Improv Quilting Workshop with Jackie Tu

Improv Quilting: Process, Play, and Practice (2-Day Class)

Class Description
This two-day workshop focuses on developing a confident improv quilting practice through shape, color, and process. Rather than working from patterns, we’ll explore how to begin with inspiration, translate ideas into fabric, and make intuitive design decisions as the quilt evolves. The emphasis is on how to work improv, learning to trust your process rather than on completing a perfect or finished piece.

Students will work small, allowing space for experimentation with scale, repetition, and variation. Wall hangings under 40” are encouraged, and you may choose to explore an idea more than once as a way to deepen understanding and refine your approach. This class is ideal for quilters interested in play, exploration, and developing a flexible, repeatable way of working.

What to Expect

• A lecture and visual presentation on my improv quilting process, approach, and experience
• Discussion of where inspiration comes from and how to recognize useful starting points
• Guidance on preparing for an improv quilt—mentally and materially
• Sketching and planning exercises 
• Individual consultations with each student to talk through ideas and approaches
• Lots of hands-on sewing time with space for experimentation and revision
• Emphasis on play, exploration, and learning through doing

This class is process-driven. You are encouraged to try things, undo them, and try again.

Homework (Before Class)

Please come prepared with inspiration and ideas, not finished plans.

Required:

• 5–10 images or objects that inspire you (photos, drawings, nature images, architecture, drawings, etc.).  Don’t overthink this.  I always find inspiration from unexpected, every day objects like the shadows from light fixtures.
• A short list of possible thought starters you’re curious about (examples below): 

Possible Thought Starters to Explore:

• A unique or repeated shape
• A shape that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar
• Negative space as the focus
• One shape, many variations
• Cropped or partial shapes
• Working in a limited color palette
• Translating a drawing or photo into fabric

Bring your inspiration physically or digitally—whatever works best for you.

Class Supplies

• Fabric: A wide variety of solids and/or prints you’re willing to cut into. Think color range, contrast, and texture.
• Sewing machine in good working order
• Basic sewing supplies (rotary cutter, ruler, mat, pins, scissors, thread, cutting mat, stiletto (if doing curves)
• Sketchbook or paper + pencil/pen
• Design wall space (portable or small) if possible
• Inspiration materials from your homework

Optional but helpful:

• Tracing paper

Consultations & Working Small

Each student will have one-on-one consultation time to discuss ideas, sketches, and how they might approach their quilt. Projects do not need to be large—small wall hangings (under 40”) are encouraged. You may even choose to make more than one small piece to explore variation and refinement.

 
Location: Bon Air United Methodist Church, door #11, 1645 Buford Rd. Bon Air.

Class fee includes lunch on both days.

Cancellation: No refunds if cancelling prior to 14 days before class. You may send a friend if you cannot make it. 
Questions: email julie@quiltingadventures.com