Creating a medallion quilt is a playful and satisfying way to explore improvisational piecing within a flexible structure. In this workshop, you will learn how to piece improv units that are approximately the same size, use intuitive math, experiment with asymmetrical symmetry, and bring these elements together to create a one-of-a-kind medallion quilt.

 

Maria Shell is a contemporary American quilt artist whose work celebrates improvisational patchwork, color, and repetition. Her quilts have been exhibited throughout the United States and internationally. Maria teaches improvisational piecing both in person and virtually. When she is not traveling, she enjoys spending time at her family’s cabin in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

 

$570 = $690*

*Note: You will save money if you join SEFAA before registering for this class.

 

Additional Supply Fee: $0
Scholarship Available: No
Payment: You may choose to (1) pay in full when you register OR (2) to pay a $250 deposit with the balance due by January 21, 2027. Please read the SEFAA Class Deposit Policy for details.

 

Level: Students should be comfortable with basic quilting techniques. Confident beginners and more experienced quilters are welcome.

 

Minimum Number of Students: 10 by January 30, 2027
Maximum Number of Students: 16

 

Required Supplies:

• Tools and Notions:
  • Sewing machine:
    • With a ¼-inch foot, or the ability to create an accurate ¼-inch seam. Please note: A ¼-inch foot with a flange will not work for sewing curves.
    • If available, a sewing machine with a needle up/down feature, a free-hand system, and a foot pedal with a heel-tap needle up/down function. These features will be used when stitching curves.
  • Rotary cutter with a new, sharp blade. A 60 mm OLFA straight-handle rotary cutter is highly recommended.
  • Rotary cutting mat - the larger, the better!
  • Basic quilting supplies, including straight pins, a seam ripper, neutral thread, scissors, and thread snips
  • Measuring tape
  • Small pad of sticky notes
  • Sketchbook, notebook, or drawing paper for recording notes, sketches, and ideas for your quilt
  • Calculator or smartphone
  • Design wall—a large piece of flannel or batting works well
  • Digital camera or cellphone capable of taking photographs
  • Stiletto-this tool is required for the workshop
  • Chalk pencil or another preferred fabric-marking tool
  • Small bag for fabric scraps and other waste
  • Painter’s tape, if needed, to hang your design wall
• Fabric:
  • Bring approximately 8–12 fabrics that work well together. These may be fat quarters, half-yard cuts, or yardage (half-yard cuts are recommended). The amount of fabric you need will depend on the size of the quilt you plan to create. Please wash, dry, press, and fold all fabric before class-no joke! Prewashed fabric works best for this style of improvisational piecing.
  • For a strong, graphic quilt similar to Maria’s work, consider bringing solid-colored fabrics. An assortment of approximately 12 colors, including neutrals such as gray, black, brown, and white, works especially well.
  • If you would like to experiment with a broader color palette, follow the optional Palette Building Exercise. (The exercise is not required and will not be covered during class.)

 

Class Schedule: This class will be held in person at the SEFAA Center from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on:

 

• Saturday, February 20, 2027
• Sunday, February 21, 2027, and
• Monday, February 22, 2027

 

There will be a one-hour lunch break daily. A small refrigerator and a microwave are available if you bring your lunch.

Yes