It’s one week before I head back to John C. Campbell Folk School to teach my Intro to Improvisational Quiltmaking class [Aug. 2-8, 2026] !
 |
| Improvisational piecing in anticipation for my workshop. |
As I warm up for a week of teaching ruler-free cutting and piecing, my work table is covered with improv patchwork… fabric strips and patchwork samples. Setting aside precise measurements and perfect points, I let the fabric, shapes, value, color, and intuition guide the process.
 |
| Patchwork strips and pieced units. |
 |
| Improv equilateral triangles. |
What I love about Improvisational Patchwork
What I love about improv patchwork is that it encourages the maker to respond to the fabric and patchwork instead of following a traditional pattern—cutting, sewing, and discovering design and composition as it unfolds.
In this workshop, we’ll explore simple techniques for creating bold, dynamic patchwork without relying on rulers and pre-determined patterns. It’s about experimenting, playing, and seeing what happens when you trust the creative process.
 |
| The Quilting Studio at John C. Campbell Folk School. |
I’m looking forward to spending the week sharing ideas and making quilts together with students and my studio assistant. The quilting studio at the Folk School is open and spacious and equipped with video technology for presentations and demonstrations. The beautiful campus of the John C. Campbell Folk School sits amidst the rolling hills of western North Carolina in Brasstown.
This August 2026 Intro to Improv Quilting workshop currently has a Wait List, but I’ll be teaching it again February 7-12, 2027. There are a few seats available in next year’s session. Sign up now if you’re interested! Folk School classes fill quickly.
