As ever we're super-excited to welcome Nicholas Ball once again under the CraftyMonkies spotlight for yet another BRAND NEW CLASS in 2025! This one is entitled Snakes & Ladders (it already sounds like fun!) Here's Nicholas to tell you all you need to know - take it away Nicholas!...

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Introduction by Nicholas:-

Shape and line are so important in improv quilting! Often lacking a visible block structure, improv quilts can be used to create complex compositions. I’ve always been a fan of the versatility of freehand curves, choosing to piece them alongside the more linear interest of inserts for contrast. In this quilt, these two techniques collide in a playful interpretation of the classic board game snake and ladders!.

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What you will learn on this Online Interactive Workshop:-

You will learn how to create curved wedge sections of fabric which can be used in many different ways. We will discuss how to piece these wedges into background fabric using freehand curves, as well as how to appliqué them for ease and simplicity. For our experimentation, we will be using them alongside “ladders”, pieced from skinny inserts, to create a small study which can either be quilted and bound, or used as the starting point for a larger piece. We will look at using our iron to add further interest to our seams, as well as ways to deal with excess bulk. We will also look at how best to piece our irregularly sized units together. As always, I will spend some time discussing fabric and colour choices, though really anything goes in this creative exploration!

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Skill Level for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

This workshop is suitable for ALL skill levels! The techniques explored will provide you with skills upon which you can expand and use in lots of other quilts. The piecing of the curved wedges is simple enough for those new to improv, but they can also be made more intricate for those looking for more of a challenge by making them narrower and more intricate.

 

Material requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-​

Whilst not essential for the workshop, my books Inspiring Improv (published by Lucky Spool, 2019) and Use & Ornament (published by Lucky Spool, 2024) will expand upon the techniques learnt and provide many more improv tips and tricks. Improv Triangles are featured in both books and detailed instructions for piecing irregular shaped units together are also included in Inspiring Improv.

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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:-

• 6-8 fat quarters in your chosen colours for your “snakes”

• 6-8 fat quarters in your chosen colours for your “ladders”

• Larger scraps/offcuts in contrasting or co-ordinating colours for adding interest to the background.

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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. Of course, if you wish to make a smaller quilt, wall hanging or cushion cover, then you will need less fabric.​

 

Equipment requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-​

• Sewing-Machine

• Good quality thread in an appropriate weight for piecing (Nicholas recommends Aurifil)

• 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 6.5” or 12.5” square).

• Fabric Scissors

• Most important of all - a willingness to explore your own creativity!

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Pattern Information relevant to this Online Interactive Workshop:-

Not applicable for this improv class!

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Tickets for this Online Interactive Workshop (via the Zoom platform) will be limited and allocated on a first-come/first-served basis! Any free pattern and 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 £35.00 is based on ONE person attending this crafting class.

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This CraftyMonkies online interactive workshop is being broadcast from the United Kingdom and the class time given is based on British Summer Time (BST). 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/

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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.

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This class is a live Zoom Workshop ONLY!

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IMPORTANT!

Sadly, we are NOT able to offer a recorded Pay-On-Demand video for sale in our shop after this event.

The only way to enjoy this class is to book a ticket for this Zoom Workshop.