LIVE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS AND LECTURES

Starting with an image from a selfie or photo of yourself (or it could be any portrait), students will learn how to turn a picture into a template and create a raw-edge appliqué self-portrait block or quilt-top. I'll share some of my must-have materials used for this method of appliqué and demonstrate a technique that I often use.  We will choose a photo, create a template and pattern, select fabric options for skin tones, clothing and backgrounds.   Next we'll cut out the pattern pieces, fusing it to the background fabric and add some colorful borders.  At the end of class, students will have a completed appliquéd portrait block to finish off as either a mini quilt, or continue to build upon it after the workshop is complete.     

In this lecture program, I share the story about how I became obsessed and fell in love with quilting! As I present photos of the quilts from my beginning stages to present day, I talk about my journey of being a Broadway stage actress to the habit of nurturing an ever evolving passion for quilting. Then I talk about how the two worlds collided and intertwined for me, as demonstrated in a quilt that I still have in my collection today.  Wrapping up the show and tell, I share a few more quilt samples and speak a little more about the deeper meaning in the works that I create and reflect on how my culture, expression of self-love and the importance of community empowerment informs my design aesthetics, color palette and patterns that I visualize into existence.   

We love them and are drawn to them when we see them, but sometimes those big, bright, bold prints can seem daunting or even intimidating to use. But, my dear quilters, you no longer have to be scared to use them and cut into them.  In this program I share inspiration & ideas for incorporating those vivacious African wax prints into your quilt projects. Using samples from modern, applique and traditional patterns, I point out ways the fabric was used and show how they can really make any quilt shout with joy!  I give a brief description of the different types of African fabrics and depending on the kind of bed, wall or art quilt you are creating, I share recommendations on what types might work best.  This lecture will free you up to try something new and give you permission to break all the quilting color-rules!  

In this workshop we will take an original quilt pattern that I designed and enhance it with some popular African Adinkra  appliqué symbols. In the lecture version, I break down the history and meaning of these West African symbols that adorns lots of clothing, upholstery fabrics, and of course the cotton African wax prints that are widely favored for use in quilting.  Both the lecture and workshop options should be available by late fall, 2021!