Description
Drunken Tiles – Improv Quilting with Special Guest Nicholas Ball 29/06/2025
£80.00
Who is the Tutor?
Nicholas Ball
@quiltsfromtheattic
When is it?
10 am – 4.30pm
What will you make?
In this workshop, you will learn to take simple squares and rectangles, layer them and slice into them using Nicholas’ stacks technique. You’ll learn how to put a spin on traditional four- and nine-patch blocks, arming yourself with a method that is fast and fun while stretching those improv muscles. You will start by looking at the basics of the stacks technique, using similar-sized pieces, before moving on to more advanced units of different sizes, adding contrast and secondary areas of interest with strips and triangle scraps. You will explore the idea of creating a colour gradient using the technique and experiment with how the units are arranged to add as much or as little randomness as you like.
Skill level for this workshop:
This workshop is perfect for all skill levels. This technique is very adaptable. From one simple technique, many different quilts can be created. A beginner can start by making the simpler four-pattern units, adding more layers and cuts as they get more comfortable with the method.
Fabric Requirments For this Class
Because of the nature of improv quilting, it is difficult to give exact fabric amounts. Use the following as a rough guide:
Decide if you’d like to make scrappy units, or experiment with solids to create a colour gradient. Or simply bring lots of squares and try both!
For a scrappy version:
Squares and/or rectangles, approximately 6-8”, in various prints/solids of one colour way, plus a smaller selection of squares/rectangles in another colour way.
Odd scraps/strips of contrasting colours/prints
For a colour gradient:
Squares, 6-8”, cut from 10-12 shades of one colour. Solids would work best, as you’ll be looking to create an ombre effect.
The squares don’t have to be perfectly square, as long as they are all of a similar size, nor do they or the rectangles have to be cut perfectly straight. A layer cake or charm pack would be perfect.
This is a technique-based workshop. You will be exploring the stack technique and won’t have a finished project in mind. Feel free to make as many or as few of the units as you like. You can combine them into a sampler or continue working on the project after the workshop by adding more units. Don’t feel any pressure to cut up all your precious fabric!
There is no right or wrong size. Remember, this is your project, do as you like! Don’t stress about these requirements, we are trying to help you prepare but Nicholas is yet to teach a class where something couldn’t be made because of the wrong fabric pieces. If in doubt, gather a selection of prints and colours you like, and you can cut during the workshop. Accuracy at the cutting stage is not so important when using my techniques, so it won’t take long if you want to cut your pieces along with me.
What will you need?
A sewing machine (if you are unable to bring your own, please tell us in advance, and we can organise this for you)
Good quality thread in an appropriate weight for piecing (I recommend Aurifil 50wt)
Rotary cutter with a new blade (essential for the curve technique)
Cutting mat (if you are unable to bring your own please tell us in advance and we can lend on to you)
Patchwork ruler, we can make any size work, but a small 1” x 12” is very handy, as is a 12.5” square.
Fabric Scissors
Whilst not essential for either the workshop, Nicholas Ball’s book Inspiring Improv (Lucky Spool 2019) and Use & Ornament (Lucky Spool 2024) will expand upon the techniques learnt and provide many more improv tips and tricks. The original Shoal quilt is also one of the 12 projects.
If you want to purchase any of these items on the day, let us know, and we can have them waiting for you.
You will need to bring glasses if you wear them and your creativity. To complete this course, we recommend that you have sewn before.
Where is it?
This workshop takes place on the first floor of our beautiful CoolCrafting shop in the heart of Kendal, just off the historic Market Place. Please be aware that the only access to our first floor is via a staircase. There is no lift.
6 Available Spaces in total. Tickets available soon – £80 per person
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