PPQG Quilting Class: Rings

Download the materials list here.

This class is for the more advanced quilter.  However, beginning quilters that have taken a beginning quilters class to learn the basics of quilting are also encouraged to take this class.  This Ring class provides students the opportunity to play with a variety of fabric patterns and colors; learn to curve piece; learn to square individual blocks, and design your own quilt top.

Select a focus fabric to pull a variety of 20-30 complimentary and contrasting fabrics.  Batiks, bright colors, earth tones, and large floral fabrics work nicely in this quilt. 

You will spend the first day of class cutting your block pieces from five templates and learning to construct the curved pieces.  Homework will be required to complete all your blocks so you can design your quilt top the following day. 

The second day of class will be devoted to repressing and squaring your blocks and working with the design wall to lay out your quilt top.  There will be a short discussion on borders, binding, and facing your quilts.

Block design is by Sylvia H. Einstein.  www.sylviaeinstein.com   Sylvia is an incredible quilt designer.  View her website to get additional fabric and color ideas.

About Phyllis McCalla:

Phyllis lives in Dixon, California with her husband Alex McCalla and has been interested in textiles since she was a young girl.  Phyllis learned to sew under the direction of her grandmother, Effie Thompson and was always fascinated by the quilts her grandmother made. At the age of 22, Phyllis made two appliquéd quilts for her two daughters, Tamara and Traciie, under the guidance of her grandmother. 

Phyllis began making pieced quilts in 2000 for her adult children and grandchildren after being inspired by viewing her sister’s trunk show.  To improve her quilting skills Phyllis took a beginning quilt class and increased her quilting skills by attending several quilt classes from local quilters.  Instructors that peeked Phyllis’ interest include Esterita Austin, Melinda Bula, Cynthia Corbin, Rami Kim, Don Linn, Mac McNamara, and Pearl P. Pereira.

Phyllis began teaching quilting classes in 2006.  She currently meets with four quilting friends to construct award winning quilts.  Best Group Quilt, 2017 Road to California; Best of Show, 2016 River City Quilters Guild; Best of Show, 2015 California State Fair; as well as first place awards on several other quilts from various other quilt shows including Pacific International Quilt Festival and Best of the Valley Quilt Show.

Prior to Phyllis’ quilting life, she worked for the University of California, Davis for thirty-four years, retiring in 2004 as a Program Manager for the Cancer Research Program.  Today Phyllis is the President of the International House-Davis (www.internationalhousedavis.org) working with the board to complete their 2016-2019, 3-year Strategic Plan.