If submissions to the Fabric Collage Finish Line are any indication, fabric collage has spread throughout the world. Just take a look at the quilts sprinkled throughout this post! The collage quilt artists hail from all over Europe and even dip down into Africa. Thank you ladies, for the submissions. To read about the stories behind the quilts—in their original Finish Line posts—click on the links underneath each quilt image.

Many of these quilters used the Fabric Collage Master Class as their “textbook.” Others purchased my book “Serendipity Quilts” or simply followed this blog for tips. But until now, it has been a real challenge for my international followers to attend a live online fabric collage class because of the time difference.

In order to accommodate my North American students it was easy enough to begin class a little later in the morning (for me and others) so that those on the West Coast started their day at a reasonable hour, while at the same time ending here on the East Coast in time for a late supper.

However, when it came to international students, the time change that worked for us across the United States was not convenient for those in Europe. Just ask Catriona Stirling from Scotland. She has taken my online class twice, despite the fact it means staying up until 11:00 p.m. or midnight on her end! Or ask Ria Mille from Belgium (her lion appears above) who traveled to my hometown of Harpswell, Maine, to attend a class with me.

The solution, of course, for those of you across the Pond (and in South America) is to schedule an online class at a time that suits both of us. Tom and I have done just that for the last week this September 25-29. For now, we’re taking Expressions of Interest for more information when we have it ready—we’ll keep you updated.


Here’s what we propose for September’s class:

Fabric Collage International

Class Dates
September 25-29, 2023
Seven hours each day, Monday through Friday (See below for hours in your time zone)

Cost
US$995
(Please see description below for daily class schedule.)

Technology Required
• A computer or tablet that will run Zoom
• A smart phone for taking and sending photographs

Subjects
This will be an animals only class

Click here to make your Expression of Interest.
Please include your name and country for this specific “International Time Zone Mailing List.” You may also request more information.

Once we have collected a few Expressions of Interest, we will contact you with more information and an early registration opportunity for the class.

Toucan by Feli Alvarez of Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Lynx by Erika Schoegl of Austria

Time Zone Fun!

Here’s a handy guide for figuring out what what time this September online class would run for you in South America, Europe, and Africa.

We looked at time zones throughout the world, however a potential daily schedule became even more challenging in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. But regardless of where you live in this world, if you’re interested in an online class, send us your name and country and we’ll see what we can do.

Click here to make your Expression of Interest.
Please include your name and country. You may also request more information.

Fabric Collage Live Online Class: September 25-29, 2023

Harpswell, Maine, USA (Me): 8:00 a.m.-3 p.m.

Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Western Brazil, Chile
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Venezuela, Eastern Brazil, Argentina
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

United Kingdom, Western Africa
1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Central Europe, Central Africa
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Eastern Europe, Eastern Africa
3:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.


Sea Turtle by Sandra Tavel of Ovannax, France

Class Description

For those of you who don’t know what the Live Online Class experience is like, I’ve included this description below. It may also help to visit my blog post of the very first Live Online Fabric Collage Class in March 2021.

One Week Before Class
Pre-class coaching sessions (included with class) are scheduled for the week prior to ensure that each student is prepared with subject matter, drawn and enlarged design, initial fabric selection and other supplies. We also make sure everyone has practice with the online format, and is ready to begin the class on day one. For an example of what a coaching session is like, please visit this link.

From student Grace Crocker:

The pre-class coaching with Susan was a real bonus. I felt ready to begin, and I did start working on my project immediately afterwards. You don’t get this with an in-person class.

Evening Before Class Starts
I’ll host a meeting to introduce myself and the other students. We’ll also talk about what we plan to do in class. Wine is optional.

Daily Class Schedule

• The live online class runs for five days as an in-person class would, with roughly the same daily 6 hours plus lunch schedule—exact time of day takes into account students’ time zones.

• Prior to start of each class day: a pre-recorded presentation introduces the next step(s) in the process. Students will come to class having already watched the presentation.

Here’s a sample of the pre-recorded videos you’ll be reviewing before class each day:

• Work day begins with a live Q&A with the full class where I’ll further discusses that day’s topic and do a quick check-in with each student to set their plans for the day.

• Students are then sent to a Zoom breakout room with 3-4 students.  With remaining morning time, I’ll meet with students individually. Students may visit other “rooms” during the day.

• Students email photos of the progress on their project which I’ll share on the screen as I get to each break-out room. This way I can view and discuss each project, making annotations to the photos which students can then refer to when they return to work. Basically, shortened coaching sessions throughout the day.

• Lunch (hour-long break in teaching). Students may continue to work and/or socialize.

• Afternoon: I’ll continue to meet with individual students. By end of day, I’ll have suggested “homework” for the next day, and we all get together in the full classroom setting to share what was accomplished by each person.

End of Class Week
We host an evening meeting on last day of class with all students to share and review their work.

Girl by Laura Graham of Burntisland, Fife, Scotland
Guinea Hen by Shannon Maxwell of Nigeria (and Addling, Georgia)

A Reminder that TODAY is the silent online auction to benefit the wild animal rescue Lions, Tigers, and Bears.

Judy Bilardillo is determined that her newest quilt—of Kallie the Tiger—will help support the new home for Kallie and so many other exotic animals who had been neglected and abused in captivity. You can learn more about the real-life Kallie’s story and you can even bid online at the Wild in the Country Fundraiser to win this wild portrait quilt!

The online silent auction is open now!—see “Kallie” below, by Judy Bilardello, on the Featured Items page, click on the photos below to see them larger.

The live auction runs today, May 20th, from 2pm-6pm Pacific Time

Good Luck Judy and Kallie!

One Comment

  • How exciting for artistic souls from all over the planet to experience the magic of your personal teaching!!! What a special opportunity–I can’t wait to read more about this online class!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *