December 6, 2011

The incomparable Sue Nickels was here at Hudson River Valley Art Workshops to teach her machine quilting workshop. Sue is the co-author, with her sister Pat Holly, of Machine Quilting: A Primer of Techniques and Stitched Raw Edge Appliqué. This was the first time I had seen Sue’s work up close and in person and all I can say is Wow.

A display of some of Sue’s books and DVDs that she had available for sale in the class.

Sue made good use of technology, with a camera and digital projector, to allow her students to get a good look of her methods without having to all crowd around and look over her shoulders.

The students really enjoyed learning from Sue. Jeanine said, “Sue is very generous with her time and with her knowledge!”

Throughout the course of the 3-day workshop, Sue had a number of different practice exercises, including doing feathers and free-motion work.

This is Dalia, who came all the way from Israel, showing off the nifty idea that Sue showed the class for making it easier to grip the fabric while you are quilting – using the cut off fingers of dishwashing gloves.