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: Working from photos of architectural elements, David will guide you through the steps to design a mini modern fabric quilt… inspired by architecture! You will learn the quilt-as-you-go method, sewing the top pieces, batting and backing simultaneously. You’ll then add texture and complexity with David’s unique approach to walking foot machine quilting where the quilting lines become a major design element. Learn to connect multiple quilted units with a great gusset join technique, then add a simple face binding for a modern finish. A PDF materials and supplies list will be emailed in advance.
Workshop Overview
- 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
- Add texture and surface design with layered walking foot quilting motifs
- Watch demos of facing a quilt for a modern look and joining finished quilt blocks with a great gusset join technique (2 handouts will be provided)
- A complete PDF supply list with architectural photos will be emailed to each participant. Class sizes are limited to ensure one-on-one time.
This is an all-levels workshop. You should be comfortable using your sewing machine, and it should be in good working order. Basic knowledge of walking foot quilting is helpful, but not necessary. I look forward to sharing and sewing with you!
“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 studentWorkshop Details
This workshop is available virtually using Zoom technology, as well as for in person events. It is 6 hours long with a long break halfway through, plus 2 shorter breaks.
Contact David if you are interested in booking this workshop for your guild.