Tic-Tac-OH! 50H x 50W 2016

Artist Statement—This quilt features my two contributions to the world of curved piecing—braided curves which are named after the braided rivers of Alaska and Log Cabin Circles which are named after one of the very best quilt blocks in the world. 

"Research has shown that round shapes trigger positive emotions. This is known as the “roundness effect,” which suggests that the brain processes curves more easily than angles. This effect may explain why we associate circular shapes with happiness, comfort, and friendliness."—Mohamed Sharaf B

Did everyone survive QuiltCon? What a wonderful ride it was this year. For those of you who take virtual workshops with me, you might want to know this fun fact. I only see Elizabeth Berger—my ZOOM moderator, “personal” assistant, website designer, Facebook moderator and MORE—once a year at QuiltCon! We actually live on opposite sides of the United States. And this year we managed to take a few photos of our time together.

One of the truly magical things about QuiltCon is the ability to connect with friends from afar year after year. We are all 365 days older, but we all still love quilting. We show up to see what the buzz is, to view in person the best in contemporary quilt making, and do a little shopping. We leave gratified by the human connections new and old that we take from this time together. There is nothing better than hanging out with quilters—they are one of my most important circles.

Speaking of circles, when I went in search of a quote for this newsletter I realized—OH MY. Circle is a BIG word—geometric circles, circles under your eyes, circles of power, the circle of life, sewing circle. Gosh, the list just goes on. And of course, Improv Circles & Curves which is the subject of one of my favorite workshops that I just happen to be teaching this coming Saturday & Sunday, March 9 & 10, 2024! Here are the details.

CIRCLE AND CURVE SAMPLER
12PM-4PM EST
Saturday & Sunday, March 9th & 10th, 2024
A complete discussion of all the ways you can improvisation-ally PIECE circles and curves. From braided curves to log cabin circles, students will be led through a series of demos about non-linear improvisational piecing techniques and ideas for taking these techniques and creating original quilts. During the class, students create a collection of circle and curve quilt blocks–great for a sampler.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY ART WORKSHOPS
Big Botany
Sun, March 17–Sat, March 23, 2024.

MOROCCO with AMAZIGH CULTURAL TOURS

I am going to Morocco with Amazigh Cultural Tours, and I would LOVE for you to join me! The tour is happening April 13—27, 2024.

A GATHERING OF STITCHES–NEW EVENT FOR ME!
Slow Stitching July retreat 
Medomak Retreat Center in Washington, Maine
. July 15–21, 2024
. Skinny Lines & Fat Circles.

STUDIO SNAPSHOT
I am still on the road teaching at Empty Spools, so I am sharing a photo of my incredibly unique classroom. I am teaching in MerrIll Hall on the Asilomar Conference grounds near Pacific Grove, California. Merrill Hall used to be a church and was designed by the architect Julia Morgan. I will be back at Empty Spools next year. I am teaching the super cool workshop Under the Influence—March 30—April 4, 2025. 

FLASHBACK PHOTO
This is a selection of small quilts that I arranged on my design wall in March of 2014, just prior to quilting them. Most of them have been auctioned off or sold. Do you own one of them? I would love to know! 

May your social circles be stitched together with good times.

Maria