Kim Diehl
Quilting

Workshops & Lectures

I'm proud to say that I'm a self-taught quilter. As I was learning the art of quiltmaking, I found that not knowing the "rules" actually had its benefits because I had no preconceived notions about the right or wrong way of doing things. The happy result is that some of my methods are commonly practiced, while others were learned through trial and error and a dash of common sense. I love sharing these techniques through my classes, and watching as people become excited about this wonderful pastime.

My most popular workshops combine simple patchwork with invisible machine appliqué, so my class choices reflect this. If you have a very basic knowledge of patchwork, and a sewing machine with adjustable tension control that's capable of producing a tiny zigzag stitch, you're all set!

 

Quilt Fabric Samples

Workshops

Quilt Fabric Samples


Autumn Pennies Quilt
Autumn Pennies
45" Square Quilt
All Skill Levels
Three-Hour Class


Reminiscent of a wool penny rug, this project's quarter-square triangles combine beautifully with simple circle shapes for a fun class project that won't be destined to become another "UFO." You'll receive in-depth technique demonstrations with plenty of hands-on sewing time to master Kim's invisible machine appliqué method. Kim will also show how easy it is to finish your quilt using the "big-stitch" style of hand quilting. This is the perfect class to make you successful even if you've never appliquéd a stitch!
(Simple Seasons book required.)

Bloomin' Wonderful Quilt
Bloomin' Wonderful
64" Square Quilt
All Skill Levels
Three- or Six-Hour Class


Stitch these velvety-soft trumpet flowers while mastering Kim's quick and easy invisible machine appliqué technique! Class time will encompass all aspects of invisible machine appliqué, including template and pattern piece preparation, tips for laying out perfectly centered designs without measuring, and in-depth instruction for using your sewing machine to achieve finished appliqués that truly look hand-stitched. A three-hour class will focus on the preparation of one block, with a six-hour class providing additional time for plenty of hands-on practice as you hone your new-found skills!

Country Whig Rose Quilt
Country Whig Rose
42" Square Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Add a touch of country-style elegance to your home with this fun and easy-to-stitch quilt. Kim will begin this class with demonstrations and instructions for all aspects of her easily mastered invisible machine appliqué technique, and you'll learn how to use your sewing machine to stitch blocks that truly look hand-appliquéd. Plenty of hands-on sewing time will enable you to hone your new-found skills, and you'll find that they can be used for a myriad of projects!
(Simple Blessings book required.)

Country Wedding Quilt
Country Wedding Ring
56 1/4" x 56 1/4" Lap Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


If you love the charm and appeal of quilts that feature appliqué but you don't have the time that handwork requires, this is the class for you! We'll begin by assembling strip-pieced checkerboard blocks, and then spend our remaining time learning Kim's easy invisible machine appliqué method to achieve results that look hand stitched. The "penny" posies and simple leaf shapes make this a fun and easy appliqué project even if you're a complete novice. As an added option, Kim will share tips for adapting her methods to hand sewn appliqué for projects that are portable.
(Simple Seasons book required.)

Feathered Stars Quilt
Feathered Stars
52" x 52" Wall Hanging
Gutsy Beginners and Beyond
Six-Hour Class


This little quilt sparkles with patchwork stars and princess feathers for an elegant wall hanging that's long on traditional charm. Class time will begin with the patchwork portion of the quilt center, and then we'll shift our focus to Kim's easy invisible machine appliqué technique. You'll receive tips for sewing accurate patchwork, and all aspects of invisible machine appliqué and design layout will be covered as you learn to use your sewing machine to achieve finished appliqués that look hand stitched. One of Kim's most popular workshops!
(Simple Traditions book required.)

Front Porch Posies
Front Porch Posies
66" Square Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Ideal for learning Kim’s easy invisible machine appliqué technique, this lap-size quilt combines simple yet striking patchwork with gently curved vines and colorful appliquéd posies. Class time will begin with the center patchwork portion of this project, and then you’ll learn Kim’s tips and tricks for easily centered appliqué designs, time-saving methods for pattern piece and appliqué preparation, and how to use your sewing machine to achieve finished appliqués that truly look hand stitched. Don’t feel like tackling a big project? Frame your center block with the middle Churn Dash border for a stunning table topper, or make the center block alone for a wall hanging that’s long on charm without the long-term commitment.

Liberty Quilt
Liberty
42" Square Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Embrace your patriotic spirit while stitching crimson patchwork blocks and majestic winged eagles that are so symbolic of our American liberty. We'll begin our class time sewing the simply pieced blocks that make this little quilt sparkle, and then switch our focus to the machine appliqué portion of the project. Techniques for appliqué pattern piece preparation, design layout, machine stitching, and stuffed appliqué accents will be demonstrated, with plenty of time allowed for hands-on practice to master Kim's easy methods.
(Simple Seasons book required.)

Meadow Blossoms Quilt
Meadow Blossoms Mini Quilt and Mug Mats
22" x 22" Mini Quilt, 4¼" x 4¼" Mug Mats
All Skill Levels
Three-Hour Class


Stitch these colorful little blossoms from your favorite fabric scraps and remnants while learning a new technique! We'll focus our class time on the assembly of one block, with invisible machine appliqué demonstrations and plenty of hands-on sewing time to master Kim's easy method. Kim will also share tips for quickly finishing your project with the "big stitch" style of hand quilting. Make just one blossom in class or sew the entire meadow at your leisure-the choice is yours!

Mocha Stars Quilt
Mocha Stars
60" Square Lap Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Create these sparkling stars using a fun and unique freezer paper piecing technique, and then recycle your paper pattern pieces as you machine appliqué them into place. All aspects of Kim's easily mastered methods will be covered in this class, including design placement, tips for preparing appliqué with smooth, flowing edges, and using your sewing machine to achieve finished appliqués that look hand-stitched. Large-scale stars and simply-shaped flowering vines make this a perfect learning project for beginners. If you've been hesitant to try appliqué, this class will open new avenues of quilt making for you!

October Morning Quilt
October Morning
48 1/2" Square Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Spend the day with Kim while discovering just how simple it can be to prepare machine-stitched appliqués that closely resemble the look of traditional hand stitching. Reserved just for Kim’s classes, this unpublished design features big and bold blossoms in burnished shades of autumn with meandering vines of bittersweet – a perfect project for learning all aspects of this modern time-saving technique!

Mocha Stars Quilt
Old-Fashioned Hospitality
60" Square Lap Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Create an artful expression of your hospitality with this vividly appliquéd quilt center, and then frame it to perfection with a strippy patchwork border. Class time will begin with the center patchwork portion of this project, and then we'll switch our focus to Kim's easy invisible machine appliqué technique. You'll discover just how simple it can be to prepare beautifully shaped appliqués, and you'll learn how your sewing machine can be used to invisibly stitch them in a fraction of the time that needle-turn techniques require. One of Kim's best classes, because this project is so "do-able" for anyone!

Prairie Primrose Quilt
Prairie Primrose
4-Block Lap Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Pay tribute to our quilting heritage as you stitch this updated version of a traditional classic. Featured in Kim's book "Simple Traditions," you'll sew a four-block quilt with the perfect blend of patchwork and appliqué to evoke the look and charm of a family heirloom. We'll spend our class time covering all elements of this project including block and pattern piece preparation, design layout, and stitching techniques for both patchwork and invisible machine appliqué. One of Kim's most popular classes, this project will make it easy for you to succeed at appliqué!

Scrap Basket Blossoms
Scrap Basket Blossoms
28" Square Wall Quilt
All Skill Levels
Three- or Six-Hour Class


Gather scraps from your favorite prints, choose your preferred method of appliqué, and treat yourself to some relaxing quiet time as you stitch this traditional little quilt. Kim can teach this workshop using her time-saving invisible machine appliqué technique, or your group can return to basics and embrace the time-honored art of needle turn appliqué. A three-hour class will feature technique demonstrations for all aspects of the chosen style of appliqué, including hands-on sewing time, with a six-hour class providing additional time for stitching.

Serendipity Sampler Quilt
Serendipity Sampler
66" x 75" Lap Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class or Two-Day Workshop


Create a lap quilt meant for snuggling when you stitch this richly-hued sampler project that's perfect for incorporating scraps of your favorite prints. A six-hour class will include in-depth design layout and invisible machine appliqué technique demonstrations, with plenty of hand's-on sewing time to master Kim's easy methods as you the stitch large, gently curved vines, flowers, and berries for one block. Two-day workshops will include the introduction of a second block. A very popular class!

Things That Grin Quilt
Things that Grin in the Night
28" x 36" Wall Hanging
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Autumn-hued prints and plaids combine with big, toothy grins for this whimsical wall hanging that's anything but spooky. We'll spend our class time covering all elements of this project including design layout, basic patchwork techniques, and Kim's easy invisible machine appliqué method. You'll also receive tips for embellishing your quilt with button accents, stuffed appliqués, hand-sewn embroidery, and big-stitch quilting. This fun little quilt will make you wish every day was Halloween!
(Simple Seasons book required.)

Thistle Thicket Quilt
Thistle Thicket
60" Square Lap Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Hone your invisible machine appliqué skills while creating this beautiful quilted throw inspired by the beauty of nature. Class time will begin with basic strip-piecing techniques for the checkerboard motif featured in the quilt center, and then we'll switch our focus to the appliquéd portion of the quilt. You'll receive in-depth instruction and demonstrations for all aspects of this project, including easy design layout and pattern piece preparation, and Kim will share tips for using your sewing machine to stitch finished appliqués that look hand-sewn. Best of all, plenty of hands-on practice time will enable you to perfect your new found skills!

Things That Grin Quilt
Winterberries
58" Square Lap Quilt
All Skill Levels
Six-Hour Class


Combine traditional patchwork and easy appliqué shapes to their best advantage in this simple, yet striking quilt that you'll reach for again and again. We'll begin our class by piecing the time-honored Churn Dash block, and then learn Kim's simple invisible machine appliqué techniques for adding an overlay of gently blooming vines and berries. Your finished appliqués will look hand-sewn, and this easily mastered technique can be applied to nearly any appliqué project for time-saving results.
(Simple Seasons book required.)

Zinna Basket Quilt
Zinnia Basket
62" x 62" Lap Quilt or Wall Hanging
All Skill Levels
Six-hour Class


Preserve the charm of a cottage garden when you stitch these blossoms to be enjoyed and snuggled into, long after summer's warmth has faded. We'll begin our class by piecing the easy center basket block, and then focus on Kim's invisible machine appliqué method to add gently curved blooms and leafs. Additional tips and instructions for the patchwork and appliqué borders of this quilt will be covered as well. One of Kim's most requested classes!
(Simple Traditions book required.)

Quilt Fabric Samples

Lectures

Quilt Fabric Samples


A Simple Trunk Show

This informal and light-hearted presentation features quilts from my "Simple" series of books and includes a handful of quilts from American Patchwork & Quilting magazine as well. Hear stories of my successes (and mistakes) as I was learning to quilt, including how I made the leap from self-taught novice quilter to published designer with just my fourth quilt. Presentation time averages 45 minutes to one hour, depending upon audience interaction and questions.



Living with Quilts

Would you much rather live with and enjoy your quilts than pack them away? This PowerPoint lecture shares some of the ways that I incorporate my quilts from room to room, and includes approximately 200 photos from my books and home. I close this talk by sharing a handful of my favorite quilts and my presentation time will average 45 minutes to one hour, depending upon audience interaction and questions. A PowerPoint projector is needed for this lecture.

Copywright 2007
Site Designed by: ToolBox Software