SETS AND VARIABLES I: USING A SIMPLE MOTIF
• Length: 5 days
• Level: Intermediate to Advanced (would be helpful to have taken Improvisations: Let's Experiment!)
• Sewing machine used
DESCRIPTION
Please Note: The design exercises in Sets and Variables I are different from those in Sets and Variables II & Sets and Variables III. Therefore, students can take classes in sequence or take only one class. Students may also take this class as Independent Study with or without critiques.
Sets and Variables I is based on exploring the use of one particular simple motif. A motif is defined as being a simple configuration that is repeated in some manner. It is the responsibility of each student to think about which shapes, which configurations could become new fresh motifs and to bring 10 to 20 more ideas to class drawn out in a sketchbook. Students must come prepared with motif ideas!
On the first day of class each student will choose one of their motif ideas; students must love their chosen motif enough to work with it throughout all given design exercises. This motif will become the set and the variables will be added as part of each timed exercise.
Composition, value and color usage will be emphasized at all times, so each student must come prepared with the very best assortment of values, particularly in solids (commercial or hand-dyed) in as many color families as possible. It is important that the range of values includes very light colors, medium lights, mediums, medium darks, and darks.
This class requires very individual thinking and total concentration, and is meant to be challenging! The method of working will be a journey about discovery and will require an attitude of risk-taking! The design exercises will stimulate thinking and hopefully help to develop more individual work.
Note: All design exercises will be done in fabric using machine piecing techniques. Each exercise will result in a composition. Keeping a sketchbook with excellent notations will be vitally important throughout the workshop. It is recommended that students bring a Polaroid camera and film to use as a tool for keeping track of “works-in-progress.”
Presentations:
Each student should bring 20-30 slides or 6-8 quilts and be prepared to make a short (5 mins. maximum) articulate presentation about their work. Students should be ready to discuss and explain their goals.
SUPPLIES
Sewing Machine
Swing-Arm Lamp
Digital Camera and Printer or Polaroid and Film
Multiple Outlet Power Strip/Adaptors
Glue to Adhere Snapshots into Sketchbook
Iron/Iron Cleaner
Heavy Duty Extension Cords
Small Spray Bottle
4’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (White) on which to pin work
Ball-Head Pins (very fine and regular size)
24" x 36" Cutting Mat/Extra Large Rotary Cutter and Blades
Scissors, Needles, Thread, Rulers
Sketchbook/Pens/Other Supplies You Want
Optional Books:
Nancy Crow, 2006, Breckling Press (new book covering Nancy's work from 1989-2005)
Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them.
GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW, Quilt House Publishing
NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION, American Quilters’ Society
NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES, American Quilters’ Society
NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS, C&T Publishing
Fabrics:
3 yards each of:
• SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE (Pimatex by Robert Kaufman is wonderful quality)
1 yard or more each of:
• SOLID COLORS (wide range in light, medium, dark values so you can be free to work – Reds, Blues, Teals, Greens, Violets, Browns, Golds, Oranges, Purples, Maroons, Turquoises, Rusts, Etc.)
• GRAYS (wide range in light, medium, dark)
• TANS (wide range in light, medium, dark)
• OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)
1/2 to 1 yard or more each of:
• A GROUP OF PRINTS THAT LOOK LIKE VISUAL TEXTURES plus GRAPHIC PRINTS, STRIPES, PLAIDS, CHECKS, BATIKS, PAINTED FABRICS
Whatever suits you!!!
We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
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 20 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!!!
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.
Overall during the class, we will use more solid colors than prints but still...bring the requested prints. When choosing solid colors to bring to class, be sure to bring both warm and cool tones.
I caution you to not bring mostly middle value solids, rather bring a wide variety, including:
• Light values
• Medium light values
• Medium values
• Medium dark values
• Dark values
Any color can be warm or cold.
Warm tones: Any colors that are mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
Cold tones: Any colors that are mixed with blue and which have a dullness and subdued nature.
Many students arrive with their own hand-dyed solids or stacks they have purchased from other dyers. By all means, bring hand-dyed if you want.
But flat solids (dyed commercially) are equally acceptable.
I usually work with flat colors or my own subtly dyed flat colors. My own palette includes approximately 500 shades.
Regarding fabrics: I recommend 1 yard cuts or larger because I feel happier with a minimum of 1 yard cuts, but please feel free to come with 1/2 yard cuts if this will facilitate having a much broader range of values. But please do not blame me if you run out of any color as I have no way of knowing which colors you will use up.
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