Fiber Optics  48H x 48W 2010

Artist Statement

This is one of the first quilts I made independently after studying with Nancy Crow. I pieced a large selection of striped fabrics that I cut up and arranged into small block like compositions. From there, I arranged the block compositions into one large composition. I love a good strip set!

Stitching Towards Discovery 2025

The new year is around the corner and for me that means Stitching Towards Discovery 2025!

I created this workshop back in 2022 when it became evident that quilt makers were looking for educational opportunities to go deeper into their craft. The goal of this workshop is for students to work diligently on a portfolio of four to six quilt to be shared at our final LIVE ZOOM event called the Big TADA.

Here are some details about this SIX MONTH LONG WORKSHOP.

SCHEDULE

January—June, 2025
Thursdays 6PM-9PM EST
ALL sessions are recorded and made available for student use.

December 2024–Individual Consults independently scheduled
January 2 & 30–Formal and Study Group Sessions
February 6 & 27–Formal and Study Group Sessions
March 13 & 27 –Formal and Study Group Sessions
April 10 & 17–Formal and Study Group Sessions
Early May–Individual Consults independently scheduled
May 8–Formal Session
May 22–Elizabeth Get Together Study Group
June 5–Formal and Study Group Sessions
June 19–The BIG TADA

FORMAT

We have two sessions each month—the Formal Session and the Study Goup. During the Formal Session, we have guest lectures, prompt reveals, student feedback and consultation sessions.

During the Study Group session, we have the Stitcher’s Salon, my lecture which relates to the guest lecturer’s topic, student feedback and consultation sessions.

Guest lecturers will speak on interesting and motivating topics such as Goal Setting, Working in a Series, Artistic Process, and Exhibiting your Work.

The Stitchers Salon is an hour long chat session where we talk about all things quilty from QuiltCon, to facings, to favorite tools.

PROMPT TOPICS

Every month I will present four one word prompts. These prompts are meant to motivate you to quilt! You can choose to use these prompts to help build your portfolio of quilts or not. Here are the four prompt topics.

Wild Card—This prompt is always something random that I have been thinking about. Basically, it is a word or group of words that I would like to see you turn into a quilt. The word might be HARU, HAPPINESS, or HULLABALOO.  I will try to always surprise you.

Design—This prompt has connections to the Elements of Design. I will present an element of design and what it might mean for you to make a quilt focused on that element.

Under the Influence—For this prompt, I will introduce you to an artist worth thinking about. You are encouraged to take some component of that artist’s work and use it in your own work. It is a fun way to learn more about art while experimenting with color, design, and subject matter.

Visual—This prompt is always something you can see. Usually it is an object that can be interpreted in many, many different ways. For example—RIVER, or CEMETERY, or SHOPPING MALL.

COMMUNITY

This workshop is about creating new work in a comfortable space with other quilt makers who are also focused on honing their craft. We have a designated private Facebook group where students share their work, ask questions, and support each other. Each student also has the option of being placed in a Peer Posse. Peer Posses are small groups (two or three students) who are committed to connecting in a small group. That might mean texts or individual zoom meetings. Peer Posses groups are formed based on a student survey. Additionally, the first hour of Study Group is an informal chat session called the Stitcher’s Salon. This is an opportunity to ask questions and share details about techniques, quilt news, and other things.

THE BIG TADA

The final event of Stitching Towards Discovery is a LIVE ZOOM showcase featuring student portfolios. It is super exciting for everyone! The general public is invited to attend. After the live event, I will create a Youtube post where visitors may review THE BIG TADA at their leisure. You can watch the 2022, 2023, and 2024 BIG TADAS by clicking here.

SUPPORT FROM ME

Each student has the opportunity to schedule two one-on-one private consults with me. The first consultation is scheduled at the beginning of the class. This consultation is designed to answer any questions you may have about the class, your work, or your goals. The second consult is usually during the last month of class. We will meet privately to review your portfolio and help you prepare for THE BIG TADA. I also offer twice monthly options for feedback and consultation during our regular ZOOM workshop sessions. 

PAYMENT PLANS

If you are interested in signing up for Stitching Towards Discovery but would like to take advantage of a payment plan to do so, you are in luck! We are offering individualized payment plans this year. To discuss a payment plan that works for you, please contact Elizabeth Berger at elizabethbquilting@gmail.com to find a payment plan that works for you.

NEWS & EVENTS
Stitching Toward Discovery
January 2, 2025
Complete Details are shared above.

Improv for Everyone–Improv Triangles
Saturday, January 4, 2025
1PM—5PM EST
$30 VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Twice a year, I offer a low budget workshop called Improv for Everyone. In this workshop we dive deep into a particular shape and/or improv piecing technique. This January we will be exploring the IMPROV TRIANGLE. The session will be RECORDED and students will have access to this recording for at least six months. $30 gets you an in-depth lecture and demonstrations, community sewing time, handouts, and a recording!

Road to California
Ontario, California
January 20—26, 2025
I am teaching an assortment of workshops at Road to California this year. All of my workshops except for Bits & Pieces still have room. I particularly want to recommend Making Prints on Friday & Saturday. It looks like this is going to be a small class which means we will cover a lot of territory in an intimate setting!

FLASHBACK PHOTO
It is hard to believe that this is what used to happen in my studio on the regular ten years ago! 

STUDIO SNAPSHOT

This summer during a cleaning frenzy, I misplaced two half-finished quilts. I have been looking high and low for them. And today, I found them. What a relief! 

May your stitching always lead to discovery!

Maria

p.s. If you would like to see more FABULOUS Stitching Towards Discovery Student Portfolios, you can by visiting my Instagram account @mariashellquilts. For the rest of the month, I am showcasing student work. Check it out!