Armed with their machines, colourful thread, a range of sharpies and a drawing pad, Caroline, Michelle, Jenna and Kathy headed down the coast to Bulli for a two day workshop with Karlee Porter pioneer of Graffiti Quilting.
Day 1 was fascinating as we learned all about the different techniques and symbols to use in the graffiti quilting style. We practiced in our drawing pads and Karlee talked us through the styles and her quilting journey. There was plenty of show and tell along the way! In the afternoon we got to practice on our machines.
(Pictures – Kathy’s Sketch; Jenna’s Graffiti Quilting ; Kathy’s Graffiti Quilting)
Friday night there was also a special Trunk Show where we got to hear more stories about Karlee’s quilting story and more closely pet – I mean examine some of her quilts. Digital Printing, different fabrics, paint, crystals and beading all make appearances in her quilts. We also heard about her collaborations with other artists such as her spectacular “Hear me Roar” quilt with the artist Patrick Seymour.
(Pictures : Karlee Porter’s and her “Hear Me Roar” quilt, front and back)
Day 2 we learnt about layouts and how to make our quilts flow nicely. Then we each decided on a layout and went to town on the free motion quilting!
(Pictures: Michelle’s Graffiti Quilt, plus the lucky door prize she won!; Caroline’s Russian Mosques Graffiti Quilt)
(Pictures: Jenna’s Russian Mosque Graffiti Quilting)
(Pictures: Kathy’s Russian Mosque Graffiti Quilting)
Karlee even designed a special Sydney Harbour Graffiti Quilting icon!
So thanks Karlee for the awesome workshop and a big shout out to the Wollongong Modern Quilt Guild for organising/hosting.
