ONLINE: Improvisational Quilting 101 with Pati Fried

Improvisational Quilting 101 - 4 Part Series

4 Classes, every 3rd Saturday

April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17

10AM - 12PM (PDT)

Put the ruler away and join artist Pati Fried to play with color, line and the expressive style of improvisational piecing. This is a course for those who are improvisationally curious. We will break down improvisational piecing into 4 distinct categories and discuss the why’s and how’s of each technique. You will finish this course with a toolbox full of techniques to explore more expressive, spontaneous work in the future.

April 17: Building Blocks Improv Style

• Class will begin by embracing spontaneity and creating without thinking. This approach can add an expressive energy to your work that you might be missing. You will learn to build improvisational blocks while still being aware of value, texture, and pattern and how to implement them into your work, along with valuable guidance on layout and construction of an improvisational quilt top.

May 15: Tweaking Tradition

• Tried and true traditional blocks have so much to teach us. In this class, you will explore size, proportion, repetition, and how to borrow from tradition, but tweaked into your own unique designs. You will leave this class knowing how to rely on the multitudes of traditional blocks for inspiration and feel confident that your work will be expressed in your true voice.

Jun 19: Strata & Bits

• This class will open your eyes to a whole new way of looking at fabric. Making strata, bit piecing and foundation scrap building will be the start of this class. These are great ways to use up scraps, but with the purpose of creating yardage for future work. We will also explore how the use of line, contrast and movement can make this “yardage” sing. Be prepared to slip a few unusual textiles and fibers into your work for an unexpected surprise. Do you save your selvedges? Pull them out and get the lowdown onv how to successfully use them for added texture and fun.

July 17: Embrace Your Curves

• Curve piecing can be daunting to try, but once you have a few tips and tricks in your tool box, you will start looking for opportunities to add movement, interest, and a dynamic aspect to your work. From the slightest of curves to create a handmade, bespoke look, to the big undulating waves of a landscape, we will discuss which techniques to use for different purposes, then spend the class exploring how far we can push our curves into new, voluptuous ideas.

Skill Level: ✂️✂️You have a few projects under your belt. You aready know how to thread and use a sewing machine and you're ready to learn more advanced basics.

Each class will be recorded and available for students to view for the duration of the series. If you have to miss a class, or want to refer back to something in an earlier month, you can watch it later at your own convenience!

About the Instructor: 

Pati Fried studied graphic design in college, but always found herself lingering in the textile department. After graduating and working in corporate marketing for several years, she finally discovered quilting and was hooked. Mixing pattern, color and texture is a perfect fit for her, both as a quilter and a designer. She is a fabric and pattern designer, a popular quilt blogger, and her work has been featured in quilting magazines.

Cancellation Policy:

Class fees are transferable to another class or to studio credit if cancellation is made at least 72 hours before class. If cancellations are made after the 72 hour advance window has passed, we will not be able to issue refunds or studio credits. You can, however transfer the class to a friend.