• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • 0 items

SewKatieDid

Because thread is the best glue

  • Home
    • About Me
    • About My Seattle Studio
    • Past & Future Guild Events
  • Learn
    • Workshops
    • Open Studio
    • Kids
    • Tutorials
  • Shop
    • Patterns
    • Gift Cards
    • Resources
    • Destash
  • Blog
    • Modern Quilts
    • Small Projects
  • Contact
Home / My Blog / Improvisational Quilting Classes / ::Design Wall Awesomeness::

::Design Wall Awesomeness::

January 24, 2013 By Katie

Please ignore that large looming pile of laundry that’s engulfed my couch, I am.

sewkatiedid/design wall

Instead, focus on my new design wall!!!

SEW KATIE DID/Quilt Design Wall Tutorial

It’s gray flannel.  My friend Anja says it is the color that Kaffe Fassett requires on his design walls when he does workshops for her and heh, I wouldn’t question him.  AND it blends in so well with my current gray walls.

sewkatiedid/design wall

I’ve been loving my dual design wall system (above) for years now, but the Livudio (living room/studio) needed some refinement.

I briefly mentioned using foam board a few months ago to Jefe and he was all over it.  I love my husband.

quilting modern

Jacquie and I covered options for design walls in Quilting Modern including my dual system and how to create a foam board one too if you want to make one, or google it, there’s options out there.

We placed two insulation boards together, connecting them with Gorilla Tape.  I wrapped the boards in flannel that I bought on sale (here) so there was no piecing with this large of a scale and again taped it to the back.  I used the areas of tape to secure the staples, though this was probably overkill I wanted it to remain in place for sure.

We snipped holes for the screws in the flannel and drilled through the flannel and boards into the wall.  Before its final placement we removed the whole thing, plus screws to place anchors in the wall.  Secure and here to stay it is!

sewkatiedid/design wall

I wouldn’t have thought of these things on top of the screw heads on my own, what ever they are called.  Thanks Jefe!

sewkatiedid/strip-ease blocks

I’ve been playing with these blocks a bit for my Slice and Insert block Workshop coming up and need to settle on a baby quilt size design.

I’ve been noodling my way through taxes and with a due date of a week from today, I’m certain not to get much use out of this wall, but I can look at it.  Even Jefe has commented on its good looks.

I highly recommend you go all ‘Parks and Rec‘ on a design wall and “Treat Yourself!”  You’ll feel so good.  And if you don’t know what I am referring to then you have a new show to watch while you sew.

Happy almost TGIF.

————————————————————-

—————————Open Studio Quilting Dates/Times—————————-

2957325512_d417d60900

Need help with a quilting project?  Open studio dates:

Wednesdays (2nd and 4th of every month), February 13th and 27th from 11am-3pm at Make*Do*Mend.

Friday (last Friday of every month), January 25th from 5-10pm at Island Quilter on Vashon Island (sign-up required).

——————————————————-

FULL!

::Magic Number Quilt Workshop::

$85 Saturday, January 26th from 10am to 4pm at the Island Quilter on Vashon Island.

Learn this system of using block sizes that fit together automatically for flexibility in quilt design.  We’ll cover fabric selection and how to create a more traditional or improvisational looking quilt design.  Great for all levels of sewists.  1/4″ foot required.

———————————————-

sewkatiedid/split decision

::Split Decision Block Workshop::

$85/ Saturday February 2nd from 10am-4pm at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard.

Play with the slice and insert technique creating a modern quilt that features snippets of your favorite fabrics.  This is a great class for all levels of sewists that want to explore a new technique and play with design.  All levels welcome!  Machines and tools provided.

———————————————-

steppingstone/sewkatiedid

::Stepping Stone Block Workshop::

$85/Tuesdays, February 5th and 12th from 6-9pm at Make*Do*Mend in Ballard.

Two nights to explore the creation of your own quilt designs utilizing improvisational strip piecing in a log cabin quilt block. We’ll cover this improvisational patchwork technique while you construct blocks for your own quilt design! Please note this is a two-part class with attendance required for both sessions. A copy of Quilting Modern is required.

————————————————————

::Half-Square Triangle LOVE Class::

$85/Saturday February 16th from 10am to 4pm at Island Quilter on Vashon Island.

This versatile quilt block lends itself to endless designs. We’ll cover quilting basics such as picking fabrics, matching seams and create perfect points.  We’ll play with a layout that suites your style and you’ll walk away with ideas for a multitude of quilts. All level of sewists welcome.

——————————————————-

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Filed Under: Improvisational Quilting Classes, Improvisational Quilts, Modern Quilting, seattle quilting Tagged With: creating a quilt design wall, fabric, improvisational patchwork, making a quilt design wall, modern quilting, seattle, value quilt, workshops

Previous Post: « ::Duh::
Next Post: ::A Side-Trip:: »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura Brodniak says

    January 24, 2013 at 11:58 pm

    Love your new design wall Katie … I’m inspired. Great seeing you yesterday!

  2. Carla says

    January 25, 2013 at 12:09 am

    Perfect design wall. It’s nice you don’t have anything in the way. I have a single bed and have to stand on it to shuffle thing. Kind of a pain. Enjoy playing ; )

  3. Nicole says

    January 25, 2013 at 12:45 am

    Lovely design wall, Katie! I’ve had a hard time securing mine to the wall. I would never had thought to drill through the boards. Thanks for the idea!

  4. mtetar says

    January 25, 2013 at 1:38 am

    Thanks for sharing an AWESOME Design Wall. Great Post! Mtetar

  5. lacartera says

    January 25, 2013 at 2:59 am

    Hello, I just wanted to let you know that I love your blog… & I’ve nominated you for theVersatile Blogger Award. Please check it out here:http://lcartera.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/the-versatile-blogger-award-x2/

  6. Jenny says

    January 25, 2013 at 3:25 am

    Brilliant! Would never have thought of buying a flannel sheet, for some reason. I’m working with an old-school flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth right now but not loving it at all. Totally time to Donna-and-Tom that situation!

    • sewkatiedid says

      January 25, 2013 at 5:51 am

      ha ha. love them.

      On Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 7:25 PM, SEW KATIE DID

  7. thecraftypioneer says

    January 25, 2013 at 5:52 am

    You have a great eye for colour and design.

  8. Cheryl Arkison says

    January 25, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    I just installed my design wall. We used Z-clips to mount the boards. And I’ve been searching for the grey flannel to make movable walls to add to things. Tuck them behind the door when not in use.

  9. Material Girl Quilts says

    January 25, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Wonderful design wall! Thanks for the inspiration and tips.
    Amanda

  10. CitricSugar says

    January 25, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    I am drooling over here! I want a design wall but I don’t have a dedicated sewing space right now. I’m glad I don’t have one yet though because I’d be heartbroken to see this one if I’d already got one… The grey is far more my style than white and better for seeing colour. Thanks for the inspiration!

  11. hippiequilter says

    January 25, 2013 at 11:01 pm

    I love your blocks ya got going there! Very cool looking.

  12. Helen Knopf says

    January 27, 2013 at 5:56 am

    What size sheet did you buy to cover two foam boards? Great idea!

  13. Debbie-Esch House Quilts says

    January 27, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    That is one beautiful design wall! I love the grey flannel idea – much more attractive than the thread covered flannel backed vinyl I have 🙂

  14. Rachel says

    January 28, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Love that show! We bought foam this weekend for my design wall(s). It’s in the air to treat ourselves =)

  15. Blair says

    January 30, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    Love that, I.ve often wondered what color would work besides (or even maybe better) than white flannel and that looks like it would be easy on the eyes. Let’s get together soon,

  16. Kelsey @ Everyday Fray says

    January 30, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    lol – looooved the parks and rec bit. Might be the best episode to date. I love the idea of a gray design wall. My husband helped me make two boards last year, and we added a solid surface on the back so I can lay them on the floor to pin baste. Now my least favorite part of quilting doesn’t seem so tedious anymore 🙂

    • sewkatiedid says

      February 1, 2013 at 7:55 pm

      Great idea!

  17. Donna DeKoning says

    April 26, 2014 at 6:28 pm

    I am very interested in the roll up Design wall with lines and secured by ribbin..Where can I get that fabric. Can you please help me. thank ;you.

    • sewkatiedid says

      April 27, 2014 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Donna,

      You can get them here:
      http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=fons+and+porter+design+wall

  18. Knucks&Bows says

    January 25, 2015 at 10:59 am

    I was looking at your link for the sheets, is the Sterling gray the same gray as you have? Just curious 🙂

    • sewkatiedid says

      January 25, 2015 at 11:53 am

      it’s paintbrush flannel in heather gray: http://www.garnethill.com/paintbrush-flannel-bedding/117597

      • Knucks&Bows says

        January 25, 2015 at 4:48 pm

        Oh thanks! I was looking at those too thinking that gray was much darker and liked it more

  19. Jennifer F says

    January 10, 2016 at 6:37 pm

    Hi Katie! I’m setting up my sewing space after several years of having it all packed away. I’m looking forward to finishing my daughter’s “baby” quilt in time for her 7th birthday. LOL! I came across your design wall in my searches, and it is exactly what I would like to make for myself. I have a question that I hope you can answer. I found the link for the flannel sheets in the comments above, and I was wondering what size you ordered to cover the two boards. I’m thinking a flat sheet in queen size? Thanks so much!

    • sewkatiedid says

      January 10, 2016 at 10:19 pm

      It depends on the size of your insulation board. The sheet’s dimensions are listed in the descriptions and give yourself at least 3″ extra per side for wrapping around the board:) Hope that helps. Let me know if you need further help.

      • Jennifer F says

        January 11, 2016 at 12:24 pm

        Thank you so much! 😀

      • Jennifer F says

        January 11, 2016 at 12:59 pm

        Also, just bought your and Jacquie’s book!

    • sewkatiedid says

      January 11, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      Oh thanks! Keeping us with a fabric allowance;)

      • Jennifer F says

        January 11, 2016 at 2:03 pm

        Oh wow- placed my order today at Garnet Hill, but didn’t know the sale was ending tomorrow. The quilting stars must be in alignment! 😉

    • sewkatiedid says

      January 11, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      fyi, garnet hill has the sheets on sale until tomorrow.

  20. Jennifer F says

    January 25, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Hi Katie, I tired posting this yesterday, but I don’t think it came through, so I apologize if it appears twice. 🙂

    I wanted to share with you that I made my design wall! I LOVE it! Thank you so much for sharing your process. The Garnet Hill sheet is perfect for the job. I think I might need to get a set for my bed; soooo luxurious! My finished board is 8′ x 5.5′. I might mount it on the wall with heavy duty velcro strips, but for now it works jut to lean it up against the wall.

    I’m so excited to get back to work on my daughter’s quilt that I started way back in 2009. 😀 Hopefully you can see the finished design wall on my IG page with this link. Thanks again!!!
    https://www.instagram.com/p/BA8Gf_hvErM/?taken-by=jennford75

Trackbacks

  1. Nesting season | Chiagu Blog says:
    August 27, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    […] want a huge design wall! Like this one! And it needs to have nothing in front of it, so it can serve double-duty as a photography […]

  2. Planning season | Chiagu Blog says:
    August 27, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    […] want a huge design wall! Like this one! And it needs to have nothing in front of it, so it can serve double-duty as a photography […]

  3. In search of flannel . . . for design wall | Wanda's Life Sampler says:
    March 15, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    […] blog, Sew Katie Did, had a nice design wall made from […]

  4. Renewing my Design Wall – Product Decisions – Mandu Quilts says:
    December 30, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    […] so I read Sew Katie Did’s post on her design wall and decided to update mine. Mine is a sad, but very, very useable (and cheap) […]

Primary Sidebar

Featured Tutorials

:: Spilt Crumbs Quilt Top ::

Merry Moderns (Split Personality) Christmas Quilt

Off-the-Wall Improv Patchwork Pillow Workshop

Mod Pinwheel Quilt

::Working the Pile/2::

Instagram

Follow on Instagram

Recent Pins

𝕄𝕖𝕘𝕒𝕟 | I made strawberry coasters for our guild gift exchange this weekend. 🍓 Although not exactly holiday themed, they did include both red and… | Instagram
Sew an oversized wall FLOWER! Or a whole bouquet! The Oversized Wall Flower Sewing Pattern has step by step instructions with photos of every step - perfect for the beginner sewist ready to try new things. Excellent pattern to use up small leftover bits of fabric. Fabulous WALL ART, eclectic display, or for kids to play with. Imagine sending an oversized flower to a dear friend as a gift - they would LOVE it! *INCLUDED* - 28 page PDF, instant download - Patterns for 2 sizes of flowers, 14" and 1Flower Bouquet Sewing Pattern, Flower Toys for Kids, Floral Gift, Home Decor, Nursery Decor, Botanical Gift for Nature Lovers, Fabric Scraps - Etsy
Patchwork Apple (one of a kind!) / cocon
Follow Me on Pinterest More Pins

Quilt Blog Goodness

Cheryl Arkison

Completely Cauchy

Factotum of Arts

Film in the Fridge

Mama Loves Quilts

Poppyprint

Quilt-It

Red Pepper Quilts

S.D. Evans Quilts

Sleepy Owl Studio

s.o.t.a.k Handmade

Stitched In Color

Stitch in Dye

Tallgrass Prairie Studio

The Little Red Hen

The Quilting Edge

The Silly BooDilly

Teaginny Designs

Veni Vidi Vicky

Wisecraft Handmade

Wooden Spoon Quilts

 

 

 

Footer

Connect with Katie

because thread is
the best glue

Customer Care

Hosting in Your Community
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
Usage Policy

Copyright © 2025 Katie Pedersen · Log in