The development of building quilts through blocks came about as a solution to the cumbersome task of wholly sewing a large blanket from the center to its edges. Building quilts block by block made quilting much more convenient, and led to an absolute explosion in variation of designs and patterns.
Perfect for beginners and experienced stitchers alike, our Hand Sewn Quilting Series aims to demystify the act of hand sewing a quilt block through a sequence of diverse forays into block constructing. While rooted in quilting’s history of using scrap fabrics to make beautiful coverlets, this series gathers contemporary voices and techniques to give the new sewist a set of skills and the confidence to take on existing patterns or personal compositions.
Exposure to six unique teachers affords any sewist, seasoned or novice, the opportunity to witness varied approaches even within the same technique. Experiencing the series as whole is sure to provide a solid foundation and will get you well on your way in a joyful practice of hand-sewn quilting!
We hope you will join us in taking a deeper look into the diverse practice of quilt piecing.
The Series
Contemporary Patchwork
with Arounna Khounnoraj
In this workshop, you will explore color and composition. Improv patchwork is a method of sewing fabric remnants together that are based on the size and shapes of the fabric that you have on hand rather than based on a pattern. Arounna will demonstrate a few of her favorite construction methods, which will help guide you in designing a color story and creating your own improv patchworks.
Naturalistic Quilting
with Julius Arthur
In this workshop, you’ll use nature and landscape as references to discover shapes, forms, and textures that evoke a sense of place. Through patchwork and appliqué techniques, you’ll experiment with colour, composition, and layering to create small, sculptural textile artworks. Play with scale, shapes, and negative space to build abstract compositions that reflect your connection to the landscape and your own unique perspective.
Precise Curved Piecing
with Tara Faughnan
Using the Drunkard’s Path quilt block, students will learn the basics of hand piecing and sewing curves. In this class we will cover how to create templates and mark fabric for sewing, as well as how to use color and value to create movement. We will also look at various ways to arrange the block to create a dynamic design.
Appliqué
with Sarah Nishiura
Appliqué, the art of stitching shapes to the surface of a fabric foundation, has been used throughout the world for thousands of years as a way to embellish and add meaning to textiles. This workshop will consider appliqué’s use throughout history in various textile traditions and introduce students to the ways that the technique can be used to create their own unique block.
Manx Patchwork
with Aaron Sanders Head
In this workshop, participants will learn to make a folded Log Cabin Quilt Block, or a Manx Quilt Block. The quilt block is a unique take on a log cabin block, utilizing a series of unique but easy measurements based on the hand of the maker, making each block unique to the person who created it. Traditionally the fabric was torn, not cut. A simple folding technique gives this block a gorgeous, textural, heavy finish and stitches up quickly.
Kkekki (깨끼)
with Youngmin Lee
Kkeki is a beautiful and tidy seam technique for use with sheer fabrics. The finished seam is fine, neat, and sturdy.
Using sheer and lightweight fabric, Youngmin will teach how to use this technique to make narrow seam lines.
Dates
Contemporary Patchwork with Arounna Khounnoraj– Thursday, February 20th, 2025
Naturalistic Quilting with Julius Arthur – Thursday, February 27th, 2025
Precise Curved Piecing with Tara Faughnan– Friday, March 6th, 2025
Appliqué with Sarah Nishiura– Thursday, March 13th, 2025
Manx Patchwork with Aaron Sanders Head – Thursday, March 20th, 2025
Kkekki (깨끼) Fine Seam Technique with Youngmin Lee– Thursday, March 27th, 2025
Time
All classes are from 12pm – 2:30pm ET*
Materials
A materials list is posted on each class page.
Tuition
$65 for one class. $350 for the series.
Recordings
All sessions will be recorded. A link to the recording will be emailed to all those who register following the live session. This link is live for one month after the end of the series for you to watch at your convenience.
We have two scholarships available for this experience. To be considered for the scholarship please email [email protected] with some information about yourself, your making practice, and why you would like to participate.
Our Instructors
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