Through a Quilted Kaleidoscope
The Pieced Snowflake
Simple Symmetry
Simpler Symmetry: Simple Blocks, Complex Fabrics
Needle Stars
The Puzzle Quilt
Lectures
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Simpler Symmetry: Simple Blocks, Complex Fabrics
Maximum: 20 students
Advanced Beginner and Intermediate
Multi-day workshop = 3 days+
Price: $650/day


Supplies (* will be available for purchase at seminar)

This class explores and exploits the possibilities offered by complex textiles and demystifies the nature of symmetry. After learning unique template and machine piecing techniques, students will examine how elements of design can be used to establish relationships between patchwork parts. Although the class focus is on simple quilt blocks, this way of thinking about fabric attributes can be imported to any type of quiltmaking. This is a good workshop for the quiltmaker who wants to embrace the potential offered by a wide range of fabric choices rather than be overwhelmed by it. The focus is design, not technique.

  • Graph paper, 12" x 12", four or eight to the inch grid
  • Drafting supplies: a C-thru ruler*, well-sharpened pencils, erasers
  • See-thru plastic template material with 8-to the inch grid*
  • Black, extra fine-point permanent marker*
  • Method to mark dark fabric. My preference: light-colored (ex: silver), extra fine-point permanent gel pen*
  • Template and fabric scissors
  • Set up for rotary cutting
  • Sewing machine
  • General sewing supplies
  • Optional: Toy-like compass
  • See-thru ziplock baggies to hold templates and patches


Fabric (When possible, appropriate fabric will be available for sale in class)

If it catches your eye, bring it! The palette of fabric does not have to match. Diversity is the key.  Remember, more is more! Since class discussion will incite insights and inform different choices, deciding which fabrics to bring is fraught with confusion. This is a good thing so don’t worry too much. There are opportunities to purchase fabric from on-site vendors plus depending on availability, bilaterally symmetrical fabric will be available for sale in class.

• Bring at least four 1-yard cuts of bilaterally symmetrical fabric and one 2-yard cut. A bilaterally symmetrical motif can be divided into identical halves by a line passing through the center. View examples at www.paulanadelstern.com (OPULENCE: Madame Butterfly, Marble Diva, LUMINOSITY: Cathedral, Tiffany)

• 1/2 to 1 yard each of  all-over fabrics, including saturated dark colors and interesting textures. Bring batiks and painterly fabrics that read like solids and stuff sprinkled with dots or speckled with white or gold (a black splattered with gold is excellent.) Think luminosity, translucence, iridescence 

•Include prints with texture and gradations. Mirror imaged motifs such as butterflies or paisleys printed off grain are useful. 

• Black and white all-overs such as dots or dashes 

• Classic stripes composed of wide bands of colors or ombred colors as well as wacky stripes that slither or wiggle.  

• Important: a 1/2 yard of a black or dark saturated color that reads like a solid but isn't to function as background if needed.  Can be a batik.



Through a Quilted Kaleidoscope
The Pieced Snowflake
Simple Symmetry
Simpler Symmetry: Simple Blocks, Complex Fabrics
Needle Stars
The Puzzle Quilt
Lectures
Back to Workshops and Lectures



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