Spend the week with David Owen Hastings guiding you through not one, but two of his architecture inspired workshops.
First, working from photos of architectural elements, David will guide you through the steps to design a minimal, modern fabric quilt… Inspired by Architecture! You will learn the quilt-as-you-go method, sewing the top pieces, batting and backing simultaneously. You’ll then add texture and complexity with David’s unique approach to walking foot machine quilting where the quilting lines become a major design element. Learn to connect multiple quilted units with a great gusset join technique, then add a simple face binding for a modern finish.
During this workshop you will;
- Experiment with different elemental geometric shapes, including gentle curves
- Explore spare, simple compositions for a modern look
- Think about figure and ground
- Consider the sewing lines as a key design element
- Select 1-2 photos, and break them down into elemental shapes with tracing paper and pencil
- Assess which compositions work well, and choose one to translate into fabric
- Discuss color and value choices and decide on a palette
- Map out pieces for one composition
- Label and cut out cardboard pattern pieces, or cut pieces improv style
- Audition colors and placement
- Translate pattern pieces into fabric, leaving a generous amount of extra fabric for seam allowances
- Build composition with the quilt-as-you-go method, trying out multiple fabrics, stepping back to assess the effect of each
- Add texture and surface design with layered walking foot quilting motifs
- Using the same photo, create a small series of completely quilted units
- Connect multiple quilted units with a great gusset join technique
- Face bind your quilt for a modern look
- A complete supply list with example architectural photos will be emailed to each participant. Class sizes are limited to ensure one-on-one time.
Second, you’ll get hands-on with quilt composition and explore how to take design inspiration from architecture for both piecing AND quilting. There will be a quick smartphone photography demonstration, including practice enhancing photos with a free app called SnapSeed. Learn the best settings to create more dramatic photos, and simple, striking compositions. Explore how framing, cropping, and composition work together for modern minimal design. Participants will then create paper photo collages as studies for modern abstract quilt designs. They will learn how to plan out the piecing as well as the quilting using printed photos of architecture and tracing paper. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of architecture photography, how to enhance photos with their smartphone, and multiple options for designing a unique, modern architecture-inspired quilt… including a plan for the quilting!
During this workshop you will;
- Watch a demo of SnapSeed, a powerful and free smartphone app
- Explore composition, framing and cropping and how simple effects can enhance architectural photos
- Cut, crop and scale paper hard copies of architectural photos and use them as abstract building blocks
- Assemble the abstracted blocks on a paper grid, creating a collaged composition
- Play with scale, shape, value, and the concept of figure and ground
- Using tracing paper, outline the main elements of the collaged composition, creating a plan for piecing
- With colored pens, fill in spaces to assign color and value to the shapes
- Generate ideas from the piecing in your composition to plan the quilting lines
- Practice making several quilting options for one composition
- Discuss fabric choices and options for construction
- Leave the workshop with a plan for sewing your unique modern, minimal quilt design
This is an all-levels workshop. You should be comfortable using your sewing machine, and it should be in good working order. Basic knowledge of walking foot quilting is helpful, but not necessary. I look forward to sharing and sewing with you!
About David Owen Hastings
David is a modern quilter, graphic designer, print and textile artist, and was the 2020 President of the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild. He creates richly layered contemporary artwork and modern minimal quilt and textile designs. For over 20 years, David has exhibited his stitched paper artwork in galleries and juried shows and he works exclusively with nonprofit organizations on their branding and fundraising communications.
David’s creative approach to modern quilting has led to a busy schedule of workshops and lectures on quilting, branding for artists, fine art and textile techniques. Sharing knowledge, encouraging creativity, and teaching new skills are personal passions. He also loves to travel, especially in Asia, and enjoys sharing his experiences and inspiration through travel photos and stories.
Rates & Enrollment
Day Student Tuition: $1,160.00
Full 5-Day Package*: $2,877.85-$3,091.69
*5-Day Workshop Package includes: Tuition for 5 full class days, 6 nights of dinner, lodging, breakfast, daily cookie and fruit breaks, unlimited coffee and tea, and welcoming wine and cheese reception. Your choice between a room to yourself (single occupancy) or bring a friend and split a room (double occupancy).
Get more information about your options to enroll here.