My family’s sewing history as “immigrant tailors” is part of both talks offered below, as well as how I learned from a graphic design mentor in my 20’s to strive for something “not done before” in every project. There were specific events in my personal life which led me to quilting as a profession and I talk about the challenges and discoveries brought to light in the 18 years I’ve worked in this unusual and rewarding industry.
I bring approximately 40 quilts to show as part of a 1 hour and 15 minute lecture. Below are outlines of each talk.
– Karen
Lecture #1: “Feature A Creature”
Playful Animals & Highly Charming Quilt Techniques
• Where and how to place appliqués for the greatest effect
• Achieving dimension in a creature with minimal fabrics.
• Creating animals with minimal piecing and greatest movement
• Elegant mismatching (why we love batiks)
• Selecting colors that “sing”
• “I see dead borders.” Avoid sewing one to your quilt.
• Yes, that really COULD be a block!
• Remember: “God hates a coward.”
Lecture #2: “The Science Of Exceptional Quilts”
Beauty, Creativity & the Brains Behind Innovation
• Do we even agree on what beauty is?
• Do the truly good ideas arrive in a burst of insight?
• Disappointment– the path to success
• Forget what you know.
• Is a little dose of “crazy” helpful for creativity?
• Melancholy– a designer’s rotary cutter
• Are introverted people better guild officers?
• Limitation as inspiration
• I do my best quilting in the shower.