Nancy Crow quiltmaking classes
Nancy Crow quiltmaking classes
Nancy Crow quiltmaking classes
Nancy Crow quiltmaking classes

Nancy Crow

Nancy has been teaching quiltmaking as an art form for over 30 years; she finds teaching both a very creative experience and uplifting. One of her goals is to help students find a path through roadblocks to a more flexible way of approaching composition. Composition is the focus of all of her 18 workshops in which she proceeds sequentially from beginning to very advanced composition while at the same time introducing many wonderful techniques which can be used in machine-piecing. Nancy promotes machine-piecing as one of the most important ways to work for a quiltmaker, paralleling it to oil painting. Nancy was selected for two national honors: Fellow of the American Craft Council and National Living Treasure by the Museum of World Cultures at the University of North Carolina. The National Living Treasure award honors Americans who work in traditional handicrafts. In addition, she has won many Individual Artist's Fellowships from The Ohio Arts Council. She leads art tours to Peru, Mexico, South Africa, France, and Guatemala, and is the author of seven books, including: Self-Portraits: Mono-Prints, Nancy Crow, Nancy Crow: Improvisational Quilts and Nancy Crow: Quilts and Influences.
Nancy’s 2-week class:
  • • September 5-10 & 12-17, 2021 | Improvisational Exercises: Parts I & II

    Open or Close
    Improvisational Exercises: Parts I & II
    • Level: Intermediate to advanced
    • Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/good machine-sewing skills
    • Zig zag sewing machine:
    Yes
    • Materials fee:
    No

    SORRY, class is full To be placed on waiting list, please send in registration & deposit. If space does not become available, a full refund will be issued.

    Tuition & Meal plan for this special 2-week class with Nancy:
    $2180 | 10-day Tuition ($1650) & Meal plan ($530)
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    DESCRIPTION for Improvisational Exercises: Part I
    This brand new 5-day class has been specifically developed for students desirous of being far more experimental using machine-piecing techniques. 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.”

    New 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 CONFIGURATIONS that could be used as the MOTIF or 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 5-days so there is no need to bring any printed or marbled fabrics, only solids whether commercial or hand-dyed.

    PLEASE concentrate on bringing 5 value ranges in neutrals and in other solid colors. You must have these 5 value ranges in all of the grays and all of the browns. Those values are: LIGHT, MEDIUM LIGHT, MEDIUM, MEDIUM DARK, DARK.


    DESCRIPTION for Improvisational Exercises: Part II
    A sewing machine and lots of fabric will be used in this fast-paced and intense workshop designed for students who no longer need "hand-holding" and who are desirous of being far more experimental using machine-piecing techniques. 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." Emphasis will be on the continuation of a stronger understanding of figure/ground composition and freeing up.

    • Students will concentrate on
    three distinct compositions during this 5-day class:

    1. The
    first will be done in black and white.

    2. The
    second one will be done in a full range of neutrals including white, off-white, very light grey, light grey, medium light grey, medium grey, medium dark grey, dark grey and various shades of black. This exercise in composition will target the absolute importance of value in defining visual planes of depth.

    3. The
    third one will be done in a full range of colors, as many as possible, in as many values as possible. Only solid colors will be used in this class. Color and the values of color, from light to dark, will be emphasized so a great selection of fabrics must be brought to this workshop.

    At the end of this workshop, students will have completed three compositions in which they have learned a far wider use of value and color and very important technical construction techniques. As always, students will learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from "instincts" and "intuition" so come with an open mind and no agendas, ready for growth and for risk-taking!

    PLEASE concentrate on bringing 5 value ranges in neutrals and in other solid colors. You must have these 5 value ranges in all of the grays and all of the browns. Those values are: LIGHT, MEDIUM LIGHT, MEDIUM, MEDIUM DARK, DARK.

    Students will learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from "instincts" and "intuition" so 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 digital presentation/laptop or 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. The Crow Timber Frame Barn provides use of a digital projector connected to a laptop.
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    SUPPLIES

    • Sewing Machine
    • Needles/Bobbins
    • Digital Camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
    • Scissors/Thread/Rulers
    • Swing Arm Lamp
    • 24” x 36” Cutting Mat
    • 7’ x 7’ Batting/Flannel (White) on which to pin work (optional)
    • Extra Large Rotary Cutter and Blades
    • Iron/Iron Cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
    • Ball-Head Pins (very fine and regular size)
    • Small Water Spray Bottle for Ironing
    • Glue to Adhere Snapshots into Sketchbook
    • Multiple Outlet Power Strip/Adaptors/Heavy Duty Extension Cords
    • Sketchbook/Pens/Other Supplies You Want
    • Packing Tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)

    Optional Books:
    • COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2 & CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS, 2016, (books from two exhibitions curated by Nancy) - signed/dated editions available at the Crow Timber Frame Barn
    • CROSSROADS, 2007, Breckling Press (catalog from one of Nancy’s exhibitions) - signed/dated editions available at the Crow Timber Frame Barn
    • NANCY CROW, 2006, Breckling Press (book covering Nancy's work from 1989-2005) - signed/dated editions available at the Crow Timber Frame Barn
    • NANCY CROW, MONO-PRINTS: SELF-PORTRAITS: FOCUS, 2012 - signed/dated editions available at the Crow Timber Frame Barn

    Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on Amazon.com.
    • 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 for 1st week:
    6 yards each of:
    • SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
    2 yards each of:
    • 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)
    • GRAYS (wide range in 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


    FABRICS for 2nd week:
    8 yards each of:
    • SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE
    3 yards each of:
    • GRAYS (wide range in 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.
    • 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)
    • TANS (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
    • OFF-WHITES ...warm white, cold white, cream



    • Bring BOTH the GLOWING and the FLAT versions of as many of these colors as possible.
    • You must wash and shrink all fabrics before class! 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 marbled fabrics.
    • Bring enough variety so you are not hamstrung!


    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 35+ 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.

    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
    • Please bring the glowing version… AND… the dull/flat version of as many colors as possible.

    • Remember that
    ANY COLOR… AND… ANY VALUE of ANY COLOR can be glowing or dull/flat.

    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 not splotchy with white splotches on all colors.

    But solids (dyed commercially) are equally acceptable.

    I usually work with my own subtly dyed solid colors. My own palette includes approximately 500+ shades.

    Regarding fabrics: I recommend 2 yard cuts or larger because I feel happier with a minimum of 2 yard cuts. But please feel free to come with 1 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.

  • • 2021 Summer Art Retreats | Tuition and Meal Plan
    Tuition & Meal plan for 2-week classes with Nancy Crow:
    Both weeks (10-day class) of these special workshops are to be taken back-to-back. No registrations accepted for only one week.
    • $2180 | 10-day Tuition ($1650) & Meal plan ($530)

    Tuition & Meal plan for 1-week classes with Denise Roberts:
    • Sign up for one or both weeks of Denise’s workshops.
    • $1090 | 5-day Tuition ($825) & Meal plan ($265)



    Meal plan
    During the art retreats, Margaret Wolf, will prepare fabulous gourmet lunches and dinners plus a coffee/snack break daily during each week of class. The meal plan is provided so participants may concentrate fully on their work without being bothered by the interruption and inconvenience of cooking for themselves. The break times present a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students, share ideas, and just relax together in this wonderful environment.

    The meal plan includes an opening night welcome dinner, five lunches, five afternoon coffee/pastry breaks, and four more dinners during the duration of the workshop. Coffee, tea and water will be served during these break times. Participants are responsible for any other beverage choices, such as soda pop, beer, wine, milk or bottled water.

    Please keep in mind that if anyone chooses not to participate in the meal plan, they are solely responsible for all of their meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and other beverages. The kitchen facilities are reserved for the resident chef. There is a microwave and a refrigerator in the wet studio for student use. Most restaurants are at least a 20 minute drive away from the barn.

    Please note: Due to facility limitations, meal plans are available only for workshop participants.
  • • Accommodations
    Recommended accommodations & offering special rates:

    Hampton Inn, Pickerington, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    This clean, comfortable hotel is offering reduced rates. Please ask for "Nancy Crow Workshop" special rate (includes breakfast) using the local phone number 614-864-8383 or book online

    Best Western, Pickerington, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    All suites hotel with separate living area and bedroom. Offers complimentary full hot breakfast, free wifi, heated indoor pool, exercise room, & business center. Call 614-860-9804 to book and ask for “Nancy Crow Workshop” special rate.

    Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Reynoldsburg (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    Please ask for "Crow Barn Workshop" special rate (includes breakfast) using the local phone number 614-861-8888 or Email the manager
    If booking online, please use the corporate ID code: 786931270

    The Morgan Theater Home, Baltimore, Ohio (5 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn, mention Crow Barn)
    Former silent movie theater converted into a private residence. Three rooms for rent include free cable TV & free high speed internet access. Kitchen/refrigerator/stove & all "kitchen stuff" available. Phone: 740-862-4765 or Email

    Rosabella B & B, Millersport, Ohio (10 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn; mention Crow Barn)
    Beautifully restored 1850s Italianate farmhouse is surrounded by farm fields. Breakfast included. The grounds include a wrap-around porch, hammock, patio, pool, hot tub, and fire pit. Phone: 740-467-3580

    Other accommodations, please negotiate your own weekly rates:

    AirBnB options in the area near the Crow Timber Frame Barn

    City of Lancaster, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    • Hampton Inn, 740-654-2999, clean and quiet
    City of Reynoldsburg, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    • Fairfield Inn, 614-864-4555

    Campgrounds near the Crow Timber Frame Barn
    Rippling Stream Campground, Baltimore, OH, 740-862-6065, (5 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    KOA Campground, Buckeye Lake, OH, 740-928-0706, (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
  • • Miscellaneous information
    Roommate
    • Please let us know if you would like a roommate. We will try to match you with another participant to share accommodations.

    Travel to and from the Crow Timber Frame Barn
    • The Barn is located near Baltimore, Ohio (southeast of Columbus, Ohio)
    • Please keep in mind that there is not a shuttle service to and from the motels to the farm, therefore please arrange a rental car or carpool with another participant.
    John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Columbus, Ohio, is the major airport serving the area (30 minute drive to the Barn)

    Rental sewing machines, cutting mats & lamps
    • Bernina sewing machines are available for $75 per 5-day class or $150 per 10-day class.
    • Cutting mats are available for $15 per 5-day class or $30 per 10-day class.
    • Lamps are available for $15 per 5-day class or $30 per 10-day class.

    Formal class hours
    • Monday-Friday: 9-12 and 2-5 daily
    (Classrooms are open 7 am-9 pm Monday-Thursday, 7 am-5 pm Friday)

    Professional facilities
    Each student is provided with a large work table, an 8’ x 8’ work wall, and a comfortable chair. Classrooms are well illuminated and are open from early morning until late in the evening, plus the classrooms have air conditioning & heating. The surface design/dye studio at the Crow Timber Frame Barn includes large padded tables, lots of light (natural and color-corrected bulbs), 3 commercial stainless steel sinks, & washer/dryer. All facilities are non-smoking.

    Mailing list
    If you would like to be placed on a mailing list for information about upcoming art retreats, please send your contact info.

    Questions? Email
Images of student work and classes at the Crow Timber Frame Barn