David Taylor Workshop

David Taylor, quilter extraordinaire, was at our quilt guild this month and I had the opportunity to take a 1-day applique workshop.  WOW, he's a really good teacher:  He can explain things in a simple way.  He knows what he is talking about.  He makes it fun.  He is not only produces award winning applique, but his thread-play quilting is jaw-dropping.  I love it.

If you don't know who David Taylor is - you've probably seen his quilts.  He's won awards in all the major quilt shows including Houston.  Here are some of his quilts. 

Tinker

Menard

Marmalade's First Snow

Close Up Detail

Since the workshop was only one day, we worked on a pattern designed by David, just to learn the technique.  He also has 3 and 5 day workshops to learn how to create a pattern from a photo and turn it into a quilt.  The pattern I chose was Chickadee.

Here's what I got done so far...

I know, it's not much, but I did learn the stitch and his applique concepts.  He likes to do a lot of layering to avoid concave curves and points.  He uses freezer paper and diluted starch to prepare his applique pieces before sewing.  The key is layering the pieces in the right sequence.  His quilts are absolutely FLAT, he irons the applique.

This is his large quilt, Chickadee, which won first place ribbons at Houston and Lancaster.  The 409 pine needles are appliqued.  Oh my.
Take a moment to go to his website and, if you get an opportunity, don't miss his lecture or workshops. 
www.davidtaylorquilts.com/index.html    OR Click on title of this blog and it will take you to his website.