Classes and Lectures
Taught by Sherrie Jaqua
Learn more about Sherrie, read her resume
233 S. State St.
Oscoda, MI 48750
989-739-7030
sunshinequiltshop@sbcglobal.net

One and Two Day Classes and Retreats

Asymmetrical Block Quilts
What is an asymmetrical block you ask? This is a quilt block that can be twisted and turned different ways to make a great many different quilts from just one block. Sherrie has many different blocks from which to choose at many different skill levels. Some of the blocks teach paper piecing from an easy 3 piece block to more advanced paper piecing blocks. Some of the blocks teach specific techniques like Y-seams and half rectangles. All of the blocks are fun to make and you will be amazed at the many different quilts that will result from just one block. Participants' quilts will be very individual - each one quite different.

This class can be a one day class, a two day class, or a weekend retreat. See Murder Mystery Retreats below also.

Beginning Machine Quilting
Is your guild in need of a beginning class to teach people to machine quilt on their own home machines? If so this is the class for you. In the one day class we cover straight line quilting with a walking foot, free motion meanders or fills, quilting over a paper design, marking your quilt for a free motion design, and several free motion designs from your own head (with a little help from the instructor). In the two day class we expand upon the techniques described above and cover quilting feathers and fanciful leaves as well. The two day class includes a discussion on planning your quilting designs and working with larger pieces on a home machine - packaging techniques.

Every participant will go away from either the one day or two day class with a good base from which to continue to practice and expand their skills.

Special Project Classes
All of our Time to Shine patterns are taught in one and two day classes. In them you will learn the techniques needed to complete the project. Usually various sizes are available for participants to choose from. Our patterns include speed piecing techniques, machine applique, and fussy cut projects. Have a special project in mind? Let us design something special just for your group!

Murder Mystery Quilts
A favorite of retreat planners, our murder mystery quilts are lots of fun. This class combines a "Who Done It" type murder mystery with a mystery quilt. Participants have an opportunity to read script to enact the murder mystery while they receive clues to make the mystery quilt. Various sizes of projects are available, some of which combine the asymmetrical block workshops into the mystery. There are always lots of laughs and fun with this workshop and everyone goes away with a project they'll enjoy using for years to come.

Fabric Dyeing and Sun Printing
Have you always wanted to dye your own fabric? If so you'll love these classes. Sherrie teaches you to release the little bit of magic in all of us as we mix together an array of fabric dyes that produce a rainbow of beautiful color just perfect for your next quilt project. Whether you choose a one day class on gradation dyeing, a class on low emersion rainbow dyeing, a class on painting your fabric with dye or a class on sun printing, you're sure to love the results. You can pick more than one technique for a one or two day class. Some classes, like the sun printing, require good summer weather and a place to work outdoors. Others can be done in almost any setting with a water supply. Let us know what you desire and we will work with you for a fun and exciting workshop.

Lectures and Trunk Shows

Asymmetrical Block Quilts
This lecture and trunk show makes use of overheads projected on a screen to illuminate these wonderful blocks and the staggering array of quilt arrangements you can develop. Your mind will be swimming with possibilities as you see transparency after transparency of beautiful quilts. At the end of the lecture Sherrie will share the many quilts she and her students have made using these exciting blocks. You'll enjoy an evening of color and inspiration you won't soon forget.

Color in My Quilts
This lecture and trunk show teaches the basics of color theory using Sherrie's wide array of beautiful quilts and quilt tops as examples. Ever wondered why you like some quilts better than others? You'll find out in this lecture and learn how to reproduce those results in your own quilts. For those struggling with color in their quilting, this is a great place to begin the process of finding confidence in your color selection.

Costs and Fees:
A complete list of teaching fees and travel expense costs is available upon request. Teaching fees are figured on a per person basis with a minimum and maximum number of participants. Extra fees are added for over 20 people to cover the cost of bringing a teaching assistant to make sure everyone gets quality one on one instruction. Travel costs include hotel accommodations, round trip mileage or airfare and meals during the event and while traveling. When flying to an event, extra baggage fees to bring supplies, pre-cut kits, trunk shows, etc. are the responsibility of the group sponsoring the event. Feel free to call Sherrie for more information on all costs and fees.

Pre-Cut Kits
Many of our workshops are available in pre-cut kits. This allows participants to sit right down and start sewing. Kits are usually available in a choice of 2 or 3 colorways. Please contact Sherrie for more information and for pricing.