The Improv Block of the Month
A 12-Month Course
The Improv Block of the Month!
An exclusive online workshop for those who love improv...
Throughout the past 9 years that I’ve been teaching my techniques to beginners and experts alike, I’ve met many students who were eager to create abstract improvisational quilts but didn’t know where to start. This inspired me to develop this exclusive course, that is tailored not only to those who are new to improv, but also quilters who enjoy the process and would like to learn a new approach. When it comes to improv, the methods and possibilities are endless!
In terms of this course...
This is an on-demand course and available for you start watching right away. If you start now, you haven’t missed anything because this is a self study course.
Each month I provide (2) new downloadable “guides” which serve as a starting point. I follow these guides when I create my blocks, or as I like to call them, parts, but many students choose to do their own thing and I encourage this! Once you’ve created 5-6 blocks, it’s time to began exploring placement options and this informs your future design decisions. This will include cutting into the blocks and adding in more color and additional elements, depending on what it will be next to. The objective is to take the guides and make them your own. That means creatively giving yourself the permission to change it, add to it, and even make it unrecognizable - absolutely anything goes!
You will have access to on-demand videos that feature me creating my own blocks and describing what I’m doing, why, and offer you suggestions about how you can change the guide and make it your own. Through this immersive experience, you will see how I create, strategize, and rework my ideas, almost as if you were working alongside me.
In addition to sharing my entire process via on-demand video lessons, I also hosted monthly live lessons via Zoom. Each live lesson was recorded and is available for viewing in the module for that month. During these live lessons I talked about the work students shared in the community. We all learn from each other, and thanks to the students who have shared their progress, you will learn even more by listening to my critiques.
The general philosophy of this course is that a little structure makes improvisational quilting far less daunting.
What I teach in all of my workshops is more of a mindset change. The techniques I’ll be sharing with you are not complicated. The hardest part for many students is beginning the process without a sketch or plan. Part of my role is to encourage you to enter the world of “what if’s” and to guide you in expressing your own, unique vision.
I'm very proud of what students have created in this workshop! As you can see, this is not a traditional Block of the Month...
In this workshop you will learn…
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To sew a curved seam with no pins. (It’s a lot easier than you may think.)
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How to choose your palette, based on your individual preferences and basic color theory.
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The best way to put everything together – from individual blocks to their ideal placement.
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How to train your eye to identify what combinations pair well together and why.
FAQ
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How long will I have access to this course?
You will have access to this course as long as I am around and in business! You can go as slow as you like and take your time absorbing the information.
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How can I access the course after I register?
To access the course and the Private Community for this class, go to MY DASHBOARD, and there you will find all of the courses you are enrolled in as well the community for each class.
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What supplies will I need to get started?
Since you will enjoy this workshop in the comfort of your own home or studio, you won't have to think about lugging a bunch of supplies to a venue. I'm sure that you have everything you need, a sewing machine and all of the tools you would normally use. All you need is the fabric!
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What kind of fabric do I need?
In this workshop, I will be using 100% solid colored cotton fabric of varying values. I suggest having at least 1 yard on hand for each color that you will be using.
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Can I use printed fabric?
There are no rules in this workshop, so if you would prefer to use prints, that is certainly your option, but I do not recommend it. There are effects that you can create with solids that are not possible with prints. However, there are always exceptions, and textured fabric is certainly welcomed.
What students are saying...
"I have been as art quilter for 20+ years. I have studied on my own and taken many classes from many fine teachers to get to the point where I also can teach art quilting and design. I have also sold and exhibited my work for many years now. All this to say, that I have been around the block- no pun intended. When I saw that this class was opening up, with an opportunity to study from her for a full year- I jumped at the chance. (Full disclosure, I have admired her highly original work for years.)
This class with Sheila, the BOM class, is unlike anything I have ever done. Each month we are treated to a wealth of information, techniques and a deep dive into Sheila’s approach into designing and making improv art quilts. Her videos are clear and she gives us a wealth of choices. What I really appreciate is the freedom this way of working presents, and how Sheila guides us to find our own motifs, and our own way of putting things together. I love that she is making her own pieces right along side us. I literally can’t wait for the next month’s videos to drop! The community where she and fellow students can post and comment on each others’ work is so valuable too. I highly encourage anyone who wants to break out of the pattern mold and wants to create really original work to take this class." -Roxane Lessa
"In addition to providing more purpose during the pandemic, this course spoke directly to experiences I have had--you know the ones, the ones you wonder if anyone else goes through. All those, why does the fabric do that, what happened to that thin point that wants to twist, why am I getting that shadow now that it is quilted, does anybody else get stuck on a decision??? Sheila routinely manages to speak to my internal experience and her mindfulness and lack of rushing is infectious. Critiques are gentle and right on the crux of the matter." -Monica Johnstone
So much more than advertised!
Laura Brady
This was more than a course on technique; it was a journey through the process of creating a work of art. Sheila shared her thoughts and explained her mindse...
Read MoreThis was more than a course on technique; it was a journey through the process of creating a work of art. Sheila shared her thoughts and explained her mindset throughout the course, demonstrating the decisions she made in (almost) real time. I so appreciated that peek into the ideas behind the beautiful work she does. I ended the course with a quilt that was deeply personal and satisfying (although at times the technique was challenging and frustrating), and a skill set that will enhance my work for years to come. I highly recommend this class!
Read LessINSPIRATION is flowing beautifully
sandra deprey
Loving the modules, they progress with simplicity as well as challenge...your are giving us the artistic license, love it.
Loving the modules, they progress with simplicity as well as challenge...your are giving us the artistic license, love it.
Read LessPlenty here for quilters at all levels
Monica Johnstone
In addition to providing more purpose during the pandemic, this course spoke directly to experiences I have had--you know the ones, the ones you wonder if an...
Read MoreIn addition to providing more purpose during the pandemic, this course spoke directly to experiences I have had--you know the ones, the ones you wonder if anyone else goes through. All those, why does the fabric do that, what happened to that thin point that wants to twist, why am I getting that shadow now that it is quilted, does anybody else get stuck on a decision??? Sheila routinely manages to speak to my internal experience and her mindfulness and lack of rushing is infectious. Critiques are gentle and right on the crux of the matter.
Read LessOutstanding!
Cecilia Mason
Thank you, Sheila, for freeing me! Yes, this is my therapy and I am happy for having the time to create!
Thank you, Sheila, for freeing me! Yes, this is my therapy and I am happy for having the time to create!
Read LessGreat Class
Linda Steele
I am really enjoying making the blocks, you have been so generous with the info and it's so much fun.
I am really enjoying making the blocks, you have been so generous with the info and it's so much fun.
Read LessMonth 1, Improv
Ann Mohan
Love that Sheila is methodical in teaching as it sure helps one grasp this technique...
Love that Sheila is methodical in teaching as it sure helps one grasp this technique...
Read LessWonderful!
Molly Flowers
I'm jumping into this course at the very end of the year, so I haven't been able to attend the live sessions. Having everything recorded, including the live ...
Read MoreI'm jumping into this course at the very end of the year, so I haven't been able to attend the live sessions. Having everything recorded, including the live sessions is invaluable. Thank you!
Read LessStay Informed...
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