts. Students will choose a project from Pat and Sue’s new book, “Stitched Raw Edge Appliqué” from AQS. Projects feature fabulous birds quilts and a folky floral quilt. This workshop begins with a unique way of creating backgrounds using decorative stitches from your sewing machine. Move on to learn their fusible appliqué method that keeps the quilt soft and yet is washable. While making the project, learn all the details of really sharp points, smoothly stitched curves, creative surface embellishments and much more. As a bonus, Pat and Sue have created beautiful and unique edge treatments for many of their quilts. Time will be allowed for students to learn these techniques by making small mock up samples. Sue will finish with machine quilting information for appliqué quilts and demonstrate these ideas for you. Enjoy learning many different aspects of machine skills from this award winning machine appliqué and quilting teacher. Please contact Sue for further information on this workshop- how many days needed and detailed supply list.

The Scalloped Edge all levels- half day In this half day workshop learn how Sue stitched the fabulous scalloped edge on her award winning quilt “Le Panier de Fleurs”. This edge has received much attention since the quilt appeared in shows in 2000. Students will make a practice piece to learn the drafting, stitching and placement along the edge of the quilt. This technique is featured in Sue and her sister Pat Holly’s new book, “Stitched Raw Edge Machine Appliqué” from AQS. Take the mystery out this attractive and classic finish. As a bonus Sue will demonstrate the creative loopy edge treatment also featured in the new book! Supply List ...

Drawing Fabulous Feathers All levels- half day In this half day workshop, explore the techniques Sue uses to custom design feathers. Do you want to free yourself from using stencils and tracing your feathers from books? Have you always wanted to draw your own designs? Sue will show you how she easily designs original feathers, it is easier than you think! Let Sue walk you step by step through the design process and make feathers that fit the exact size of your quilt. Also, learn about the latest marking tools to easily mark on your fabric. Machine Quilting: A Primer of Techniques by Sue from AQS features some of Sue’s feather designs. Supply List ...

Machine Quilting Basics Beginner/Intermediate 3 hours In this basic workshop, learn all aspects needed to master machine quilting. Start with a discussion on machine quilting supplies, including thread, needles and notions. Next, practice the basic techniques of straight line and free motion machine quilting on small quilt packages. After learning the skills to feel confident with these techniques, Sue will demonstrate how to successfully baste; package and machine quilt the actual quilt. Go home feeling confident to quilt any size and style quilt. Many quilts will be shown for inspiration. With Sue’s patient guidance learn all the basic skills needed to master machine quilting on your home sewing machine. Supply list ...

Stitched Raw Edge Appliqué All levels- half day Explore the details of this great machine appliqué technique featured in Sue’s book “Stitched Raw Edge Appliqué from AQS co-authored with her sister Pat Holly. A small amount of fusible is used to seal the edge yet leaves the block soft. The stitching makes this project secure for washing. Students will work on a simple flower block that can be incorporated into a small quilt project. Kit provided for one block. Supply list ...	Click to Enlarge

Lectures Sue is using power point for her lectures as of January 2008. Sue will bring her own projector and computer. If possible, please provide a microphone, podium and a table at the front of the room for quilts and sales of books.
Machine Quilting for Today’s Quilts Sue will share through slides her progression from hand quilter to the machine quilter she is today. This personal journey includes slides of Sue’s quilts and her sister, Pat Holly’s quilts as well quilts from machine quilters who have influenced the current machine quilting trends. Sue will bring a selection of her quilts to share and provide time for discussion at the end, so bring your questions about machine quilting. *IMPORTANT NOTE: Please provide a screen, projector table and a long three prong extension cord for this lecture. If possible, please provide a microphone, podium and a table at the front of the room for quilts and sales of books.

The Quilt Collaborations of Sue Nickels and Pat Holly In this lecture, Sue will share the unique way she and her sister, Pat Holly, collaborate on their award winning quilts. Share Sue and Pat’s history in quilting through slides of their collaborative quilts including “The Beatles Quilt” and “The Space Quilt”. Sue will bring quilts to share and allow time for questions. *IMPORTANT NOTE: Please provide a screen, projector table and a long three prong extension cord for this lecture. If possible, please provide a microphone, podium and a table at the front of the room for quilts and sales of books.

Machine Quilting Tips and Tricks with Sue Nickels Sue will discuss how machine quilting has progressed over the last 20 years. Using actual quilts, Sue will share her enthusiasm for traditional machine quilting on the home sewing machine. Discussion will include her favorite tips and tricks for successful machine quilting. Time allowed for discussion so bring your questions on machine quilting for Sue! (Short power point presentation will begin lecture) *IMPORTANT NOTE: Please provide a screen, projector table and a long three prong extension cord for this lecture. If possible, please provide a microphone, podium and a table at the front of the room for quilts and sales of books.

Following the Tradition - Machine Quilting Explore the history of machine quilting in this informative slide lecture. Begin with antique quilts and then progress to the present popularity in machine quilting. Sue will discuss how quilters keep with traditional values while using machine techniques. A sampling of quilts will be shown after the slide portion of the lecture and Sue will take questions on machine quilting. *IMPORTANT NOTE: Please provide a screen, projector table and a long three prong extension cord for this lecture. If possible, please provide a microphone, podium and a table at the front of the room for quilts and sales of books.