Class description for MJ Kinman

 Skill Level: Confident Beginner to Advanced
Subject: Pattern-Making using Freezer Paper Piecing Techniques

Using the design and piecing techniques I rely on to create my diamond portraits, students will create their own singularly beautiful work of faceted light. After choosing from one of several pre-selected images based on their skill level, students will learn how to code each piece for color, location, and adjacency; position template pieces onto hand-painted fabric to achieve the desired light effects; and ultimately create their own unique study in faceted color. Students will leave the class with a small top that can later be hand- or machine-quilted at home. Student supply list will be provided at time of booking.

Come learn and have fun.

Class Length: Full Day - 9am to 4pm

Enrollment Fee: $80.00 / seat 

Bite Size Gems Class Supply List:

• 36” length of freezer paper (standard 18” width); this is enough for 2 patterns so that if you want to start over you have enough to do so. (Note: wax paper or parchment paper will not work with this technique.)

• Colored pencils in the colors of the gem they want to create. However, don’t limit yourself! You may want to make a gemstone reflecting a wide variety of hues and values.

• Erasable pencils

• Ball point pen in blue or black

• Eraser (preferably a block eraser, rather than the top of the pencil. These remove marks much better.)

• 18” ruler

• Small ruler with a ¼” measurement

• Correction tape such as Bic Wite-Out Correction Tape (found at any office supply store) – Please do not bring liquid Wite-Out, because it will ruin your iron. Look for the tape instead.

• Domestic sewing machine and thread assortment (neutrals or colors that match your fabrics)

• Scissors and rotary cutting tools (cutter and mat)

• Iron and ironing pad (or board)

• Fabric -- Assortment of skinny 8ths (half of a fat quarter) of cotton fabric in white, black, and up to four values of at least two different colors. (Example from first sample below: Yellow-Green fabric in pale, light, medium, bright, and dark; Lavender in pale, light medium, dark; Orange Melon in pale, light, medium, and dark)

About MJ Kinman

MJ Kinman|Textile Artist

I like to tell people I make the biggest diamonds in the world. The adventure started over 20 years ago when an image of a gem captured my imagination. As a new quiltmaker, I knew there had to be a way to transform that image into a quilt, but didn’t know where to begin. I dove into the research and, seven years later, made my first gem. 

My latest series, entitled “Bourbon Diamonds” celebrates Kentucky’s favorite spirit. My current series is based on the National Gem Collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

My work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and national competitions. The National Quilt Museum (Paducah, KY) is planning an exhibit of my work in 2020. I’ve been delighted to share my work with readers of Quilting Arts Magazine, France Patchwork, McCall’s Quilting, Make Modern Magazine, Online Quilting Magazine, and World Diamond Magazine. I’ve had the pleasure of appearing on Quilting Arts TV and The Quilt Show.com with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims. My gems are included in private and corporate collections, including Maker’s Mark Distillery.

I released my first pattern series in 2018. The Birthstone Series is a collection of 12 blocks representing the traditional birthstones, The Diamond Divas Series features larger quilt patterns inspired by fancy-cut diamonds. Northcott released my first fabric collection, “Facets by MJ Kinman”, in 2019.

I love to teach others how to use freezer-paper piecing techniques to bring their own inspiration to life. And Gem Affiliates, independent teachers around the US, Canada, and Australia who are certified to teach my patterns, are available to bring gem classes to shops, guilds, and groups around the country.

For more information, please visit my website and social media sites below:

Website: www.MJKinman.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/mjkinmantextileartist
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/mjkinman709