Hand-Sewn Quilting Series I: Manx Patchwork

A Virtual Class with Aaron Sanders Head

Red and blue patchwork fabric square.

Manx refers to the name of the native Celtic people from the Isle of Man, an island located in the middle of the Irish Sea between England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The earliest known example of Manx patchwork dates back to about 1820. The Manx quilt block is named after the Isle of Man where it originates.

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.

An illustrated PDF covering all techniques will also be included. With its wonderful history and beautiful technique, this class is perfect for seasoned stitchers, as well as those taking their first steps into the world of hand quilting.


Dates
Friday, May 24th, 2024

Time
12pm – 2:30pm ET*

Location
Zoom, a link will be send to participants the day before class

Cost
$65 for the individual class, $350 for the series

*This session 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.

Class Materials: 

  • Muslin or backing fabric for foundation piecing. You can make this neutral or vibrant, but it will be visible from the back of the quilt.
  • Fabric Scraps – Each strip will need to be about two inches wide and the longest will need to be about ten inches long. Your measurements will vary. Several yards of assorted fabrics will be plenty for a wall-hanging sized quilt.
  • Needle
  • Thread – You can choose a contrasting or coordinating thread. Button and craft, Perle cotton, or sashiko thread will be perfect, but any hand-stitching thread will work. This will be visible from the back.
  • Scissors
  • Pins

Not required but helpful:

  • Cutting Mat
  • Rotary Cutter
  • Iron
  • Quilting ruler

This class is part of the Hand-Sewn Quilting Series.

Perfect for the beginner, our Hand Sewn Quilting Series aims to demystify the act of hand sewing a quilt block through a sequence of diverse forays into block construction. 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 an existing pattern or personal composition.

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 comprehensive foundation and will get you well on your way in a joyful practice of hand-sewn quilting.

The blocks from each class can then be assembled together in any way you like to represent a sampler of skills. They would also make great pillows or patches for another textile.

We hope you will join us for all six of our quilting classes to increase your confidence and skill in hand sewing quilt blocks. You can sign up for the entire series here.


OUR TEACHER
Aaron Sanders

Aaron Sanders Head is a Southern textile artist focused on natural dyes and hand-stitching. Aaron explores the intersections of practices of the past with contemporary craft, and the ways that sewing and textile arts can aid in increasing diversity and representation in the creative class.

Aaron is based in Greensboro, Alabama where he lives in an 1830s home with his partner, musician Tim Higgins, and maintains an active studio practice and extensive dye garden used in his work.


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