classes and workshops
I have taught a variety of classes and workshops, on topics including sewing, quilting, and game design. Below are sample descriptions of these classes. If you are interested in taking a class with me, you can sign up for my mailing list. If you are interested in private lessons on any of these topics, or want to bring me to teach at your institution, please send me an email at irabeare[at]gmail.com.
ABOUT BEGINNER IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTING:
Over three classes we will work to develop comfort with basic improvisational art and quilting principles and sewing machine skills. You do not need experience with a sewing machine, but if you have some experience and want to improve, that’s great too! This is a beginner-level class but people at multiple levels of experience have enjoyed it.
You will design and make a quilted project start-to-finish— I will have a few project options to choose from (ie wall hanging, challah cover, potholder set). You have the option to provide your own fabrics and/or sewing machine, or have me provide one.
We will talk a little about the history of improvisational quilting as community care work and artistic practice, look at some examples of historical quilts for inspiration, and foster a supportive and enthusiastic environment for creative experimentation! Quilting is for everyone!!!
ABOUT BEGINNER TRADITIONAL QUILTING:
Over three classes we will work to develop comfort with basic traditional quilting principles and sewing machine skills. You do not need experience with a sewing machine, but if you have some experience and want to improve, that’s great too! This is a beginner-level class but people at multiple levels of experience have enjoyed it.
You will choose a traditional pattern and work through breaking it down to make a small quilted project start-to-finish. You have the option to provide your own fabrics and/or sewing machine, or have me provide one.
We will talk a little about the history of quilting, particularly in the American context, think through how to break down a quilt pattern, look at some examples of historical quilts for inspiration, and foster a supportive and enthusiastic environment for developing new skills! Quilting is for everyone!!!
ABOUT INTERMEDIATE STORY QUILTING:
Story quilts use a diverse variety of tactics to build up a narrative image through quilting. Over six classes we will work to further develop existing sewing and quilting skills. You should have some experience with quilting, whether from my class or elsewhere. We will utilize a mix of hand and machine techniques, including (but not limited to) patterned and improvisational piecing, appliqué, hand stitching and embroidery, beadwork— whatever you want to learn!
You will design and make a quilted project start-to-finish. You have the option to provide your own fabrics and/or sewing machine, or have me provide one.
We will talk a little about the history of story quilting as a marginalized artistic practice, look at some examples of historical quilts for inspiration, and foster a supportive and enthusiastic environment for creative experimentation! Quilting is for everyone!!!