I like the idea of adults stripping back everything they have been "taught". What were our first instincts were about colour and design? There is a school of thought that we are being shaped and moulded in our thought processes from our first day at school until all whispers of individuality are gone. I say buck the system...do your own thing! When we are young it is necessary to learn to fit in at times, to do what we are told and to get in line. That is easier for some to do than others. It is, like everything else in life a balance of doing what we have to do but doing it our own way. I have always walked just a bit outside the line. There were times when that simply wasn't such a good thing. It felt like I just didn't fit in, until I realised that I fit nicely in my own skin. It just took about 50 years to realise it and now I coast along happy as the proverbial Larry.
It is fun to set the scene and watch other people come out from within. We are only a few weeks into classes and here are some of the results.
Sarah started this last year but now has lots to put up on the wall with her stash of fabrics and the Hex N'More template. This is a great pattern for using feature prints when you want to get a big whack of a design in one shape.
Denny is also making progress with her triangles in silks and prints as she travels around the Middle East gathering inspiration from stars and angles. For a bit of humour she was sampling a variety of Kaffe's spots.
Lynn has used one of Kaffe's patterns and added in Ginger jars on butterflies.
She has also finished her Garden Party from Making Quilts to hang in her beach house.
Jenny is making my Diamond Dollies and ain't they sweet!
In Modern Wedge we are starting to see some progress. The thing I love about these workshops is that the wedge is such a diverse tool. There are sooooooooo many things you can do with it and here are just a few of the ideas we are starting from. Of course if you can't join me in person, you can join me on my Creative Bug class.
This is Maree's version of Vintage Spin from Adding Layers. I do have to say it is most pleasing to see so many quilts coming to life from this book already!
When the blocks were up and we were talking borders a bit of A Wandering Mind appeared!
Ahhh, just like I pictured it meandering down the side of a quilt!!!!
In another corner of the ring Sheila is working with shot cotton stripes and solids for a completely different look. Cool, calm and collected these wedges work beautifully in rows letting the color do all the work.
Some of us are working on a new quilt design. For a while they will be making these blocks using the wedges as corners and applique will soon follow as well as a few other treats. The beauty of doing this in class is that we are already starting to see some people doing their own thing. Judy had two new designs from last week but she got them out before I got my camera out!
We were lucky to have Estelle join us all the way from France. As Estelle checked out after the day she was heard to say her friends might not recognise her upon her return home because she was a completely changed artist!
Theresa has a wonderful palette of stoney grey and golden wheat. We found this handsome print with fab creatures on it which took us tripping through a fairy tale forest full of bears and bunnies. Theresa has a special talent for applique so I am anxious to see what happens here.
In class we spend a lot of time auditioning fabrics. Option after option after option get reviewed and considered. It is clear that there are many ways to go so eventually one gets picked.
Beverly is working on a version of Pheasantville from Making Quilts. And guess what...again we find the trailing vine for the side set squares. The colours appear to have been born to work with her blocks!
One of the consistent comments I have heard from Kaffe's workshops is that participants became more aware of just getting busy...just getting started...just doing it! The possibilities are endless and the choices many but the process is quite good for all of us. There is so much relief in the doing and the results be they planned or random like Wendy's scrappy blocks are always a joy to behold.
So if you face a project riddled with self doubt, turn up the music and just get busy. As my dad always says, if you don't know where you are going....any road will get you there! And that my friends, is a good thing! k
Great post, so much eye candy! And just got your new book, delicious! Now off I go down my road to somewhere!
Posted by: Chris | Wednesday, 05 March 2014 at 12:09 PM
Such a feast for the eyes! A literal explosion of colors and patterns that make me want to come to Australia and take a class!
Posted by: KevintheQuilter | Wednesday, 05 March 2014 at 03:46 PM
Love the quilt with the gray fabric, could you tell me what line it is?
Just received your latest book and looking forward to making the
vintage quilt with wedges.
Posted by: Marilyn Ruvolo | Sunday, 09 March 2014 at 02:56 PM