Expressive Fiber: The Art Quilt

Length: 5 days.
Level:   Beginning and intermediate quilters who are eager to use textiles as an artistic medium are welcome. Beginners wanting to learn basics of piecing or surface design would be better served with a beginning class in those areas. This is NOT a how-to make a specific design kind of class; there are no kits or patterns involved.

Students in this class should come prepared to work on developing their personal visions and to use the quilt as an expressive medium. Through class exercises and one-on-one consultation with the instructor, students will develop an image they want to translate to fabric. Various construction methods and surface design techniques will be demonstrated, but the emphasis is on letting the image guide which techniques will be used on the finished quilt.

The teacher will provide the tools -- exercises, techniques, a supportive atmosphere -- to aid the student in expressing her vision in fabric and thread.

Students will leave class with a good start on a quilt top; some may get as far as basting and hand or machine quilting it.

Students are invited to bring examples of their work for private consultations with the teacher or to share with the class during the week. (Class fees)

Length: 2-5 days.
Level:   Beginner and intermediate quilters are welcome.

If you want to use the quilt as an expressive medium but sometimes have trouble translating your personal vision to the finished quilt, Art Quilt Construction Techniques will give you an expanded vocabulary of technical skills, helping you to make the quilt you imagine. Students will learn ways to add texture to quilts, to cut and sew spontaneous curves, sharp-angled insets, reverse appliqué, and to work with translucent fabrics. We'll discuss finishing techniques, including binding, facing, and hanging. Students will leave with a technique notebook and reference samples. Students who have a specific idea for a quilt in mind but need help deciding how to make that idea a reality will have a chance to consult privately with the instructor. (Class fees)

Length: 2-5 days.
Level:   Beginning to experienced quilters willing to believe their third grade teacher was wrong and they CAN draw.

Line is one of the fundamental components of art. But because Line=Drawing=Fear for many adults returning to art making, it is often given short shrift. But for textile artists who need to use the well-placed stitch or quilting line to complete a piece, trying to ignore line often dooms a piece to mediocrity. More importantly, not using line well means we are needlessly giving up a tool for expression and meaning.

In this workshop we will explore line using wire, pen and paper, fiber and thread. We will look at some fiber art that has been enhanced by the magic of line and some that could use some help. You will learn a bit more about the way you make marks, and the way you make your marks your own. Come prepared to play, laugh, share, and explore. (Class fees)
 

Combine Line Dancing and Curves Ahead for 2-4 days of focused study of the use of line in design, construction, and quilting.

Length: 1-2 days.
Level:   Beginner to advanced.

Forget templates, notches, and planning. "Draw" sensuous, shallow curves with your rotary cutter. Learn some tips needed for sewing curved pieces together with a minimum of pins and frustration and a maximum amount of design possibilities. (Class fees)