Intuitive Quilting

Have you been intrigued by and admired the spontaneous quilt designs of the Gee’s Bend quilts? Jean will take you through some design and technique exercises and you will learn to design intuitively. You choose to put your rulers aside and cut freely, in which case gentle curves are created in the design. You can make a wall hanging, several pillows, or a bed size quilt.

Intuitive Landscape Design
Jean Wells Keenan

Let the flowing forms in nature be your inspiration in this design exploration workshop. Land, water, sky, rocks; details in leaves and wood can all be starting off points for this process. Line is the focal point of design in this workshop. Several exercises are planned to build your confidence in piecing, color, value, and design skills. Then the emphasis will be on the planning and execution of an original design focusing on a color palette that excites you using inspirational photos that you have brought along. In the end you will have documented your journey in a journal like format and created a one of a kind quilt.
Lab fee $5

Portraits from the Garden

Simple machine appliqué techniques will be explored in this small wall hanging that Jean has designed with garden motifs. She will share leaf and flower shapes that you may use, or bring in shapes of your own. The small appliqués are stitched as individual quilts then sewn to a quilted surface to add a dimensional look. Free motion quilting is used in the background. Jean’s new book, Portraits from Nature, is required for class. *

New York Beauty Design

Back by popular demand! This is one of Jean’s most requested classes. Paper piecing will be explored, as well as color usage and design. Once the blocks are finished, they will be auditioned for possible settings, as well as quilting ideas. Jean’s quilt, “Paradise in the Garden” was designed using these blocks. Foundation papers included.

QUILT DESIGN EXPLORATION

Do you want to branch out and start designing your own quilts? Jean
can help you facilitate this process with exercises on paper and with fabric. You will explore grids, block configuration, cutting without rulers, designing from nature, intuitive color work, and come away with a journal full of ideas and samples for future quilts.