Workshops (Classes)
Pam McHenry of Pamalama Jo Designs offers a variety of half day and full day workshops or classes to quilt guilds, quilt shops or other gatherings (such as retreats.) Pam's experience and knowledge in the quilting arena include; both hand appliqué and machine appliqué approaches and skills, both hand quilting and machine free-motion-quilting techniques, fast and fun piecing techniques (including wonky nine patch and wonky star blocks) and much more. She is happy to tailor a presentation or workshop to the interests and needs of your guild.
Descriptions of popular workshops or classes are given below. Sessions are generally limited to a maximum of 25 people. Half day classes are between 3 to 4 hours. Whole day workshops are between 5 to 7 hours, with a lunch break. Contact us for more information, including fees and a sample contract to book a workshop or class.
Workshop 1 - Machine Appliqué Pillow (half or full day) - All levels of quilting experience
Required Purchase: one of the following PJD Quilt patterns: Ocean Friends, Forest Friends or Texas Treasures
Student will make an appliqué pillow using one of the animal designs from PJD's patterns. Pam will demonstrate working with fusible web and also stitching by machine. Guided practice will get students on their way to success. Students will leave with instructions to complete their pillow at home, if needed.
Note: the following will be given FREE OF CHARGE to each student.
- Handout and practice materials to get started learning to machine appliqué
- Fusible product and stabilizer for one pillow
- Directions for the envelope style pillow
Workshop 2 - Wonky Blocks Fun! (half or full day) - All levels of quilting experience
Required Purchase: one of the following PJD Quilt patterns: Ocean Friends (with wonky nine patch blocks) or Texas Treasures (with wonky stars)
Wonky blocks are made with a "stack, cut, shuffle and sew" method. It's a speedy way to create lots of blocks quickly. Each student will make a small throw quilt with wonky blocks from PJD's patterns. (Full day workshop will give choice of wonky nine patch blocks or wonky stars. Half day workshop must focus on just one of these.) Pam will demonstrate all steps in making wonky blocks, and assist students as they make theirs. Students will leave with instructions to complete their throw quilt at home, if needed.
Note: the following will be given FREE OF CHARGE to each student.
- Handout with step by step instructions for wonky blocks.
- Directions for completing their project at home.
Workshop 3 - Getting Creative with String Blocks! (full day only) - All levels of quilting experience
Required Purchase: Forest Friends by PJD
String blocks are made with a thin foundation underneath strips of fabric. It's an old-time method of using up scraps, but a new and fun way to make quilt designs. This method was used to create the framing blocks in Forest Friends. Each student will make a small throw quilt with string blocks. Pam will demonstrate all steps in making string blocks, and assist students as they make theirs. She will also share ideas on the versatility of string blocks. Students will leave with instructions to complete their throw quilt at home, if needed.
Note: the following will be given FREE OF CHARGE to each student.
- Handouts, including step by step instructions for making string blocks.
- Directions for completing their project at home.
Workshop 4 - Hand Quilting: Hoop-less and Fancy Free - All levels of quilting experience
Required Purchase: none
Pam has been hand quilting for more than 20 years, but has evolved to a hoop-less method. Students will learn and practice the basting, stabilizing and quilting techniques Pam uses.
Note: the following will be given FREE OF CHARGE to each student.
- Handouts
- Sandwiched quilt block for practice
- Quilting thread and needle
Workshop 5 - Hand Applique: Back-basted Needleturn Method (Minimum of one full day)
All levels of experience
Required Purchase: none
Pam loves hand applique and has tried many techniques, but now uses the back-basting needleturn method. Back-basting requires no irons or glue or special papers. It's very accurate and as old as applique itself! Students will learn about back-basting and study applique blocks and quilts made this way. Pam will demonstrate, guide and coach as students learn this amazing method of applique. A free PJD pattern will be used and then taken home to finish the project.
Note: the following will be given FREE OF CHARGE to each student.
- Handouts
- A FREE pillow/table topper pattern to learn and practice with
- Practice notions including needles and thread