Traditional blocks can be made very modern with a few modern quilt design techniques and a bit of imagination!
I love making modern quilts by starting with a traditional block. Starting in 2023, I will be offering a series of workshops that will guide you in the techniques that can help you transform that traditional block completely and create a unique modern quilt.
These workshops are very beginner friendly—and I provide lots of challenge for more experienced quilters.
Pinwheel Joy!
The first workshop in this series is called Pinwheel Joy! Click here for workshop dates and registration information.
This quilt is a quick make and a great introduction to creating unique improvisational blocks. We will start by making traditional pinwheel blocks and quickly transform them into unique modern improv blocks. We will use background fabric and create asymmetrical layouts for the pieced blocks.
You can use a variety of fabrics to make this fun quilt.
In this workshop, we will cover:
- Learn a quick method of making half-square triangles
- Learn improvisational techniques to transform a traditional block into modern blocks
- Understand when to stop improvising–when a block is ‘done’
- Explore use of negative space to create an asymmetrical yet balanced layout
Fabric Requirements
Sufficient amounts to make a 48″ x 48″ or larger lap quilt.
Option 1: You will need 3-1/2 yards of a background fabric. And you will need 1 yard each of two additional fabrics.
Option 2: You will need 3-1/2 yards of a background fabric. And you will need 2 yard each of a second fabric.
You can use a variety of fabrics to make this fun quilt from solids to modern prints to African Ankara prints to modern florals.
Click here for workshop dates and registration information.
Four Patch Improv Play
Click Here for Workshop Dates and Registration Information.
This quilt is created using an altered version of a very traditional block—the Four Patch. A traditional Four Patch Block is made from four squares cut exactly the same size from print fabrics. To make it more modern, I altered the dimensions of the Four Patch so that the patches are not four equal squares.
You will have lots of options for creating a unique quilt:
- Choice of different 4 Patch Blocks to Use
- Options for unique Quilt Layouts (Crib/Lap size)
- Options for enlarging the quilt
- Suggested Color Palettes using solids, near solids and prints
Fabric Requirements
Sufficient amounts to make a laptop/crib quilt as shown in the blue, red, yellow and green sample. Sample measures 54″ x 54″.
Layout variations will be provided in the full pattern and fabric amounts will be different for different layout options. This list is provided as an example.
- 1-1/2 Yards of Color 1 for background and blocks
- 1/2 Yard of Color 2
- 3/4 Yard of Color 3
- 1/2 yard of Color 4
You can use a variety of fabrics to make this fun quilt from solids to modern prints to African Ankara prints to modern florals.
Click Here for Workshop Dates and Registration Information.
Guild Workshops
Guilds interested in buying seats in these scheduled workshops can email me for more information. Please state which workshop you are interested in. At this time, I am not scheduling Guild only dates.
Looking for my On Demand Classes?
Please visit me on Creative Spark to see my current ondemand class offerings.
Visit my Instructor Page Here to see all of my listings. Scroll down to see my classes.
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND CLASSES: