Fabric Images
Create a fabric collage quilt of your own chosen subject using Susan’s innovative layering/collage method. Individual design, fabric selection, construction, borders, and quilting will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the collage piecing process. Students will draw their design onto a foundation fabric and fill in the design with fabrics of their choice—without the use of templates. For about an hour each morning, Susan starts with a discussion and demonstration that will lay out the basics of fabric collage and will give you the information you need to start your work day. She then visits each student in turn to address individual needs and their project’s unique challenges.
Length: 4 or more days (each day 6-hours)
Max. class size: 15
Cutting Loose
This class demonstrates a looser approach to the piecing and assembly of a wall quilt. Emphasis will be placed on the collage piecing process. Patterns or templates will not be used. Instead, students will sketch their design onto a foundation fabric and fill in the design with fabrics of their choice. This encourages playfulness, serendipity, and a willingness to “cut loose.” Due to time constraints, students need to create a fish, butterfly, or bug. Optional designs will be available from Susan for a small fee.
Length: 2 or more days (each day 6-hours)
Max. class size: 15
Serendipitous Sea Turtle
Working with Susan’s sea turtle design, she takes you through her Cutting Loose Collage process step-by-step, from fabric selection through quilting and binding. This is a template-free class, encouraging playfulness, serendipity, and a willingness to cut loose. The sea turtle design will be available for use in different sizes.
Length: 3 or more days (each day 6-hours)
Max. class size: 15
Celestial Portrait
Learn the basics of a fabric-collaged portrait in a fun and no-pressure “cutting loose” way. Create a personified sun or moon face using Susan’s designs as a starting point. Class moves in a step-by-step fashion, with each student adding their own unique touches in the process.
Length: 3 or more days (each day 6-hours)
Max. class size: 15
Lecture and Trunk Show
Length: Approx. 1-1/2 hours
Also available as a live, virtual presentation via Zoom.
This is an inspirational and informative slide-show and lecture starting with my first fabric experiments of thirty years ago, in which I began to combine fabric and art. I believe these early projects led to the fabric collage method that began in 1990. The slide lecture traces this progression of my quilts to the present day, with insights and stories for each. I share techniques and hints for design, fabric selection, construction, borders, and quilting. To accompany the slide presentation, I display a selection of quilts. A question and answer period follows.