for Classes Now!
Please subscribe now to my monthly newsletter.
Dana Jones
Quiltmaker • Quilt Teacher • Quilt Designer
Author • Editor • Photographer • Artist
Journalist • Quilt Classes • Quilt Lectures
Register Now!
Peace Cranes Over Hiroshima
In response to requests from students, I'm offering my "Peace Cranes Over Hiroshima" class from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time Saturdays, October 25 and November 1.
In this class, you'll make this original design by Dana Jones. Whether you're new to foundation paper piecing, an experienced pro or somewhere in between, you'll enjoy a bit of challenge and lots of stitching fun as you create this iconic image of peace in your choices of colors for the cranes and background.
The class fee of $100 may seem a bit high until you realize this includes the pattern and a packet filled with resources and supplies you'll need in class and beyond. The class packet includes a color-coded cutting chart and color-coded labels for each piece you cut. You'll get foundations for the two sections of the quilt we'll make in class printed on foundation paper plus handouts you'll find invaluable when making this quilt. The class fee includes shipping the pattern and packet to you.
Don't wait to register. You must sign up at least a week before class so there is time to ship you the pattern and packet. The pattern, handouts and labels are not available as digital downloads at this time so shipping is necessary.
Fabric packets for the crane fabrics are available for $100 on a first come, first served basis. This packet does not include background fabric. To order, contact Dana at danaellenjones@gmail.com or 720-654-8430.
"Peace Cranes Over Hiroshima,"
designed and pieced by Dana Jones
"Bird on a Branch," designed and pieced
by Dana Jones; quilted by Rita Meyerhoff
Register Now!
Demystifying Design for FPP
-
Do you love foundation paper piecing?
-
Do you want to design your own FPP quilts?
-
Are you fascinated by how to create the appearance of curves with straight lines?
If you said yes to any of these questions, this class is a must for you. In just six hours, you'll learn the Insructor's Paper Police© rules that guarantee your success in designing everything from quilt blocks to complicated photographic images.
Exercises give you hands-on experience using these rules. Because the class is offered in two three-hour sessions a week apart, you have time between sessions to practice what you learn.
Class sessions will be recorded, and you will receive a You Tube link to the recordings within 48 hours after each session. You'll receive detailed full-color handouts that contain much of the material covered in class. And you'll have access to Instructor Dana Jones between classes and after the final class session via email, phone and one-on-one Zoom sessions.
The next workshop will be from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time Thursdays, October 23 and 30, 2025. This is noon-3 p.m. Eastern, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Central, and 9 a.m.-noon Pacific. Register now!
Speaking ● Teaching ● Demonstrating — Oh My!
I'll be speaking, teaching, and demoing my FPP design techniques at International Quilt Festival 2025 in Houston, Monday, October 6-11 . Here's my schedule:
-
9 a.m.-Noon Monday, October 6: "Winter Forest," a quick and easy foundation paper piecing table runner I designed. Find supply list here.
-
10 a.m.-Noon: Demystifying Design for Foundation Paper Piecing 20-minute demonstration as part of the Wednesday Sampler.
-
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, October 9: "Will It Go Round in Circles," an opportunity to learn to inset circles while making a modern quilt I designed. You'll also learn how to make a flange around the circles. Find supply list here.
-
9-10 a.m. Saturday, October 11: "Color the World With Quilts," my lecture/trunk show that brings out your intuitive sense of color.
Sign up for any of these events through Quilts, Inc. Sign up on their home page to receive email notifications and be among the first to know when registration opens.
Just added, I'll be doing four Open Studio sessions in the vendor hall:
10 a.m.-noon Friday, October 10: Fabulous Freeform table runner
Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, October 11: Warp Speed
2-4 p.m. Saturday, October 11: Going in Circles
4-6 p.m. Saturday, October 11: Fabulous Freeform table runner
Stop by and say hello!
Clockwise from top: "Winter Forest," "Will It Go Round in Circles," and "Bird on a Branch," all designs by Dana E. Jones.
At left from top: "Fabulous Freeform" table runner, "California Dreamin'," and "Warp Speed," all designed by Dana E. Jones.
Detail of "My Flower, My Choice,"
designed and pieced by Dana Jones
New Class Coming in January 2026!
Nature's Design
Nature perfects design, and you can learn a lot from what works in the natural world that you can use in your quilt designs. Learn how to use color, shape, line, texture, pattern, balance, focal point, negative space and more in this six-hour class.
The class will provide insight into where to find inspiration in our environment, and how to see realistic and abstract designs in trees, creeks, animals, flowers, rocks, even the essence of life — DNA. Nature's Design supports life from the microscopic to the universal and everything in between, and it can bring life to your quilts.
You'll learn how to see — really see — what's around you. There will be hands-on exercises, suggestions for home play activities to do between classes, and direction toward creating your own unique design for a quilt. Watch for dates here.
My Story on A Quilter's Life Podcast
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Paula Chamberlain for her podcast: A Quilter's Life. Paula says:
"It's been said that every quilt has a story, and it's so true. And I also believe that every quilter has a story to tell. I wanted to hear about the wonderful people behind these beautiful quilts and thought you'd enjoy hearing about their lives, also."
Paula is a great interviewer. She makes you comfortable and eager to share. And she's an excellent editor. Check out my story. Then listen to the many other stories of quilters — some well known, some you'll be meeting for the first time. Paula's podcasts are great to listen to as you stitch. And she's always looking for quilters to interview. You can sign up to share your life on her website.
At left, "Don't Call Me Girl," by Dana Jones, quilted by Rita Meyerhoff. Above and below, blocks based on the Ohio Star block, designed and made by Dana Jones
Next Session Coming Fall 2025
Warp Speed
When "Warp Speed" debuted in January 2024, it was an instant success. In this fast-paced class, each student selects a quilt block then begins manipulating and warping it in a variety of ways until each has a design she/he/they like. This is done through a series of class exercises that begin with close study of the block followed by playing with various warping techniques, creating thumbnail designs, and selecting a favorite design to fine-tune into a quilt design.
Students go from head scratching to "Ah-Ha" moments that bring surprise and joy. This workshop celebrates the rich tradition inherited from quilting foremothers and fathers then propels participants to new designs uniquely their own.
The two-three hour sessions are filled with hands-on fun and discoveries that will take you from disbelief to pride in what you create.
