Becoming a student again

Written by Diane Harris on April 6, 2022. Posted in Blog, How-tos and Ideas, Quilt Lifestyle

I took a class this week with a quilter I’ve long admired.

The class was Psychedelic Baby, taught by Katie Pedersen @sewkatiedid from Seattle. Katie was one of the first people I saw doing improv patchwork many years ago—maybe 2010?

One of Katie Pedersen’s improvisational Psychedelic Baby quilts

I’ve enjoyed her work all these years and jumped at the chance to learn from her when Omaha Modern Quilt Guild brought her to town.

Katie Pedersen, left, helps a student of improv with block layout.

This week was a good reminder of what it’s like to be the student. It’s easy to forget how it feels to be on the other side, and I think taking classes makes me a better teacher.

This quilt stopped me in my tracks! Stunner.

I made some observations which led to a list of “shoulds” that I’ll remember next time I’m a student.

I should use colors and fabrics that excite me. I forced myself to use something subdued and I don’t love it because it doesn’t look like me.
I should read the supply list carefully and earlier than midnight on the day before class.
I should do the homework as instructed.
Yes, I will need as much fabric as the supply list calls for.

Another layout option for my first blocks

As a teacher, I understand the delicate balance between helping quilters prepare and overwhelming them with information. Before they’ve learned the technique, too many instructions take the fun away and ruin the anticipation of an enjoyable experience. Too few instructions can frustrate students and get things off to a rocky start.

Katie (left) helps a few more students with improv patchwork.

Katie’s supply list and instructions for homework were spot-on: not too much and not too little info.

I was reminded of something important: I should trust that the teacher has a reason for everything she does. From the supply list to the homework to the instruction during class, she’s been through this many times previous and she knows what’s up. Even when some thing seems odd to me, I must remember to trust the teacher.

And one other thing: Please please resist the urge to share your own tips while someone else is teaching. If you have amazing knowledge to share, then by all means become a teacher. But when you are a student, then just be a student! 😊

The quilts Katie brought to class and the evening trunk show were inspiring.

I stayed in Omaha long enough to go to Katie’s trunk show on Tuesday evening during the OMQG meeting. I enjoyed it a lot and came away feeling inspired and ready to create.