Is it piecing a new quilt top or the enjoyment of slow stitching while watching a good movie?
Is it making new friends in guild or taking a class at a big show and learning a new technique?
Or, is it the FABRIC that comes out in new colors and designs every season and we just can't seem to have enough of it on our shelves (in drawers, under desks, stuffed into every nook and cranny)!!Most quilters have a color palette they are drawn to and maybe a style of design as well.
When I started collecting antique blocks, I noticed I was really drawn to the fabric design more than the block itself. This is when I actually took account of the fabrics on my shelf. I am drawn to black, gold, green, red, orange, and off white. When I look at my designs, I see lots of whimsical swirly twirly florals that send my creative brain off the charts! There are so many antique fabrics in that genre of design-YAY!!
I believe that as humans we have a built in 'want' to create! That is what we do and have done since the beginning of time! I also believe that the quilters that say they aren't creative just need a nudge, a new way to look at the world around them and the best place to start is your fabric world.
FABRIC COLLABORATIONS (Houston class #417) helps you look beyond to create something new.
JOIN ME in HOUSTON and play all day. I mean it! The whole class is play time and there are NO mistakes to be made!
Below is a series of blog posts discussing different samples you will see in class (touch and pet if you need to) and how I came to design them.
https://nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com/2018/09/fabric-collaborations.html
https://nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com/2019/02/workshop-development.html
https://nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com/2019/04/appraisals-and-workshops-and-quilts-oh.html
https://nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com/2019/06/romantique-is-simply-vintage.html
TO DO BEFORE CLASS: Find an orphan block in your stash, preferably between 8”-12”.
IF you do not have an orphan block that contains a Printed fabric you Love, then please make a block using a print that
speaks to you. It can be as simple as a 9 patch since we are going for fun and easy not heirloom!
Small to medium prints work the best and the more details, the better it will be for inspiration.
__ A FQ of a coordinating (to your block) fabric that reads as solid for borders.
__ 2-3 coordinating FQs for design expansion to borders (prints and/or solids).
__Rotary Cutter, mat (12” x 18” is fine), ruler 6” x 24” (minimum of 3” x 18”)
__Threads to match fabrics for sewing assembly and applique
__12 wt. Sulky thread to match fabrics for Embroidery details (hand or machine)
__Scissors: fabric and paper
__Pen, pencil (preferably mechanical), white chalk pencil for dark fabrics, and eraser
__pins
__glue stick
__½ yard of paper-backed fusible web if doing machine applique__$20 kit fee (custom stencils, chalk papers, handouts)
How many of you have are on the more 'experienced' side of quilting and looking for something new? I can't wait to meet you!
Keep quilting~
