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Serendipity and the Art of the Quilt

Serendipity and the Art of the Quilt

Creating with Brenda Gael Smith

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Workshop Spotlight: Power Stripping

4 June 2013 Filed Under: Teaching, Workshop Spotlight Leave a Comment

Patchwork is often described as the process of cutting up fabric into small pieces and sewing it back together.  In my Power Stripping workshop, I show there is another way! “Power Stripping” is an efficient technique of joining selvedge-selvedge strips lengthwise and then cross cutting them to create versatile “power units”. Depending on the placement of dark and light value strips, different patterns emerge.

Learn the secrets of “power stripping”!
Striking designs that grow quickly with minimum fuss and maximum fabric economy.

Choose from a selection of over a dozen original designs or make up your own using colour and design principles shared in this workshop. Ideal for beginners seeking to master strip piecing skills or for more experienced quiltmakers looking for a fun and productive day of stash busting.

Kaffe Tapesty Synchronicity Power Points Autumn Leaf Flurry

Melody 33, from my Power Stripping series, features in Issue 158 of Down Under Quilts in an article about jelly rolls. The piano key design in this quilt top is made from 33, 2 1/2in strips making it an ideal project for jelly rolls and designer strip sets that typically contain 40 strips. Left over strips can be used for the binding.

Many power stripping designs are suitable for jelly rolls.  Other designs are a great way of using up 2in or 2 1/2in strips from your stash.  Also view the Power Stripping – Serendipity Student Gallery!

I am next teaching Power Stripping at Hobbysew, Erina Fair on Friday.  Contact Karen (02 4365 1127) to book your place.

powerstripping@hobbysew

Workshop Spotlight is series of posts highlighting workshops from my portfolio of project-based and technique-driven patchwork and quilting classes. My focus is on striking designs and the effective use of colour so as to promote fun and encourage the creative confidence of my students. I am available to teach at shops or private venues on the Central Coast, in the greater Sydney metropolitan area and beyond. I love to travel!

Download the Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting Workshops Brochure for more information about my workshops.

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Brenda Gael Smith
brenda@serendipitypatchwork.com.au

PO Box 131, Avoca Beach
NSW 2251 Australia

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This year (2026) marks the 20th anniversary of the
This year (2026) marks the 20th anniversary of the Australasian Quilt Convention. The entrance features a display of the brochure covers over the years and it was fun to identify 3 covers that include snippets of exhibits that I was involved with.

⭐️ 2009 was my first AQC. I was a tutor and my contribution to the “teach me” exhibit was “Grass” that you can see in the lower right corner.

⭐️ in 2013, the Twelve by Twelve International Art Quilt Project shared the Colourplay series which included a piece by @studioconway highlighting the plight of refugees in drought (see centre left)

⭐️ in 2020 the chronology was disrupted by the Covid pandemic but not before the brochure was published with “The Fuchsia’s Looking Bright m” by @darlingdi from @vision2020textiles who poseda poignant question: Will my optimistic dream of a brighter future turn out to be 2020 vision, or just a fun and fabulous fabric fusion of my favourite colours?

Congratulations to @craft.events_  on the 20th Anniversary 🤩


I am driven to abstraction. Abstraction is a persi
I am driven to abstraction. Abstraction is a persistent and insistent force in my creative practice. Working improvisationally, I capture the essence of my subjects to impart a sense of wonder of the natural world and a deep affinity to place. 

As part of the Rajah Award that I received last year, I will be sharing a selection of my textile paintings in a special exhibit at the Australasian Quilt Convention in  Melbourne presented by @craft.events_ 

Textile enthusiasts from across Australia and overseas gather at this exciting event. If you see me at AQC, please do say hello. I am looking forward to seeing everyone😍

#australasianquiltconvention  #rajahaward  #brendagaelsmithart #australasianquiltconvention2026