At the end of last month Brenda and I travelled to Oamaru, on the South Island of New Zealand. I was teaching a class for the North Otago Patchers and Quilters for two full days, but we got some extra time to explore this lovely city on the day we arrived.

Oamaru is known as the Steampunk Capital of the world. The old town has been preserved and transformed into a gorgeous area with cobbled streets, and the old Whitestone buildings from the early days of European settlement, when Oamaru was a bustling port.

Beautiful buildings with quirky and interesting shops, including lots of craft shopping opportunities make this a great place to explore.

We ventured into the Textile Emporium - what a delightful place! Vintage sewing machines, looms and an amazing spinning wheel from the 1700's caught our attention, as did all the lovely samples. 

This weaving had been done by students at the Emporium.

There really is something for everyone in this shop - whether you love to...

I am so excited to announce my Quilt Party!

Sheila's Quilt Party is my membership subscription site where you will be joining a community of quilters, all learning and growing as they try out new techniques and make exciting projects.

I want my members to feel like they are coming to class with me, so even though we won't be in the same place, we will be working together to help YOU develop your quilting skills in the way you want to. I love to experiment with different techniques, and try out new ideas. I hope I will inspire you to do the same.

Memberships are quite a new development in the online world, and there are some great benefits to you with this one:

• LEARN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE. Classes are on video and available to view at any time.
• GO AT YOUR OWN PACE. Progress through the steps when you are ready.
• MEET LIKE MINDED PEOPLE. Join the group discussion, share your work and chat to other quilters around the world.
• TAKE LESSONS FROM ME WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD. No travel...

Tomorrow I will be teaching another free class in my Triangle Block Party facebook group. These classes are always available in the group after the facebook live, just go to the video section to view them.

In Lessons 1 to 3 I teach you how to make this Wonderland Table runner, using my triangle patchwork techniques. Once you have taken these lessons you are going to want to make more triangle based projects!

I hope you enjoy the classes.

Here's where to join

While we are all stuck at home I've been experimenting with doing some online classes.

It's been lots of fun and the classes are now up online (free of charge) and available to view. All you have to do is click on the images below and join the facebook group for each class. You will find the first videos in the groups already.

Back to Basics is a beginner course in making a simple quilt. So far I have covered information about choosing fabrics, selecting tools, cutting and getting a good 1/4" seam. Next Tuesday 7th April 2020 at 10am (New Zealand time) I am doing the second session on sewing on your sashings and borders.

On Thursday 9th April at 10am NZ time I will be teaching the second class in my Triangle Block Party. Join me to learn my triangle patchwork techniques.

To get the correct time for your location, here is a link to a world clock

As well as the classes, the patterns for each of the class projects are included and can be downloaded from the Units sections of...

I am really excited to be teaching at the Quilt Symposium this October.

I am offering two classes;

Shapes with an Angle is an in-depth, 3 day class where you will learn all about my triangle grid patchwork technique, make sample blocks, play with new ideas and work on your own project. This class is for quilters with experience who wish to extend their understanding of the structure of these contemporary quilts, but you don't need any experience with 60 degree triangles.

Mini Wonders Waltz is a project-based class over 2 days. You will make my Mini Wonders hexagonal table centre, piecing the blocks and you may also get on to quilting in the time available.  A fun project to stretch yourself and learn new techniques.

The 2019 NZ Quilt Symposium is being held at St Cuthberts College in Auckland

I love it when customers bring in the projects they have made, especially someone as keen as Theresa, who bought the pattern and fabrics for this beautiful bag on Saturday and then came in on Tuesday with the project finished, proudly modelled by her daughter

On Tuesday evening we had the Intermediate class, and learned paper piecing techniques. Here are some of the practice pieces. If you haven't done any paper piecing it's a great way to get your points in the right places and your blocks all the right size!

Thursday is stitching day in the shop. We had a good number of people this week, shared lots of fun and had a laugh at the 'suicidal bunny' - I don't know why but he keeps wanting to jump off the shelf.

Sarah came in to show us her 'Charmed' Quilt:

This is Sue's

Both very different colour choices, don't they look lovely!

So what will you be sewing this Queen's Birthday weekend? We have a Mariners Compass class in the shop tomorrow, so I will be...