Quilting - Freedom Patchwork
This is a full day workshop in which we'll explore simple, traditional patchwork and create a cushion cover, small quilt top or a set of finished blocks to take home.
Teacher: Melissa Wastney
Description: This class is a great opportunity to learn patchwork techniques. We'll use rotary cutters and mats to make blocks such as the traditional 'saw-toothed star' and 'flying geese' designs.
The 'starry sky quilt' shown in the photos for inspiration is a project featured in Melissa's craft book 'Sweet and Simple Handmade' (C&T Publishing, 2013) and utilises second-hand men's shirts in classic blues, red and cream hues for a soft and worn feel.
Melissa will bring instructions for making each type of block, and pictures of some beautiful, simple patchwork quilts to inspire you.
Part of this class will be a lead class however there will be a lot of free time to explore colour and form under the guidance of Melissa.
Materials: You will need to provide a sewing machine - please contact us if this is not possible. Each student should also bring dressmaking scissors, pins, thread and small thread scissors. You could bring a cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler, but that's optional- there will be mats available for you to use. Please bring a selection of washed cotton fabric- either recycled from clothing, or new fabrics. (Imagine a soft palette of fabrics from recycled clothes or crisp, bright cottons- go with your own style.) Felicia and Melissa will also provide some fabrics for you to choose from, too. You will also need to provide a zip if you would like to make a zipped cushion cover.
Takeaway: We will finish the day with a number of patchwork blocks, sewn up into either a cushion cover (with either a zipped or envelope enclosure) or a small quilt top.
Level: This class would be great for beginner patchworkers looking to get started, as well as experienced ones who enjoy patchworking in a group setting.
Workshop Length: Full day
So I wrote last week a post asking “Is my making fast fashion?”. And then I did a video on Instagram discussing similar topics in a slightly different way. And as always, you lovely humans have helped me clarify some of my thinking with your thoughtful, clever commentary.
And while I think there is so much more to discuss, here are four key possibly-more-meta ideas that have come up for me out of those conversations.
In using the quote last week that suggested that there was no single answer, and suggesting that this was freeing, I really did mean that we should sit in the grey. Not that the lack of “an” answer to this question should mean we get to ignore the question but rather that the lack of “an” answer means that we need to keep asking bigger more beautiful questions. And keep asking them.
Is my making fast fashion?
Am I living my values or merely thinking them?
And how can I make those two things a little more aligned in this moment?
These are my big beautiful questions.
Yours might be different.
And importantly this leads to point 2.