Kawandi Inspired Quilting with Wilma Kirmse MOVED

Kawandi quilting originated with the Siddi people, descendants of enslaved Africans brought to India by the Portuguese 400 years ago. They still live in relative isolation from the Indian community, castes and tribals. We will talk a little about the origins of this style of quilting, look at some examples, and then learn the technique.

The quilts are distinctive for their bright colours and their use of patches of repurposed clothing or fabric. Scraps are put on top of a backing or foundation and hand stitched with a running stitch. The edges are turned under by hand and stitched together with the batting tucked inside. The quilting spirals in from the outer edge and ends in the center.

It can be relaxing and meditative as you stitch away, and due to its nature is less stressful than the demands of traditional piecing as everything doesn’t have to match perfectly and yet the finished product is attractive.

We will work to create a small piece of Kawandi style quilting: a placemat, book cover or small hanging is recommended for this class. 

 For the class you will need:

•   A backing fabric that is ½” larger (length and width) than you want your finished piece to be.
• A   piece of cotton batting that is 1/2” smaller (length and width) than your backing fabric.
•  Scraps of fabric of your choice. It can be recycled clothing or fabric, or you can purchase a charm pack, or 4 to 6 fat quarters (depending on how many colors or patterns you want to include). I will have a tub of scraps with me which you are welcome to use as well to add to your piece.
•  Thread – you can choose to use regular quilting thread if you do not want the stitches to show as much, or you can use a heavier thread such as embroidery thread or perle cotton. You can choose a colour that compliments your fabrics, or one that blends in.
•   Needle – this depends on your choice of thread. If using a quilting thread then a quilting needle will work, if using embroidery thread you will need an embroidery needle.
•   Thimble if you like to use one.
•  Scissors to cut scraps of fabric and snip thread
• Pins or clips to hold fabric in place if desired.

Payment must be made at time of registration either by on line payment or e transfer (acacpayments@gmail.com). Thank you.