Here's what '76ers have to say about their experience :
"This quilt has been quite a challenge for me!! But I 'm so glad I have stuck with it! "Y" seams are now easy for me. I can
even do pivots! It has been such a growth experience for me! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge."
Barb S."When I joined Anne and our original 1876 quilt group I barely knew how to sew, much less piece together a quilt.
I didn't even know what WOF meant! Now, nearing completion of an incredible quilt top, I can say that I am a confident sewer,
able to tackle most any quilting challenge. Anne's guidance and support during this journey has been incredible. The teaching
materials and lessons she developed are superb; even as a novice, I have been able to understand and follow all cutting and
piecing instructions with absolutely no difficulty. I cannot recommend more highly the opportunity to work and study with Anne
as she puts together another group who will learn how to recreate the spectacular 1876 quilt."
able to tackle most any quilting challenge. Anne's guidance and support during this journey has been incredible. The teaching
materials and lessons she developed are superb; even as a novice, I have been able to understand and follow all cutting and
piecing instructions with absolutely no difficulty. I cannot recommend more highly the opportunity to work and study with Anne
as she puts together another group who will learn how to recreate the spectacular 1876 quilt."
Carol S.
"Since Anne Dawson lives on Lopez Island, this is a rare opportunity for you to experience her skill as a teacher, her breadth
of sewing knowledge and her brilliance in “critiquing her student’s work’, which is an important part of every class.
To clarify: each student’s work is put on the design wall for all to appreciate and then Anne comments. This is an important part
of the classroom experience, which is very low key and open for class discussion. There is always something to learn from each
other from this kind and gentle approach.”
Barbara G.
"This is the most amazing quilt—not only is it historic and gorgeous, but you will learn everything there is to know about
quilting in the process. I have so appreciated Anne’s skill as a knowledgeable, friendly and fun teacher!"
Sheila B.
"What intrigued me about this quilt journey was the unusual design and, mostly, the beautiful circular patterns. I am a sucker
for circles! Pride is a funny thing though. I began making quilts in 1976 and so one could reasonably presume that I had some
sort of skill set, but as I began making my 1876 quilt with Anne I discovered that I still had (have) a lot to learn! I have never
claimed that patience is a personal forte, but making this quilt has taught me the value of patience and precision . Now I enjoy
the entire process and I have learned the value of 1/8th and 1/16ths. Sewing "Y-seams" and pivoting no longer faze me and I
expect to make mistakes and enjoy the process of discovering and correcting them. Making this quilt is an adventure. It is process
and as you work you will, no matter how skilled you are, learn a lot. If a beginning quilter chooses to make this quilt -and that is
eminently do-able!) by the time you finish you will be an expert and you will have a whole foundation of knowledge to carry you
forward! Anne is a patient, skilled teacher. Her talents for drafting were honed in this project and, as you sew, you will be amazed
at just how good she is! I would encourage anyone who enjoys creating a unique quilt to join in the fun. You will learn a lot, make
new friends and end up with an amazing work of art!"
Marie J.
"Anne’s 1876 quilt class has taught me so many quilting skills. She used a variety of techniques with tips that challenged
this 40 year quilter in new ways. Anne’s endless abilities are incredibly helpful and she is incredibly motivated to give personal
assistance. I highly recommend this challenge if you are interested in improving your piecing skills. The camaraderie that has
evolved from our cohort class experience has been treasured."
Laurie L.evolved from our cohort class experience has been treasured."
"As a beginner quilter (and a distance learner), I was intimidated with the thought of being able to complete such a complex
project. Anne not only gives a pattern for this quilt but includes extensive tutorials in various techniques needed to be successful
in each step. The freezer paper patterns and templates really made cutting easy and accurate. As I am coming to the home stretch
of this project, I have learned and mastered so many advanced techniques. This has truly been a dream come true to learn from such
an incredible teacher and to make a masterpiece heirloom-quality quilt!"
Barbara M.