Workshops ~ Lectures -

My lectures and workshops are available virtually via Zoom    

Everyone gets a front row seat for my lecture! Workshops are a breeze when you can sit in the comfort of your own home. No lugging heavy sewing machines, irons, etc...or worrying about bringing the right fabrics. Everything you need will be right at your fingertips. Guilds save money on airline fares, hotels and meals, and I can show so many more quilts, since I won't have a 50lb suitcase limit! A win-win scenario for everyone. Hope to "see" you soon!

	Copyright Note: My books, patterns and workshops are registered under copyright law. Workshops may only be taught with specific written permission from Karen Eckmeier
Quotes:	Click picture for Student Gallery
"At long last, landscape patterns suitable for the rank beginner with little experience and no self-confidence! (Said with tongue firmly planted in cheek) .... you'll be hooked on this easy, no-template, surface-stitched technique"     Karen Reed / PA "... it (Layered Curves) has added a new dimension to my work as a fine art quilter. The Accidental Landscape is a practical new skill. It is both fast and marketable as fine art. It promotes creative self expression for artists using fabric for their medium."  Joan / Massachusetts "... your method allows for much tighter curves in the design and also gives an interesting texture with the topstitching."    Ionne / British Columbia
Lectures:
Wiggles & Waves
Inspired by the textures, lines and colors found in nature,  Karen shares her love of curved piecing and collage, and how it  led to the creation of her  layered topstitching technique. Wild curves and dramatic angles may look difficult to do, but the process is really easy and quite relaxing!  So sit back and let Karen inspire you during this presentation on how to use her topstitching technique to create wiggles & waves, twists & twirls, logs & leaves, Accidental Landscapes™ and even waves to wear. (Powerpoint presentation includes a mini trunk show of 10 to 12 quilts)
oops! My Edges are Showing
Is it straight-stitch appliqué or raw-edge collage? No matter what you call it, the edges of the fabric are bound to fray, but that's OK! From early hand appliqué pieces, up to her current straight-stitch appliqué series, Karen’s presentation will definitely give you some ideas on where to find inspiration and how to deal with those scary edges encountered along the way.   (Powerpoint presentation includes a mini trunk show of 10 to 12 quilts)
Happy Villages and Accidental Landscapes
Two totally different techniques with the same fun results!  Karen shares her two favorite approaches to playing with fabrics: Fabric collage (Happy Villages) and layered/topstitching (Accidental Landscapes). This lighthearted and informative power point presentation will show you how the techniques evolved and will inspire you to try fabric collage or layered/topstitching in your own creations.  (Powerpoint presentation includes a mini trunk show of 10 to 12 quilts)
Workshops: Watch me on the Meander Guild  (membership required to view) An international online quilt guild where I am teaching my Happy Village workshop and Accidental Landscapes demo Watch me on TheQuiltShow.com (membership required to view) As a guest of Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims I am demonstrating my Accidental Landscapes and Happy Villages techniques. Episode 1109
Wiggles & Waves
	Learn how to “go with the flow” and find out how relaxing free-form cutting and topstitching can be! You will create a piece of fabric with dramatic curves and angles. Karen will show you how to use your beautiful “Wiggles & Waves” fabric in traditional and contemporary quilts, impressive borders, eye-catching wearables, background for appliqué and much, much more!     3 hour (half day) Workshop Supply List
Color Twists
	Ease into gentle free-form topstitched curves in this technique and design workshop. We will make a few Color Twists. Then experiment with different combinations to see which design layouts appeal best to you for making your choice of a wall hanging, table runner, table topper, a bag or the beginnings of a quilt top.     3 hour (half day) Workshop Supply List
Large Logs
	Let’s start with the traditional Log Cabin block and feature a fun image in the center instead of the classic red square. Select a large print and some lights and darks to coordinate with it and you are on your way to building some very sassy blocks with topstitched curves and perky little triangles. Size of table runner/wallhanging: 13½” x 48” Five log blocks make a great table runner and four blocks are perfect for a table topper or bag. If you want to make a large quilt bring more fabric and continue making blocks. 6 hour (one day) Workshop Supply List 3 hour (half day) Workshop Supply List Book highly recommended:  (Wiggles & Waves  $ 25)
Accidental Landscapes ™: Beaches
	Here is an introduction to creating landscapes "accidentally" using Karen's layered topstitching technique. These little beach scenes are quick and easy to make, no templates, not fuss - just free form rotary cutting and topstitched edges. Personalize your beach by adding collage details like a dune fence, beach grass, shells, sailboats, beach chairs, umbrellas, lighthouses, photo transfers, etc.  Beach scene measures approximately 8" x 12" (without borders). Workshop Supply List All Levels ~ available as  Half Day Workshop (the basic Beach scene is created; collage details will be discussed) 1  Day Workshop (students will have time to add collage details, borders and start quilting - as an option students may choose to use their new skills to create a different landscape in the afternoon instead of finishing their beach scene)   Fabric Kits (includes Pattern) are available at $25 and may be reserved for workshop participants  by contacting me by email or phone.
Accidental Landscapes™: Mountain Views
	Here’s another surprisingly simple quilted scene using Karen’s layered topstitching technique. Gentle rolling hills of green fabric strips combine with distant peaks to create peaceful vistas. Include a lake or a field of wildflowers. The variations are endless! (Book highly recommended: Accidental Landscapes $21.95 - see pages 8-13 and 50-51 for workshop)   Workshop Supply List Finished Size: approx. 9” x 12” without borders (size varies) All levels ~ available as: 3 hour: Create one or two Mountain View scenes. Learn how to add Angelina fibers for sparkle. 6 hour: Add borders and quilt your Mountain View scene(s)
Collage Workshop "Happy Villages"
	Explore the freedom of fabric collage! No seams to piece or match, no lines to trace ... Just free form cutting of step and window shapes. Step by step your little village will magically come to life.  Finished size 16 1/2 inch square  Book highly recommended:  (Happy Villages Book  $ 22) Workshop Supply List (Full Day) Technique:  Fabric Collage  All Levels ~ available as  1  Day Workshop: Sewing machines are optional for this class. Most students prefer to spend the time leisurely collaging, however for those of you that work quickly, bring your machines for the end of the day   See more Happy Villages made using this collage method

please e-mail karen@quilted-lizard.com or call  +1-860-927-4201

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