Want to make your own modern abstract quilt designs? Inspired by minimal quilts, but don’t know how to start? David will guide you through a creative process for designing your own modern abstract quilts.
Two days to explore modern minimal quilt design
Day 1 (6 hours): Explore composition and design using paper and machine stitching. We will stitch a variety of mini quilt designs on paper employing simple, modern, minimal shapes. Try out your mini paper designs in photos of modern interiors to see how scale and proportion are working. Plan for the quilting lines to be a major design element. Discuss color and value, and choose a palette of fabrics for Day 2.
Day 2 (6 hours): Using one of your paper quilts as a roadmap, David will guide you through the steps to translate your ideas into a mini fabric quilt. We will use the quilt-as-you-go method. David will demonstrate face binding your quilt, which gives a modern finish, as well as how to join multiple quilted blocks. Your mini quilt can be the final product (frame it, hang it, or make a pillow cover later), or it can be a test piece for a larger quilt. Skill Level: all skill levels welcome. Experience using a walking foot attachment is helpful.
Day 1 Details: exploring modern abstract compositions in paper
- Use kraft paper, construction paper, and tracing paper from supplied paper kit ($20 materials fee)
- Work quickly, intuitively and spontaneously to create multiple small compositions
- Stitch the paper compositions with the sewing machine for immediate results
- 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
- Assess which compositions work well, and choose 1-2 to translate into fabric on Day 2
- Discuss color and value choices and decide on a palette for Day 2
Day 2 Details: make modern abstract mini quilts in fabric using the quilt-as-you-go technique
- Cut backing and batting to size (see supply list)
- Map out pieces for one composition onto cardboard
- Label and cut out cardboard pattern pieces
- Audition colors and placement
- Translate pattern pieces into fabric, leaving a generous amount of extra fabric for seam allowances
- Build composition slowly, trying out multiple fabrics, stepping back to assess the effect of each
- Using your paper compositions as a guide, explore making the quilting lines a key design element
- Leave edges raw, and talk about further surface design options: stitching by machine or hand, painting, drawing
- Watch a demo of facing a quilt for a modern look and joining completed quilt blocks
This workshop is a two-day event (on Zoom or in person) consisting of live instruction. We will take a lunch break each day, as well as shorter breaks.
I will provide live demos and instructions in class. This is an all-levels workshop. Basic knowledge of walking foot quilting is helpful. You should be comfortable using your sewing machine, and it should be in good working order. We will learn together!
“I really enjoyed how you explained the step-by-step process and you have such great examples and video sharing. I’m looking forward to making more of them, but I really LOVE creating the paper maquettes. You are a wonderful teacher and I appreciate your encouragement and very clear explanation of how to make them. Thank you so very much.”
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Modern Abstract Quilts studentWorkshop Details
This workshop is available virtually using Zoom technology, as well as for in person events. It consists of two 6 hour days. We will take a long break halfway through, plus 2 shorter breaks each day.
Contact David if you are interested in booking this workshop for your guild.