About

The focus is on learning an improvisational cutting and piecing technique that can be used by quilters and other textile artists to create a variety of intriguing shapes. "Improvisational quilting" is a technique in which a quilt is created without a specific intent in that it develops as the quilter stitches.

You'll learn how to cut and sew a curving, stem-like form using a simple, four-step process. For quilters interested in learning or expanding their free-cutting skills, this is a chance to master a slightly twisty geometric pattern that can be incorporated into pieced designs of all kinds. The quilt pictured here, Anatsui #3, is composed of these forms.

Details

Skill Level: Intermediate and advanced quilters

Details

You need to bring:

• Fabric
  • Type: Bring an assortment of fabrics in a range of colors and values (light to dark). There should be several different colors, some solids or near-solids, and some patterned. Especially useful will be fabric "pairs" that contrast strongly yet also harmonize so that they look good together but are clearly very different from each other. Bring at least three sets of such fabric "pairs" (i.e., at least six individual fabrics, although preferably more). Students frequently say they wish they'd brought more fabric!
  • Size: Bring odd-size scraps of various dimensions (whatever you have lying around and would like to see in a block), but include several pieces that are at least fat quarters (18 inches by 22 inches) or larger.
  • Note: Some people like to bring their "ugly" fabric to experiment with (easy to chop it up and mess around with if you're not very attached!) while others prefer to use really great fabric that motivates them to make something gorgeous as soon as possible. Either approach is fine, or do both!
• Pencil and paper for taking notes

You may bring your own sewing machine, cutting equipment, and supplies or use BARN's. If you want to use one of BARN's sewing machines, please reserve one when you register and see "Prerequisites" below.

Prerequisites

If you plan to use one of BARN's sewing machines, you must have completed Fiber Sewing Machine Certification.

Class Policies

Ages 14 and up are welcome.