Upcoming Classes & Groups

Bookings for this class are made by phoning the store. ph 4464 3387. Scroll down to read more about the class and see images of the style of work made in class. 

Popular teacher Jennifer Corkish teaches all her techniques in two classes a month. These take place regularly on the first Saturday of each month and the Fourth Thursday of each month. Jennifer comes along to each class with new quilts and projects she has designed: from her own take on the popular Japanese Boro technique to fine applique, English paper piecing, wool applique and stitch embellishment and more…! If you can’t come regularly: see also the special days in our calendar dedicated to making the Something About Japan Quilt. 

Jennifer has been a teacher at Berry Quilt & Co. since we opened in 2016 and also taught for approximately six years at Berry Patchwork prior to that. Jennifer has built up a number of regular students who have been coming to her classes and making her quilts ever since she began teaching in Berry which is quite a recommendation! Jen is an experienced and encouraging teacher who over the years has helped many along their creative journey. She is able to help you work on projects designed to develop your skills or to extend your own creative ideas. Jen is such a valued member of the Berry Quilt & Co team and we are proud to say that she’s not currently teaching regularly at any other quilt store, so here in the Shoalhaven, we are very lucky to be benefiting from her experience, diverse creativity and interests! Please click through to her teacher profile to read more about Jennifer’s making and teaching experience.

What You Can Learn With Jennifer 

Casual or beginner participants in Jennifer’s classes often attend to learn Japanese Boro stitching. Pictured below, Boro is a traditional Japanese mending technique utilising layered scraps of material and sashiko style running stitches to hold it all together. Jennifer has devised a method of making boro fabric suitable for our modern fabrics and equipment for use in quilts, bags, table runners, clothing etc. You may learn this technique in one of Jens monthly classes or book in to a class in Sept 2021 to learn this technique specifically.  

Teaching applique using the ‘stay in’ Hugs ‘n Kisses Applique paper is also a specialty of Jennifer’s. Beginners can start with one of the blocks from Jennifer’s well known Flower’s & Urn Quilt, pictured below is an excellent place to start and this block has been made in so many different color combinations from bright, to Japanese to traditional and reproduction. Begin in one lesson with the starter block and turn it into a wall hanging or cushion OR go on to continue to make the whole quilt. The centre medallion from the Purity quilt is another good place to start an appliqué project and the 1930s Inspired Appliqué Sampler ‘Hoping for a Grandbaby’ could be as large or small a project as you’d like to make it. 

English paper piecing (EPP) has featured in many of Jennifer’s quilts over the years and you could begin a project making Jennifer’s fussy cut crosses quilt or a Jennifer’s strip hexagon quilt that gets you started with hexagons without you having to make the whole quilt top from hand made hexagons. There is also the new ‘Liquorice Allsorts’ hexagon EPP  project which is again customisable to a size that suits you. 

Working with stitch embellishment is also a forte of Jennifer’s. and the girls in all Jen’s classes enjoy the projects that have scope for hand stitching embellishment. Jen can help you begin a Japanese Sashiko stitching panel and turn it into a wallhanging or quilt or she can turn traditional appliquéd projects into unique appliquéd designs from using wool felt and lush coloured threads as well as cotton fabric, everything can be a vehicle for stitch embellishment. Have a look through the images below for ideas of where Jennifer’s class could lead you. 

Stitch embellished garments and covered Yazzi sewing storage bags have also been made in Jennifer’s classes. Waistcoats and jackets made from Japanese inspired boro stitching have been made with Jen’s assistance. You’d need to have a chat about what you’re thinking how it would come together before booking in but chat to us if you’re interested. Similarly woven and/or stitched or EPP coverings have been made for Yazzi sewing bags both large and small. Jen can help you with these projects.   

How Class is Structured:

The class has a loose relaxed structure where regular participants work on Jennifer’s original designs at their own pace and build up skills as they progress though the projects. Usually in class all the participants are working different projects and often on more than one project at once. Occasionally, after a number of projects have been completed, class members have requested that Jennifer help them design a unique project, which Jennifer is happy to work on with the student, making it a very personalised class. Sometimes a group evolves to work together and ‘demand’ from Jennifer certain styles of projects, which has happened to an extent with the Thursday group in 2020. The core girls here very much enjoy small stitch embellished projects such as bags, stitch diaries, album books and more. They are very creative and enjoy seeing and celebrating each others results.  

You will find plenty of helpful advice, skills and friendship in this lively class. Jennifer is very good at getting you started on a project and helping you with fabric selection and requirements. All of Jennifer’s students produce quite different and unique results. I’m always amazed at how differently the same quilts can turn out with different fabric choices. As a teacher Jennifer is very open to working with your fabric choices and helping you get the best results from what you begin with. She has also been in class support for beginning to end of complicated projects designed by others. For example: The Dear Jane Quilt by Jane A Stickle,  the Mrs Billings Coverlet by Karen Styles or the Towns and Trailblazers Quilt by Jennifer Wulff . If any of these quilts appeal to you and you wanted assistance to select a colour palette and get started you could start and continue to work on one of those projects in Jennifer’s class. (As long as you have purchased your own copy of the relevant pattern or book.)

Whilst most people book in to Jennifer’s class on a yearly basis (and access a generous Enrolled Class member discount) it is possible to book in for one or two casual classes (where vacancies exist) to explore a new technique or to begin an ongoing project. You can see if places are available at the end of this entry, where it will allow you to add the class to your cart if there is space. If you would like to book for more than one month, click through the class calendar to the next month and add that class to your cart as well.

Jennifer’s groups are very popular and are often booked out! Casual places, if available, may be booked by phoning the store. ph 4464 3387

2021 Saturday Dates:

6th Feb, 6th March, 10th April*, 1st May, 5th June, 3rd July, 7th August, 4th September, 2nd October, 6th November, 4th December. (*Changed week due to Easter)

Images of the Projects:

This gallery shows the style of work that Jen is making and things that the girls have made in class over the years. Jen specialises in supporting you to personalise your project with her designs as. jumping off point. As you can see, they are all very different. We encourage you to come and visit on a class day, meet the girls and see the things they’re working on and have a chat about what you could undertake. 

Jennifer Corkish Quilt Teacher in Class at Berry with two of her projects. 

A great photo of Janice in class with Jennifer Corkish. This shot shows her applique block in progress, the sample Bright Block by Jennifer and larger quilt  by Mary Lawler on the wall behind. 

Jennifer Corkish ‘Purity’. A small quilt perfect for learning Jennifer’s Appliqué Techniques.

 

Judy’s soft and pretty Purity

Design Process for the Amber Palace applique Quilt

The new Amber Palace Quilt in progress. This one by Noelene. Inspired by wall motifs at an Indian place.

Girls in Jen’s Sat class working hard!

Rhonda’s Amber Palace Quilt in the classroom full of Jennifer’s samples including the original.

Melissa’s amazing bright felt embellished updated ‘Sarah Evans’ quilt designed by Jennifer

Ari’s ‘mini’ Garden Fantasy quilt designed by Jennifer

Garden Fantasy by Jennifer with Judges commendation at the Sydney Quilt Show

The Towns and Trailblazers Quilt by Jen Wulff with design assistance by Jen Corkish

Jennifer’s Birdbath Quilt in progress.

Rhonda with her just finished Birdbath Quilt. Another great version with a fresh china blue colour way.

A bright colourway of Flowers and Urns by Janice showing the Bright Block in centre.

Kerrie’s Japanese Inspired Flowers and Urns

Anne’s super elegant version of the Flowers and Urns Appliqué Quilt

The Bright Block, centre of the flowers and urns Quilt is a good stand alone starter project.

Jennifer Corkish Quilt Teacher in class with some of her Japanese inspired work.

The Japanese tile inspired table runner EPP project in two colour ways.

Jennifer’s 2021 Teaching Quilt Something About Japan. A memory album of a trip to Japan using neutral yarn dyes and indigos.

Faye’s stitch embellished version of Something about Japan. Isn’t it rich and exciting with a dark background!

Jen’s lovely appliqué sampler called Hoping for a Grandbaby. (Shhh! Don’t tell Nathan!) Done here with low volume backgrounds.

Debbie’s lovely version of Jen’s appliqué sampler Hoping for a Grandbaby. I love the coloured backgrounds.

The EPP project Quilt of the Crosses in Reproduction Colours. Lots of scope here for fun with fussy cutting.

A hexagon EPP project called Licorice Allsorts featuring Jen Kingwell’s Lollies fabric

 

Boro Table Runner by Jennifer Corkish as featured in Quilter’s Companion

 

Joanne’s amazingly detailed boro style quilt.

Jen with Jenny H’s happy version of the Japanese Tiles runner turned into a quilt.

Both Jens with Jen H’s lovely Japanesy version of the folded ‘pikelets’. A meditative, often hand done, quilt as you go project.

Mrs Billings Coverlet by class member Joanne Pollard

Joanne’s Amazing Dear Jane Quilt

Jen with Rhonda’s nearly done Strippy Hexagon quilt.

For class bookings please phoning the shop on ph 4464 3387.

Helen Draper’s classes are running every month in 2021. The class runs on the third Friday of each month (except April because of easter – Date of Class is April 26th) and is the perfect low stress place to build up some traditional patchwork and quilting skills. Participants in Helen’s classes are all working on their own projects at their own pace so you are able to join Helen’s class at any point in the year, subject to availability. Helen is a delightful and relaxed teacher who enjoys getting to know her class members and sharing her love of hand stitching, fabric and quilt design. You can learn to hand quilt, to hand piece quilt blocks using templates or work step by step though a quilt design of Helen’s own. 

Helen’s love is hand stitching! In this class Helen is able to teach you traditional or modern hand quilting techniques. By this, we mean the actual quilting stitches that hold the three layers:, top, wadding and backing together. Helen can show you anything from the very traditional ’10 stitches to an inch’ elegant hand quilting using a waxed thread for heirloom quilts to the ‘big stitch’ colourful quilting using thicker perle threads for a more modern or rustic effect. This style of quilting has become very popular lately. Once upon a time a quilt was either entirely hand quilted or entirely machine quilted but these days it is not uncommon for quilts to be machine quilted and accents added by hand in certain areas. 

You can begin by bringing in an already made and sandwiched quilt. Helen can work you though ideas for quilting it and ways to mark out your designs and get you started. Alternatively, you could start with a cushion sized sampler or a piece of plain fabric to get the knack before you go on to another larger project. Helen teaches a method of hand quilting using a quilt hoop but you are also able to work without one if you prefer. You will learn methods for marking quilt designs on your quilt and you’ll cover threads, needles and the types of designs that are appropriate for your quilt.

You are also able to learn to stitch quilt blocks together by hand in this class. We call this hand piecing. When hand piecing, the block is cut out, seam allowances are marked and it is then stitched together by hand rather than machine. It is often a geometrically pieced traditional block. There are a few tips and tricks to learn to make your patchwork durable and accurate and there are a few ways to incorporate templates when making multiple blocks that are all the same but once learnt, you will be able to make anything any time with only a pencil, ruler, scissors, needle and thread. It’s a very portable technique to know. You can learn hand piecing by making one of Helen’s original quilt designs pictured below or by progressing block by block through a range of traditional designs ending up with a ‘sampler’ quilt.

Many of the participants in Helen’s classes have come along as beginners to learn one of the techniques discussed above and end up staying on because they fall in love with one of Helen’s quilt designs. We have a number of Helen’s completed quilts in the shop to show you some alternatives. As an advanced or intermediate quilter you are able to join Helen’s class to get a kick start on any of her original projects that are listed in her Patchwork Bliss web shop. You can purchase the pattern from Helen’s website or let us know when enrolling which quilt you like and we will organise for Helen to bring the pattern with her to class. As with all our classes you can book in as a regular class member or you are able to dip in here and there as space permits. You can see if spaces are available for casual class members at the end of this entry, where it will allow you to add the class to your cart if there is space. If you would like to book for more than one month, click through the calendar to the next month and add that class to your cart as well.

Lastly, while Helen loves to hand stitch she knows that many of you don’t! So most of her patterns are adaptable for machine and you are able to learn by machine in Helen’s class. Make sure you make contact with us to discuss what you’d like to do if you’re unsure.

2021 Class Dates: 

19th February, 19th March, 16th April, 21st May, 18th June, 16th July, 20th August, 17th September, 15th October, 19th November, 17th Dec.

Images of Class and Projects:

Helen Draper teacher with two of her popular teaching quilts.

Helen’s lovely new teaching Quilt Hoopla which was featured in the Quilters Companion Magazine.

The Fanciful Quilt which is a great quilt for learning a wide range of techniques!

The cheeky Jungle bums is a firm favourite with grandmothers!

The lovely and delicate Kiku Blossom quilt by Helen Draper features chubby dresden plates and the clever card trick block.

 

Helen Draper with the super popular Feeling Groovy Quilt

 

 

Helen’s Shadow Play Quilt done here in solids has such impact!

 

Helen Draper’s versatile Gone Troppo quilt.

Helen Draper Quilting Teacher

The very popular Feeling Groovy Quilt. This quilt can be made with crazy florals and looks just as good made with totally random scraps

Ari’s version of Feeling Groovy

Helen Draper Berry Bliss Quilt. Another great teaching quilt with lots of techniques.

Jenny’s version of Feeling Groovy

Helen H’s soft and pretty version of Feeling Groovy

Clever girls; learning to hand quilt with hoops

More patient people and Charlotte refining their hand quilting tecniques.

Close up of the Perle 8 hand quilting on Shadowplay

A close up of the ‘Big Stitch’ quilting on Feeling Groovy

Sarah hand quilting a special quilt.

Just for fun in one class the girls made matching tote bags. Totes Totes!

Ari’s version of Fanciful! Ari picked the colour scheme to match the beautiful Iris Kaffe Fasset fabric behind the blocks.

Kerrie’s Version of Shadow Play

Helen H’s colour spectrum version of Gone Troppo. Isn’t this a winner!!

Three versions of Gone Troppo under way in class. L to R Janet, Judy and Helen in class, all working hard.

 

Helen with Bedazzled patterns

Helen’s Fanciful quilt, featured in the Quilters’ Companion Magazine has been a popular one to make.

Sheena Chapman joins us for a regular class on the Second Saturday of each month. (NOTE: Check Saturday class dates, occasionally one falls on a different Saturday on the month due to public holidays etc)  We also have a short season of two Sheena classes per term if that works better for you. See the seperate listings for this in the calendar. (More Sheena project images here too)

Sheena is a very prolific maker, bringing in to class inspiring new quilts every month! She’s also a collector -so be prepared to see many vintage gems that she’s had in her stash for years or that she has just picked up at the op shop this week!

Sheena’s quilts are a fantastic blend of old and new, traditional and improv. We call it ‘Inspired Improv’. Sheena’s quilts are refreshingly colourful, fun and fast to make. Some quilts are Sheena’s contemporary take on a vintage quilt from her collection, some quilts are designed in response to the fabric she’s working with and many begin with a vintage piece of fabric.  Once you see them you will be dying to make them all!!

What you can learn: 

Sheena has a number of improvisational techniques that she characteristically employs in her quilts and you will learn these in class as you work through a quilt. Once you’ve mastered these you can go on to create your own ‘Inspired Improv’ heirlooms at home. Another feature of Sheena’s quilts is the exciting use of big pieces, large borders and panels that help a quilt grow quickly in size. Sheena also employs special, sometimes unorthodox, time saving techniques that all total fabric addicts will appreciate. 

Sheena specialises in helping you choose fabric combinations that really emphasise your ‘hero’ or favourite prints or special vintage yardage. You will learn how to mix your vintage scraps and treasures with your modern stash and make your own unique quilts with a vintage twist! In this class, the classroom is festooned with design walls so everyone can see their creation taking place life-sized in front of them.

How class is structured:

Participants in Sheena’s classes usually work on one of Sheena’s quilts in class at their own pace, with Sheena’s guidance. You may choose from any of Sheena’s quilts that you have seen on display in the store or here on the website. It usually takes two or three months to complete a quilt depending on how fast you like to work. Or you can dip in for one our two lessons and work through Sheena’s improv techniques, 

The class is suitable for confident beginners who have probably made a few quilts before, know their equipment pretty well and are exuberant with fabric and happy to ‘throw caution to the wind’ in persuit of a lively, one-of-a-kind, scrappy quilt. The quilts are machine pieced so bring along your machine, cutting equipment and plenty of scraps. You’ll be inspired not just by Sheena but by what everyone else is making in class. If you are an absolute beginner but like the look of Sheenas style talk to us about coming to an other session before hand so you’re not thrown in the deep end. Perhaps try one of Sheena’s Friday classes which feature two of her entry level quilts. 

Whilst most people book into Sheena’s class on a yearly basis (and access a discounted rate) it is possible to book in for one or two casual classes (where rare vacancies exist) to explore a new technique or to begin an ongoing project.  Sheena’s classes are popular. Please phone to book in. 

2021 Classes:

13th Feb, 13th March, 17th April*, 8th May, 12th June, 10th July, 14th Aug, 11th Sept, 9th Oct, 13th Nov, 11th Dec. NOTE: * Class is pushed back a week due to calendar clash with Easter.  

Images of Projects: 

Sheena Chapman helping Dianne with her quilt.

Sheena and Mary discuss colour.

Goodnight Moon is a great intro to Sheena’s Improv techniques

Sheena Chapman Rainbow Chevron Quilt

Sheena with her Trigonometry Quilt

Sheena with her quilt Quality Street

Sunday best by Sheena Chapman

Sunday Best by Mary Lawler

 

Bloomingdales a great teaching quilt of Sheena’s

Serendipity is an unusually neutral quilt for Sheena.

The woven quilt in progress

An improv medallion quilt.

Sheenas Wedge Daisies

Helen’s version of the wedge daisies

Charlotte working hard on her tumbler quilt.

An improv log cabin featuring found vintage fabric in progesss

The Perforation Quilt

Sheena Chapman in class showing off her Jungle Fever quilt.

Sheena Chapman’s ‘State Fair’ quilt built around the great piece of vintage purple carnival fabric!

Jungle Fever Quilt by Sheena Chapman

Are you wanting to learn to use your domestic sewing machine to quilt your quilt tops to best advantage? Are you wanting to learn specialist sketch applique or decorative stitch applique. Do you have a computerised Bernina sewing machine and want to learn about its stitch capabilities, memory, feet and more..? Well all of these things are possible in Deborah’s Tuesday Classes!! 

In this class you could begin one of Deb’s own design popular projects that are able to be made in sampler size or grown to be full blown quilts. OR work at your own pace while Deb helps you focus and take the fear out of quilting your own quilt tops while you learn to get the most from your sewing machine. 

Deborah is a wealth of knowledge on all things domestic machine quilting related. She has been quilting all her own quilts for decades and has had a machine quilting business all conducted on a domestic stationary sewing machine!! If you want to learn ways to machine quilt your own quilt on your domestic machine this class is one for you!

Deb is a powerhouse in the classroom! If machine quilting is what you want to learn: You can learn basting techniques, walking foot techniques and countless free motion techniques. In styles that suit very traditional quilts and very modern quilts. In this class, what you learn can be fully customised for you to learn at your own pace. You are able to work on sample pieces/ stitch diaries or bring a quilt you’ve already made and get Deb’s help, tips and ongoing support to get it machine quilted in class. Also check out our Blog entry on Deb’s  class program called Quilting between the Lines and in our recent blog entry about the 2021 projects and Deb’s new walking foot book which is available to purchase here. 

Deb is also extremely knowledgeable about all sewing machines and their capabilities. You may choose to work through Deb’s cleverly designed teaching projects such as the Glam Clams or Hearts & Lolli-pops that employ decorative stitch raw edge appliqué or projects such as Secret Garden or Daisy Path that feature Deb’s ‘sketch applique’ techniques. In these projects you will learn an incredible amount about your machine, needles, threads, decorative stitch capabilities, stabilisers and solving TENSION issues. (!!) This knowledge is key to making consistently good and well-made work and not jumping out the window while you’re trying! Scroll down for images of Deb’s projects.

Sponsored by Bernina, Deborah knows all Bernina machines inside out! Some ladies join the group to get the best from their machine in an ongoing classroom situation. Deb can work with 40+ yr old Bernina machines right through to the latest 7 & 8 Series computerised Berninas. Working through projects and/or a stitch diary helps you learn as you need and provides an environment where knowledge is reinforced by using it and by witnessing other’s progress in class. And NO, you don’t have to have a Bernina to join the class. Ladies join the class with all types of machines with old and new, big and small. We have had Brother Dream Weavers and the latest Janomes in class. 

This class is suitable for the novice machine quilter with some machine patchwork & piecing experience and basic knowledge of rulers, cutters and patchwork equipment. It is probably not for the total beginner unless you are confident and have discussed the projects with us first.  Deb is very experienced at helping experienced piecers who are timid but aspiring quilters through to the experienced maker who wants to go to the next level.

Places are limited Bookings are necessary. All bookings subject to our Terms and Conditions.

2021 Class Dates:

Session One: 16th  February , 16th March, 20th April, 18th May, 15th June,
Session Two: 20th July, 17th August, 21st  September, 19th  October , 16th November

Images of Projects: 

The Fabulous Mandala Cushions.

Deb and The Covid Clams Projects

The ‘It’s Cool to be Square’ walking foot quilting project.

Marjorie with her two Mum’s Hibiscus cushions

Wednesdays are a Sit & Sew opportunity. Most Wednesdays throughout the year this group meets to catch up and enjoy their sewing home away from home. The only weeks we don’t meet are January and school holidays.

This is a great group, the regular girls have been meeting for many years, more than 12 now I think! The girls sew anything and everything and sometimes don’t sew at all. It’s not a formal class with tuition. Just a lovely relaxing sit and sew! A chance to concentrate on your work for a day or to chat and meet other happy quilters. Whilst there is a core group who come regularly they are very welcoming of newcomers to the area or occasional visitors to Berry. 

Maybe you are quilter on the road who would like to stop and sew with company for a day? The girls would love to hear about your adventures and see what you’re making! Maybe you’re a Shoalhaven local who would like some occasional company? Well you are very welcome to book in and join us.  If needed, we have machines to hire.  Machine hire is $10 per day and hirers must provide their own quality thread.

Cost is $20 per person per session. Includes morning tea and all day tea & coffee. Note: The groups has been pretty fulll since covid has reduced our classroom capacity. Please phone 4464 3387 to check on availability because there can be occasional spaces or we can add you to the waitlist. 

No group in School Holiday Dates: (7th & 14th April) (30th June & 7th July) (22nd & 29th Sept) Last meeting for year 15th Dec. 

A usual Wednesday suspect: Mardi our super finisher!

Another Regular: Lee-Anne finishing her 30 year old candle wicking project!

The Wednesday Core: Ready to welcome you!

All busy Sewing!

The Wednesday Women in the newly renovated classroom April 18

Mary Showing off a pieced quilt back.

Sue & Mardi enjoying a joke, probably at my expense…

Wednesday Women Xmas Parties in the old shop.

You must book in if this class sounds like it’s for you!

Wednesdays are a Sit & Sew opportunity. Most Wednesdays throughout the year this group meets to catch up and enjoy their sewing home away from home. The only weeks we don’t meet are January and school holidays.

This is a great group, the regular girls have been meeting for many years, more than 12 now I think! The girls sew anything and everything and sometimes don’t sew at all. It’s not a formal class with tuition. Just a lovely relaxing sit and sew! A chance to concentrate on your work for a day or to chat and meet other happy quilters. Whilst there is a core group who come regularly they are very welcoming of newcomers to the area or occasional visitors to Berry. 

Maybe you are quilter on the road who would like to stop and sew with company for a day? The girls would love to hear about your adventures and see what you’re making! Maybe you’re a Shoalhaven local who would like some occasional company? Well you are very welcome to book in and join us.  If needed, we have machines to hire.  Machine hire is $10 per day and hirers must provide their own quality thread.

Cost is $20 per person per session. Includes morning tea and all day tea & coffee. Note: The groups has been pretty fulll since covid has reduced our classroom capacity. Please phone 4464 3387 to check on availability because there can be occasional spaces or we can add you to the waitlist. 

No group in School Holiday Dates: (7th & 14th April) (30th June & 7th July) (22nd & 29th Sept) Last meeting for year 15th Dec. 

A usual Wednesday suspect: Mardi our super finisher!

Another Regular: Lee-Anne finishing her 30 year old candle wicking project!

The Wednesday Core: Ready to welcome you!

All busy Sewing!

The Wednesday Women in the newly renovated classroom April 18

Mary Showing off a pieced quilt back.

Sue & Mardi enjoying a joke, probably at my expense…

Wednesday Women Xmas Parties in the old shop.

You must book in if this class sounds like it’s for you!

Well it’s not really therapy in a clinical sense!!! But there is definitely healing power in spending a day stitching in inspiring and creative company!!

Bookings for this class are made by phoning the store. ph 4464 3387. Scroll down to read more about the class and see images of the style of work made in class. 

Popular teacher Jennifer Corkish teaches all her techniques in two classes a month. These take place regularly on the first Saturday of each month and the Fourth Thursday of each month. Jennifer comes along to each class with new quilts and projects she has designed: from her own take on the popular Japanese Boro technique to fine applique, English paper piecing, wool applique and stitch embellishment and more…! If you can’t come regularly: see also the special days in our calendar dedicated to making the Something About Japan Quilt. 

Jennifer has been a teacher at Berry Quilt & Co. since we opened in 2016 and also taught for approximately six years at Berry Patchwork prior to that. Jennifer has built up a number of regular students who have been coming to her classes and making her quilts ever since she began teaching in Berry which is quite a recommendation! Jen is an experienced and encouraging teacher who over the years has helped many along their creative journey. She is able to help you work on projects designed to develop your skills or to extend your own creative ideas. Jen is such a valued member of the Berry Quilt & Co team and we are proud to say that she’s not currently teaching regularly at any other quilt store, so here in the Shoalhaven, we are very lucky to be benefiting from her experience, diverse creativity and interests! Please click through to her teacher profile to read more about Jennifer’s making and teaching experience.

What You Can Learn With Jennifer 

Casual or beginner participants in Jennifer’s classes often attend to learn Japanese Boro stitching. Pictured below, Boro is a traditional Japanese mending technique utilising layered scraps of material and sashiko style running stitches to hold it all together. Jennifer has devised a method of making boro fabric suitable for our modern fabrics and equipment for use in quilts, bags, table runners, clothing etc. You may learn this technique in one of Jens monthly classes or book in to a class in Sept 2021 to learn this technique specifically.  

Teaching applique using the ‘stay in’ Hugs ‘n Kisses Applique paper is also a specialty of Jennifer’s. Beginners can start with one of the blocks from Jennifer’s well known Flower’s & Urn Quilt, pictured below is an excellent place to start and this block has been made in so many different color combinations from bright, to Japanese to traditional and reproduction. Begin in one lesson with the starter block and turn it into a wall hanging or cushion OR go on to continue to make the whole quilt. The centre medallion from the Purity quilt is another good place to start an appliqué project and the 1930s Inspired Appliqué Sampler ‘Hoping for a Grandbaby’ could be as large or small a project as you’d like to make it. 

English paper piecing (EPP) has featured in many of Jennifer’s quilts over the years and you could begin a project making Jennifer’s fussy cut crosses quilt or a Jennifer’s strip hexagon quilt that gets you started with hexagons without you having to make the whole quilt top from hand made hexagons. There is also the new ‘Liquorice Allsorts’ hexagon EPP  project which is again customisable to a size that suits you. 

Working with stitch embellishment is also a forte of Jennifer’s. and the girls in all Jen’s classes enjoy the projects that have scope for hand stitching embellishment. Jen can help you begin a Japanese Sashiko stitching panel and turn it into a wallhanging or quilt or she can turn traditional appliquéd projects into unique appliquéd designs from using wool felt and lush coloured threads as well as cotton fabric, everything can be a vehicle for stitch embellishment. Have a look through the images below for ideas of where Jennifer’s class could lead you. 

Stitch embellished garments and covered Yazzi sewing storage bags have also been made in Jennifer’s classes. Waistcoats and jackets made from Japanese inspired boro stitching have been made with Jen’s assistance. You’d need to have a chat about what you’re thinking how it would come together before booking in but chat to us if you’re interested. Similarly woven and/or stitched or EPP coverings have been made for Yazzi sewing bags both large and small. Jen can help you with these projects.   

How Class is Structured:

The class has a loose relaxed structure where regular participants work on Jennifer’s original designs at their own pace and build up skills as they progress though the projects. Usually in class all the participants are working different projects and often on more than one project at once. Occasionally, after a number of projects have been completed, class members have requested that Jennifer help them design a unique project, which Jennifer is happy to work on with the student, making it a very personalised class. Sometimes a group evolves to work together and ‘demand’ from Jennifer certain styles of projects, which has happened to an extent with the Thursday group in 2020. The core girls here very much enjoy small stitch embellished projects such as bags, stitch diaries, album books and more. They are very creative and enjoy seeing and celebrating each others results.  

You will find plenty of helpful advice, skills and friendship in this lively class. Jennifer is very good at getting you started on a project and helping you with fabric selection and requirements. All of Jennifer’s students produce quite different and unique results. I’m always amazed at how differently the same quilts can turn out with different fabric choices. As a teacher Jennifer is very open to working with your fabric choices and helping you get the best results from what you begin with. She has also been in class support for beginning to end of complicated projects designed by others. For example: The Dear Jane Quilt by Jane A Stickle,  the Mrs Billings Coverlet by Karen Styles or the Towns and Trailblazers Quilt by Jennifer Wulff . If any of these quilts appeal to you and you wanted assistance to select a colour palette and get started you could start and continue to work on one of those projects in Jennifer’s class. (As long as you have purchased your own copy of the relevant pattern or book.)

Whilst most people book in to Jennifer’s class on a yearly basis (and access a generous Enrolled Class member discount) it is possible to book in for one or two casual classes (where vacancies exist) to explore a new technique or to begin an ongoing project. You can see if places are available at the end of this entry, where it will allow you to add the class to your cart if there is space. If you would like to book for more than one month, click through the class calendar to the next month and add that class to your cart as well.

Jennifer’s groups are very popular and are often booked out! Casual places, if available, may be booked by phoning the store. ph 4464 3387

2021 Thursday Dates:

28th January, 25th February, 25th March, 22nd April, 27th May, 24th June, 22nd July, 26th August , 23rd September, 28th October, 25th November, 16th Dec * (*One week earlier due to Xmas.)  

Images of the Projects:

This gallery shows the style of work that Jen is making and things that the girls have made in class over the years. Jen specialises in supporting you to personalise your project with her designs as. jumping off point. As you can see, they are all very different. We encourage you to come and visit on a class day, meet the girls and see the things they’re working on and have a chat about what you could undertake. 

Jennifer Corkish Quilt Teacher in Class at Berry with two of her projects. 

A great photo of Janice in class with Jennifer Corkish. This shot shows her applique block in progress, the sample Bright Block by Jennifer and larger quilt  by Mary Lawler on the wall behind. 

Jennifer Corkish ‘Purity’. A small quilt perfect for learning Jennifer’s Appliqué Techniques.

 

Judy’s soft and pretty Purity

Design Process for the Amber Palace applique Quilt

The new Amber Palace Quilt in progress. This one by Noelene. Inspired by wall motifs at an Indian place.

Girls in Jen’s Sat class working hard!

Rhonda’s Amber Palace Quilt in the classroom full of Jennifer’s samples including the original.

Melissa’s amazing bright felt embellished updated ‘Sarah Evans’ quilt designed by Jennifer

Ari’s ‘mini’ Garden Fantasy quilt designed by Jennifer

Garden Fantasy by Jennifer with Judges commendation at the Sydney Quilt Show

The Towns and Trailblazers Quilt by Jen Wulff with design assistance by Jen Corkish

Jennifer’s Birdbath Quilt in progress.

Rhonda with her just finished Birdbath Quilt. Another great version with a fresh china blue colour way.

A bright colourway of Flowers and Urns by Janice showing the Bright Block in centre.

Kerrie’s Japanese Inspired Flowers and Urns

Anne’s super elegant version of the Flowers and Urns Appliqué Quilt

The Bright Block, centre of the flowers and urns Quilt is a good stand alone starter project.

Jennifer Corkish Quilt Teacher in class with some of her Japanese inspired work.

The Japanese tile inspired table runner EPP project in two colour ways.

Jennifer’s 2021 Teaching Quilt Something About Japan. A memory album of a trip to Japan using neutral yarn dyes and indigos.

Faye’s stitch embellished version of Something about Japan. Isn’t it rich and exciting with a dark background!

Jen’s lovely appliqué sampler called Hoping for a Grandbaby. (Shhh! Don’t tell Nathan!) Done here with low volume backgrounds.

Debbie’s lovely version of Jen’s appliqué sampler Hoping for a Grandbaby. I love the coloured backgrounds.

The EPP project Quilt of the Crosses in Reproduction Colours. Lots of scope here for fun with fussy cutting.

A hexagon EPP project called Licorice Allsorts featuring Jen Kingwell’s Lollies fabric

 

Boro Table Runner by Jennifer Corkish as featured in Quilter’s Companion

 

Joanne’s amazingly detailed boro style quilt.

Jen with Jenny H’s happy version of the Japanese Tiles runner turned into a quilt.

Both Jens with Jen H’s lovely Japanesy version of the folded ‘pikelets’. A meditative, often hand done, quilt as you go project.

Mrs Billings Coverlet by class member Joanne Pollard

Joanne’s Amazing Dear Jane Quilt

Jen with Rhonda’s nearly done Strippy Hexagon quilt.

These sessions are for any of you who need a bit of extra assistance. From the total beginner or newbie patchworker to the rusty maker who has forgotten everything.  Or even the experienced dressmaker or home decor sewist who wants to have a go at patchwork but doesn’t know where to begin.

Maybe you are half way through the project and can’t remember where you’re up to. Maybe you’d like to begin to sew or quilt but don’t know where to start or what equipment to use. Maybe you’ve never stitched anything at all…. Well we can help you out in this session.

If you would like to make a basic couch quilt, a baby quilt or small sewing project but don’t know where to begin we can get you started. You can make cushions, bags, placemats or just learn the basics of rotary cutting and patchwork stitching equipment and terms.

The class is taken by Shop Owner Sharon Thomson who loves to see people learn new things and discover new skills. Sharon is very patient with timid beginners. She is can help those of you who want to learn some skills and then have a go at designing your own work in a supportive environment.  Sharon specialises in help with UFOs. Especially puzzling through projects half-made with patterns or fabric requirements lost or not working out. Sharon has had many students who have an idea of the quilts they want to make but cannot find a pattern. If this is you, Sharon will help you design your quilt and work out fabric quantities. 

There is no need to lock in for a term or even to come for the whole day so they are perfect for busy people. It is suitable for casual attendance or regular class members but is limited to 4 in class only.  This small class size is so that people are able to have individual attention as needed and it is not an overwhelming prospect to join in for the first time. Our equipment is available to use if you’d like to try things out before committing to buy a whole patchwork ‘kit’. A machine is available to hire for $20 per session. 

You will need to book and pay in advance, at least two days prior to class to ensure that there is availability in the classroom. This class does often book out so please phone in advance. I provide morning and afternoon teas and all day beverages. Gluten free catered for. Class members BYO lunch or visit a nearby café.

Costs

There are two 5 hr sessions available at $60 pp 
9.30 am – 2.30 pm  or  10.30 am – 3.30 pm We take two people for each session time.
Half Day Classroom Access $40pp. Please phone the store for all bookings or to arrange, equipment hire or to arrange a half day.

Fine Print:

ALWAYS check availability of a class in advance by phoning the shop. Classes depend on student and teacher availability. Classes are for patchwork and quilting style projects. Very simple dressmaking and some soft furnishings and bag projects could also be undertaken. This class is not for sophisticated dressmaking, tailoring or drapery.

NOTE: Occasionally there will be a substitute teacher (our trusted side-kick and regular Berry teacher Helen Draper) when Sharon is unavailable. 

2021 Class Dates:

What you will learn: 

2021 Class Dates:

Sharon Loves Quilts

Sharon Thomson | Owner Berry Quilt & Co.

 

Lee’s squares getting measured up for borders.

 

Some of the best quilts begin with just simple squares.

The whole family helping sandwich the quilt.

More quilt sandwiching fun.

Phoebe’s squares all quilted ready for binding

Here is another great beginner quilt. This time with diagonal quilting. I think this one was by amazing beginner Melissa! (I can’t be sure because she wouldn’t get in the picture and I can’t quite remember if it was Melissa.)

Ruth never stops! Here she is quilting through the layers.

Star pupil Ruth learning how to put on her binding.

Ruth with her finished quilt. I love the stripey binding!

Sharon Thomson Patchwork & Quilting Teacher