Lectures
"Creativity Unleashed: Modern Technology for Quilters"
Just what can you do with modern technology in quiltmaking? In this lecture, fabric artist Jennifer Rapacki shares her quilting journey using design tools like Adobe Photoshop Elements, Frax HD (a fractal app for the iPad), and Electric Quilt, along with practical tips for inkjet printing on fabric. You will see how digital designs can be transformed into unique quilt tops, along with more traditional techniques such as fabric weaving and reverse applique. Packed with quilt samples, visuals, and ideas, this presentation will open your eyes to fresh possibilities—whether you’re tech-curious, a traditionalist, or somewhere in between.
"I was a little worried that Jennifer's topic may be too technical for our guild members. Boy was I wrong! She is a great speaker and her slide show + trunk show was really engaging and fun. Everyone in the audience stayed interested and asked tons of questions, especially when she started showing how she created images and transferred designs to fabric on her home printer or by using services such as Spoonflower. I think we all saw the possibilities for incorporating a lot of new ideas into our quilting. I would highly recommend Jennifer to any Guild looking for a speaker who can open new creative doors for their members."
Mary - San Francisco Bay Area
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"More Creativity Unleashed"
A followup lecture featuring Jennifer's newest quilts for quilt guilds wanting a return visit.
"Fabric Printing 101: A Lecture of the Basics"
Everything you should know about inkjet printing on fabric either at home or online: Dye vs Pigment Printers, Prepared fabric sheets, fabric softener rinse, print on demand services, and more.
"Ancient Inspiration for Patchwork Patterns"
Travel back in time and discover how familiar quilt blocks grew out of centuries‑old art and design. See examples of patchwork‑style patterns from the Middle Ages and follow the evolution of quiltmaking through history. You’ll spot Flying Geese, Sawtooth, Birds in the Air, and other favorites hiding in ancient mosaics, stonework, and architecture, and come away with fresh ideas for bringing these timeless motifs into your own quilts.
Workshops
- Design That! Quilt with Electric Quil: An Introduction to the Basics (EQ)
Take the mystery out of quilt design software and learn how to use Electric Quilt as a powerful, creative sketchbook for your ideas. In this hands-on workshop, Jennifer walks you through the basics of navigating the program, choosing and modifying blocks, auditioning fabrics and colors, and saving your own quilt layouts. By the end of class, you’ll have several custom quilt designs started and the confidence to continue exploring on your own at home. This workshop is perfect for beginners to EQ as well as quilters who “only poke at the buttons” and want a clear, friendly introduction.
Hands-on class, laptop required. 1/2 day & 1 day options.
- Pixelate That! Digital Fabric Printing at Home and Online
Memory Quilts, Art Quilts and more using Photoshop Elements as your digital playground. In this workshop, Jennifer teaches you how to edit, enhance and prepare photos/graphics for inkjet printing on fabric. You willl also learn how to design a customized background that looks pieced but isn’t, perfect for showcasing applique. (see Pixel Pizzazz 1 - Poppies quilt) . All you need is a laptop (PC or Mac); trial versions of Photoshop Elements are welcome, so you can “try before you buy.”
Hands-on class, laptop required (PC or Mac). 1/2 day & 1 day options.
- Modern Tools Sampler
Sample Photoshop Elements and Electric Quilt to see how the software can fit into your quilting toolbox. In class you will be introduced to the basic tools of the software programs by learning about editing, sizing and printing photos in Elements and about the workspaces in EQ8 by creating a quilt.
Hands-on class, laptop required (PC or Mac). 1 day
- Fractal That! Design: From Pixels to Fabric Prints
Discover how mesmerizing fractal imagery can become striking quilt designs in this playful, tech-friendly workshop. Using the Frax app on your iPad or iPhone, Jennifer shows you how to navigate hidden menus, use multi-touch gestures, and capture dramatic shapes, colors, and textures perfect for fabric prints. You will learn how to save, size, and prepare your favorite designs for printing either at home or through services like Spoonflower so you can turn digital fractals into wholecloth quilts, applique; motifs, or stunning quilt centers. No drawing skills required; if you can tap, swipe, and pinch, you can create your own unique quilt-ready art.
Hands-on class, iPad/iPhone required. 1/2 day
- Charm Pack Peekaboo Reverse Applique
Grab a charm pack from your stash and learn how to make reverse applique leaf shapes with really sharp points and smooth curved edges -- no curved piecing required. The technique is a quilting adaptation of a couture Spanish Snap buttonhole resulting in Peekaboo fabric -- A new twist on reverse applique! The class project can be a Table Runner, Mini Quilt or Mug Rug. Click here for more info and samples.
1/2 day & 1 day options.
- Weave That! Quilt Background
Transform simple strips of fabric into richly textured, custom backgrounds in this hands-on fabric weaving workshop. Jennifer teaches you how to prepare your fabrics, use stabilizers and grids, and weave color and value to create subtle gradients or bold graphic effects that make applique; and pieced designs pop. You will create a unique textured background for a small wall quilt by weaving 1 inchstrips of raw-edge fabric on the diagonal, no piecing required, so there are no Y-seams to wrestle with. This workshop is ideal for confident beginners and exwperienced quilters who want a fresh, tactile way to add depth and dimension to their work. Click here for more info and samples.
1/2 day or 1 day options.
- Weave That! Creative Custom Fabric
Give your accessories a custom, woven twist in this fun zippered pouch workshop. Jazz up a purse, tote, bag, or quilt project with fabric you design yourself by weaving 1 inch strips of raw-edge fabric into a unique square panel. It’s surprisingly easy to do and worth the effort. Jennifer walks you through planning your colors, weaving your new square "fabric" and turning it into a fully lined zippered pouch with a pop of thread embellishment for the final pizzazz. This class is perfect for confident beginners and beyond who want a small, useful project that shows off their new fabric weaving skills.
Click here for more info and samples.
1 day.
- Tat That! Modern Tatting Embellishment
Embellish your quilts with modern tatting that adds delicate dimension and charm. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will learn shuttle tatting basics;forming rings (and, as time permits, picots and chains) that can be used as leaves, flower centers, and other small accents. You will see how these elements become eye-catching 3D embellishments that highlight focal areas of your quilt designs. No prior tatting experience is needed; you will leave class with the skills to continue creating your own tatted touches at home.
Click here for more info and samples.
1 day.
Fees
Lecture: $425 or $395 when scheduled with a workshop.
Workshops: $55 per person for workshops of 6 - 10 students or a flat fee of $600 for 11 - 20 students.
Each additional student over 20 is an extra $25.
Half day workshop fees available upon request.
Note: All lectures & workshops can also be taught live via Zoom.
If you would like to discuss having Jennifer lecture at your guild meeting and/or schedule a workshop, click here to contact her now.
Click here to view/download a Brochure |
