Pieceful Monday
It’s Pieceful Monday today, and first I just want to share that I have spent the last week listening, reading, and reflecting. I’ve been trying to listen well, understand more, and think about how I can improve. One of the ways I can do that is to support black artists in our quilting community.
A year ago this month, I was getting myself ready to attend the Minnesota Quilt Show. I had signed up for a class with Carole Lyles Shaw. I was so excited! Then, early in the week, I injured my back and had to drop the class. I was so disappointed.
Carole recently began offering online classes (more about that below), and I immediately signed up for her MidCentury Modern Curves class. I’ve been listening to the modules this past week. I decided to start with a practice block, so I could try some techniques. I pulled this little quartet of fabric and got to work.
From the top down, the red fabric is Forma Rectangles by Malka Dabrowsky, the second fabric is Grunge Dynasty, the third is Sew Hope Full by Whistler Studios for Windham Fabrics, and the last is more Kona Pickle, which I should have set aside for backing for my last improv quilt, but it just needed to be part of this group.
I am thoroughly enjoying the class. Each module is so well done. The videos are easy to hear, with good lighting and unobstructed views. Her instructions are clear and easy to understand. She gives great tips!
Those signed up for the class also have the opportunity to chat together. Carole answers questions, gives encouragement, shares updates, etc. It has been very helpful, and I’ve enjoyed seeing what others are creating as they go through each module. In our group, we have a mix of those of us who have done some improv, and some who are completely new to it.
So back to the practice block. Here it is, ready for quilting. When I make pillows, I apply fusible fleece to the back of the top and then quilt it. There will be straight line quilting on this, but not necessarily one direction. I’ll show you the finish soon, I hope.
I had so much fun with this. There is just something about the fracturing process that is very liberating and enjoyable.
If you are interested in Carole’s classes go to her website, check out the classes, and sign up for her newsletter. I know that Carole has put a lot of work into these classes, so I’d love to have you join her and learn from her!
A Quick Update: Here are additional links from Carole:
Here is the link to register for MCM:
https://modern-quilter-media-llc.mykajabi.com/offers/LfpYeEDu/checkout
Here is the link to the MCM preview page.
https://carolelylesshaw.com/announcing-midcentury-modern-online-class/
And, here is the link to my other online classes open to all:
https://carolelylesshaw.com/online-classes/
Hope you all enjoy a pieceful Monday.
Wendy
Improv Progress
17 Comments
marissthequilter
Wow! This class sounds so exciting. Enjoy the stitching
Quilting is in my Blood
Hi Wendy, what a lovely post that starts with that very peaceful photo at the top. Thanks for sharing about Carole Lyles Shaw’s work. I love how you incorporated her teaching into your own improv style, and the block you made will make a wonderful pillow. Take care, Mary.
Sandra
Ooh I love the fabric pull and the look of this block! I know what you mean on the liberating feeling. I’ve done a little of it with Buggy Barn of course but also Karla Alexander quite a few years ago. Carole is such a talent. I miss seeing her creations in Island Batik challenges! Need to make a point to find her in Instagram more—she doesn’t pop up in my feed—so annoying how they’ve changed it.
Cindy P
I love the fabric you used for this lovely piece! Sounds like you’ve had a great class and to be able to chat with the other students is great.
Riceford Streams
I follow Carole on Instagram and when I heard about this class I thought, Wendy would love this. So I’m glad you’re enjoying the class! I joined the Modern Quilt Guild because of Carole — she designed a quilt for their magazine and I had to have the pattern.
karenfae
that is a very interesting piece! I myself have never gotten into modern quilting but stick with traditional but do find a lot of modern pieces wonderful
Vicki in MN
I can just tell by your post that you enjoyed the class! Now that pillow will soon perk up your couch, and you’ll want to just sit down and read a book just so you can be near it:)
Nancy Bekedam
Neat that Carole is offering online zoom classes!!! I love the colors you chose and your pillow top, so far, Wendy! Looking forward to seeing more products from your class!
Diann Bottrell
That is a neat piece, Wendy! I love the colors you chose for it. Looks like you got a good photo of the Kona pickle. Glad to see you back! I’ve been listening, reading, and thinking, too.
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
Carole worked hard to pivot to online teaching and I loved hearing how well done her course is! I am so glad to hear you were able to get a workshop / training from her after all.
rl2b2017
Hi Wendy! I love this project and the fabrics you selected for this really work and make the whole piece shine. This will be a pillow when you’re finished? It will brighten any room or space so nicely. ~smile~ Roseanne
catpatches
Well, I love your piece. I’ve kind of shied away from modern pieces because it seems they are usually done in solid colors. My stash doesn’t include that much solid fabric, and I want to use what I have. With yours using prints and solids, it seems more stash/scrap friendly. I signed up for her newsletter.
Needle and Foot
It is amazing how the quarantine is pushing change and making even more things available online. How wonderful to take a class in this way. I love the fabric you put together for this pillow cover. You are able to mix color in such a creative way – I admire that about you. 🙂
quiltinggail
What fun! You’re becoming quite the modern quilter!
Happy Creating and Quilting! 🙂
Kathleen McCormick
This is so much fun! You are having so much fun with these new challenges – I love this. You really have an eye for it this modern, fun and experimental quilting!
quiltedblooms
Sounds like a fun class and glad you finally got to take a class from Carole! Love your fabrics and how you project turned out!
Carol Andrews
I really do like that fabric selection and the pillow top is fantastic! Keep on having fun doing Carole’s class.