An accessible and expressive craft, quilt making can be a great way to connect with textiles to make both beautiful and practical artworks for the home.
Julius’s approach to quilting is an organic and informal process that allows you to explore and create freely, embracing a relaxed and unconstrained approach to quilting that you can use to create work that is personal to you.
During this two-day workshop retreat, you will learn how to create a quilted textile collage using various stitching, applique and patchwork techniques. You will then construct, stitch and finish your work, transforming it into a quilted object that can be hung or used around the home. By the end of the weekend, you should be armed with the skills to carry on making at home.
The workshop runs from 11am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Attendance on both days is required.
The weekend is suitable for all skill levels and the project is designed to be achievable for all.
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Day 1
Julius will guide you through a creative approach to applique, patchwork and collage to create meaningful stitched artworks, using textile remnants, second-hand clothes or any other fabrics that you may have a connection with.
You will begin by learning some basic applique and patchwork techniques, before you move into creating your own personal abstract composition, exploring colour, shape and form.
Quilting is a great way to create meaningful work inspired by personal connections or observations. Over the weekend you will have the opportunity to gather inspiration from your physical surroundings, or from any objects, photos, places or people of value to inform your work. Inspirational prompts will be also be provided to help guide you.
The art of stitching is a slow meditative process and this is a great workshop to allow yourself time to get to grips with fundamental quilt making skills that you can take forward into your own making practice.
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Day 2
On Sunday, you will learn practical quilt making processes that will allow you to turn your textile composition into a quilt.
You will start off by learning how to prepare and layer your quilt, followed by the meditative process of hand quilting. You will be exploring how to stitch in both straight lines and organic shapes, how stitching can embellish a design, as well as what threads and needles to use to make your quilt. You will then learn how to finish your quilt with a binding and complete your project ready to be hung or used around the home.
We ask participants to bring with them:
A length of fabric, enough to cut your quilt top, measuring 50 x 70 cm.
A selection of fabrics to use for your applique and patchwork. Textiles, scraps or remnants can be used for your quilt compositions. Woven cotton and linen fabrics work the best. Think about using fabrics from old clothing or incorporating materials that hold memory to you. Participants will also be invited to share textiles during the workshops if they wish.
You will also need one piece of fabric for the backing, measuring approx 60cm x 80cm. This could be one length of fabric or made up of smaller pieces sewn together.
Any prompts or objects personal to you to help inform or inspire your work. (optional)
(It is recommend to use fabrics of a garment weight and that are woven textiles; cotton, linen, viscose etc. If you are unsure, think about a shirt and the weight and feel of shirting fabric. Best to avoid any upholstery weight materials).
All other tools, basic materials, refreshments and a simple lunch will be provided on each day over the weekend.
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Stay with us:
During this retreat weekend, participents are invited to stay and book into an all-inclusive weekend package that includes a two-night B&B stay at Kindred House (Fri 11th & Sat 12th March), along with full access to the weekend workshops.
During our events, the guest house is reserved for the attendees who receive a 15% discount on their stay.
Kindred House is offered not only as a space to retreat to, but also to connect within as we invite our guests to be active participants in cultivating our community. Our workshops & various events play a key role in the spirit of Kindred House, in crafting an environment that actively inspires & encourages connection, creativity & learning.
Our retreat weekends make a wonderful gift to oneself or a thoughtful offering to a loved one. They provide an ideal opportunity for a weekend getaway in our sanctuary beside the sea, whilst having the opportunity to get creative, learn a new skill & make new friends along the way.
Rooms are limited & tend to get booked quickly so get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
The workshop weekend is limited to 8 places to ensure a safe working environment. If dates need to change due to Covid, you’ll be able to swap to the new date or obtain a refund if you’re unable to make the new date. Otherwise tickets are non-refundable.
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About your teacher: Julius Arthur
Author of Modern Quilting, Julius is a textile designer and artist who founded his creative practice 'House of Quinn' in 2014.
House of Quinn - is a place for exploration in craft, making and design by using traditional techniques and fundamental making practices to cultivate contemporary design narratives onto familiar objects.
Julius has an MDES in Fashion Design and Business and a background in textile & 3D design.