Quilter's Guild of Dallas

Maggie Ball began quilting in 1986 and enjoys creating her own designs from elements of traditional patterns. Her award-winning quilts have been exhibited nationally and overseas. Teaching quilting is a natural extension of her passion and she finds it rewarding. Her teaching experience is extensive in the USA, and beyond to the UK and Mongolia, as well as quilting with over 800 children in local schools.

"This illustrated lecture should inspire you to pass on the quilting tradition to the next generation. Based on my books, Creative Quilting with Kids and Patchwork and Quilting with Kids (Krause Publications 2001, and 2003), this talk illustrates examples of projects made from a variety of techniques by children of all ages and skill levels. There are many appropriate for intergenerational groups with little quilting experience as well as some new ideas for seasoned quilters to enjoy."

Taste of Autumn (left photo) - This Bargello 16-piece block, as featured in my book Bargello Quilts with a Twist, provides enormous potential for creating original designs. If you've felt intimidated by the bargello technique of sewing numerous strips together, never fear. To make this easily constructed strip-pieced block, you only need to sew four strips at a time. You will be amazed and delighted by the many possibilities for designing your own unique quilts and students are encouraged to explore a variety of options.

Choose Taste of Autumn or Bainbridge Delft (right photo): 24 Block Quilt (approx 51" x 51" finished size).

A totally NEW method of cutting and piecing the traditional kaleidoscope block without using any templates or triangular rulers. It's simple and fun. The finished quilt measures approximately 66" x 66" and is constructed from sixteen 14" Op-art Kaleidoscope blocks, plus borders. The process involves making large Kaleidoscope blocks that are cut-up into sections, rearranged, and then reassembled. Students are encouraged to experiment and play with the positioning of the block sections to develop a pleasing design on the work-wall.