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

SewKatieDid

Because thread is the best glue

  • About
    • Quilting and Sewing Studio
    • Recommended Books & Tools
    • Upcoming & Past Workshops
  • Workshops & Open Studio
    • For Kids
  • Blog
  • Modern Quilts
    • Small Projects
  • Tutorials
  • Contact

Improvisational Quilting Classes

:: Spilt Crumbs Quilt Top ::

June 12, 2017 By Katie

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I take organization to a serious level.  So I was teased for showing up to retreat with two cart loads and no real project plan.  Clothes are easy to pack for this type of vacation, but my time management for planning projects just didn’t exist.

SEW KATIE DID | Seattle Modern Quilting & Sewing Studio | No Foul Quilt

Along with a lot of other random stuff, into the car went some blocks a few of my lovely students and I created last month.  They helped me test drive a crazy piecing technique I call Split Personality as a three hour workshop at Quiltcon.  It’s an easy technique that creates multiple blocks with ‘crumbs’ of each fabric in all sorts of fun linear shapes.

I’ll be teaching this block as a full day workshop in the studio this month.

sew katie did | Seattle Modern Quilting Studio

I started with the blocks we had made in colors I honestly didn’t like much together.  I figured I didn’t have anything to lose by cutting them up.  If I didn’t like what was happening I’d trash them and move onto the next set.

SEW KATIE DID | Seattle Modern Quilting & Sewing Studio | Crumb Quilt

I loved what happened.

I aimed for an easy design.  Nearly everyone with some quilting experience has trimmed many a half square triangle, so merging one with the crazy piecing seemed ideal as a sample.  Some time with the design wall led to this layout.

I love to have loads of examples of how to use a technique and/or block and students appreciate the inspiration, so I played with one of my favorite shapes that utilizes half square triangles AND improv stitch and flip triangles with the Split Personality blocks with my leftovers.

SEW KATIE DID | Seattle Modern Quilting & Sewing Studio

I think these will be pillows, just have to decide whether they need sashing, piping or another colorful background.  Stay tuned, I have 3 more sets of these blocks in a range of color ways left.

SEW KATIE DID | Weekend Retreat

sew katie did | Seattle Modern Quilting Studio

As far as sewing at retreat, here’s what I walked away with.  I find with the studio I don’t have as much time to sew and even though I needed to stick with making samples, I was also much more relaxed and organized on my walk out;)  It might have been the inspiration, awesome company, good sleep or the margaritas…really doesn’t matter.

I highly recommend retreats.

SEW KATIE DID | Seattle Modern Quilting & Sewing Studio

I’m pretty much smitten with this block.  I love that you could fit it into just about any improv or traditional quilt design as a ‘made’ fabric.  It just seems now that I find inspirational quilt designs I want to put it into everywhere.

I’ve got a weekend and weekday workshop on the studio schedule for this block.

sew katie did | Seattle Modern Quilting Studio

And Seattle’s got nothing but clouds in our future this week, so I’ve picked out a backing and am ready for some quality quilting time if I pay my time management cards right;)

SEW KATIE DID | Seattle Modern Quilting & Sewing StudioAnd of course there’s Quiltcon.  I’ve never been to Pasadena, so if anyone has some hot tips they’re willing to share about eating & where the best margarita is I’m all ears.

Happy making Peeps;)


Check out other quilts made with the Split Personality block:

  • BIG Tossed Hearts
  • Split Personality Christmas Quilt
  • Diving Geese 
  • Splinters Quilt

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Innovative Patchwork Piecing, Modern Quilting Classes, seattle quilting, seattle sewing, Split Personality Quilt block

Merry Moderns (Split Personality) Christmas Quilt

December 7, 2015 By Katie

SEW KATIE DID:Split Personality Christmas Quilt Section

This quilt is a long time coming, as in years…

Alexander Henry’s Merry Moderns fabric was THE Christmas quilt fabric for me.  I just fell hard for it the minute I saw it.

IMG_1293

The fabric seemed a perfect merge for an improvisational technique I’d been brainstorming about.  A block that was a faster way to produce ‘crazy pieced’ looking fabric.  So I started playing with the block construction concept that became what I now call the Split Personality Quilt Block.  The method quickly produces multiple blocks allowing you instant playtime with it in endless design concepts.

IMG_1289

Fabrics from the stash that would coordinate with a Christmas theme were pulled, auditioned and sewn.  Some favorites were eaten up in the process.

SEW KATIE DID:Split Personality Block

 And so, all these happy fabrics have been living together as blocks for a few years, waiting for the perfect pattern to show itself.

SEW KATIE DID:Split Personality Christmas Quilt Fold

My friend Laurel showed up at an open studio to finish up an Arkansas Crossroads quilt.  I instantly envisioned my blocks in that design and the production began…last year;)

SEW KATIE DID:Split Personality Christmas Quilt Full flat

The essex linen in a cross weave black stabilized the scrappiness.

SEW KATIE DID:Split Personality Christmas quilt awesome

Merging traditional quilt designs with improvisational techniques has really become where my process leads me.  I love the secondary designs traditional set blocks create.

SEW KATIE DID:Split Personality Christmas Quilt side

When it came to quilting I lived and breathed this quilt for days.  For once I didn’t overthink it and went with straight lines that ran off the edge and echoed the ‘Xs’ the secondary design created.

SEW KATIE DID:Split Personality Christmas Quilt Side block

I dreaded the thought that I’d have to add another horizontal and vertical line because my body was done with quilting, but in the end I dismissed the addition.  It has the perfect drape and isn’t over quilted into the luscious feel of cardboard.

SEW KATIE DID:Split Personality Christmas quilt back

Here’s a peek at the back.  Leftovers and flannel of course.

SEW KATIE DID:Split Personality Christmas Quilt Detail 2

SEW KATIE DID:Side:Split Personality Christmas QuiltThe binding is the small scale print in the Merry Moderns line.  It worked out that some faces landed on the front and back of the quilt’s edge.

SEW KATIE DID:Binding Roll

You can see more designs and concepts with this block in my Instagram feed and I’ve added this block onto my January calendar as a daytime, nighttime and weekend workshop.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and then of course there is spring!

Happy Happy Peeps;)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Improvisational Quilts, Innovative Patchwork Piecing, Modern Quilts, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts Tagged With: classes, Improv, improvisation, Improvisational Christmas Quilt, modern quilt, modern quilting, patchwork, quilting, Quilts, seattle, sew katie did

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

Mod Pinwheel Quilt

May 4, 2015 By Katie

SEW KATIE DID:MOD Pinwheel side

I’m continuing my documentation of projects that haven’t yet made it to my Quilts Page for one reason or another.

Mod Pinwheel is another quilt pattern Jacquie and I created for Quilting Modern that didn’t make the cut, but is available as a free e-book.

SEW KATIE DID:MOD Pinwheel 3

The adjective Mod is a little off for this quilt in my opinion, but we named it years ago.  When I look at it now it speaks to the traditional side of quilting that I love, with a taste of something a little different.

SEW KATIE DID:MOD Pinwheel Quilt Detail

It’s these ‘eyes’ that are the twist, removing it one step from a traditional straight set layout.

SEW KATIE DID:MOD Pinwheel Full

Hanging this quilt up gave me a new appreciation for it.

As always, I have a love/hate relationship going on with this quilt.  A little more thought with the value and color placement might have elevated the design, but truly I think this is a pattern that speaks to going scrappy, something we stayed away from in the book, but where my heart really is in quilting.

SEW KATIE DID:MOD Pinwheel EYE

I see myself playing with this foundation pieced block again with a bin of scraps to see if my vision is true.  What a great baby quilt it would make.

SEW KATIE DID:MOD Pinwheel Binding

Teal dot for the binding and a delicious red dot flannel for the back.

SEW KATIE DID:MOD Pinwheel Detail

If I had to pull one component that I love most in this quilt it would be the quilting by Angela Walters combined with the flannel backing.  Oh wait, that’s two.

SEW KATIE DID:REMIX

I pulled out some sample blocks to dream up something new with, but ‘been there done that’ set in and cutting seemed necessary.

You can make your own Mod Pinwheel with the instructions posted here.

SEW KATIE DID:Flooring

I went ahead and ordered the flooring on the right for the studio.  We’ll hopefully install it and paint in the next few weeks.  Three Berninas have arrived for student use and tool kits are collected.

Things are coming together;)

Have a great week peeps!

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Improvisational Quilts, Innovative Patchwork Piecing, modern quilt, Modern Quilting, Modern Quilting Classes, Modern Quilts, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts Tagged With: classes, free-motion quilting, improvisational patchwork, modern quilt, modern quilting, modern quilting instructor, seattle, sewing classes, workshops

Starry Owl Quilt

February 23, 2015 By Katie

Happy Monday Peeps and greetings from Palm Springs:)

palm springs baby;)

It so turns out that I managed with some help to have a finished quilt to show you along with my obligatory palm tree photo.  I’m happy I did because I haven’t been able to talk quilt all week with anyone;)

I can’t even tell you when I made it.  I guess it’s what you would call an ‘Oldie but Goodie’ in the UFO pile.

SEW KATIE DID:Sleepy Owl Quilt full

It’s been folded, refolded and moved.

SEW KATIE DID/HST LOVE AND PANTONE POP

It must have come about around the time I made HST LOVE and Pantone Pop.  Both very traditional quilts in block style, but I had fun mixing up the fabrics, picking the color way and giving them some random placement.  It all breaths some fresh air into those simple half-square triangle blocks that you can do so much with.

I’ve got a huge bucket list of ideas built off knowing this block and how you can twist it or add to it.

Well anyway, babies need quilts and this quilt needed a baby.

Sewkatiedid:Sleepy Owl Quilt Star Detail

It also needed a star center, because of course I wasn’t thrilled with what I originally picked AFTER I had sewn the whole thing together.  With my friend Sandie’s help we decided to fill it in with a corduroy print.

Sewkatiedid:Sleepy Owl Quilt Binding and Quilting detail

 Sandie quilted it up with the maze pattern and finished it with this lovely binding.   The binding and the star points in the Alexander Henry Heath add some texture without too much print distraction.

I never alone would have thought to go with the maze she picked and we both were so happy with how it turned out.  Collaborating on quilts for babies is so fun.

  The color way was inspired by my suitcase.

Sewkatiedid:Sleepy Owl Quilt Back Full

The back turned out amazing.  I’m still up for my challenge to myself of using fabric from my stash and left overs from the front.

Sewkatiedid:Sleepy Owl Quilt back detail

It’s made up almost entirely of a fine wale corduroy and a few left over half square triangles.  I’ve now made four backs with this goal and have loved them all.

Quilt is now with happy baby.  So fun to gift.

The pile of finished quilt tops is getting smaller!  I believe I have three complete quilt tops left to quilt and certainly a lot in pieces;)

Have a fun week.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Modern Quilting, Modern Quilting Classes, Modern Quilts, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts, seattle quilting Tagged With: baby quilt, carolina chambray, half square triangle quilting block, Improv, Seattle Modern Quilting Guild, value quilt, workshops

::Working the Pile/2::

February 23, 2015 By Katie

Happy Monday Peeps and greetings from Palm Springs:)

palm springs baby;)

It so turns out that I managed with some help to have a finished quilt to show you along with my obligatory palm tree photo.  I’m happy I did because I haven’t been able to talk quilt all week with anyone;)

I can’t even tell you when I made it.  I guess it’s what you would call an ‘Oldie but Goodie’ in the UFO pile.

SEW KATIE DID:Sleepy Owl Quilt full

It’s been folded, refolded and moved.

SEW KATIE DID/HST LOVE AND PANTONE POP

It must have come about around the time I made HST LOVE and Pantone Pop.  Both very traditional quilts in block style, but I had fun mixing up the fabrics, picking the color way and giving them some random placement.  It all breaths some fresh air into those simple half-square triangle blocks that you can do so much with.

I’ve got a huge bucket list of ideas built off knowing this block and how you can twist it or add to it.

Well anyway, babies need quilts and this quilt needed a baby.

Sewkatiedid:Sleepy Owl Quilt Star Detail

It also needed a star center, because of course I wasn’t thrilled with what I originally picked AFTER I had sewn the whole thing together.  With my friend Sandie’s help we decided to fill it in with a corduroy print.

Sewkatiedid:Sleepy Owl Quilt Binding and Quilting detail

 Sandie quilted it up with the maze pattern and finished it with this lovely binding.   The binding and the star points in the Alexander Henry Heath add some texture without too much print distraction.

I never alone would have thought to go with the maze she picked and we both were so happy with how it turned out.  Collaborating on quilts for babies is so fun.

  The color way was inspired by my suitcase.

Sewkatiedid:Sleepy Owl Quilt Back Full

The back turned out amazing.  I’m still up for my challenge to myself of using fabric from my stash and left overs from the front.

Sewkatiedid:Sleepy Owl Quilt back detail

It’s made up almost entirely of a fine wale corduroy and a few left over half square triangles.  I’ve now made four backs with this goal and have loved them all.

Quilt is now with happy baby.  So fun to gift.

The pile of finished quilt tops is getting smaller!  I believe I have three complete quilt tops left to quilt and certainly a lot in pieces;)

Have a fun week.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Modern Quilting, Modern Quilting Classes, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts, seattle quilting Tagged With: baby quilt, carolina chambray, half square triangle quilting block, Improv, Seattle Modern Quilting Guild, value quilt, workshops

New York Beauty Pillow

February 16, 2015 By Katie

SEW KATIE DID:New York Beauty pillow:Full

Paper piecing workshop development and sample made, CHECK!  And totally drool worthy if I don’t say so myself.

The Foundations of Paper Piecing Workshop is listed if you find yourself with some spare time on March 14th.

SEW KATIE DID:New York Beauty Pillow:Full on

A New York Beauty block has been on the bucket list F-O-R-E-V-E-R.

SEW KATIE DID:New York Beauty Pillow

I bought just enough new make me happy fabrics and combined them with some old to create a new to me color way.  It seemed to just come together on the design wall so effortlessly.  As usual it matches nothing in my house.

SEW KATIE DID:New York Beauty Center

The white/creams I pulled from the scrap bins.  There’s even some flannel in there.

SEW KATIE DID:New York Beauty Pillow:Side

It ended up that neither the shot cotton and the flannel on the front, nor the voile on the back created the headaches I imagined.

I crosshatched it in a lightly variegated lilac thread. This easy off the edge quilting design has the kind of impact makes me happy.  Off course all quilting minds of Seattle that I saw last week were consulted;)

SEW KATIE DID:SIDE

I almost put the voile back into the stash.

It’s one of those fabrics I have to force myself to cut into if I had curtains in mind five years ago.  There’s still that hope of getting to that alive;)  The decision was a good one, it pairs perfectly with the front.

SEW KATIE DID/Psychedelic Baby Quilt

If you’re headed to Quiltcon please go say hi to my quilts.  There are two on exhibit and I just finished up this one here for display there in Island Quilter’s booth.

It will look a little bit more lively than it does it this taken at midnight photo.

This quilt thoroughly falls under the “it doesn’t have to be perfect to love it” category and I considered not sending it due to some obvious struggles I had quilting it, but then I reminded myself that perfection isn’t what it’s all about.

Happy week peeps.  I hope it’s a good one;)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, paper piecing, pillows, Projects, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts, seattle quilting Tagged With: class, classes, handmade, Improv, improvisation, improvisational, improvisational patchwork, modern quilt, modern quilting, patchwork, quilting, Quilts, seattle, Seattle Modern Quilting Guild, sew katie did, washington, workshops

::Throwing Star Pillow::

February 2, 2015 By Katie

sewkatiedid:throwing stars pillow:to the point triangle workshopThat leftovers thing happened again.  Hexes turned into triangles, and now I have another shape to show as an example in my triangle workshop with a hexagon shape center to boot!

sewkatiedid:throwing stars pillow:to the point triangle workshop

The stars turned out pretty wee by the time I cut them from the left over hexes.

sewkatiedid:throwing stars pillow:to the point triangle workshop:

The precision I’m pretty happy with, no paper piecing involved for those of you that asked, just 60 degree triangle piecing.

sewkatiedid:throwing star pillow detail 2:to the point triangle workshop

I floated them in Essex Linen.

sewkatiedid:throwing star pillow favoritesThese prints are favorites and deserved some limelight.

sewkatiedid:throwing star pillow

The diamond shape the quilting forms was simple enough to execute.

sewkatiedid:throwing stars pillow detail:to the point triangle workshop

And it matches the pillows on my couch;)

sewkatiedid:invisible zipper tutorial

Finished off with my Invisible Zipper Tutorial.

The weather couldn’t be any more perfect for quilting and if my child’s mood this morning is any indication of how most of Seattle is feeling today I think I’ll make the best of it and stay home to sew.

Chin up Seattle.

Happy Monday;)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Improvisational Quilts, Open Quilting Studio, pillows, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts, seattle quilting Tagged With: alexander henry, Improv, improvisational, improvisational patchwork, linen, modern quilt, modern quilting, patchwork, quilting, Quilts, seattle, sewing, triangle quilt, workshops

:: Double-Trouble Take Two Quilt ::

January 26, 2015 By Katie

As I’m making one quilt I generally have block cast-offs and another design lay out evolves.  That’s just what happened with the leftovers from the Scrappalicous Double-Trouble Quilt I made a while back.

Sewkatiedid:Double-Trouble Take Two Quilt

What I call the Double-Trouble block is a half-square-triangle with an improv Stitch and Flip triangle on one side.  Merging the two triangle techniques creates a block that is both controlled and chaotic.  The Swirling Medallion quilt we made in Quilting Modern has the directions for the Stitch and Flips and my tutorial for hst is combined with my value quilt tutorial.

sewkatiedid:on-point double-trouble quilt

This time around I thought I’d try out the squares by turning what I had on point and giving them some space to breath.  I love the scrappy controlled sets.

sewkatiedid:Double-Trouble Double Take Back

I tried my best to create the whole quilt, even the background with scraps.  There’s a mix of flannel, muslin, and other neutrals that I used for landing the improv triangles.  Anything goes for the triangles, voile, flannel, home decor and corduroy are all present.

sewkatiedid:double-trouble take two quilt detail

I failed on using left overs for the binding.  This small scale print from Alexander Henry’s Farmdale line was perfect.

sewkatiedid:double-trouble side

I could have adjusted my neutral squares in some places with a larger size, but keeping everything to 3 1/2″ squares created more texture and depth.

Sewkatiedid:Double-Trouble Back

The backing is another old Alexander Henry.  Shocking I know.

One of my goals this year is to have my backings consume cast offs from the front and fabric from stash.  This challenge so far has led to creating some backs that I’m rather smitten with.  Unfortunately I don’t have a current full shot to show you what I’m talking about.

The quilt hangs at Island Quilter on Vashon Island for the month of January with other lovelies made by my peeps in the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild.  Go take a ferry trip!

Happy Monday Peeps!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Improvisational Quilts, modern quilt, Modern Quilting, Modern Quilts, Open Quilting Studio, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts, seattle quilting Tagged With: class, classes, half square triangle quilt, half square triangle quilting block, Improv, improvisation, improvisational, improvisational patchwork, modern quilting, patchwork, quilting, Quilts, seattle, Seattle Modern Quilting Guild, sew katie did, sewing, triangle quilt, value quilt, workshops

::Double-Trouble Take Two::

January 26, 2015 By Katie

As I’m making one quilt I generally have block cast-offs and another design lay out evolves.  That’s just what happened with the leftovers from the Scrappalicous Double-Trouble Quilt I made a while back.

Sewkatiedid:Double-Trouble Take Two Quilt

What I call the Double-Trouble block is a half-square-triangle with an improv Stitch and Flip triangle on one side.  Merging the two triangle techniques creates a block that is both controlled and chaotic.  The Swirling Medallion quilt we made in Quilting Modern has the directions for the Stitch and Flips and my tutorial for hst is combined with my value quilt tutorial.

sewkatiedid:on-point double-trouble quilt

This time around I thought I’d try out the squares by turning what I had on point and giving them some space to breath.  I love the scrappy controlled sets.

sewkatiedid:Double-Trouble Double Take Back

I tried my best to create the whole quilt, even the background with scraps.  There’s a mix of flannel, muslin, and other neutrals that I used for landing the improv triangles.  Anything goes for the triangles, voile, flannel, home decor and corduroy are all present.

sewkatiedid:double-trouble take two quilt detail

I failed on using left overs for the binding.  This small scale print from Alexander Henry’s Farmdale line was perfect.

sewkatiedid:double-trouble side

I could have adjusted my neutral squares in some places with a larger size, but keeping everything to 3 1/2″ squares created more texture and depth.

Sewkatiedid:Double-Trouble Back

The backing is another old Alexander Henry.  Shocking I know.

One of my goals this year is to have my backings consume cast offs from the front and fabric from stash.  This challenge so far has led to creating some backs that I’m rather smitten with.  Unfortunately I don’t have a current full shot to show you what I’m talking about.

The quilt hangs at Island Quilter on Vashon Island for the month of January with other lovelies made by my peeps in the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild.  Go take a ferry trip!

Happy Monday Peeps!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Improvisational Quilts, Open Quilting Studio, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts, seattle quilting Tagged With: class, classes, half square triangle quilt, half square triangle quilting block, Improv, improvisation, improvisational, improvisational patchwork, modern quilting, patchwork, quilting, Quilts, seattle, Seattle Modern Quilting Guild, sew katie did, sewing, triangle quilt, value quilt, workshops

::Somewhat Circular Hex::

January 15, 2015 By Katie

sewkatiedid/somewhat circular hexagon quilt

Regardless of my best intentions posting anything here gets pushed to the back.

I have a new season of lectures and workshops coming up and am always hoping to finish up at least one more sample for design options.  I love this practice as it allows me to reacquaint myself with a technique. Often I’ll gain perspective to share with my students that I didn’t originally think of.  Design wall time is invaluable to my process and a main focus of my workshops.  Leftovers from the original project are generally my go to, but more often than not, one project’s scraps merge into another project.

But it’s that desire for a finish that keeps me from here.  What I need to get over is always wishing to post that finished project.  Especially since I sew way faster in my head than real life.

So I think my intention for blogging this year is to focus on process AND post about it.

Marketing workshops is at the forefront of posting too and I wanna say I’m lucky that my classes fill as if late, but I also have to give myself credit that I’ve been working hard to figure out what people are inspired by, it’s not an accident.

sew katie did/somewhat circular hex

But if there’s a spot I like to make sure that I’m working on a sample. And that’s just what happened with this hex quilt.

There’s some quilting that needs to come out here and there, but I’m pretty happy with it. The trend and my love for dense quilting however isn’t fitting for the utilitarian use of baby quilts in my opinion, cardboard comes to mind, but we’ll see how it washes out.  I probably could have helped it out by selecting a type of batting that would be more supple instead of just grabbing a scrap that fit.

sewkatiedid/throwing stars

My To the Point workshop is full, but I’m working on a sample from the hex scraps for it.  They’re wee and currently being quilted.  Hoping for that finish today along with hanging sleeves/labels for Quiltcon quilts and squaring or at least picking out binding for the hex.

Thanks for reading, I’ve obviously got things to do;)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, design wall, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Improvisational Quilts, Innovative Patchwork Piecing, Modern Quilting Classes, quilt design wall, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts, seattle quilting Tagged With: baby quilt, class, classes, handcrafted, handmade, Improv, improvisational, improvisational patchwork, modern quilt, modern quilting, patchwork, quilting, Quilts, seattle, Seattle Modern Quilting Guild, sew katie did, washington, workshops

Improv Patchwork Pillow Series

December 16, 2014 By Katie

sewkatiedid/modern patchwork workshop series II

sewkatiedid/modern patchwork block workshops series II

The first group that joined me in my modern patchwork series made it so fun and I enjoyed making the samples so much that I’ve decided to run it again in the new year AND I’ve added a second part to the series.The color combo is so wacked and I’m 100% smitten with it.

Each of these pillows I’ve made with techniques I love to use and teach.  One of the things so enjoyable about quilting is figuring out new ways to do things and I’ve certainly learned some good tips to pass along with these.

Here goes (and if you were wait listed or unable to do all of the first session than you can also sign up via The Quilting Loft).

sewkatiedid/modern patchwork workshop series II

-Exploring Inside a Box-

Modern Patchwork Series II

Please sign up via The Quilting Loft’s site.

Take one session, or the whole series, to explore the merging of traditional and improvisational patchwork techniques, one block at a time. Katie Pedersen, author of Quilting Modern: Techniques and Projects for Improvisational Quilts will guide you through the techniques and skills needed for each block, variations in block design, and the secondary designs multiple blocks create. While we’re at it, we’ll get friendly with our design wall, touch on color and value theory, and cover the advantages of constructing a block that is either precise in piecing, or more willy-nilly.

*Even if you are a seasoned quilter you can up your patchwork game by adding improvisational techniques to your knowledge base.

sewkatiedid:modern patchwork workshop/series II/ equalateral triangle

*Session I- To the Point Triangle Workshop- Thursday, January 22nd from 6-9pm Learn the proper techniques for cutting and piecing equilateral triangles to create sharp points and a design with the most impact. How design is affected by color value, scale of fabric and placement will be covered in this skill building workshop. All levels of sewists welcome. sewkatiedid:Psychedelic Baby Modern Patchwork Workshop/Series II *Session II- Psychedelic Baby Block- Thursday, February 26th from 6-9pm This modern block workshop combines improvisational strip piecing and a traditional foundation paper piecing technique to create unique string blocks that are both chaotic and controlled. Once we’ve constructed some blocks we’ll cover color and value placement so that we can play with the block’s unlimited quilt/pillow design potential. sewkatiedid:modern patchwork workshop/Series II *Session III- Improv Curves- Thursday, March 19th from 6-9pm Fear the curve no more with this no pinning, no templates and no stress approach to the curve. This session gives you the class time to master improvisational gradual curves to be later built into curved emeba blocks (See Emeba Workshop below). Free-handing improvisational curves are manageable even for beginners. Sewkatiedid:Amebas/modern patchwork workshop series II *Session IV- Tipsy Amebas Block- Thursday, April 23rd from 6-9pm (An Improvisational curves workshop must be taken to sign up for Amebas (March 19th or April 21st to sign up for this workshop) Now that you’ve mastered improvisationally pieced curves without pinning a thing it’s time to move on to creating organic shapes. Watch your ameba multiply as we cover a chain piecing technique to make more than one at a time and follow up by learning how to bring your blocks together on the design wall without noticeable block construction. Hope to see you there!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Classes and workshops, Improvisational Quilting Classes, Improvisational Quilts, Innovative Patchwork Piecing, invisible zipper, Modern Quilting Classes, Open Quilting Studio, pillows, Projects, Quilting Modern techniques and projects for improvisational quilts, seattle quilting Tagged With: class, classes, Improv, improvisation, improvisational, improvisational patchwork, invisible zipper class, modern quilt, modern quilting, patchwork, pillows, quilting, Quilts, Seattle Modern Quilting Guild, sew katie did, sewing, workshops

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to this blog

Featured Tutorials

:: Spilt Crumbs Quilt Top ::

Merry Moderns (Split Personality) Christmas Quilt

Off-the-Wall Improv Patchwork Pillow Workshop

Mod Pinwheel Quilt

Starry Owl Quilt

Instagram

I got to sewing the centers of my Stellars late ye I got to sewing the centers of my Stellars late yesterday and was a little tickled this morning to see that the sun pouring through the windows and hitting my star paper lantern created a perfect matching shadow. #magicnumbersquilt #stellarsquiltblock
Seeing as it’s April it seemed time to change ou Seeing as it’s April it seemed time to change out the Valentine’s pillows. I’d forgotten about these and need to get a fresh batch of photos since their colors are spot on for my new bedroom color. #improvquilting #neverenoughpillows #sewkatiedidworkshops
Happy national puppy day. Boss @ 6 months is 100% Happy national puppy day. Boss @ 6 months is 100% puppy and the most handsome mischievous boy. We ❤️da Boss!
Happy national Pi day. My family loves pie as brea Happy national Pi day. My family loves pie as breakfast, snack or dessert. Looking back it might be national pie year for us. In this year I’ve baked cream pies, fruit pies, savory pies, and round and crescent shaped hand pies. Whatever type of pie it rarely lasts the day.
I’m jumping ahead to #23 in #igquiltfest2021 to I’m jumping ahead to #23 in #igquiltfest2021 to “quilts in the wild” since the sun was streaming in this morning. With the state of affairs this year our escape to the wild has been one of voyeurism via tv and part of my morning routine is folding up all the quilts and fluffing the pillows to set the couch right for the evening. Wild will have to wait, but hopefully not much longer.
I’m starting my #igquiltfest with #6 solids. My I’m starting my #igquiltfest with #6 solids. My Psychedelic Baby quilt wasn’t the first quilt I’d made with solids, but it is my first to join the International Quilt Museum’s collection.  #smallwins #internationalquiltmuseum
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Pins

A Chic Yet Functional Built-in Laundry You'll Love
An Elegantly Renovated Bungalow Using SemihandmadeCandy Mountains - Wise Craft Handmade. A remake of the Indigo quilt from Blair Stocker's book Wise Craft Quilts
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 © 2021 Katie Pedersen · Log in