Lorena Uriarte

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Design Your Own EPP Adventure: Australian Modern Quilt Show (Petersham)

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Design your Own EPP Adventure with Lorena Uriarte

When: Sunday 15 March 2026, 9:45am – 12:45pm (3 hours)
Cost: $65
Tickets: Book here

If you’ve ever wanted to move beyond precut papers and ready made patterns, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to design your own English Paper Piecing (EPP) blocks from scratch. In this hands on class, I’ll guide you through several approachable methods for creating and preparing custom shapes, opening up endless creative possibilities.

We’ll skip the usual hexagons and diamonds and dive straight into three adventurous design exercises. First, explore diamonds with a twist – stretching, skewing and reimagining this classic shape in fresh ways. Next, experiment with curved designs, learning how to draft and prepare flowing organic pieces that bring movement and softness to your blocks. Finally, we’ll tackle improvised tessellations, creating puzzle like interlocking shapes that repeat into one-of-a-kind patterns.

Along the way, you’ll discover how to turn sketches, motifs or even spontaneous doodles into EPP blocks with just a few simple materials. Each exercise will give you new tools and approaches to carry into your own projects.

By the end of the session, you’ll have designed your own original blocks and gained the confidence to keep experimenting at home with fresh inspiration to see the potential in every shape.

Requirements List

  • Fabric scraps in a variety of colours and prints (small pieces are fine)
  • Fabric scissors (small)
  • A small cutting mat and rotary cutter (optional but helpful)

Optional, but good to have

  • A notebook or sketchbook for ideas
  • Coloured pencils or markers for design play
  • Your own thimble
  • Any favourite fabrics you’d like to see featured in your block

Mandatory Workshop Kit

  • Printed handouts with exercises and examples
  • Template paper / card stock for drafting shapes
  • Pencil, eraser and glue stick
  • Hand sewing kit (needles, thread, threader, thimble)
  • Access to shared rulers, curves, paper scissors and design tools

Please, place $25 cash in an envelope. Write your name on the front. Bring to class.

Australian Modern Quilt Show : Petersham (NSW)

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Sydney Modern Quilt Guild and Wollongong Modern Quilt Guild are proud to announce the next Modern Quilt Show Australia!

Once again they are teaming up to bring another fabulous show, representing the best of modern quilting from across Australia.

Tania Tanti: featured artist and keynote speaker.

Petersham Town Hall
107 Crystal Street
Petersham NSW 2049

13-15 March 2026
Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Daily Admission
$15 : day pass
$25 : multi-day pass
$12 : earlybird online (until 14 Feb)
U13 : free

 

2nd Saturday Class: 60 Stitches (Warriewood)

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Join a friendly group of quilters in this monthly class at 60 Stitches in Warriewood, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Bring your own project or choose from one of my designs. I’ve even been known to create something special for my regular students! With over 20 years of experience, I’ll guide you through any technique, whether you prefer hand or machine quilting.

All cutting and pressing tools are there so all you need to bring is your project, your machine and general sewing supplies.

Plus, you’ll have access to 60 Stitches’ beautiful selection of fabrics and notions to inspire your next creation.

Class fee is $85 per month which includes coffee, tea and my famous home baked treats!

ONLINE BOOKINGS HERE!

2026 DATES

10 JAN

’14 FEB

14 MARCH

NO APRIL CLASS (AQC)

9 MAY

13  JUNE

11 JULY

8 AUG

NO CLASS SEPTEMBER (MOROCCO TRIP)

10 OCT

14 NOV

12 DEC

2nd Saturday Class: 60 Stitches (Warriewood)

by

Join a friendly group of quilters in this monthly class at 60 Stitches in Warriewood, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Bring your own project or choose from one of my designs. I’ve even been known to create something special for my regular students! With over 20 years of experience, I’ll guide you through any technique, whether you prefer hand or machine quilting.

All te cutting and pressing tools are there so all you need to bring is your project, your machine and general sewing supplies.

Plus, you’ll have access to 60 Stitches’ beautiful selection of fabrics and notions to inspire your next creation.

Class fee is $85 per month which includes coffee, tea and my famous home baked treats!

2026 DATES

10 JAN

’14 FEB

14 MARCH

NO APRIL CLASS (AQC)

9 MAY

13  JUNE

11 JULY

8 AUG

NO CLASS SEPTEMBER (MOROCCO TRIP)

10 OCT

14 NOV

12 DEC

3rd Wednesday Class – My Sewing Supplies (Sylvania)

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Monthly Quilt Class with Lorena – Third Wednesday of the Month
📍 My Sewing Supplies, Sylvania – Sutherland Shire

Join Lorena for a monthly quilting class at My Sewing Supplies in Sylvania, where you can work on a variety of quilt patterns at your own pace.

Choose from Lorena’s original designs, including Opal Essence, Winding Ways, QST Courthouse Steps, and Sakura Breeze, or take on the challenge of Lessa Siegele’s Ring Cycles quilt. Explore different fabric combinations: low-volume with brights, bold large-scale prints, or a striking two-colour design to make it uniquely yours.

If you’re new to patchwork, Lorena will guide you through the fundamentals by making a sampler quilt. Select different blocks or repeat a favourite to create a quilt that reflects your style.

Materials & Templates:

  • Fabric, templates, and commercial patterns (if needed) are additional to the class fee. A wide range of options is available in-store, and the staff are happy to assist you.
  • For Ring Cycles, Lorena recommends Marti Michell’s Set H
  • Lorena also has her own templates to support her quilt designs.

📍 Location: My Sewing Supplies, 208 Princes Highway, Sylvania NSW 2224.
📅 When: Third Wednesday of each month.

Come along for expert guidance, inspiration, and a welcoming community of quilters!

Winding Ways Workshop

2025 Dates

12 FEB

19 MARCH

16 APRIL

21 MAY

18 JUNE

16 JULY

20 AUGUST

SEPTEMBER NO CLASS

15 OCTOBER

19 NOVEMBER

 

3rd Wednesday Class – My Sewing Supplies (Sylvania)

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Monthly Quilt Class with Lorena – Third Wednesday of the Month
📍 My Sewing Supplies, Sylvania – Sutherland Shire

Join Lorena for a monthly quilting class at My Sewing Supplies in Sylvania, where you can work on a variety of quilt patterns at your own pace.

Choose from Lorena’s original designs, including Opal Essence, Winding Ways, QST Courthouse Steps, and Sakura Breeze, or take on the challenge of Lessa Siegele’s Ring Cycles quilt. Explore different fabric combinations: low-volume with brights, bold large-scale prints, or a striking two-colour design to make it uniquely yours.

If you’re new to patchwork, Lorena will guide you through the fundamentals by making a sampler quilt. Select different blocks or repeat a favourite to create a quilt that reflects your style.

Materials & Templates:

  • Fabric, templates, and commercial patterns (if needed) are additional to the class fee. A wide range of options is available in-store, and the staff are happy to assist you.
  • For Ring Cycles, Lorena recommends Marti Michell’s Set H
  • Lorena also has her own templates to support her quilt designs.

📍 Location: My Sewing Supplies, 208 Princes Highway, Sylvania NSW 2224.
📅 When: Third Wednesday of each month.

Come along for expert guidance, inspiration, and a welcoming community of quilters!

Winding Ways Workshop

2025 Dates

12 FEB

19 MARCH

16 APRIL

21 MAY

18 JUNE

16 JULY

20 AUGUST

SEPTEMBER NO CLASS

15 OCTOBER

19 NOVEMBER

 

2nd Saturday Class: 60 Stitches (Warriewood)

by

Join a friendly group of quilters in this monthly class at 60 Stitches in Warriewood, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Bring your own project or choose from one of my designs. I’ve even been known to create something special for my regular students! With over 20 years of experience, I’ll guide you through any technique, whether you prefer hand or machine quilting.

All te cutting and pressing tools are there so all you need to bring is your project, your machine and general sewing supplies.

Plus, you’ll have access to 60 Stitches’ beautiful selection of fabrics and notions to inspire your next creation.

Class fee is $85 per month which includes coffee, tea and my famous home baked treats!

2025 DATES

8 FEB

22 MARCH

26 APRIL

10 MAY

14 JUNE

12 JULY

9 AUG

13 SEPT

11 OCT

8 NOV

13 DEC

Winding Ways Workshop : Melbourne

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Join me for a fun and educational one day workshop on Sunday 20 August from 10 am to 3:00 pm at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre.

This workshop is perfect for those who are passionate about patchwork and want to learn how to create unique designs using the beautiful Winding Ways block, also known as the Wheel of Mystery.

During the workshop, we will discover how to create a scrappy look that focuses on colour and value to make those secondary designs pop. We will also learn how to make it modern by focusing on the principles of negative space, minimalism, and strong graphic lines. For those who want to take it up a notch, we will also cover fussy cutting techniques that can add an exciting twist to your designs.

Throughout the day, you will learn tips for accurate cutting and straightforward piecing of the curved shapes. Students usually make a few blocks in this class. If you’re feeling ambitious, keep going to make a bed-sized quilt or cushion.

Two sizes of templates will be available to use on the day to make 6″ or 12″ blocks.

WHAT TO BRING

  • your sewing machine with a 1/4” patchwork foot (or hand piecing supplies)
  • a small cutting mat and small rotary cutter (28mm is recommended)
  • small iron and pressing mat (optional)
  • a selection of fabrics in light, medium and dark values (8 FQs or 7″ x WOF cuts will be enough for a one day class)
  • fine piecing cotton to match your fabrics (e.g., Aurifil 50wt)
  • fabric safe glue with a metal nozzle (eg Roxanne’s Glue Baste It)
  • a piece of batting or flannel to use as a design wall (optional)
  • general sewing supplies (scissors, pins, quick unpick etc)

The workshop fee is $150, and it includes delicious morning tea and refreshments. Bring your own lunch and reusable cup. Please advise of any dietary requirements.

PREORDER AVAILABLE: 6” or 12” template set, Roxanne’s Glue Baste-it, Olfa 28mm rotary cutter

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn in this lovely gallery setting and create beautiful designs with like-minded individuals. Book your spot online or contact me for more information. I look forward to seeing you there!

Technique Toolbox : 3rd Saturday Class at MO

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There are many ways to construct the same quilt.

We all have our preferences and finding your favourite is a matter of trial and error. This class is for beginners through to experienced quilt makers who want to learn great techniques for quilt making.

From all the different forms of appliqué, foundation piecing and machine constructed blocks to putting your final design together into an  interesting and eye catching composition.

Modern, Contemporary and Traditional quilts all rely on great technique from block construction to sashing, borders and binding. Lorena will guide you in finding your favourite way to achieve your goal.

Start a new quilt, work on one of Lorena’s patterns or bring your own project that needs a little help to get it done!

Technique toolkit

c. 2015 Lorena Uriarte