Log cabin fever? The Gilpin County Public Library has the cure. The library is offering an introduction to quilting course free of charge to all Gilpin County residents 16 and up from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 29 through April 19.

In the four classes, Gilpin County resident and quilting instructor Dana Jones will teach the basics of quilting as each participant creates an oversized log-cabin quilt block that can become a pillow sham, a table topper or a wall hanging. The course will teach the basics from cutting fabric to piecing a quilt top to finishing the top by stitching the three layers together then binding the edges. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to make larger quilts for themselves and to give as gifts.

The log cabin block is a perennial favorite of quilters everywhere. There are hundreds of ways to combine the blocks to create patterns from zigzags to stars, from pinwheels to diamonds. There are traditional versions and modern wonky versions. Once a quilter masters the log cabin block, the sky’s the limit on the quilts she or he can make.

Students with sewing machines will be asked to bring them to class but registering does not require owning a sewing machine. Machines will be available on site for those without them.

Registration for the course is required to ensure adequate supplies are available. To register visit the library’s website at www.gilpinlibrary.org.

Instructor Dana Jones has been quilting for close to 20 years. She teaches regularly at quilt shops across Colorado and the United States, for quilt guilds, at national quilt shows, and via Zoom. She brings experience as a former editor of Quilters Newsletter magazine and the Studio Art Quilt Associates Journal, and especially enjoys introducing folks to quilt making.

Plan to stop by the Gilpin County Library during regular hours of operation from March 1 to May 6 to see three of Jones’ quilts, which will be hanging from the rafters of the main room.

The Gilpin County Public Library is located at 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk, Colorado, 80422. For more information call 303-582-5777 or go to their website at gilpinlibrary.org