In my quiet time, I am currently developing some new workshops and I find myself engrossed in the nature of the zig zag in all its guises. I am talking about a pattern or movement characterized by sharp, angular turns in alternating directions, resembling the shape of the letter “Z” repeated multiple times. It’s a […]
Workshop Spotlight
Workshop Spotlight: Improvisation Plus
If you have enjoyed the shapes, lines and patterns in my Dreamlines series, you may be interested in my new workshop – Improvisation Plus!: Discover the fun of improvisationally piecing geometric and linear units. Put them all together in a striking mega-9 patch with personality plus! Learn freeform cutting and how to join irregular blocks. […]
Workshop Spotlight: Lines of Beauty
I am pleased to announce a new workshop – Lines of Beauty: Explore the expressive qualities of finely pieced lines. This workshop includes a series of design exercises, covering both improvisational and intentional freeform machine piecing techniques, with a view to completing two or more small (12x12in) compositions and building skills and confidence for larger […]
Workshop Spotlight: Stacks of Improvisation
Working with fabric stacks is a powerful method of creating improvisational units involving strategic planning and embracing an element of serendipity. I share this technique in my workshop Stacks of Improvisation: Improvise with fabric stacks, freehand cutting and pinless curved piecing. Imagine the possibilities! These colour and design exercises will set you on the path […]
Workshop Spotlight: Logs and Ladders – Building with Improvisation
After every teaching assignment, I take a few moments to reflect and jot down some notes: what worked well, what didn’t? what did my students enthuse about? were there any grumbles? what needs tweaking? do the requirements list and teaching notes need updating? and so on. For some time now, I have been aware that […]
Workshop Spotlight: Power Stripping
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 […]
