By Patricia Belyea
Last year I couldn’t conceive of teaching my curves workshops online. It seemed impossible as my teaching style is so hands-on.
Overcoming my doubts, I thought a lot about how I could teach remotely. Then my husband and I built a teaching studio where I could show every step of each technique—with five computers and seven cameras.
Since January, I’ve taught four cadres of quilters—from Australia to Denmark. The whole experience is like magic! I can’t believe the amazing homework projects of my students!
Here’s the tip of the needle of student work. Many, many more curved wonders have been created by my first online students.
CREATIVITY & COMPLEX CURVES WORKSHOP
5-SESSION WORKSHOP
Session 1: Quadrant Quilt
Students master the Complex Curves technique and make one to four quadrant blocks with high contrast and bold body curves.
Session 2: Straights and Curves
A slight variation, students add straight seams to their curved compositions that are based on a theme.
Session 3: Focal Composition
Using one or two patterned fabrics plus solids, student develop a central focal composition that is the first part of a two-session project.
Session 4: Extensions and Connectors
Student create extensions for their focal compositions and attach them with connectors.
Session 5: Custom Templates
Students learn how to make their own templates for quilts with repetitive curved elements. There is no homework assignment for this final session so bonus points for whoever makes a template project!
If you’ve ever wanted to explore curved piecing in your quilt compositions, please join me for a future workshop from the comfort of your home.
To learn about other Upcoming Workshops at Okan Arts +click here
Curved Triumph
Modern quilter Kelly Spell took her learnings from the Creativity & Complex Curves Workshop and made this delectable quilt. Already Creamsicle Swirl has won first place in a regional show in Pigeon Forge TN. Yeah!
ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria sell Japanese textiles online, host creative quilting experiences, and lead quilting & textile tours to Japan.
FOLLOW OKAN ARTS ON INSTAGRAM @okanarts
