IMP009FriEve - Improv Gems: A New Way to Create Sparkling Gem Blocks
Friday, February 21, 2025
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM MT
NOTE: Materials fees are required for some workshops. These fees are paid directly to faculty and are not part of your registration fee. Seats Available?: Sold Out
Required Supplies: - 6-8 business-size envelopes - Fabric – Fat Quarters of cotton solids or gradients. Consider bringing a range of values (light, medium, dark) within one or two colorways. This project works best when you have a very dark value, a very light value, and a range of 2 or 3 medium values. White and black also work well to bump up the “bling” in your gem.
The below items will be provided in the workshop room to share amongst students but it is highly recommended students bring their own to maximize class time: - Small Personal Cutting Mat - 12” ruler with a ¼” measurement - Rotary cutter - 2 if you wish to use one for paper and the other for fabric - Scissors
Optional Supplies: MJ will bring basic freezer paper templates for members to use. However, if students wish to purchase their own, they can do so by purchasing it at their local grocery store OR from Amazon. The freezer paper should be 18” wide.
In this workshop, learn new ways to create sparkling gem blocks using the power of improvisational piecing. MJ’s typical gemstone patterns require a significant amount of time to cut out individual templates but this improv method does not! Learn how to use improvisational strip-piecing techniques to create emerald-cut, baguette-cut, and Asscher-cut diamonds. These diamonds feature long, lovely facets – the “hall of mirrors” – that highlight the interior clarity of a gem. During this workshop, students will learn how to make your blocks sparkle and glow through color and fabric selection, and MJ will demonstrate several simple assembly techniques to piece together your lovely creation. Sewing machines generously provided by event sponsors!