Learning
I’ve been teaching Pet Portraits to quilters and non-quilters alike at in-person workshops since 2014 but when the Covid pandemic hit, everything changed. One of the positives that emerged was discovering that we don’t need to travel to take a class. Who knew that learning online is actually better in some ways than in-person learning? Yes, we can be in class while we’re still in our jammies! More importantly, we can learn at our own pace at convenient times without having to keep up with everyone else in the class. In short, Covid-19 made online learning more than OK and it’s officially blossomed as a way of learning and connecting with others.
Without further a-do, my Pet Portrait Fabric Collage classes are online! Learn from the comfort of your home at a time and pace that suits you.
Online Classes
There are 3 phases to making a fabric collage so I have created a course to match each phase. You can sign up for any or all of the Pet Portrait courses, depending on your needs.
… if you are beginning or have already tried making a pet portrait, start with From Picture to Pattern.
… if you started a pet portrait but need a nudge to finish, start with Fabric Collage.
… if you’ve finished a collage but don’t know how to quilt it, start with Quilting and Finishing.
Each course guides you step-by-step with photos, written instructions and videos. For individual coaching, enter your question in the lesson’s comments box and I’ll answer it as you work through the course. You’re welcome and encouraged to join our Facebook group for support and to see what other students are working on.
Once you register, the course is yours to access whenever you want and it doesn’t expire. You read that right! Life intervenes and changes our plans sometimes, so you will be able to work at your own pace.
From Picture to Pattern
In this course, you will learn how to make a pattern from a photo of your favourite pet or animal. This includes choosing a great photo, preparing your photo, enlarging and printing the full-size photos and how to see like an artist as you trace. You’ll learn what and how to trace as you discover your own style.
On completion, you will have your own unique pattern and a foundation with a placement guide for your pet portrait collage. As a bonus, you will also have a “photo sandwich” to use as your guide in choosing the ideal fabrics to build and assemble your collage.
Fabric Collage
In this course, you will learn how value, colour and texture play important roles in fabric collage. You’ll learn how to identify value in fabric using a value finder (free download included) and how to select fabrics for your portrait. You’ll see how to use Steam-a-Seam Lite to cut and fuse the fabric shapes and how to properly layer them to improve the sense of depth. And the eyes…oh, the eyes. Yes, you’ll learn how to make those beautiful eyes and noses in this course. You’ll be amazed when you see your pet’s eyes peeking back at you from your collage. Finally, you’ll see how to choose and construct a background to really make your portrait pop.
Quilting and Finishing
Are you hesitant to stitch through your collage after all the work you’ve put into it? Conquer your fear in this class. Anne will lead you through the process step-by-step so you can build your confidence to quilt your collage.
We’ll start by making a plan for quilting your portrait. Make all the changes you like at this stage. You’ll keep the final design close by the sewing machine for reference as you quilt the portrait.
Then we’ll explore different types of thread and how they affect the final appearance of your quilted collage. This will take care of the question: which thread will I use and where will I use it? Next, we’ll tackle the elephant in the room: how do I quilt it? You will conquer your fears by quilting on a small fabric collage sample with a selection of threads before you touch your actual fabric collage (…this makes a great set of mug rugs when you’re finished). With the quilting plans at your fingertips and some practice under your belt, you’ll be ready to quilt your collaged portrait.
The only thing remaining at this point is the finishing. You will see four ways to finish the edges of your quilt, including how to mount it on a stretched canvas. For a final touch, you’ll see how to add an internal border that really sets off your portrait.
I am available by email or text message to support you and answer any questions you have along the way. Or, post your comments or questions in the Comment box for that lesson and I will pick it up and answer you. Of course, you can email me at collagequilter@icloud.com.
I hope you’ll sign up and start creating a fabric collage of your favourite pet or animal today. If you’ve already started a collage, there’s no better time to get re-connected with it and finish it off with some expert guidance.
There’s more….a Facebook group for students who wish to share and enhance their experience with social media. I’ll be answering questions and posting updates there as well.
I hope to see you in class soon.
Anne