For Decatur resident Cookie Patterson, quilting and doll making are therapy. She took up the craft about 10 years ago, even though no one in her family was a quilter.
Patterson will teach a doll making class Aug. 22 at the annual Quilt Festival titled "A Legacy of Quilting — Look What Big Mama Started," which runs through Aug. 31 at the Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta's West End and the South Fulton Arts Center in College Park.
Patterson has made about 60 dolls and loves the creativity of crafting their faces and adding embellishments. Beginning doll makers will work with a simple pattern created by Patterson. She recommends a cotton fabric since it is easy to work with. A polyester filling will be used to stuff the all-fabric, legless doll.
Creating a doll's face is always a challenge. Patterson recommends patience, noting that the more you do it, the better you become at it. Organizers say there is something for everyone at the festival. For more information, go to: www.facebook.com/AtlantaQuiltFestival?fref=ts.
Here is a look at upcoming events:
Quilting with Yoga workshop led by quilting artist Latifah Shakir. Learn yoga techniques to help with pain, increase flexibility and strengthen joints. Participants will create a Namaste Flag, a fabric collage. Noon-3 p.m. Aug. 15. Fee: $10. Bring a needle, thread, scissors, fabric scraps, trim, buttons and fabric markers. Email ovbrant@gmail.com to register. South Fulton Arts Center, 4645 Butner Road, College Park.
Beginning quilting class. Learn the basics of quilting with instructor Nina Moore. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 22. A sewing machine is required. $10 fee includes a fabric kit. Information: nmoore9548@aol.com. Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peeples St., Atlanta.
Beginning doll making class. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 22. Fee: $25, includes a pattern. Email: cookiekeelingdolls@gmail.com to register. Hammonds House Museum.
Certified quilt appraisals. Holly Anderson will appraise quilts by appointment on Aug. 22 at the Hammonds House Museum. Anderson will get background information on your quilt and take photographs and notes. A written appraisal will be sent to you. $50 per quilt. Email: atlantaquiltfestival@gmail.com or contact the Hammonds House Museum.
Master quilting class. Find inspiration in turning your scraps and stash into one-of-a-kind quilts. Gyleen X. Fitzgerald, the author of "Trash to Treasure Pineapple Quilts," will conduct this workshop. The book contains instructions for seven designs — from mosaic to stylized traditional. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 29. Fee: $50. A sewing machine is required. Information: www.colourfulstitches.com. South Fulton Arts Center.
Call for entries coming soon: Be on the lookout for a call for entries for the 2016 Quilt Festival, the Clara Ford Foundation's annual competition. Quilts must have three layers (top, batting and backing) and should not exceed 60 by 60 inches. Ribbons and a $50 cash prize will be awarded for best traditional, best art quilt and best in show. Entry fee: $10 per quilt.
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