gwen marston

Minimalist Design

| Cindy Anderson

What is it?

Any design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect.

Minimal Quiltmaking by Gwen Marston

Early in June I took a class taught by Pam Beal. The class title was

Minimalist Design, Maximum Impact.

I’ve been experimenting with fabric for decades.

My path began with structured piecing using quilt patterns and rigid measurements. From there I turned to impromptu piecing.

My first introduction to minimalist design was through a book written by Rayna Gillman and reinforced by a class of hers.

Pam says she is

an improvisational quilter from the Liberated School of Design.

I enjoyed listening to and learning from Pam. Here’s one of her wonderful quilts.

Lilly Pad A LA Mode
Lily Pad A LA Mode, 24” x 38 1/2”, 2013. Designed, made and hand quilted in a floor frame by Pam J. Beal, Mass City, Michigan.

While at the class I created a number of small art pieces. Some of them used colors and combinations that were out of my comfort zone.

The mini projects, numbering at least 16, are anxious to meet you.

Be watching for their debut.

Blessings to you!

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My Library Has Grown

| Cindy Anderson

I recently expanded my personal library through the addition of several new quilting books. Among the purchases were

Library Purchase.jpg

I purchased Double Wedding Ring Quilts and 15 Minutes of Play because I will be attending  Victoria Findlay Wolfe’s class at the Woodland Ridge Retreat Center in October of 2018. By acquiring both of them in advance I figured I could become familiar with her teachings and give myself a head start. I also purchased the companion templates. If you have ever considered purchasing either book I would strongly recommend that you do. Both books are filled with valuable tips to help launch or improve your journey into or with improvisational quilting.

I stumbled upon The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters purely by accident. I had never heard of the author or her book until I did my research on Victoria. One might think that if you have one improv quilting book there is no need to purchase another. I totally disagree. Just as with many other topics each author has his or her own way of doing things. Much can be learned from each of these different voices.

The last book, 37 Sketches, was highly recommended by my close friend Barb. Barb had learned a great deal from Gwen by taking many of her classes. Apparently Gwen recently retired from her teaching. Adding her book was my way of owning a piece of history. I’ve found this book to be a great addition for those moments when you choose to relax and browse through publications. It’s a pictorial snapshot of Gwen’s journey through art quilting. This book has become a welcome addition to my home.

Well that’s my take on four very worthwhile art quilting companions. If you are not sure about adding them to your own inventory, then find them at your local library and see for yourself.

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