Workshops and Talks 2006

Workshops

Note: All these Workshops are aimed at ‘beginners and improvers’.

Quilts from the Alhambra

 A series of patchwork workshops showing methods of piecing some of the tile and screen patterns seen in Moorish art and architecture.

1. Interlaced Star.  An easy method of piecing an intricate-looking, interlaced, six-pointed Star.

2.  "Star Cross" Patchwork.  How to make the classic Star Cross pattern using only three templates and some ingenuity with fabrics.

3.  "Star Octagon".  Another typical pattern from the Alhambra, very simple to piece and producing octagons set between stars.

Real Scrap Quilts
Ideas for using lots of small scraps and remnants from other projects.

1.  Crazy Log Cabin blocks. An unusual piecing method using ruler, rotary cutter and mat. Blocks can be arranged in any of the traditional Log Cabin patters,‘barnraising’, straight furrow etc., to create pleasingly curved effects.

2. ‘Roman Stripe.’ A ‘quilt as you go’ method for making easy but effective blocks. The basic blocks can be arranged to make several different quilt patterns. Includes instructions for joining the blocks to make a quilt.

3. Scrap Dash Stars. Another ‘quilt’as you go’ pattern to make an easy but unusual star quilt.

Patchwork Block Projects

The block has got to be the most versatile and ingenious design medium ever.  These workshops incorporate a design element as well as teaching a particular block pattern.

1.’ Celia's Nifty Nine Patch’. One simple Block, many variations and effects, including interlacing and stars.

2. ‘North Carolina Lily’. The particular version of the traditional pattern being taught here is based on a beautiful American quilt which found its way into museum in Guernsey in the Channel Islands, where it now is.  Workshop covers a variety of techniques: ‘set in’ seams, bias appliqué, freezer paper appliqué.  The original quilt featured trapunto quilting, which will be explained and demonstrated.

3.  ‘Trailing Stars’. Quick-piecing method to make a striking ‘allover’ design of stars. Method has many other applications.

4. ‘Seven Patch Mosaic’. Use ‘conversation’ fabrics, stripes and border fabrics to make a beautiful 4-block wall quilt. Covers basic piecing techniques as well as use of pattern and kaleidoscope effects.

5. ‘Railroad Crossing’. Four blocks of an interesting patchwork design for a wall-quilt, or a single block for cushions or bags.

Learn quick and easy ways of making up ‘yardage’ for jackets, dressing gowns, waistcoats. Workshop includes instruction in using garment patterns and constructing the garment. This Workshops encourages the use of mixed fabrics and scraps.

‘Sixteenth Century Japanese Patchwork’. Strip-piecing method of building up ‘yardage’ quickly and easily. Based on patchwork robes made in 16th Century Japan as homage to important and revered persons. ‘Chevrons’ is another strip-piecing method for making ‘yardage’ quickly and easily.

‘My Hundred Best Blocks’ The American patchwork block tradition explained and illustrated. A little history, a little design – and a lot blocks!

A Brief History of America as Told in Quilt Blocks The historical people, places and events commemorated in the names of quilt patterns.

‘Pattern and Place. Quilts of the regions surrounding the Irish Sea.’ How patterns migrate and their importance in the transmission of folk traditions and customs.

‘The Patchworks of Lucy Boston’ The life and patchworks of this outstanding writer, gardener and patchworker, exemplifying the richness and diversity of the English patchwork tradition. Illustrated with slides.

‘Quilts from the Alhambra’ Description of the history and ideas behind the unique Moorish designs seen on architecture, tiles and screens. With slides and some examples showing ways of translating these sometimes intricate designs into patchwork.

‘Shreds and Patches’ An ‘alternative’ view of patchwork and quilting! Illustrated by my own quilts and slides.

Booking Arrangements and Fees

Talks: £75

Workshops: Up to 15 people: £75. 16-20 people: £100.

I sometimes travel by train, which cuts down the expense. If I have to travel by car, the cost is 25p per mile.

If I need to stay overnight, I’m happy with modestly-priced B & B, or staying with another quilter. I don’t have any particular food preferences, although I avoid high-fat foods. I don’t smoke, so prefer to stay in non-smoking accommodation. I have no problem with children, cats, dogs or any other pets.

© Celia Eddy