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Home / My Blog / Classes and workshops / Off-the-Wall Improv Patchwork Pillow Workshop

Off-the-Wall Improv Patchwork Pillow Workshop

October 19, 2015 By Katie

Travel is done for the season.  I say it all the time, “Quilters are the kindest people” and everyone involved made this season particularly memorable.

I’m looking forward to some project time, both in the studio and around the house. A website for the studio is in the making and now comes the exciting bit of writing copy.  Open studios and workshops will be much easier to plan and execute with a system for sign ups.  For now I’ve just been doing it the old fashion way via phone or email.

It’s all about the baby steps right?

SEW KATIE DID:Improv Patchwork Workshop:Halloween Pillows

But I finished up some new Halloween flair a few weeks ago as samples for a design wall heavy improvisational workshop I’ve been thinking about. I wanted to cover some basics that students are always asking me about.  So I thought I’d just put it out there.

This workshop is really a reincarnation of the classes I taught when I started teaching, exception being that at the time we were in the smallest room ever with little to no design wall.  Now I have a fully padded room of design walls and the tools and machines students need, so why not a class?

SEW KATIE DID:Halloween Patchwork Pillows:detail

In my opinion the design wall is the greatest design tool EVER when it comes to improvisational work, so this improv workshop will focus on building out a design there, breaking it down into sections and using various improvisational patchwork techniques to piece it all together.  Angle and strip piecing, “floating” patchwork, composition, creating definition and value are a few of the techniques and design concepts we’ll cover.

SEW KATIE DID:Improv Patchwork Workshop:Hammer Girl

Over the years I found that working within a mapped out space helps us visual/kinetic learners.  So thinking small, like a pillow, wall hanging or even one block at a time is to our creative advantage.

SEW KATIE DID:Halloween Patchwork Pillows:detail

Hammer girl thinks so.  She was my starting point.

SEW KATIE DID:Improv Patchwork Workshop detail

and then bits were added for detail.

SEW KATIE DID:Improv Patchwork Workshop:Hammer Girl Pillow

As I was working on the design wall another pillow started to take shape.  That’s often how it works.

SEW KATIE DID:Improv Patchwork Workshop:Wicked Witch Pillow Detail

I believe all the fabrics are Alexander Henry with the exception of the Essex linen I’m so drawn to currently.

SEW KATIE DID:Improvisational Patchwork Workshop:HalloweenThey’ve nailed it with the facial expressions.

SEW KATIE DID:Improv Patchwork Workshop:Halloween Pillows

Perhaps some Christmas pillows are in your future?

I have room for three students per workshop.  Bernina sewing machines and all tools are provided, just bring your creativity, materials and an open mind;)

So here’s the dates/email me at sewkatiedid@gmail.com to secure your spot:

  • Wednesday, November 11th, 10am-3pm (this is Veterans Day if you have it off) FULL
  • Saturday, November 14th, 10am-3pm   FULL
  • Thursday, December 3rd, 10am-3pm 1 spot left
  • Sunday, December 6th, 10am-3pm 2 spots 

Happy Week Peeps;)

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Projects Tagged With: improvisational patchwork

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Thimberlina says

    October 19, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    Just looked up your me page. Gutted I would have to jump on a plane to attend one of your classes! Love the cushions! Happy Halloween! ?

    • sewkatiedid says

      October 19, 2015 at 5:05 pm

      Three words, Winning Lotto Ticket;)

  2. Born To Organize says

    October 19, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    These cushions are fabulous! I love the whimsy, the fabric choices and the clever design and as it goes without saying, your steady stitches. What terrific samples for teaching your class.

    • sewkatiedid says

      October 21, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks! They look pretty good on my couch!

      • Born To Organize says

        October 21, 2015 at 1:44 pm

        Lucky you!

  3. Pat S says

    October 20, 2015 at 6:25 am

    So you are working in a padded room now? 😀 Love those pillows and I couldn’t agree more about having a design wall.

    • sewkatiedid says

      October 21, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      Padded room is essential;)

  4. pennylanequilts says

    October 20, 2015 at 10:25 am

    Love these fun pillows!

    • sewkatiedid says

      October 21, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks Penny!

  5. jodierichelle says

    October 21, 2015 at 5:08 pm

    Halloween in pink, gray and black – orange optional. LOVE that!

  6. percaline says

    October 22, 2015 at 6:59 am

    Nice! I like you r blog, very funny cushions… come to my blog and check my DIY section!

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