Valley Quilters Guild
May your bobbin always be full.
Three Classes Available:
Barn Quilt Class in September
Bird Quilt Class in October
Pineapple Day Class in November
(Limited space available in all classes)
Barn Quilt Class – taught by Sharon Hillstrom
Date/Time: Sat, Sept 20, 2025, 10am to 5pm
Cost: $20 members / $40 non-members, plus $15 for 24x24 board (limit 1 per person)
Class size: 20
Location: Presbyterian Log Church 713 S. Denali St, Palmer, AK
Description:
If you’ve ever seen the fun Barn Quilts that are appearing on barns and homes, read on! It’s always a nice surprise to spot them. We are beginning to see them around the Valley, popping up on quilters’ homes and even on the Irwin Bldg at the Alaska State Fair. But, making one for yourself can be overwhelming. There are so many supplies to figure out, patterns to explore, and decisions to make. You are the perfect candidate for one of Sharon’s classes, and they are so much fun to make with a group!
You will start from a blank (pre-primed) board and proceed to a finished Barn Quilt ready to hang. The Barn Quilt should be sealed before hanging on a building, and Sharon will give you instructions for sealing and hanging them. She will have a variety of patterns to choose from and show you how to trace them onto your board. Sharon is always ready to help you every step of the way. Everyone has the time to complete their barn quilt in the one-day class.
Supplies provided for the class: A wide variety of paint colors, 1” foam brushes, various size little bowls or paint from the small paint cans, baggies to store wet brushes in, hand wipes and paper towels, and picnic tablecloths to cover and protect the tables.
Supply List of Items for you to bring:
Your pre-purchased board, a roll of 1.4” green Frog tape (Sharon prefers this over the yellow), a 6 x 24” quilters ruler, paper scissors, lunch, water and snacks for the day. Wear clothes or an apron you don’t mind getting paint on, though it is water soluble.
Jeannie has ordered some 1.4” green Frog tape rolls. Let her know if you want one, and she will add you to a list, and you can just reimburse her. She can order more, depending on the class size and requests. Cost will be about $7 vs about $9 locally.
Bird Quilt Class – by Kim Barr
Date/Time: Sat, Oct 4 – 10-5
Cost: $20 Guild members / $40 non-members
Class size : 15
Location: Presbyterian Log Church 713 S. Denali St, Palmer, AK
"The bird quilt is all about technique rather than following a strict pattern—and once you start, it’s delightfully addictive! Before you know it, you'll have a whole flock of fun and quirky bird blocks.
Bring your fabric scraps—I’ll bring mine too so you can dig through a colorful variety. Striped and polka dot fabrics make fantastic legs and beaks, while feathers can be absolutely anything you like. It’s a great chance to play with texture and color.
You’ll need about 2 yards of background fabric. If you want your blocks to feature a different base color, plan for another 2 yards. The total amount will depend on your quilt’s size and layout.
Don’t forget your basic sewing tools and your machine. I’ll provide a printed handout for reference, plus lots of bird blocks and a couple of finished quilts to inspire you.
Let’s make something fun—join the flock and let’s be birds of a feather!"
Kim Barr
SUPPLIES:
Background Fabric – 2 yd
If Blocks Separate One Color (not scraps) - 2 yd
Scraps – stripes & polka dots make very interesting legs & beaks – Kim will bring scraps, also
Basic Sewing Supplies
Sewing Machine in good working order
Pineapple Day Class - by Sharon Swieter
A Foundation Pieced Pattern Class
Date/Time: Sat, Nov 15 – 10am-5pm
Cost: $20 member / $40 non-members
Class size : 15
Location: Presbyterian Log Church 713 S. Denali St, Palmer, AK
Fabric requirements: The pattern calls for a jelly roll and 3 charm packs. But you can also use fat eights, fat or straight quarters, a layer cake or scraps. The more variety the better for a scrappy look.
Background: The pattern calls for 4 2/3 yards. This includes the border. You may choose to make fewer blocks for a smaller quilt….or just the 12” or 6” for a one size block quilt, or just a table runner.
Pre-class Homework: Spray starch all your fabric before coming to class and before cutting your strips. If using a jelly roll you can spray starch these as well. The strips will shrink slightly in length but not in width. Don’t skip this step! This is VERY helpful when paper piecing strips.
Pre-class cutting: The 12” blocks call for 2.5” wide strips. The 6” blocks call for 1.5” wide strips.
Have a good variety of these cut before class.
If you have any questions feel free to text me. Looking forward to seeing you in class!
Sharon Swieter – 907-227-3992