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Teaching in PADUCAH!

It’s really true…. I knew it was because I had the signed contract, but the brochure to register for classes at Paducah arrived this week:

Paducah brochure cover

And guess what… I’m IN IT, as one of the teachers! Here is the class schedule. Each day’s classes run across the page, with the vertical columns showing which classes/teachers are in which rooms. I’m in the Roosevelt I (in the middle of the middle page) for portions of Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and in the Museum G1 room for one class on design on Friday afternoon. I’ve highlighted the places I’ll be, including (on the first day) the Awards Presentation to watch in awe and (I hope) the Sneak Preview (there is a teachers’ meeting after the Awards thing, so I may not be able to go).

Paducah brochure class grid

Paducah prefers to offer half-day classes, and most of my regular classes (to learn more, click on the Classes link in the menu bar above) are full-day sessions. So, I offered to split some of the full-day classes into segments. I’m so thrilled…. one lady I met recently on a yahoo group has already signed up! WOOOOHOOOO! Anyway, here is what I’m teaching (and if you have questions about the suitability of a class or whatever, please write me!):

Wednesday morning, April 23 — Looks Like Hand Applique (but Isn’t) uses washaway paper / stabilizer to make a machine applique that looks like hand-turned (almost) but that is done on the machine. Best of all, no freezer paper to remove!

Wednesday early evening (5:30-8:30), April 23 — Chunk and Jigsaw Fusible Applique–this is the easiest and most playful class, so perfect for this time (which startled me…first I saw the 8:30 pm and gasped as I’m not a night person, but 5:30 to 8:30 works perfectly for this one!)

Thursday all day, April 24 — Introduction to Machine Quilting. This is my most popular class and fills regularly. It is suitable for folks who have never machine quilted a single stitch up to early intermediate–folks who have done machine quilting but want a lot of background about the basics plus hands on help and practice using both the walking foot and free-motion.  It is jam-packed with information, so bring LOTS of notepaper and be ready to learn!  I’ve not had a soul yet who didn’t quilt their name (and someone else could read it, too!) by the end of the day!

Friday morning, April 24 — Machine Quilting: Dabbling with Decorative Threads. This is the play part of my all-day “more machine quilting” class. I will have kits ($15 each) containing seven types of threads on ten “bobbins/ micro-spools” of Superior Threads so students can try 50-wt cotton, 40-wt. single-color and variegated polyester, 35-wt variegated cotton, a metallic, a holographic (the shiny fancy stuff!), and 60-wt “Bottom Line” polyester (the Bottom Line, a fine thread designed for use in the bobbin but also a fantastic applique thread for either hand or machine work)

Friday afternoon, April 24 — If You Can Write Your ABC’s, You Can Draw Your Own Designs. This is a brand new offering, and I’m excited (and a tiny bit terrified). I’ll teach you that even if you think you can’t draw, you really can, because you “draw” your letters every time you write. It will be a fun class and I hope it will help you learn to see the world in a new way–how to identify shapes and then use that knowledge in your quilting.

Saturday morning, April 25 — Nearly No-Mark Machine Quilting. This class overlaps with the Intro to Machine Quilting class, but focuses on the doing, not the basics and foundations you need to know to get the best results. If you think you know what you need to know about needles, machine basics, ergonomics, basting and such, but really want help only with the free-motion portion of the class, this is for you. Of course, I’ll have extra handouts for this class featuring different designs and processes so if someone wants to take both classes, there will be new material and more one-on-one time (I hope!).

Saturday afternoon, April 25 — All Star Review. I’ll be one of a LARGE number of teachers doing demonstrations on special techniques. I’ll be talking about Decorative Threads on the Machine. If I recall correctly, 400 people are allowed to purchase entry to these reviews (I’m doing the one on Saturday only, not the one on Tuesday). Folks are given a booklet of one-page handouts for all the teachers, then can go from station to station watching the demos. It is a great way to get a feel for the teachers (and hopefully I’ll be able to make some contacts that will lead to future teaching gigs around the US or, dare I hope, beyond!) and be exposed to a lot in a short time. During the last half-hour of the 2 hour period we are permitted to sell patterns, items and kits. If I have any leftover thread sampler kits, they and my patterns will be available here.

To read the class descriptions, class supply lists, kit fees and whatnot, please visit the Paducah class information webpages. The hotlinks on this page will allow you to download pdfs, including one for the full brochure, and others that are sections of the brochure. My classes are in the School of Applique, School of Color and Design, and School of Quilting and Finishing, as well as the Complete Registration Guide.

To register for the classes, click here.

And on Sunday, I have a FIVE-leg journey…yes, car shuttle to the airport 2 hours away plus five flights plus short drive… to get home.   I think I’ll be a happy blithering idiot by the time I get home.  I am thrilled, honored, praying and working hard to live up to this incredible opportunity, slightly terrified, and mostly excited about being able to teach in Paduch.

7 Responses to “Teaching in PADUCAH!”

  1. Dale Anne Says:

    I am SO EXCITED for you!!!
    This will be the start of MANY EXCITING trips I am sure!
    ENJOY!!!

  2. Fitzy Says:

    Wow! You have “arrived.” I am suitably impressed.

    Wish there was something (anything) you were teaching in my neck of the woods!

  3. Jacquie Scuitto Says:

    Now it all seems really real! This is a wonderful step up for you. Anticipate, prepare and enjoy!

    jq

  4. Maria Peagler Says:

    Congrats Sarah Ann. How exciting and what a ways away from home for you! It will be a tremendous difference from teaching hometown folks when you teach at a national venue. Be prepared with extra material, because these ladies will fly through what you normally teach. These are the “dedicated” quilters who love to attend classes and learn new techniques. I always prepare with extra material and exercises for those classes that seem to really take off. Congrats again!

  5. Mary Says:

    Sarah Congratulations and as a loyal blog reader I know you WILL live up to this honor!

  6. lisa Says:

    I am so thrilled for you Sarah and what a wonderful collection of classes you have developed.

  7. Sally Says:

    How cool, well done!