January 17, 2016
Marge Tucker is an award-winning quilt designer and quilting instructor. An eclectic quilter, she started with traditional pieced quilts, dabbled in applique and is now enjoying the liberated style of piecing as taught by Gwen Marston.
Marge has embraced and focused on this style of abstract quilting and design for the past several years. Her quilts are in private collections in Canada and the United States.
Marge will teach a three day Workshop at the Hudson River Valley Fiber Arts Workshops, March 19 to 23, 2016. Urban Cabin + Going in Circles. This workshop covers two techniques: improvisationally pieced log cabin blocks (Urban Cabin) and improvisationally pieced curves and circles (Going In Circles).
How long have you been teaching and what got you started teaching?
I have been teaching quilting for eight years, two years I was just teaching part-time as I was also working at the quilt store in which I was teaching. The remaining six years I have been teaching quilting full-time. I got started teaching because someone in the quilt store said to me “You should teach a class”. And I thought “Why not?” It was a natural progression from helping customers in the store and doing mini-tutorials to teaching classes.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
My favorite part about teaching is sharing my passion for quilting and hoping to instill some of my enthusiasm in the students. I love having students leaving the class/workshop so excited about what they learned that they go home and send me a photo in a couple days of their finished quilts. How great is that?
What would you tell your prospective students are three best reasons for taking a workshop?
Having dedicated time to immerse yourself in learning is like nothing else, especially having multiple days where the only thing you are responsible for is learning and creating.
Being surrounded by like-minded people adds so much to the workshop. I find that students inspire each other (and myself!) with the work that they are creating. I call it cross-pollination. One student will try something new and share it with the group and they can use however they see fit. I often am thinking “Now why didn’t I think of that?”
Quilters are known for being one of the friendliest groups of people. If you come by yourself or with a friend, you will leave with many new “fiber friends”.
I foster a very supportive and encouraging environment. One student recently said “This workshop is so Zen! I haven’t been this relaxed in ages.”
What are you currently working on in your own art?
I am continuing my exploration of the “Going In Circles” technique of curved improvisationally pieced circles.
Where is your art currently being exhibited?
I do not currently have any work being exhibited.
Is your work represented in galleries, and if so, what hints would you give to artists looking for gallery representation?
No, unfortunately, art quilts are still under-represented in galleries.
Do you sell your work in any online gallery?
Not at this time.
What is your favorite art quote?
“Great art deals with simple subjects freshly.” Alfred North Whitehead
Describe your studio.
A hot mess. Maybe a better term would be “actively in use”. I’m in my studio everyday and enjoy the light-filled space. It could be a little bigger, but having a dedicated studio space in my house is wonderful. It’s also nice to be able to lean to the right every once in a while as I sew to catch a glimpse of the ocean!
Name five of your “can’t do without” tools/products
1) My sewing machines, I use a Singer Featherweight and “Bertha” my Bernina sewing machine
2) Fabric!!
3) Rotary Cutter for cutting fabric
4) A design wall
5) My idea journal and colored pencils — to capture design ideas