Inspired Quilt Designs

Signup by March 2, 2016; after that, check availability.
Download (pdf): Inspired_Quilt_Designs-Materials_List

Studying epic art is one way you will improve your quilt design abilities. Using your abundant stash, be inspired by a piece of art that speaks to you and let’s have some fun!

Focus for Pacific Piecemakers: Two day workshop will push us to expand our boundaries of the typical “how to” class by allowing each person to decide on a block or pattern they want to work with. It is important for the sake of time and intent of class goals that we keep our blocks fairly simple so we can make progress on interpretations of color and value. It is important that everyone is comfortable with making their block/pattern so the focus is about using the art as inspiration.

We will be working on color placement, value and composition, not so much technique of making or piecing (inevitably that will come into process). Auditioning fabric options, discussing color play and direction of design will be the focus of class while Jennifer is available to help you with your artistic choices and finding your own interpretation of chosen art. Jennifer’s wish and goal for everyone is to stretch their artistic development in a relaxed, supportive workshop and above all is to have a really good time in our sisterhood of quilts!

Required reading:

To understand more about the process, read Jennifer’s 10/22/2013 blog post about the Girl with a Pearl Earring Quilt. Shows example of interpretation of famous art inspiring quilt design.

Also check out NYTimes best selling little book “Steal like an Artist” by Austin Kleon to make sure everyone relaxes, loosens up and ready to have some creative fun!

Note:

Those of you who have gone to the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco to see Bouquets to Art will understand very clearly how color of an art piece influences the flower arrangements. We are doing a kind of Quilts to Art in this workshop. I recommend if you have the time between now and March 16, take a friend and go visit a favorite museum, soak up some wonderful art, choose a piece to work with and think about how you want to approach your next quilt project. Such ideas take time to percolate.

About the Instructor

Passion and curiosity are at the core of Jennifer’s work as an artist developing fabric and quilt designs. Wanderlust and nature fuel her creativity and believes we must surround ourselves with things we find beautiful and useful. Having lived and studied in places such as New York City, San Francisco and Mexico along with extensive global travel, she has a deep respect for all cultures and brings a colorful vibe to her work.

Studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and began her career at Laura Ashley in Wales, UK, Jennifer moved to California in 1989 to become creative director for P&B Textiles. Later opened Studio Sampou and has been creating best selling fabrics since for Robert Kaufman Company. She has co authored a book, featured in numerous magazines and currently creating best selling patterns for Stash Books, a division of C&T Publishing. Jennifer has created over 3500 prints and sold millions of yards with her name on the selvage since 1989.

As for the cherry on top, she is supported by her husband, three vivacious boys, a house full of pets and a wonderful extended group of family and friends both close by and far away.

For more information, visit her website, www.jennifersampou.com.