Saturday 13 May 2023: Online Workshop (Improv Mosaics)

Nicholas Ball - Saturday 13th May 2023 - 4.00pm to 7.00pm (GMT)

Online Interactive Workshop: Mosaic Tiles

Another month, another fabulous class with the marvellous Nicholas Ball . If you've been following the IGQuiltFest you may have seen the 'Scrappy Ideas' post. What can you do with your scraps? Let's face it, you have lot's! There were some interesting posts and ideas which reminded us of this fabulous class Nicholas last ran (and only once) over two years ago in February 2021. We've decided to repeat this Improv Mosaic class to inspire you on how to have fun with your scraps! We won't repeat this class again for quite some time, as soon as Nicholas's next book comes out we have so many new classes to bring you, so grab a last chance place on this class whilst you can.

Introduction/Back Story:-

If you’re anything like me, then you may find that your scraps are taking over. Mine seem to multiple when I’m not looking, threatening to engulf me and the sewing room! Ok, so my situation may not be that dire, yet this technique will allow you to take control of your long-hoarded scraps and turn them into a really versatile quilt block. If scraps aren’t your thing, you can curate a concise fabric pull from your stash using favourite prints and colours to make an equally interesting version of the block. These improv blocks are also a great opportunity for fussy cutting and highlighting those special fabrics we can sometimes be too scared to cut into.

What You Will Learn in this Online Interactive Workshop:-

During the workshop, you will learn how to arrange your chosen scraps or fabric pieces into blocks. Will we discuss how best to fit them together, how to sash them with contrasting fabric strips using both straight lines and freehand curves, and how to add extra interest with spontaneous and ad-hoc wonky cuts. We will then talk about how to arrange these blocks into a finished composition, either by trimming them down and sewing into rows, or by exploring my jigsaw piecing method for a more liberated look.

Skill Level for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

This workshop is suitable for ALL skill levels! The freehand curves will provide the beginner with a firm foundation to cutting without rulers, upon which they can expand the technique. The block is also great for learning how best to fit irregular sized pieces together, providing a firm foundation for lots of other improvised techniques.

Material requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

Whilst not essential for the workshop, my book Inspiring Improv (Lucky Spool,2019) will expand upon the techniques learnt and provide many more improv tips and tricks.

Fabric requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

Whilst difficult to give exact fabric amounts and measurements when sewing in an improvised way, please use the following as a rough guide.

An assortment of square and rectangular scraps in your chosen colours for the “tiles”. These can be any size and variation will add interest to the blocks, though avoid anything smaller than 2” square.

1” wide strips for the “grout lines”. These can either be cut from yardage or you can use more scraps! Colour choice is important here. Be sure to choose something that contrasts with the colours of your tile fabrics, though this doesn’t always have to be either black or white.

Please don’t stress about these requirements. They are simply a guide and I’ve yet to teach a class where something couldn’t be made because of the wrong fabric pieces. If in doubt, gather up a selection of prints and colours you like and you can cut during the workshop. Accuracy at the cutting stage is not so important using my techniques, so it won’t take long at all if you want to cut your pieces along with me. As mentioned, they don’t need to be perfectly square, so feel free to use scissors!

This is a technique-based workshop. We will be making blocks which you will then piece into your finished quilt/project in your own time. Feel free to make as many or as few blocks as you like. The more blocks you make, the bigger the quilt will be. You can also make a single, larger block and turn it into a cushion cover, pouch or bag. There is no right or wrong size!

Equipment requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

• A Sewing-Machine
• Good quality thread in an appropriate weight for piecing (Nicholas recommends Aurifil 50wt)
• Rotary Cutter - with a new Blade!
• Cutting Mat
• Patchwork Ruler (we can make any size work, but a small 1” x 12” is very handy, as is a 12.5” square).
• Fabric Scissors
• A willingness to explore your own creativity!

Tickets for this Online Interactive Workshop (via the Zoom platform) will be limited & allocated on a first-come/first-served basis! If applicable, any free pattern, or other information, relevant to this course will be forwarded to you after booking and approximately 5 days before the course date. The ticket price of £30.00 is based on ONE person attending this crafting class.

This CraftyMonkies Online Interactive Workshop is being broadcast from the United Kingdom and the class time given is based on Greenwich MeanTime (GMT). We advise you check via Google Search (or similar) to see corresponding start-time in YOUR location! Here's a great world time zone reference:-

https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

Ordering MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT Online For Any Class/Workshop!

Please ensure you book your place & order any materials/fabrics/equipment online in plenty of time ahead of course dates.

​IMPORTANT!

This class is a live Zoom Workshop ONLY! We are NOT able to offer a recorded Pay-On-Demand video for sale after this event.