David will guide you through a creative process for designing your own modern abstract quilts, taking inspiration from architectural photos to develop dynamic and unique quilt designs.
Monumental inspiration with unlimited possibilities
6 hours: Using photos of architectural elements, David will guide you through the steps to design a mini fabric quilt. We will use the quilt-as-you-go method, sewing the top pieces, batting and backing simultaneously. David will demonstrate facing your quilt, to give a more modern finish than traditional binding. Your mini quilt can be the final product (frame it, hang it, or make a pillow cover later), or it can be a test for a larger quilt.
This workshop is a 6-hour live-stream event, conducted on Zoom, consisting of live instruction (no recording, please). You should have the current version of Zoom installed on your computer or laptop. Guidance for getting started will be sent in advance of the workshop.
Zoom Workshop Details
- Experiment with different elemental geometric shapes, including gentle curves
- Explore spare, simple compositions for a modern look
- Think about figure and ground
- Consider the sewing lines as a key design element
- Select 1-2 photos, and break them down into elemental shapes with tracing paper and pencil
- Assess which compositions work well, and choose one to translate into fabric
- Discuss color and value choices and decide on a palette
- Map out pieces for one composition
- Label and cut out cardboard pattern pieces, or cut pieces improv style
- Audition colors and placement
- Translate pattern pieces into fabric, leaving a generous amount of extra fabric for seam allowances
- Build composition with the quilt-as-you-go method, trying out multiple fabrics, stepping back to assess the effect of each
- Discuss surface design options: stitching by machine or hand, painting, drawing
- Watch a demo of facing a quilt for a modern look and joining finished quilt blocks
I will provide full hands-on instructions in class, as well as architectural photos to work from. This is an all-levels workshop. Basic knowledge of walking foot quilting is helpful, but not necessary. We will learn together!
“Thank you so much for your class today! It was wonderful, inspiring, and fun! My mom and I were kind of in awe with the process and your tips! There were several times we looked at each other and said “game changer”! We both are obsessed and inspired by architecture, and loved this take on how to incorporate it into quilting!”
Laura
Inspired by Architecture student“So much fun! Your workshop with our guild was awesome. The time literally flew by and I learned so much. As a new quilter, I relied on YouTube these last couple of years. It was a long wait, but yours was the first quilting class I took. Even though it was virtual, it felt live and interactive. Great teacher. I plan on taking more from you in the future.”
Brian
Inspired by Architecture student“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your class yesterday. On Sunday, I was becoming very anxious, stressed. Worried and concerned that I wouldn’t be able to create anything that looked decent. I wondered why I ever signed up. But you overcame my fears immediately. You were so encouraging. You coached us each step of the project. You were patient. You had meaningful comments for everyone’s projects. You are a born teacher!
I was telling my husband last night that this was probably the most fun and successful quilt class I have ever taken. (I’ve been quilting for 8 years; sewing clothes & home projects for several decades.) I felt like I learned a fun skill and have already identified other blocks I want to create.
Doing the class virtually in my quilt studio was wonderful. I was able to dig into my stash and find other fabrics. Everything was at my fingertips. And I didn’t have to lug a ton of stuff with me. Keep doing virtual classes. I know in-person is good too, but even when we start our new normal of venturing out, a couple of occasional virtual classes would be wonderful!”
Peggy
Inspired by Architecture student“Thank you for such a great day. You are a really fun and methodical teacher. You are very generous with your ideas, suggestions and tips. We enjoyed our Saturday together.”
Fran
Inspired by Architecture student“May I say your architectural quilt class was superb?! As a former corporate trainer, I know how difficult it is to engage your participants while at the same time managing the needs of learners — all the while staying on the promised agenda.
Your delivery style and preparation for our class was evident and so appreciated. I am a process person so I enjoyed your step-by-step approach, and guess what?— my piece turned out!”
Maureen
Inspired by Architecture studentAVAILABLE VIA ZOOM!
This live-stream workshop is available to book using Zoom technology. It is 6 hours long with regular breaks. I would be happy to arrange this workshop for your guild or artists’ group, please contact me for details. I also will give this workshop in person, when we are allowed to meet again.
Contact David if you are interested in future dates for this class, or to book this workshop for your guild.