Log Cabin Quilting Workshop

About the tutor

As founder of Craft Studio Number 57 Handmade and Associate Tutor with The Good Life Centre in London, Mary McGeown is a quilt maker and textile artist with over twenty years experience of making and tutoring this wonderful craft.

Initially drawn to this creative medium by a love of colour and pattern, her personal practice has involved both traditional and contemporary quilt making, with a deep connection to its origins and history, which is what makes the setting of this workshop so special here at the American Museum & Gardens, with its own unique history and world-renowned quilt collection.

The workshop

This workshop focusses on quilt design and composition, in particular exploring variations of the traditional ‘log cabin’ or ‘housetop’ pattern and the use of dark and light tones to create impact.

We will gain inspiration and connection with quilting’s rich history by looking at selected pieces from the museum collection and referencing the work of the Gees Bend and Amish Quilting communities, along with the work of selected artists to consider the importance of observation, pattern and colour in our design choices.

Your ticket includes entry to our gardens, the American Garden Deli, exhibition and museum shop. The workshop is from 10am–4pm. The manor house closes at 4pm. Last entry to the exhibition and last orders at the Deli are at 4.30pm. The American Museum & Gardens’ site closes at 5pm.

Technical/Practical

Initially paper collaging design options before moving onto fabric, you will be guided through the technique of ‘strip piecing’ pre cut strips of light and dark fabric to build a single hand stitched 14” x 14” block ready to baste, hand quilt and bind.

Supported by discussion and demonstrations, you will leave the workshop with an understanding of the making of a quilt from start to finish using this approach, and the skills to enjoy completing your own quilting project.

Sewing skills level: Basic

How to….

• Cut fabric with scissors & rotary cutter and mat
• Make a quilt sandwich and choice of wadding decisions
• Sashing, Borders, what are these and why?
• Strip piecing technique
• Stitching choices – levels of embellishment
• Finishing/edging

What you need to bring:

• Fabric and paper scissors
• Rules (Rulers)
• Notebook & pencil
• Thimbles if they use them
• Sketchbook & pencil for notes (optional)

What is included:

• Pre-cut 100% cotton fabric strips dark & light hues
• Needles and thread for hand sewing
• Coloured paper for collaging
• Cotton Muslin & Wadding (optional backing materials)