In this workshop, participants will use family photos, memorabilia and keepsakes to develop their own stories and as inspiration to create their own art quilts. They will transfer family photos, their own drawings, and writings directly to fabric using computer/inkjet transfer. Students will learn Lauren’s quick quilt/no piecing method to construct their own art quilts. Bring old letters, family photos, fabric, threads, special books and any artifacts you would like to incorporate into your quilt. Buttons, ribbons, shells, jewelry and other embellishments are also suggested to personalize your family's future heirloom. Knowledge or experience with quilting is NOT necessary! Knowledge and experience of sewing with a sewing machine is helpful but not required. There are other methods of attachment such as glue sticks, staples, and hand sewing. This class has no rules other than to have fun!

Drawing scenes, faces, figures and patterns with the sewing machine enhances the design of even the simplest quilt pattern. Students in this class will learn simple techniques of stress free machine quilting to embellish their quilts. We will practice with a variety of fabrics and battings, design our own pictures and have fun. Students will complete several sampler pieces suitable for gifts.

Using the alternative photography method of cyanotype printing, we will create beautiful, one of a kind fabrics for art quilt and sewing projects. Students will learn how to prepare screens and fabrics to print bright blue designs on white cotton fabric using a simple chemical process, glass plates and the sun. Students will complete a reusable transparency screen and several fabric squares with their design that can be used in other sewing and art projects.