Vintage Inspired Improv

13jun10:00 am3:00 pmVintage Inspired ImprovSaturdays with Sheena Chapman 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Event Details

Sheena Chapman joins us for two classes a month.  One is on the first Friday of each month and one on the Second Saturday of each month. (NOTE: Check Saturday class dates occasionally one falls on a different Saturday on the month)  

Sheena is a very prolific maker, bringing in to class inspiring new quilts every month! She’s also a collector -so be prepared to see many vintage gems that she’s had in her stash for years or that she has just picked up at the op shop this week!

Sheena’s quilts are a fantastic blend of old and new, traditional and improv. We call it ‘Inspired Improv’. Sheena’s quilts are refreshingly colourful, fun and fast to make. Some quilts are Sheena’s contemporary take on a vintage quilt from her collection and some quilts are designed in response to the fabric she’s working with.  Once you see them you will be dying to make them all!!

Sheena has a number of improvisational techniques that she characteristically employs in her quilts and you will learn these in class. Once you’ve mastered these you can go on to create your own ‘Inspired Improv’ heirlooms. Another feature of Sheena’s quilts is the exciting use of big pieces, large borders and panels that help a quilt grow quickly in size. Sheena also employs special, sometimes unorthodox, time saving techniques that all total fabric addicts will appreciate.

Participants in Sheena’s classes usually work on one of Sheena’s quilts in class at their own pace with Sheena’s guidance. You may choose from any of Sheena’s quilts that you have seen on display in the store or here on the website. It usually takes two or three months to complete a quilt depending on how fast you like to work. 

Sheena specialises in helping you choose fabric combinations that really emphasise your ‘hero’ or favourite prints or special vintage yardage. You will learn how to mix your vintage scraps and treasures with your modern stash and make your own unique quilts with a vintage twist! In this class, the classroom is festooned with design walls so everyone can see their creation taking place life-sized in front of them.

The class is suitable for confident beginners who have probably made a few quilts before, know their equipment pretty well and are exuberant with fabric and happy to ‘throw caution to the wind’ in persuit of a lively one-of-a-kind scrappy quilt. The quilts are machine pieced so bring along your machine, cutting equipment and plenty of scraps. You’ll be inspired not just by Sheena but by what everyone else is making in class. If you are a complete beginner talk to us about coming to an other session before hand so you’re not thrown in the deep end. 

Whilst most people book into Sheena’s class on a yearly basis (and access a generous Enrolled Class member discount) it is possible to book in for one or two casual classes (where vacancies exist) to explore a new technique or to begin an ongoing project.  Sheena’s classes are popular. Casual places, if available, may be booked by phone or via this listing: Scroll to end of the listing and click on ‘ADD TO CART’  Once it’s added to your cart make sure you are booking the correct date. Then follow the prompts to make payment. 

Places are limited Bookings are necessary. All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Sheena Chapman helping Dianne with her quilt. Sheena Chapman helping Dianne with her quilt.
Sheena Chapman and Mary Lawler discuss colour. Sheena Chapman and Mary Lawler discuss colour.

Sheena Chapman Goodnight Moon QuiltSheena Chapman Goodnight Moon Quilt
Sheena Chapman Rainbow Chevron Quilt Sheena Chapman Rainbow Chevron Quilt

Sheena’s ‘Sunday Best’ by Mary Lawler Sheena’s ‘Sunday Best’ by Mary Lawler
Sheena Chapman’s Sunday Best Quilt Sheena Chapman’s Sunday Best Quilt

Sheena Chapman Bloomingdales QuiltSheena Chapman Bloomingdales Quilt
Sheena Chapman Improv Medallion Quilt Sheena Chapman Improv Medallion Quilt

Sheena Chapman Perforation Quilt Sheena Chapman Perforation Quilt
Sheena Chapman in class showing off her Jungle Fever quilt Sheena Chapman in class showing off her Jungle Fever quilt.

Sheena Chapman's 'State Fair' quilt built around the great piece of vintage purple carnival fabric! Sheena Chapman’s ‘State Fair’ quilt built around the great piece of vintage purple carnival fabric!
Jungle Fever Quilt by Sheena Chapman Jungle Fever Quilt by Sheena Chapman

Time

(Saturday) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location

Berry Quilt & Co.

Shops 4 & 5, 66 Albert Street, Berry NSW 2535

Cost

$70 pp casual rate. $60 pp enrolled monthly rate. Bookings essential.