Design Systems & Quiltmaking Methods

My classes were never intended simply to teach quiltmaking techniques. They were designed to help quilters understand how design develops from fabric, color, structure, geometry, and personal expression.

Each class represents a different pathway into original quilt design and reflects methods developed through decades of studio practice, teaching, and experimentation.

​Although I no longer travel to teach workshops, the methods and design systems developed through these classes continue to be available through books, patterns, articles, galleries, and other resources on this site.

Liquid Gold

I design quilts, then invent the methods needed to make them possible. At other times, a construction method itself becomes the starting point for a beautiful quilt.

The classes shown below grew out of that process. Rather than replacing traditional quiltmaking, they build upon it, encouraging quilters to look at fabric, color, structure, and composition in new ways. Each class explores a different path toward original design and reflects ideas developed through decades of studio practice, experimentation, and teaching.

Student Work

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Structured Fabrics: Checks, Plaids & Stripes​

A study in constructing original textile surfaces from commercially woven fabrics. By combining checks, plaids, and stripes in unconventional ways, ordinary materials become dynamic structural elements within quilt design.

Glissando, a Goodbye to the Grid quilt

Goodbye to the Grid

Traditional patchwork grids provide order, but they can also impose limitations. Goodbye to the Grid explores alternative organizational structures for quilt composition while still drawing upon the visual language of patchwork.

Revelation, a Reflections patchwork quilt design

​Reflections​

Reflection and mirror imaging become tools for discovering original quilt designs. By learning to recognize and develop visual relationships, quilters gain confidence in creating balanced, dynamic compositions that grow from their own ideas rather than established patterns.

Lilac and Clover, a Designer Pinwheels patchwork quilt

​Designer Pinwheels​

Using rotational symmetry and tessellated right triangles, Designer Pinwheels provides a surprisingly simple framework for creating visually intricate quilt designs. The method encourages experimentation while helping quilters understand the geometric relationships that underlie successful pattern design.

All That Glitters, a Crystal Quilt

Crystal Quilts

An exploration of reflection, rotation, and tessellation in quilt design. Crystal Quilts transform simple geometric units into intricate repeating patterns that appear far more complex than they are, providing a practical introduction to symmetry while encouraging original design development.

Whirlygig, a Sudoku Quilt

Sudoku Quilts

Using the logical structure of Sudoku puzzles as a design framework, Sudoku Quilts introduce concepts of symmetry, reflection, rotation, and organized variation in an accessible and highly creative way.

All That Jazz, a Patchwork Without Piecing African Quilt

​African Quilts: Patchwork Without Piecing

Inspired by African textile traditions and improvisational construction methods, these quilts are built through direct manipulation of fabric rather than conventional patchwork piecing. The process encourages spontaneity, rhythm, and fearless experimentation.

Bubbles III, a Darned Quilt

Darned Quilts

Darned Quilts begin with layered fabrics, intuitive cutting, and reconstruction. The process combines composition, color gradation, and improvisational piecing to create richly textured original quilt surfaces.

Gee Whiz, a Balancing Act silk quilt

Balancing Act

An exploration of abstract composition through fabric, texture, repetition, proportion, and stitched surface design. Balancing Act examines how visual elements interact to create harmony, movement, and emphasis while encouraging highly individual artistic expression. 

Heart's A'flutter, a Spirit Works quilt

Spirit Works

A deeply intuitive approach to quiltmaking that combines free-motion stitching, painted surfaces, and subconscious imagery. Spirit Works explores the relationship between textile art, emotion, memory, and imagination.

Autumn Revisited (detail), machine-bound patchwork quilt

Bind Quilts by Machine

An exploration of efficient, durable, and visually refined finishing methods for quilts. From traditional bindings to piping, facings, and decorative edge treatments, these techniques help quilters finish their work professionally while expanding the design possibilities available at the quilt’s edge.