Susan Manry

Quilters, the time is now!  If you’ve been burning to bring your craft to the next level, don’t miss this opportunity! I’m happy to announce the first session of my newly redesigned class: Pro-Stitcher Premium, Basics and Beyond.  In this comprehensive two-day course, we’ll learn all the ins and outs of the software, and how to apply that knowledge at the quilting machine. We’ll begin by immersing ourselves in the features of the program: tools, settings, and any recent or upcoming changes.  Once we’ve got our feet firmly planted, we’ll move directly into simulation-- learning to using Pro-Stitcher on laptops or desktops instead at our machines-- and how to work with the different file types; Designs, Workspaces, and Areas.You’ll learn to create several edge-to-edge layouts, including wrapping and offsetting techniques.  I'll teach you advance your quilts with the simple drag-and-drop method, with no gaps or overlaps, and I'll unravel the mysterious and mythical phenomenon known as "pattern drift". You will master the New Start/End feature, and we will give extra focus to the best techniques for recovering from interruptions such as pattern realignment or thread breaks, so that nothing will stop your creative momentum! We will work with multiple designs simultaneously, […]

Stitchers, are you savvier with a needle than a mouse? Have you ever felt discouraged from your passion for longarm quilting because of discomfort with Windows computers? Are you brimming with creativity, but feel overwhelmed with unfamiliar jargon when working with technology? Well, fret not! This March 1st, I’m hosting a special session designed to teach you the essential tech skills you need to work comfortably at your own Windows computer with the entire suite of Pro-Stitcher Products.During this half-day session, you’ll learn to install, update, and manage your work in Pro-Stitcher Premium, Pro-Stitcher Designer, and Catalog, as well as how to create your own easy-to-access storage systems to sort your projects and their resources.  I'll teach you all you need to know about compressed files (zipped), how to use the Windows File Explorer to quickly find what you're looking for, and how to navigate and search documents like PDFs for essential information! You’ll learn how to source and import designs and graphics from the internet directly into your computer and to your PS Tablet, and how to copy, without fear, from device to device. You’ll learn, too, about safeguarding  your investment with surge protectors, taking care of your USB […]

Quilters, how often do you excitedly load a quilt only to stand before your machine sifting through your digital designs looking for inspiration?  What about stitching one pattern here and another there, to discover that those designs don't work well together?  I can help you solve those problems, and more! When I say “Picture perfect quilts every time!”, I mean it!  This February 22, join me for an entirely new approach to creating quilt layouts using Pro-Stitcher Designer!  In this half-day course, I'll teach you all the skills necessary to audition digital designs over photographs of your favorite quilt-tops, giving you greater confidence than ever when it’s time to stitch! After a brief review of PSD’s interface, we’ll learn how to take dimensionally accurate photos of our quilts, and how to import them to PSD.  Then, using the drawing and editing tools, we’ll design eye-catching motifs and patterns directly on top of the photos we’ve chosen! From idea to stitch out, on your computer screen, right down to the thread color, you can see exactly how your artwork will integrate with your quilt-top before ever loading your machine! Be among the first to learn this exciting new approach to mastering […]

Quilters, this year has been moving faster than my needle! If you’re full of ambition for your longarm, don’t dillydally! This March 6th and 7th, I’m teaching old-hands and beginners alike everything you need to know to master Pro-Stitcher Designer.  Join us as we learn to create beautiful patterns with elegant ease! In this twelve hour seminar, we’ll explore all the elements of the program and its use. We’ll begin our journey by learning to navigate PSD’s user interface, and how to supplement our work with online resources such as tutorials and tools.Once we’ve got our bearings, we’ll jump right in to creating our own designs with PSD’s suite of drawing and editing tools.  You will learn to create high-quality motifs and continuous line designs, and how to take them to your machine where they will stitch beautifully.  I'll teach you shortcuts like the Artwork Library, and how to use Weld, Trim, and Intersect to speed up your design process.  You learn all about Repeat, Carousel and Reflect, and I'll teach you to design from inspiration by importing backdrops to draw over, Auto-Digitize over, and use with the Magic Wand tool! I will show you creative ways to use the […]

Quilters, the time is now!  If you’ve been burning to take your craft to the next level, it's your lucky day! I’m happy to announce the next session of my popular virtual class: Pro-Stitcher Premium, Basics and Beyond.  In this comprehensive two-day course, you'll learn all the ins and outs of the software, and how to apply that knowledge at the quilting machine. We’ll begin our course by breaking down the features, tools, and user interface.  I’ll show you how to easily update PSP, and where to go for additional support options.  Once we’re comfortable in our working knowledge of the program, we’ll move on to what we came here for—design and execution!I’ll teach you all about simulating quilt layouts, for both edge-to-edge and custom quilt treatments, to help pare down the time you spend before the machine.  I’ll show you the easy way to download, import, and install purchased designs, too.   You’ll learn all the tools for repeating and wrapping, clever tricks for advancing your quilts, such as the drag-and-drop method, how to avoid the dreaded yet mythical “pattern drift”, and how to gracefully recover from disruptions, such as power outages and thread breakage.  You will master the skills of […]

Stitchers, has the sunny weather given you a creative urge? If it has, you’re in luck!  The flowers are blooming and so are we! I’m happy to announce the next session of my popular virtual class: Pro-Stitcher Premium, Basics and Beyond.  In this comprehensive two-day course, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of the software, and how to apply that knowledge at the quilting machine. We’ll begin our course by breaking down the features, tools, and user interface.  I’ll show you how to easily update PSP, and where to go for additional support options.  Once we’re comfortable in our working knowledge of the program, we’ll move on to what we came here for—design and execution!I’ll teach you all about simulating quilt layouts, for both edge-to-edge and custom quilt treatments, to help pare down the time you spend before the machine.  I’ll show you the easy way to download, import, and install purchased designs, too.   You’ll learn all the tools for repeating and wrapping, clever tricks for advancing your quilts, such as the drag-and-drop method, how to avoid the dreaded yet mythical “pattern drift”, and how to gracefully recover from disruptions, such as power outages and thread breakage.  You will master […]

Quilters, would you rather prick your finger than encounter another computer problem? Have you lost great work to power outages or deleted files? When you sit down at your PC, do you look at your mouse more like a rat? Well, worry not!  This March 22nd, join me for a Windows Primer for Quilters-- a half-day class that aims to take the mystery out of the technology we use to create our art.  I'll help you learn all the technological skills you need to work comfortably at your own PC and PS Tablet with the Pro-Stitcher family of tools. During this half-day session, you’ll learn to install, update, and manage your work in Pro-Stitcher Premium, Pro-Stitcher Designer, and Catalog, as well as how to create your own easy-to-understand storage system to sort your files and resources. I will teach you all you need to know about compressed files (zipped), how to use the Windows File Explorer to quickly find what you're looking for, and how to navigate and search documents like PDFs for essential information! You’ll learn how to source and import designs and graphics from the internet directly into your computer, to add designs to your PS Tablet, and […]

Quilters, I’m excited to say that my first small-group course was a rousing success! Some students learn best in a large group, with many different viewpoints and ideas being exchanged-- but for our blossoming artists who are at their ease in an intimate setting, I’ve created this more personal approach to teaching Pro-Stitcher Designer. Join nine of your peers as you expand your creative arsenal in this two-day class, learning to produce original artwork using PSD’s suite of tools!You’ll begin the journey with a quick rundown of PSD’s user interface, tools, updates, and available online resources.  Once we’re grounded, we’ll leap right in to using the Draw and Edit tools to create designs from scratch, and save them for use at your machine!  In addition to original work, you’ll learn to draw and design from inspiration-- importing motifs from outside sources, (or your own work for modification), and directly from life, using the Auto-Digitizing and Magic Wand features! You’ll practice with PSD’s many tools, and learn how and when to apply each one-- discovering how to Repeat, Reflect, and Carousel your designs, Split, Connect, Trim, Weld, and Intersect them, and even use the Echo and Rays tools!  I will teach […]