Learn how to stay pain-free from an expert in sewing ergonomics and health and wellness.

Quilting can be a real pain in the neck, so can cutting, pressing, and handiwork! How high should your cutting table be? How about your ironing board, your sewing chair, or your sewing table? Be ready to learn about: the ergonomics of sewing, pressing, cutting, and handiwork. Her stretches are designed for quilters’ trouble spots including text/quilters neck, tight shoulders, lower backache, carpal tunnel syndrome prevention, and they can all be done right in your sewing room. Plus lots of other tips so we can sew smart to sew long!

https://www.healthyquilting.com/

Using contrast in the form of fabrics with different textures, patterns and value is one of the first steps to creating contrast in quilts and textile art. Adding embellishments such as thread play, couching, beading, painting, and other mixed media can also create contrast by adding dimension and texture within the piece. Most importantly a design or concept is needed to expand on. Using some or all of these different techniques – the ideas will be never ending. Join Jen as she explores the world of contrast and learn a few tips, tricks and techniques that you can incorporate into your quilt making and art to boost the contrast in your work.

Bio: “Growing up in Saskatchewan, I always had my hands on one type of craft or another. Despite my mother being a skilled seamstress, I was never going to sew. However, never say never as fate had other plans for my creative journey. It wasn’t until I found myself in the Canadian Arctic working as a flight nurse that I stumbled upon the wonderful world of quilting and was hooked. Little did I know that this newfound passion would accompany me across continents. In the remote expanses of the Australian Outback, my sewing machine hummed, I stepped into the world of designing and soaked up all kinds of inspiration from my unique surroundings. Returning to Canada, I developed my label, “Quilts by Jen”. I am a designer, teacher, speaker, pattern writer, blogger and magazine contributor. I draw inspiration from the world around me, infusing my quilts with color, texture, and movement. My art combines traditional and non-traditional techniques, utilizing various textiles and embellishments.
From my off-grid studio in the Canadian Shield, I teach and share my passion for quilting surrounded by the beauty that inspires me. My classes are not just lessons; they are immersive journeys into the heart of quilting, where art meets technique, and passion meets joy. You can find out more about my quilting adventures at quiltsbyjen.ca.”

“A PowerPoint lecture presentation demonstrating the idea that quilts do not need to be complex to be compelling. I share my thoughts on how to choose great fabrics and simple designs to create amazing quilts. I show some work from artists who have inspired me and also speak about how my background has informed my work.”

Bio: “I know this is not what you are expecting but I have two degrees in piano. I’ve taught piano, from beginner to college level, for 42 years. I have loved teaching piano although the quilting has almost taken over my life. I also have loved sewing from the time I was around 11.
Fast forward to when my children left home and I found myself wanting to quilt and sew all day right up until my students walked in the door. In 2011 I got the nerve up to submit a quilt to the Pennsylvania National Quilt Competition and I’ve never looked back. I won Judges Choice, then went on to win many more awards at New Jersey, Albuquerque, Paducah, and more. I have also sold my quilts, table runners and bags at fine art and craft shows across the country. I have won awards at those venues, as well. My work hangs in corporate venues such as Epic Corporation in Madison Wisconsin and at Milton Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.”
Rachel Derstine About