This course will explore improvisational patchwork, a method of piecing quilts that has a long and complex history that largely starts in Gee’s Bend, Alabama in a black rural community whose work is now exhibited around the world. We will touch on this cultural context and its implications for modern makers, as well as covering basic sewing techniques like the running stitch, the back stitch, the quilters knot, and a small basting stitch. Perfect for beginners or those looking to get a more formal training in traditional hand-stitching techniques.

Dates
Thursday, October 27th, 2022

Time
12pm – 2:30pm ET*

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

Cost
$60 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 for you to watch at your convenience.

This class is part of the Hand-Sewn Quilt Primer Series. Perfect for the beginner, our 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 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. There will be plenty of opportunities to include special fabric scraps you might have from your collection, to make it uniquely yours and add personal meaning.

You can sign up for the series here.