Is there any difference between the regular patterns and the PDF downloadable patterns?

No.  Both patterns contain exactly the same great instructions, illustrations and front and back cover pages.

What is the best way to print a downloadable pattern? 

After you purchase the downloadable pattern, you will have 24 hours to download it to your computer and you can then print it whenever you like. You may also print it as many times as you wish, as long as each copy is for your personal use only and not being shared with another. Instructions as to how to print and assemble the pattern are included. After you print the pages that comprise the pattern you will tape them together to form a full-sized pattern.  The instructions and illustrations will come as a separate document.  

Are APPLIPOPS just washers?

No.  That would be too easy!  APPLIPOPS rings have been fabricated from the highest-grade stainless steel, cut to a +/- .001 tolerance, beveled, and are part of a concentric system of graduated diameter rings from 3/8" up to 2 1/2" in quarter inch increments.  They slide in and out of each other and off their hook conveniently, enabling you to use only the specific rings you need.

APPLIPOPS are thinner than a dime, but substantial enough to hold the material.  The thinness ensures that you end up with a very flat circle - no thick edges.  The bevel ensures a close fold on the seam allowance side, and the flat side ensures a crisp, perfect, smooth edge on the applique.  The deburring and polishing guarantee a smooth release that won't damage your fabric.

APPLIPOPS have been painstakingly tested with quilting-weight cottons for the perfect fit that holds the fabric just right. Once you press a circle, the heat from the rings sets the crease, the starch maintains the shape, and your circle will stay intact until ready to be sewn down by hand or machine.  The inner and outer diameters always differ by 1/4 inch, enabling you to use the outer ring as a guide to cut the perfect seam allowance with no measuring or templates.

How much do you charge for your lectures and workshops?

I charge $400 for a lecture, $300 for a half-day workshop and $500 for a full-day workshop. Lectures are 1 hour, a half-day workshop is 3-4 hours and a full day workshop is 5-6 hours including at least 30 minutes for lunch.

Are your lectures trunk shows, or do you have a slide show?

Lectures are presented in Microsoft PowerPoint format. In addition, I bring a quilt to hang for each lecture.  In the case of the Baltimore Album Quilt lecture, a collection of blocks will be also available for show.

How does a half-day workshop differ from a full-day workshop?

In a full-day workshop, not only is more time is available for students to practice the technique I am teaching, but I am also able to spend time helping each individual student. I am also able to share more tips and tricks relevant to the chosen project. All of my classes work the best in a full-day format, but I work hard to make sure that all students have the instruction they need whether the workshop is full-day or half-day.

Why do you offer half-day workshops?

I like to give guilds an opportunity to choose the format that works best for their members. Guilds frequently have a half-day workshop on the day of the meeting and then a full-day workshop the following day. When this is the case, I will let the guild know which workshop is better suited to the half-day format.

If our guild is not sure which workshop we would like you to teach at the time the contract is signed, can we choose later?

Absolutely! But I will need to know which workshop you have chosen at least 30 days in advance so that I have time to prepare the kits needed for each student.

I’m not sure which thread and needles you want me to bring to a workshop. Will you have those supplies for sale at the workshop?

Yes. But since I don’t want you to purchase something you might not love, you can try a sample of anything I recommend first (enough for the class), and purchase it later if you like it.

Is there a maximum number of students you allow in your workshops?

Each workshop is limited to 20 students with an additional fee of $20 per student over that number.

How would you like us to introduce you to our guild on the night of our meeting?

I really don’t mind. Some guilds skip the introduction in favor of just jumping right into the presentation and some guilds write up their own introduction. If you don’t want to write up something on your own, you can click here to print out (or just read) an introduction I have written.  Whatever works best for you is what works best for me.

Do you make your own travel arrangements?

I will make my own flight arrangements. I prefer to fly on Southwest because they are less expensive and more comfortable than other carriers, and I can bring 2 checked bags for free.  If Southwest doesn’t fly to the airport closest to you, I will find the best flight for the least money among the other carriers. I will get your approval on my flight before I make my purchase.

I can make my own hotel reservation, or the guild can do it – whichever way works best for you. I prefer to stay at a Holiday Inn Express, Best Western, Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield by Marriott or the equivalent. I prefer to not stay at a La Quinta, but if this is the only option I will make an exception.

Do you have a contract?

I do, and you can find it here.

Our guild has a contract that we would like to use for your lecture and workshop. Is that a problem?

That is not a problem, but I will need my contract signed too.

Would you be willing to work for more than one guild in our area so that we can share your travel expenses?

Absolutely! It is my pleasure to work for up to 3 guilds on any trip. To help me coordinate the trip, I will need contact information for all of the people in charge of making arrangements for my stay, and a good idea of how each guild wants to split the expenses, unless you already have a plan in place.