Contemporary quilts: log cabin
Course Code: VX221
Duration: 4 sessions
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What is the course about?
The course aims to introduce you to new ways of piecing fragments together, using strips of fabric put together following the Log Cabin design. The emphasis will be on both design and craft to create a piece that reflects your creative interests through colour, scale, pattern and repetition.
What will we cover?
This course will equip you with the skills to create a pieced, patched and quilted piece from start to finish.
The starting point for design will be from the many variations of the Log Cabin block such as ½ Log Cabin, Wonky, Court House Steps and Log Cabin. We will explore ways of assembling patterned and plain cotton fabrics to create a pieced top layer, which is then sandwiched with wadding and a backing cloth.
You will learn how to hand and machine Quilt all the layers together adding a binding with extra imagery and embroidery to personalise your final piece.
We also explore Contemporary and Historical Log Cabin Quilts as inspiration for your own personal Quilt. You are encouraged to bring personal fabrics such as old clothes or scraps of fabric (often associated with a past life) to recreate.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Develop pieced and patched blocks using the Log Cabin design as a starting point.
- Research and gather design inspiration from a range of sources and cultures
- Develop hand and machine stitch methods to construct and decorate your quilt.
- Use specific quilting tools.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for all levels, beginners will be taught basic hand and machine stitch methods. If you have skills but little experience of designing and making a quilt, you will be able to explore ways to research and develop methods to inspire your making.
For people who have some experience of quilt making this could be an opportunity to approach quilts in a fresh contemporary way, or make a piece for a specific purpose. Within the framework of the course, you will be encouraged to be individual in your approach.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to make basic measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course is for all levels, beginners will be taught basic hand and machine stitch methods. If you have skills but little experience of designing and making a quilt, you will be able to explore ways to research and develop methods to inspire your making.
For people who have some experience of quilt making this could be an opportunity to approach quilts in a fresh contemporary way, or make a piece for a specific purpose. Within the framework of the course, you will be encouraged to be individual in your approach.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to make basic measurements and calculations.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. Bring a notebook and pen or pencil and a bag for your work. You will be advised on what other items you need to purchase between sessions or brought in. In order to complete some of the cutting out tasks at home you may need to purchase fabric scissors, pins and a tape measure.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The skills taught on this course is suitable for supporting or extending into other textile related courses and also has an application to students with an interest in interior furnishings. We also run a quilting course that focuses on Circles and Curves. Please browse the City Lit website for upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 16:00.
Beverley has an academic training in Fine Art and Textiles and for a while set up a design business in Knitted Garments. Whilst studying for an MA in Textiles, Beverley started using traditional Bead Weaving, Embroidery and Quilting techniques to create painted and stitched pieces. This led to creating accredited and personal interest short courses in Beaded Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles. Beverley continues to use constructive Textile techniques within her teaching practise. She is actively involved in her community and works closely with local charities to explore how Art and Craft increases Well Being. She is a member of Hastings Arts Forum where she curates Textile shows and exhibits.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.