Teacher
by Pat Ferguson
I teach a wide variety of classes ranging from beginner to advanced and almost anything in between. My specialty is free motion machine quilting (on a regular sewing machine and a longarm) which I then incorporate into my specialty “whole cloth” quilts.
After teaching thousands of new and seasoned quilters over the years, I have tried not to lose sight of what it is like to be a bewildered but excited beginner. I still feel refreshed and rejuvenated every time I introduce a new student to quilting and see their enthusiasm and creativity explode.
Working with seasoned quilters is just as rewarding as I watch their skills develop, feel their pride in their own creative process, and watch their personal style develop.
Author of “Zen Quilting Workbook” has been a way for me to reach out to more quilters cross the country to teach my Zen Quilting method. Paired with my “Zen Quilting Kit” more students and quilters can appreciate the relaxation of this method in their homes or personal quilting spaces.
I continue to take classes and search the web to learn from the best and to enhance my teaching skills. There is always something new to learn, whether it is a new tool, a new quilting style or a new technique. In 2010 I became a Certified Zentangle® Teacher. Learn more about this relaxing, artistic technique and purchase supplies by visiting my product page.
My goals as a teacher are:
- always be the best teacher I can be
- be sensitive to the needs of beginning and seasoned quilters
- allow every student to incorporate their own creativity into their masterpiece
- help students relax and have fun with quilting- after all, isn’t it supposed to be fun?
- provide an abundance of accurate information and creative ideas to my students
Quilter
Pat’s studio
Since I was a youngster, I have been crafting and sewing. My passion for quilting began in 1980, when I lived in Maine, and has evolved into a lifetime ambition. I have always enjoyed new techniques and incorporate them into my custom work and classes. I became a CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) in 2010 Seminar #3.
My specialty is machine quilting. I have been a longarm quilter since 2002 , working on thousands of customer quilts, charity quilts and many of my own. I have designed several quilts that incorporate Zentangle into whole cloth creations. I also love fusible applique techniques which are the basic skills used in some of my art quilts.I see quilting as an art form. My sewing machine often becomes the paintbrush or artist pencil on the fabric, which is my canvas.
I believe there is a difference between making many quilts and becoming a true quilter. When I began making quilts it was sometimes just a race to get the quilt completed with quick techniques and large pieces. Then I began to be more careful with my stitching and to learn all that I could about fabrics, batting, threads, color, and the design process. I found that is was more gratifying for me to make one spectacular quilt than ten quick quilts. Much thought and creative energy goes into designing a quilt from choosing the fabrics to the last decorative quilting stitches.
I have been commissioned to do several pieces for private individuals and businesses. Each is unique to the customer and several of these works have received awards in quilt shows. A sampling of my Landscapes, House Portraits and Products can be viewed on this web site.
Fiber Artist
Three Circles by Pat Ferguson
Each year Pat participates in Artists Open Studios of Northeast CT.
Pat and many other artists open their studios to the public so that they can see them at work on their craft and purchase fine art for themselves or as gifts. Watch Pat work on her 12′ Longarm machine and view many fiber art wall pieces and quilts handmade by Pat.
Pat is available for workshops, lectures and trunk shows for guilds, quilt shops or organizations and will customize for your needs and skill levels. Take a look at her classes and teaching schedule.
Pat lives in the “Quiet Corner” of Northeast Connecticut. Her 2 grown sons live with their families and have blessed Pat with wonderful grandchildren.
Pattern designer
Remains To be Seamed Pattern
Quilter’s Tool Tote
Many of my patterns were originally developed as class projects. Each has been classroom tested several times resulting in a clear and easy to read pattern with many visual diagrams. My patterns are also rated for skill level and many are suitable for all. The “Quilter’s Tool Tote” pattern was created years ago as a class and is my first self published pattern.
“Remains to be Seamed” is my second pattern created especially for my students needs to use up scraps and remaining pieces left over from making quilts.
Zen Riverbed and Ferns by Pat Ferguson
Designing pantograph patterns is another outlet for my creativity. Longarm quilters are able to enjoy and share my “Zen Quilting” Patterns with their customers.
Pat is a proud member of the following organizations
Narragansett Bay Quilters (NBQA)
www.nbquilts.org
300 member quilt guild in RI
Secretary from Sept 2006-2009
Member since 1990
Greater Hartford Quilt Guild (GHQG)
www.ghqg.org
Member since 2002 –encompasses several chapters throughout the Greater Hartford.
Worked on 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 Quilt show committee, taking in applications, quilt placement in show & take down.
Artists Open Studios Of Northeast Connecticut (AOS)
www.aosct.org
Artists Cooperative with Open Studios in Nov/Dec
Member since Spring 2005
Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA)
www.saqa.com
International art quilters group committed to promoting the art quilt through education, exhibits, professional development and documentation
Member since Jan 2008
Quiet Corner Art Quilt Group
qcartquilts.blogspot.com
A small private group of art quilters who meet to encourage and develop creativity
Member since 2010