Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Ricky Tims Quilt Seminar - Part 2

A couple of folks have asked me if I could give a few more details on the Ricky Tims Quilt Seminar and what I learned from it. So here goes. First of all we got a history of how Ricky got into quilting and his story of the process of how he went from your basic pieced block sampler (which I think most of us is where we likely started our quilting experience) to where he is now.

One of the main themes along the way was Ricky was willing to take a chance, take a risk and try something new. So what if it didn't work out the way he hoped it would, he still learned from the experience. Too many of us are afraid of taking that risk because it might not work. As Ricky said, you still learn from the experience, you improve your skills and in taking that risk you may also figure out a way of doing what it was that you wanted to do. As Ricky would say "Whoo Hoo!!! Below is a picture of Ricky's first landscape quilt that was done not knowing the so called "rules" of needing to add a seam allowance to the pieces that he cut. He experimented with different shapes and methods and when two pieces were giving him extra trouble he just steam ironed them to death LOL. After a good steaming the fabric fell into place. (sorry about the photo it's a bit crooked, but it was hanging crooked)


One other key philosophy that Ricky has is that time is your most important resource and you only have a finite amount of time so use it wisely. From this philosophy emerged the concept of when you have to be precise then you be precise, but where you don't have to be precise why worry about that 1/4" seam. Ricky is a master of figuring out ways of doing things that give amazing results yet you don't have to fret over every little detail. His "Caveman" quilting emerged from this and the use of paper piecing to get precision without the headaches. Oh did I just say an evil word to some of you, paper piecing. Don't fret, Ricky shows an easy method for paper piecing as well. Below is one of Ricky's Caveman quilts.


In addition Ricky shows you how to make his Convergence quilts, Kaleidoscope quilts and Rhapsody quilts (see samples of these quilts below). He also goes over design elements, as well as shows tips and tricks including how to piece curves without pins, setting in corners to make great looking borders, machine appliqué, machine quilting, piped bindings that save you time and look great, and some bobbin work. In  case you are wondering you get a wonderful workbook that has all the key information and instructions that are taught in the seminar so you are not taking a pile of notes.





Libby Lehman teaches two sessions.  She is a master quilter and one of the sessions she shows how she developed her Sheer Ribbon Illusion quilts.  It looks amazing even complex, but once you know the secrets you are going to want to try it for yourself.



Alex Anderson is a renowned hand quilter and teacher and she demonstrates hand quilting techniques and she talks about quilting design.  Here is one of Alex's hand quilted quilts.


I hope this gives everyone a better sense of what the 2 1/2 days are all about.  They are packed full of great information, learnings and wonderful stories.  I really hope that you all can get a chance to attend one of Ricky's seminars in the future.  It is time and money well worth spent.

4 comments:

Needled Mom said...

I would love to take a class from him. He is amazing.

hetty said...

That sure is a lot packed into two and a half days. Great info! I'd love to take a class with Ricky!

Sand and Sunshine said...

Wow, what amazing works of art.

quiltmom anna said...

While I haven't taken the course from Ricky himself,I did take a course that focuses on some Ricky's techniques and quilts. I have made a kaleidoscope quilt, the chantelle flower quilt and a few of his convergence quilts. Some day I am going to try the more complex version of the convergence quilts. I have his DVD and two of his books. Taking a chance is a good way to describe his techniques- Thanks for sharing your fun experience- I am sure it was a fabulous time.. What a nice way to play..