Inspiration surrounds us, and as artists, it is our job to filter that inspiration into our work in a way that connects the viewers to the world in a new way.
We all perceive our surroundings differently, and if several artists are given the same image, they can come up with dozens, if not hundreds, of interpretations.
As quilters, we have the opportunity to take hundreds of classes each year covering techniques, distinctive design styles, and specific quilts or projects. However, we rarely have the chance to explore design in a long-term class setting that is guided but not geared toward creating work in the teacher’s style.
A New Quilting Course
This new six-part college-style course is your chance to explore quilt design as art while exploring a wide range of styles and techniques. This course goes beyond technical skills, allowing you to explore design possibilities using reference images. Through group discussion of your work and the work of other participants, you will hone in on themes, techniques, and patterns that will help you to develop a working style.
Is this course for you?
There are two prerequisites for this course: basic sewing skills and an open mind to experimentation.
Do you have basic sewing skills?
- Can you thread your sewing machine and make simple adjustments, such as changing your stitch and making slight tension adjustments? (It’s also fine if you only have a straight-stitch machine.)
- Can you sew with a 1/4″ seam allowance?
Are you open to experimentation?
- Are you willing to try new techniques in a low-risk environment?
- Are you open to constructive criticism regarding your work from classmates and the instructor?
- Are you willing to share your work, even (and especially) when it isn’t finished or perfect?
What is the goal of this course?
We need more unique voices in quilting, and you can be one of them. This course focuses on utilizing research images as a starting point to develop art using a diverse range of techniques. During this class, you will:
- Use research images to inspire your quilted art.
- Examine themes in multiple ways.
- Explore new-to-you quilting techniques and styles to support your artistic concepts.
- Enhance your understanding of your art and the work of others through active participation in critiques.
Because this course spans several months, each participant can develop a body of small-scale quilts and sketches that allow you to see patterns develop in both design and technique. If you want to develop your artistic style, this course is a good place to start; however, a personal style takes years to evolve.
Note: Most (if not all) quilts you design and make in this course are individual works of art. This course is not intended to teach the development and writing of quilt patterns.
Why am I the person to teach this class?
Have you noticed how sometimes quilters take a design workshop with a fantastic quilter, only to emerge from the class creating work that is a close echo of the teacher’s work? There is nothing wrong with making a piece or two in another person’s style, but to become an artist in your own right, you need to learn how to leave some design elements behind and take what’s left to combine with other methods, ultimately developing a personal style that reads as a genuine reflection of who you are as a maker.
I want each participant to leave this course with the tools to create unique work that doesn’t resemble a copy of my work or the work of any other quilter.
My Design Background
I have a BFA in Fine Art Painting and an MFA in Scenic and Costume Design for the Theatre. I have taught scenic and costume design at the university level, as well as quilting workshops around the US. Theatre design presents unique challenges because you must design to meet the script’s needs and the director’s overall vision while also incorporating your style into the design.
This theatrical design background enables me to identify nuances and patterns within the vision of other designers, making me less likely to impose my style on your work. Together, we will explore the patterns in the shapes, compositions, colors, and techniques that draw you in, helping you develop a direction for your work that feels personal.
Quilt Shows
My work has been in more than 70 international, national, and regional quilt shows, including 30 quilts displayed at QuiltCon in the past ten years.
There are no guarantees that any of us will have quilts accepted into a particular show. However, if exhibiting your work at a show is one of your goals, we will work together to determine which shows will be a good match for your quilts. We will also discuss navigating entry forms, selecting categories for your quilts, choosing titles, and writing artist statements.
What to expect during class
This course has a maximum of eight participants, so each person will have the chance to share their work at each meeting. Each meeting will include time to review your work and introduce a new design project.
Before Classes Start:
After the sign-up period closes on July 6, 2025, you will receive an email with all of the critical information you will need before the beginning of class. This information will include a basic supply list, Zoom links and instructions, and details about gathering images of your current work to share with your classmates at the first meeting.
Meeting 1: Tuesday, July 22, 7–9 pm Eastern
- Introductions with samples of previous work
- Personal goals for the course
- Design: Using a photograph for composition reference
- Design: Working in greyscale/monochrome
- Technique: Creating sketches with fusible appliqué
Meeting 1a: Optional Process Check-in (date TBD)
Meeting 2: Tuesday, August 12, 7–9 pm Eastern
- Critique: 4-6 monochrome compositions made with fusible and share 20+ sketches
- Design: Seeking out design inspiration
- Design: Adding selective color to the composition
- Technique: TBD demo on a construction technique that relates to participants’ design work.
Meeting 2a: Optional Process Check-in (date TBD)
Meeting 3: Tuesday, September 2, 7–9 pm Eastern
- Critique: Compositions in selective color
- Design: Cohesive color use
- Design: Using techniques to influence the design process
- Technique: Improv methods
Meeting 3a: Optional Process Check-in (date TBD)
Meeting 4: Tuesday, September 23, 7–9 pm Eastern
- Critique: Improv compositions using cohesive full-color
- Design: Minimalism
- Technique: TBD demo on a construction technique that relates to participants’ design work.
Meeting 4a: Optional Process Check-in (date TBD)
Meeting 5: Tuesday, October 14, 7–9 pm Eastern
- Critique: Minimalism
- Final project: Select a piece from a previous project to rework or expand on to create a final piece.
Meeting 5a: Optional Process Check-in (date TBD)
Meeting 6: Tuesday, October 28, 7–9 pm Eastern
- Critique: Share the final piece, either finished or in process.
- Discussion: Selecting shows for your work, Choosing a Title, Writing an Artist Statement
Note:
- The final meeting date is just a few days before the entry deadlines for QuiltCon and the AQS Paducah show, so this class session will help interested participants prepare their entries.
- Specific class topics, pacing, and demonstrations may be altered at the instructor’s discretion to accommodate the needs of a specific group of participants.
The Course Details
Who:
Up to 8 participants who want to grow as quilting artists
What:
A 6-part course focusing on creating unique quilt designs
When:
Six Tuesday evenings from 7–9 pm Eastern time
- July 22
- August 12
- September 2
- September 23
- October 14
- October 28
In addition to the six main meetings, there will be optional project check-in times approximately halfway between class meetings.
Where:
All class meetings are held on Zoom, and you’re welcome to attend in comfortable clothing that you would typically wear while creating.
How much?
Since this is my first time running this class, I’m keeping the price low. You get six classes plus at least five informal check-ins for just $300!
Are you ready to sign up? Click the button below to proceed to a secure checkout site.
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