Judy Niemeyer is an international instructor known for her foundation paper piecing techniques and quilt patterns. Her company, Judy Niemeyer Quilting Inc., has published over 100 foundation paper pieced quilt patterns over the last 15 years. Her quilts and patterns have become well-known both nationally and internationally among quilters and quilt shop owners. The patterns include many sewing techniques commonly referred to as foundation paper piecing, traditional piecing, curved piecing, strip piecing, and appliqué.

Judy was introduced to foundation paper piecing in 1992. Shortly after that time, she started teaching foundation paper piecing at a local quilt shop where she worked, as a tool to help her students improve their sewing skills. Over the last 15 years, she has created and simplified several techniques for foundation paper piecing that she teaches and writes about in her quilt patterns. In 1999, she started traveling throughout the US and Canada, teaching and promoting the simplicity of her patterns using foundation paper piecing, curved piecing, and appliqué techniques. Judy says students in her classes will have the opportunity to learn a process, which simplifies and minimizes waste that has come to be associated with many common foundation paper piecing methods.

Judy’s distinctive approach first involves the use of templates that allow the user to precut the fabric pieces intended for use in her quilts. When using the templates, she teaches her students speed-cutting techniques. She then introduces her students to using foundation papers for constructing the sections of the quilt. She provides instruction regarding a number of techniques that speed up the piecing process, including chain-piecing and curved piecing techniques. Her love for appliqué has also resulted in her classes including appliqué demonstrations by popular demand.

In addition, she incorporates instruction on selecting colors, designing unique layouts of her patterns, and provides useful instruction regarding sewing and overall organization. Judy will share many of her short cuts and tips that she uses when doing her own paper piecing with her students. In addition, she will demonstrate the use of the tools and products that she recommends for use in completing her patterns.

You can visit her online at www.quiltworx.com. Her website includes samples, color changing quilts, links to various programs and teaching information, and also more information on attending a retreat with Judy at Quiltworx Retreats in Northwest Montana.