Are you looking to explore your creative side and dive into the captivating world of fabric art? Look no further than Pioneer Quilts Oregon, where artistry and quilting intertwine in our engaging Art Journal Quilts class. This unique workshop is designed for quilters of all skill levels eager to experiment with new techniques and unlock their artistic potential in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The concept of Journal Quilts began as a national movement in 2004, encouraging quilters to form groups and create small format textile artworks, typically around 8 1/2″ x 11″. The aim was to push creative boundaries, learn innovative methods, and document the artistic journey. While inspired by this national project, our classes at Pioneer Quilts Oregon offer a more flexible and approachable structure, perfect for those wanting to learn without pressure.
At Pioneer Quilts, located in Portland, Oregon, our Art Journal Quilt class meets on the first Friday of each month. Unlike rigid national project guidelines, we encourage creativity without strict size limitations. While keeping projects manageable is advisable, the emphasis is on exploration and learning, not adherence to specific dimensions. Forget about homework stress! The focus is on experiencing the technique during class time, with encouragement to develop projects further, but no pressure to have a finished piece every session. We also skip the formal journaling aspect, opting for a more hands-on, less academic approach, ensuring the class remains enjoyable and creatively stimulating.
The true essence of our Art Journal Quilt class at Pioneer Quilts Oregon lies in introducing quilters to the more artistic and unconventional facets of fabric and fiber. By working on smaller projects, both the material investment and time commitment are kept minimal. This thoughtful approach means you can experiment freely without the worry of accumulating yet another unfinished, expensive project. Learn new skills, play with fabrics, and expand your artistic horizons without the burden of large-scale undertakings.
The instructor’s personal journey perfectly illustrates this philosophy. An attempt at machine-made needle lace on a large scale, with costly materials, quickly revealed the value of small-scale experimentation. Realizing the texture wasn’t right, stabilizer was needed, and the thread consumption was unexpectedly high, the project was wisely abandoned before significant further investment. This experience highlighted the crucial lesson: testing techniques on smaller, journal-sized projects saves time, money, and materials while providing invaluable learning opportunities.
Each month, Pioneer Quilts Oregon welcomes a vibrant community of participants to these classes. Beyond the core lesson, each session is enriched with additional elements. The instructor shares a favorite art or craft book, offering a chance to preview inspiring resources before purchasing. Adding to the delightful atmosphere, participants enjoy tasting unique and sometimes exotic chocolates! Finally, a ‘Show and Tell’ segment allows students to present their completed projects, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment. If you are seeking a welcoming space to learn and create, there’s always room for more participants in our Pioneer Quilts Oregon Art Journal Quilt class. Contact Pioneer Quilts for details and to join our creative community.
Recently, at another location, the class explored weaving fabric strips to create textured panels. Looking ahead to the next class at Pioneer Quilts Oregon, participants will discover how to craft 3-dimensional ‘Pebbles’ for applique onto pre-quilted backgrounds. This upcoming project, inspired by Oregon coast beachcombing, promises exciting possibilities, even for artistic table runners and more.
3 Dimensional stuffed pebbles inspired by beach combing finds at the Oregon coast
Don’t miss the opportunity to unlock your creative potential and join the Art Journal Quilt class at Pioneer Quilts Oregon. It’s more than just a quilting class; it’s a journey into artistic expression, a chance to learn new skills, and an opportunity to connect with a community of fellow creatives in the heart of Oregon.
