Contemporary quilts: triangles and geometrics
- Course Code: VX132
- Dates: 24/05/24 - 14/06/24
- Time: 10:45 - 16:45
- Taught: Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Beverley Sell
Course Code: VX132
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course aims to introduce you to new ways of piecing fragments together, using bold Triangular and Geometric shapes. 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 Triangles and Bold Geometric blocks 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 will explore Contemporary and Historical Quilts as inspiration to create a personal approach to Quilt making. This could be using old clothes or scraps of fabric (often associated with 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 Triangles and Geometrics 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?
The course will be mainly practical, starting with a visual presentation outlining areas for research and examples of Contemporary and Historical Quilts. The use of a sketchbook to record your thoughts and develop your work is encouraged. Material qualities and possibilities for using a range of fabrics in Quilting will be discussed. Stitch and construction techniques will be demonstrated with opportunities for individual experimentation and further suggestions based on individual interest.
This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.
Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining details will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
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. A selection of fabrics will be available for you to try, or you can bring your own fabrics and tools. Suitability of materials will be discussed in class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We also run quilting courses that focus on Circles and curves course that focuses on quilting with circular shapes and Log Cabin methods. Quilting can extend into other textile related courses, and also has an application to students with an interest in interior furnishings. Please browse the City Lit website for upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 14:00 then 16:00 – 18:00.
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.