A Judy Niemeyer quilt immediately draws you in with the intricate designs and angles, but you may feel a little unsure if you should attempt creating one yourself. Help is on its way! Nancy Strath is now a Certified Instructor through Quiltworx, highly trained in Judy Niemeyer’s patterns, and can teach Technique of the Month patterns. Nancy is very excited to host these classes at her day retreat facility, Bow Bench Retreat, just south of Carseland, Alberta.
The technique used for Judy Niemeyer’s quilts is paper foundation piecing. Using her templates you cut the required pieces to the exact size required, including seam allowances. “Her foundations are labeled with numbers and letters which correspond to the templates you’re cutting out. It’s all very logical. Anyone can learn this technique, from beginner to advanced quilters,” Nancy explained.
Glacier Star, Mariner’s Compass and Paradise in Blooms are Technique of the Month patterns that are only available through a Certified Shop or Instructor. Nancy will be breaking these patterns down into monthly “technique” classes. When you come for a class, you will learn one technique, then go home and complete all those units. When you return for the next class, you will carry on. By the end of the six to eight months, depending on which class it is, you have the opportunity to put your entire quilt top together in class. “Often people who go to retreats end up with boxes of half completed projects in their closets. With my facility and training, I can offer extended classes and random sewing days. Students will finish their projects,” Nancy stated.
Bow Bench Retreat is the perfect location to offer these classes. Not long after Nancy started quilting, she saw a need for a facility in the area where quilters can spread out, be inspired, share ideas and create. Her beautiful location, just up the hill from the Bow River, is ideal for this. Nancy explained, “My initial inspiration was to provide a place where friends can gather to create. We have a beautiful spot in the world that’s quiet, lovely and peaceful. I wanted to share that, and provide people with a space where they can work, create, and play.”
A lovely feature of Bow Bench is its spaciousness. Even with 1200 square feet of space, Nancy is careful not to overbook her events. “I want my guests to feel like they are at a retreat. Class size is limited to allow one on one help, and we provide plenty of workspace, cutting mats, rulers, and irons for your use. The facility is set up for quilters,” Nancy said. The final and delectable touch is the wonderful catered meals that are included in most workshops and days at Bow Bench Retreat.
Sandi Ammann started quilting about 15 years ago, and has been going to Bow Bench Retreat since it opened. Sandi explained what the Retreat has meant to her, “The workspace, amenities and atmosphere are perfect. The view of the Bow River and the chatter of friends take away all the stresses of the week. We are able to spend the day enjoying our hobby without the interruptions of cooking our own meals and cleaning our dishes. It is the perfect ‘me’ day.”
Nancy will continue to offer other quilting technique classes, as well as 12 hour creativity days, Judy Niemeyer “UFO” days, and knitting evenings. Visit www.bowbench.com, sign up for the email newsletter, and “like” Bow Bench Retreat on Facebook to receive notifications of upcoming classes and events. For people looking to stay overnight, you can arrange to bring your RV. Accommodations are also available in nearby Strathmore or Calgary.
You are welcome to visit Bow Bench Retreat on Friday, June 12 at 7pm for an Open House and Trunk show featuring Judy Niemeyer sample quilts made by Certified Instructors Nancy Strath, Maureen Wood and Martha Penner. Contact Nancy at bowbenchretreat@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
To see learn more about Quiltworx, and Judy Niemeyer’s patterns, please visit www.quiltworx.com.
