Biography

Fabric and thread have always intrigued me.  In my early life, my Mother taught me hand embroidery.  In my late twenties, I bought my first sewing machine and I’ve never looked back. I’ve made everything from clothes for myself and family to home décor pieces. In 2008, I started quilting and I’ve not stopped! My sewing studio contains ‘who knows’ how many books, patterns and yards of fabric. The joy that quilting brings me is endless. My greatest achievement in sewing occurred last Fall when I attended Deb Tucker’s Bootcamp and was chosen as a national Certified Instructor for Studio 180 Design, her patented line of quilting tools. Deb’s tools were all developed using the same concept; cut and sew the block units just a little larger, and then trim them down. The result is a precise, highly accurate unit that makes piecing your final quilt block a breeze!  Your quilts will showcase beautiful designs and all of your stars will have crisp, sharp points. Join me for fun filled class full of learning and laughter as we explore these wonderful tools.     

CLASSES:

Switchback:  A pattern combining positive and negative flying geese units with half square triangles to create a striking pattern similar to a mountain switchback road. This design works well with three different coordinating fabrics and a background. Small and medium sizes are perfect for use as table runners, while the large size works great as a bed runner.  All levels of students welcome. Two tools required Tucker Trimmer I and Wing Clipper I.

Finished sizes:  Small 12½” x 45”, Medium 17½” x 63”, and Large 25” x 90”.

Rangeley Wall Quilt  A pattern that is beginner friendly! Looks complicated, but is very easy to make with using just one tool. The technique allows you to make perfect, crisp  star points every time and the piecing work goes quickly. Seventeen inch central star block is surrounded by 14 other offset smaller stars. Tool needed is the Tucker Trimmer I.

Finished size is 32” x 42”

Confetti Stars:   Knockout pattern featuring bright dramatic jewel tone colors on a dark background. Select your favorite focal print and then play off of it by choosing eight solid jewel tones. Pattern calls for a 7” block and only one tool is needed Intermediate to advanced student. Tool needed is Rapid Fire Hunters Star Large tool.

Finished size is 60” x 88”.

Contact Information

Address:  J&J Quilting, Terry, MS

Phone: 601-201-3011
Email: jblainesmith@gmail.com