Nancy currently offers 12 quilt-making workshops starting at intermediate level and graduating to very advanced. All workshops are 2-week classes and are best taken sequentially. Each workshop builds on the one before it as all classes are taught as art classes. They are all deeply embedded in classical art/design concepts. Figure/ground composition will be emphasized in every single class. Each student needs to be fluent in machine-piecing for all workshops.
Note: Nancy teaches workshops at various venues, which are listed on her itinerary.
• Please click on the titles below to connect to descriptions and supply lists for each class.
Note: Nancy teaches workshops at various venues, which are listed on her itinerary.
• Please click on the titles below to connect to descriptions and supply lists for each class.
- 1. NEW! Strip-Piecing & Restructuring: Parts I & II [Intermediate]
NEW! Strip-Piecing & Restructuring: Parts I & II• Focus: The NEW Strip-Piecing & Restructuring: Parts I & II is one of three (10-day) foundational workshops that underpin the advanced composition workshops developed and taught by Nancy Crow.
The other two (10-day) foundational workshops are:
• LINES, SHAPES, CURVES, CIRCLES & FIGURE/GROUND COMPOSITION
• SETS & VARIABLES: Parts I & II
• Level: Intermediate
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Good machine-sewing skills/Good skills with a 60mm rotary cutter
• Sewing machine: Yes. Required for straight sewing … nothing fancy!
• Preferred/recommended cutting mat: 1 or 2 ( 24”x36”) green OLFA cutting mats with one side plain green and the other side ruler- gridded.DESCRIPTION
• Strip-piecing is defined as a way of creating new fabrics or “fabric vocabularies” out of existing fabrics by cutting strips selvage to selvage and regrouping/sewing them together. It is one of the most fascinating and intriguing ways of producing visual imagery that can be cut up and restructured for use in a given composition. Its use can be a life-time study as the possibilities are endless when coupled with a supple mind and a vivid obsessive curiosity. In addition, it is one of the most effective and valuable ways to learn about color, value usage, proportions, line, shape and scale in a very fluid manner.
If students want to learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from “instincts” and “intuition” they must come with an open mind and no agendas, ready for growth and for risk-taking!
PART I: STRIP-PIECING
In Part I, students will be given Design Exercises that outline how to create specific fabric vocabularies (known as strip-pieced fabrics). In creating these brand new specific fabric vocabularies, students will develop the muscle memory needed to cut free-hand a large variety of widths of colors quickly and fluidly. In addition, they will also become more efficient machine-piecers. The resulting strip-pieced fabrics will be used in exploring rudimentary figure/ground composition as outlined next.
PART I: RESTRUCTURING
Next, In Part I, Design Exercises will push students to cut improvisationally all sorts of SHAPES (ELEMENTS) and LINES (ELEMENTS) out of their already strip-pieced fabrics. These ELEMENTS will be used in RESTRUCTURING which means combining shapes and lines into new figures or configurations. As a result, students will become more experienced in construction and engineering techniques and more comfortable with generating ideas that promote excellent figure/ground composition.
PART II: STRIP-PIECING
In PART II, students will be given New Design Exercises that outline how to create specific and often more complex fabric vocabularies (known as strip-pieced fabrics).
These New Design Exercises will encourage:
• THE EXPLORATION OF LINE
• THE EXPLORATION OF WIDER WIDTHS OF SHAPE
• THE EXPLORATION OF SCALE
• THE EXPLORATION OF A WIDER USE OF VALUE
• THE EXPLORATION OF A WIDER USE OF FLAT COLORS
***As students become more efficient machine-piecers, they will use the resulting strip-pieced fabrics in restructuring to explore more advanced figure/ground composition as follows.
PART II: RESTRUCTURING
Next, new Design Exercises will push students to cut across and restructure strip-pieced fabrics in an even more improvisational manner to create ever-more complex structures. Students will experiment with all sorts of cross-cuts that create new SHAPES and LINES (ELEMENTS) out of their already strip-pieced fabrics. These will be sewn together and then recut. These elements will be used in restructuring which means combining shapes and lines into new figures or configurations. Groups of configurations will be strung together or combined with other sewn structures to create increasingly complex compositions. As a result, students will become more experienced in construction and engineering techniques and more comfortable with generating ideas that promote excellent figure/ground composition.
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
Note regarding the fabric lists:
• Concentrate on collecting DARKS and MEDIUM DARKS!
• Concentrate on collecting LIGHTS and MEDIUM LIGHTS!
• Concentrate on collecting BRIGHTS!
• Concentrate on collecting FLATS and GLOWINGS!
• Concentrate on collecting PLAIDS!
• Concentrate on collecting STRIPES!
• Concentrate on collecting GRAPHIC GEOMETRICS!
• Students must read the fabric list and supply list and come prepared. These lists are accurate!!!
Color - and the values of color from light to dark (5 steps in value)—-will be emphasized in all exercises so a great selection of fabrics based on these values must be brought to this workshop. Students will be working in SOLID COLORS and graphic prints, geometrics prints, plaids and stripes. Do not bring florals or other types of prints.
8 yards each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
2-3 yards each of:
• BRIGHT COLORS - bright red, orange, acid yellow, lime and acid lime, turquoise, blue, apple green, bright pink, etc. (very saturated bright colors … the brightest colors that are never darker than medium value)
1 yard or more each of:
• GRAPHIC PRINTS (high contrast)
• GRAPHIC PLAIDS (high contrast)
• GRAPHIC STRIPES (high contrast)
I caution you not to bring mostly middle value solids, rather bring a wide variety, including these 5 steps in value:
• Light values
• Medium light values
• Medium values
• Medium dark values
• Dark values
2-3 yards each of:
• GRAYS - bring 5 steps in value (light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
1 yard or more of each color:
• SOLID OPAQUE COLORS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark values so you can be free to work) - reds, pinks, blues, teals, greens, limes, violets, browns, yellows, golds, oranges, purples, maroons, turquoises, rusts, etc.)
• TANS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT:
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black and which emit a dullness & seem energy draining with a very subdued nature.
I usually work with my own subtly dyed flat colors and a good collection of commercially dyed broadcloth. My palette includes over 500+ shades.
Many students arrive with their own hand-dyed solids or stacks they have purchased from other dyers. By all means, bring hand-dyes if you want but they need to be opaque and not have multiple values swimming across them ... meaning white or light splotches on dark colors. However commercial solids are absolutely acceptable.
I cannot specifically tell you to only bring 1 yard cuts of each color because I know we will be using at least a yard or more of some to many colors depending on each student’s color preferences. If you bring a yard of each – say 5 blues, 5 reds, 5 yellows, 5 greens, etc., but one each in light values, medium light values, medium values, medium dark values, & dark values, that would be better than not having enough. So bring 1 yard of as many colors as you can afford.
About solid colors - the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!! Working in color does not mean only using BOLD colors or HOT colors; working in color means learning to be versatile in all types of colors.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 2. Lines, Curves, Shapes & Figure/Ground Composition: Parts I & II [Intermediate]
Lines, Curves, Shapes & Figure/Ground Composition: Parts I & II• Level: Intermediate
- 3. Improvisational Exercises: Parts I & II [Intermediate]
Improvisational Exercises: Parts I & II• Level: Intermediate
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/very good machine-sewing skills
• Sewing machine: YesDESCRIPTION
This 10-day class has been specifically developed for students desirous of focusing on:
• a more in-depth understanding of composition
• a more in-depth understanding of color & values and how to use them
• a more in-depth understanding of how to construct compositions as a machine piecer.
In addition, students will be required to step outside their comfort zone and be far more experimental as they work through design exercises developed to promote the creation of ideas using geometric ELEMENTS.
Students will be expected to work spontaneously and intuitively with nontraditional quilt-making techniques as they explore design exercises that promote improvisational approaches to composition without benefit of “pre-planning” and “intellectualizing.”
Design Exercises will be used as a basis for flexing muscle memory in developing a more fluid approach to cutting improvisationally all sorts of SHAPES and LINES. Emphasis will be placed on forming NEW GROUPINGS that could be used as SUBJECT MATTER of a figure/ground composition. Students will learn construction and engineering techniques.
Color, and the values of color, from light to dark, will be emphasized in all exercises so a great selection of fabrics must be brought to this workshop. Students will be working in SOLID COLORS the entire 10-days so there is no need to bring any printed or marbled fabrics, only solids whether commercial or hand-dyed.
If students want to learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from “instincts” and “intuition” they must come with an open mind and no agendas, ready for growth and for risk-taking!
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
8 yards each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
3 yards or more each of:
• GRAYS - bring 5 steps in value (light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
1 yard or more each of:
• Reds, Pinks, Blues, Teals, Greens, Limes, Violets, Browns, Yellows, Golds, Oranges, Purples, Maroons, Turquoises, Rusts, etc. (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• BRIGHTS: Acid yellow, acid lime, hot pink, turquoise, bright orange, bright red-orange, fuchsia pink, really bright blue
• TANS & OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Do not bring prints.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
• BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
• RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 4. Improvisational Exercises: Parts III & IV [Advanced]
Improvisational Exercises: Parts III & IV• Level: Advanced
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/very good machine-sewing skills
• Prerequisite: Improvisational Exercises: Parts I & II
- Note: the exercises in this class are NOT the same as those in Parts I & II
• Sewing machine: YesDESCRIPTION
This brand new 10-day class has been specifically developed to give students a more in-depth opportunity to experiment with IDEAS=FIGURES or CONFIGURATIONS that they have created. Students will work with their own previously created figures and configurations or with new configurations while stretching to be far more experimental.
Emphasis will be placed on understanding the inherent characteristics of COLOR along with practicing a more fluid approach to cutting lines and shapes. Emphasis will also be placed on creating strong ground shapes.
• This class will be challenging!!!
Color, and the values of color, from light to dark, will be emphasized in all exercises so a great selection of SOLID COLOR fabrics must be brought to this workshop.
If students want to learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from “instincts” and “intuition” they must come with an open mind and no agendas, ready for growth and for risk-taking!
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
6-8 yards each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
2-3 yards each of:
• BRIGHT COLORS - bright red, orange, acid yellow, lime, turquoise, blue, apple green, pink, lavender, etc. (very saturated bright colors … the brightest colors that are never darker than medium value)
I caution you not to bring mostly middle value solids, rather bring a wide variety, including these 5 steps in value:
• Light values
• Medium light values
• Medium values
• Medium dark values
• Dark values
2 yards each of:
• GRAYS - bring 5 steps in value (light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
1 yard or more of each color:
• SOLID OPAQUE COLORS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark values so you can be free to work) - reds, pinks, blues, teals, greens, limes, violets, browns, yellows, golds, oranges, purples, maroons, turquoises, rusts, etc.
• TANS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Do not bring prints.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
• BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
• RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 5. NEW! Creating Compositions using Sets & Variables [Intermediate to advanced]
NEW! Creating Compositions using Sets & Variables• Level: Intermediate to advanced
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/very good machine-sewing skills
• Sewing machine: YesDESCRIPTION
This 10-day class has been specifically developed for students desirous of understanding that compositions can be born from SETS & LIMITS + VARIABLES.
Students will be asked to focus and use specifics that include:
• IMAGINATION
• PLAY
• DISCOVERY
Small to medium size compositions will be emphasized so that students can produce more while gaining:
• a better understanding of composition based on “setting limits”
In addition, students will be required to step outside their comfort zone and be far more experimental as they work through design exercises developed to promote the creation of ideas using geometric ELEMENTS.
Students will be expected to work spontaneously and intuitively with nontraditional quilt-making techniques as they explore design exercises that promote improvisational approaches to composition without benefit of “pre-planning” and “intellectualizing.”
Students will be working in SOLID COLORS the entire 10-days. Color, and the values of color, from light to dark, will be emphasized in all exercises so a great selection of colors must be brought to this workshop.
If students want to learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from “instincts” and “intuition” they must come with an open mind and no agendas, ready for growth and for risk-taking!
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
8 yards or more each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
2 yards or more of:
• GRAYS - bring 5 steps in value (light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
1 yard or more each of:
• Reds, Pinks, Blues, Teals, Greens, Limes, Violets, Browns, Yellows, Golds, Oranges, Purples, Maroons, Turquoises, Rusts, etc. (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• BRIGHTS: Acid yellow, acid lime, hot pink, turquoise, bright orange, bright red-orange, fuchsia pink, really bright blue
• TANS & OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Do not bring prints.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
• BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
• RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 6. NEW! Pushing Composition #1 [Intermediate to advanced]
NEW! Pushing Composition #1• Level: Intermediate to advanced
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/very good machine-sewing skills
• Sewing machine: Yes
• Note: Must be a very good piecer and experienced in composition. This is not a beginner class.DESCRIPTION
This class is intended for those who LOVE machine-piecing, who are motivated to learn, and who are comfortable about being challenged to produce compositions varying in size from small to large while “growing” in experience.
Design exercises will move from SIMPLER (easier) exercises to more COMPLEX exercises that will spark innovative connections while encouraging students to explore composition in new ways and to become nimble in developing their own ideas.
SHAPES, CONFIGURATIONS, and LINES (linear work) will be explored more in-depth as students continue to learn to be more flexible and imaginative.
VALUE, COLOR and the INHERENT QUALITIES of solid colors….BRIGHT, GLOWING, RELATIVE & FLAT….will be an integral part of this class so students must come prepared in terms of solid colored fabrics that fall into these 4 categories no matter the value:
• BRIGHTS
• GLOWINGS
• RELATIVES
• FLATS
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
8 yards or more each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
2 yards or more of:
• GRAYS - bring 5 steps in value (light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
1 yard or more each of:
• Reds, Pinks, Blues, Teals, Greens, Limes, Violets, Browns, Yellows, Golds, Oranges, Purples, Maroons, Turquoises, Rusts, etc. (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• BRIGHTS: Acid yellow, acid lime, hot pink, turquoise, bright orange, bright red-orange, fuchsia pink, really bright blue
• TANS & OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Do not bring prints.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
• BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
• RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 7. NEW! Creative Stretches in Compositional Exercises [Advanced]
NEW! Creative Stretches in Compositional Exercises• Level: Advanced
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/very good machine-sewing skills
• Prerequisite: Improvisational Exercises: Parts I & II
• Sewing machine: YesDESCRIPTION
(please read this thoroughly)
• The FOCUS of this class will be on creating strong compositions.
• The FOCUS of this class will push one’s imagination into being more playful and flexible.
• The FOCUS of this class will encourage working intuitively and improvisationally.
• This class is meant to be challenging! It has been developed specifically for students desirous of being far more experimental on an advanced level using machine-piecing techniques.The method of working will be a journey about discovery and will require an attitude of risk-taking and total concentration! The design exercises will stimulate thinking and hopefully help to develop more individual work.
• All participants are expected to gather ideas for creating fresher, more viable compositions! Students will be encouraged to work spontaneously and intuitively with the outcome of their homework preparations, which are outlined next.
• HOMEWORK PREPARATION in black & white before coming to class: Participants must collect together ideas as starting points. Look for photos or take photos in black and white of trees, tree branches, buildings, buildings under construction, magazine pages, art book pages, “outsider” artists, any artists. File ideas into categories such as: VERTICALS, HORIZONTALS, PATTERNS, REPEAT PATTERNS, GEOMETRIC SHAPES, COLORS, DOORWAYS, ARCHITECTURE, CIRCLES, CURVES, LINES, ETC.
• Next - only in BLACK & WHITE - make “blow-ups” of collected images/structures or parts of images/structures. Double the size or make even larger. Make a variety of sizes/scales. These images must show some sort of structure or geometric element(s) and these images must be usable as starting points for ideas and usable as combined with other images you have blown-up. Bring these - BLACK & WHITE IDEAS - to class. Directions will be given on how to use them once pinned to the wall after cutting and rearranging to find new ideas. Bring many duplicates in many sizes of those you like best as there will be no place to make copies in the barn. (To make copies you will have to go to Lancaster or Pickerington.)
• Design Exercises will be introduced that will rely on the “STRUCTURES” found in the collected ideas/collages above. No matter the results, new compositional experiences will build confidence and better technical skills, and expand one’s ability to handle color and values.
• Be prepared to jog your thinking! Push away mental roadblocks! Step-out! STRETCH! EMBRACE POSSIBILITIES! Embrace NEW possibilities!
NOTE: Advanced students may bring along fabric sketches done in solid black and solid white but not used before. These will be put through some of the same trials as will be used by black and white blow-ups done on paper earmarked in the homework above. On the other hand, do the homework as it may lead you to new ideas.
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
6-8 yards or more each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
1 yard or more each of:
• Reds, Pinks, Blues, Teals, Greens, Limes, Violets, Browns, Yellows, Golds, Oranges, Purples, Maroons, Turquoises, Rusts, etc.
• BRIGHTS: Acid yellow, acid lime, hot pink, turquoise, bright orange, bright red-orange, fuchsia pink, really bright blue
• GRAYS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• TANS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Do not bring prints.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
• BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
• RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 8. Overall & Spare Figure/Ground Composition [Advanced to very advanced]
Overall & Spare Figure/Ground Composition• Level: Advanced to very advanced
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Very good skills in free-hand cutting/machine-sewing
• Sewing machine: YesDESCRIPTION
Overall Composition
The focus of this class will be on CUTTING LINE and SHAPE INDIVIDUALLY and then combining them together as PART or PARTS of NEW CONFIGURATIONS in NEW COMPOSITIONS that emphasize specifically the quality of shapes and lines exposed in the backgrounds, whether in over-all composition or spare composition.
Varying levels of depth will be explored in both the figures and the grounds. Students will come to understand what is meant by creating OVER-ALL COMPOSITIONS as distinct from other types of compositions. Once again, students will learn to work more effectively from instincts and intuition as they sharpen their eye on great figure/ground spacing and tension.DESCRIPTION
Spare Figure/Ground Composition
This workshop will concentrate on LARGER BACKGROUNDS & MULTIPLE GROUNDS with a much sparer use of FIGURES, both primary and secondary. Students will become more sensitive to the placement of figures on such grounds. The INTENT is to strengthen one’s eye to evermore beautiful spacing which is that “allusive tension” that makes any composition so much stronger. Composition will be explored using the principles of figure/ground. Figure/ground is loosely defined as positive/negative or the relationship of figure or motif or subject matter or configuration(s) on a ground or background.
VALUE, COLOR and the INHERENT QUALITIES of solid colors….BRIGHT, GLOWING, RELATIVE & FLAT….will be an integral part of this class so students must come prepared in terms of solid colored fabrics that fall into these 4 categories no matter the value:
• BRIGHTS
• GLOWINGS
• RELATIVES
• FLAT
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
6-8 yards or more each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
1 yard or more each of:
• Reds, Pinks, Blues, Teals, Greens, Limes, Violets, Browns, Yellows, Golds, Oranges, Purples, Maroons, Turquoises, Rusts, etc.
• BRIGHTS: Acid yellow, acid lime, hot pink, turquoise, bright orange, bright red-orange, fuchsia pink, really bright blue
• GRAYS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• TANS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Do not bring prints.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
• BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
• RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 9. NEW! Potpourri I & II: Challenging Compositional Exercises [Advanced]
Potpourri I & II: Challenging Compositional Exercises• Level: Advanced
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/good machine-sewing skills
• Sewing machine: YesDESCRIPTION
This 10-day class has been specifically developed for students desirous of being far more experimental in composition on an advanced level using machine-piecing techniques. Students will be encouraged to work spontaneously and intuitively as they explore design exercises that promote improvisational approaches to composition without benefit of “pre-planning” and “intellectualizing.”
Students should expect to be challenged and will need to discover their own very individual responses to each design exercise.
***If students want to learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from “instincts” and “intuition” they must come with an open mind and no agendas, ready for growth and for risk-taking!
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
6-8 yards or more each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
1 yard or more each of:
• Reds, Pinks, Blues, Teals, Greens, Limes, Violets, Browns, Yellows, Golds, Oranges, Purples, Maroons, Turquoises, Rusts, etc.
• BRIGHTS: Acid yellow, acid lime, hot pink, turquoise, bright orange, bright red-orange, fuchsia pink, really bright blue
• GRAYS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• TANS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Do not bring prints.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
• BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
• RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 10. Iterations [Very advanced]
Iterations• Level: Very advanced
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/good machine-sewing skills
• Sewing machine: YesDESCRIPTION
This is a 2-week workshop in advanced composition.
• Multiple DESIGN EXERCISES will be given in sequence based on increasing complexity.
• The DESIGN EXERCISES have been created to flush out more critical thinking about composition and to help the artist become more acutely sensitive to the important use of FLAT in relationship to GLOWING, and RELATIVE colors in composition.
• Results will include a group of smaller to medium size compositions or sketches and possibly a larger composition.
FABRIC LIST:
• Please concentrate on bringing a very good supply of FLATS in as many colors as possible.
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
8 yards or more each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
2 yards of each color:
• BRIGHT COLORS - bright red, orange, acid yellow, lime, turquoise, blue, apple green, pink, lavender, etc. (very saturated bright colors … the brightest color that are never darker than medium value)
1-2 yards of each color:
• SOLID OPAQUE COLORS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark values so you can be free to work) - reds, pinks, blues, teals, greens, limes, violets, browns, yellows, golds, oranges, purples, maroons, turquoises, rusts, etc.
• GRAYS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• TANS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Do not bring prints.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
• BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
• RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 11. Working-in-a-Series [Very advanced]
Working-in-a-Series• Level: Very advanced
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/good machine-sewing skills
• Sewing machine: YesDESCRIPTION
This class is a commitment. It signifies serious focus. An artist who “works-in-a-series” is an artist who has found a theme, a motif, or content that engages them intensely enough to be explored in-depth over a long period of time.
This workshop has been developed to assist students in using the process of “working-in-a-series” in order to explore one or more ideas in-depth using machine-piecing techniques. In addition, this class is predicated on the premise that though each participant may already have a voice or is beginning to have a voice, the participant is still searching for structured ways to develop ideas and themes.
Because this workshop is intended for advanced students who want to begin or who have begun to develop a group of works that significantly relate one to the other in concept, composition, figure/ground relationships, use of motifs, scale, color, use of surface design fabrics, etc., this workshop will accommodate any of the following 3 approaches:
• Approach #1: (Independent student) The independent student must come to class with a series already started at home and then focus on how to add to this series by exploring additional new territory during the 10-days. Help and critiquing will be offered as wanted but the student is expected to be totally self-directed.
• Approach #2: The student comes to class prepared only with initial ideas. Once in class the student will begin creating a group of fabric sketches (small pieced compositions) while experimenting with ideas that could become a series. Help and critiquing will be offered as wanted.
• Approach #3: The student comes to class intent on following a group of formal exercises that will be presented to loosen up creative energy. These exercises will be done using machine-piecing and will activate imagination and thought processes for developing a series. Help and critiquing will be offered as wanted.
Important note: All students are expected to be in charge of their fabric selection brought to class knowing that whatever they bring should support what they hope to achieve. If wanting to do APPROACH #3, then it will be imperative to read the fabric supply list and bring what is requested.
PRESENTATION
⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional.SUPPLIES
• Sewing machine/Bobbins
• Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
• Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
• Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
• Sharp scissors (medium & large)
• Extra large rotary cutter and blades
• Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
• 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
• 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
• Several 40” x 60” batts
• Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
• Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
• Spray water bottle for ironing
• Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
• Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
• Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
• Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
• Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
• Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
• Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
• Scotch tape
• Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)
Fabrics:
8 yards or more each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
2 yards of each color:
• BRIGHT COLORS - bright red, orange, acid yellow, lime, turquoise, blue, apple green, pink, lavender, etc. (very saturated bright colors … the brightest color that are never darker than medium value)
1-2 yards of each color:
• SOLID OPAQUE COLORS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark values so you can be free to work) - reds, pinks, blues, teals, greens, limes, violets, browns, yellows, golds, oranges, purples, maroons, turquoises, rusts, etc.
• GRAYS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
• OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
Note:
• Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
• Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
• We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
• DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
• Do not bring prints.
• Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!
Note:
Any color can be GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
• BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
• GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
• FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
• RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.
NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.
In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.
About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!
Books/catalogues authored:
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
• DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
• SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
• CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
• COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
• CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
• NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
• GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
• NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
• NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
• NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS - 12. Master Composition: Finding your Voice [Very advanced/Post Graduate]
Master Composition: Finding your Voice• Level: Very advanced/Post Graduate
• Length: 10 days
• Prerequisite: Artists/students who have previously studied with Nancy Crow a minimum of 7 times and who will have prepared a brand new body of work before class begins.
• Sewing machine: YesDESCRIPTION
Note: Master Composition is designed only for those artists who have studied with Nancy at least 7 times but who are establishing their own voice or who have already established their own voice … and whose work is not derivative of Nancy Crow’s work! Each participant must be prepared to work self-directed and independently during the two weeks of class; each artist must come with brand new work finished within the past two years showing their progress; each must come with the designated professional presentations on both their own development and the specified topic for the two weeks. Group critique will be offered Friday of each week but individual help/critique will be offered everyday as desired.
A longer description will be sent to each person enrolled in this class when it is offered.
This workshop may be offered only every two to three years.
This workshop is intended for students who:
• are disciplined about their work and are practicing
• have ideas and who INTENTIONALLY GATHER IDEAS for their work
• are wanting to be more rigorous in their approach to their work
• are looking for honest critiques
• are self-directed
• will not be producing any work derivative of my own work ... I will not encourage nor support nor tolerate work derivative of my own body of work because it means that you are not working hard enough to find your own voice.
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