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Marking Your Place in The World, One Quilt at a Time

Cate’s Sew Modern, at 266 Boston Post Road, Madison is holding a “Let’s Get Spatial” workshop on Saturday, Aug. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. at a location to be determined, highlighting the art of map quilting.

Those who have ever wanted to commemorate a special place—one’s alma mater’s campus, a vacation spot that’s been in the family for generations, one’s neighborhood or town center, even a memorable mountain hike or canoe trip—can capture that place through map quilting.

Over the course of this workshop, participants will learn to make a wall-hanging-sized quilt from a map of their choosing. Participants will pick the spot using Apple or Google Maps or a paper map and enlarge it to the desired size.

Special skills learned include comfort with improvisation, use of color theory and composition choices that can heighten impact, problem-solving, and use of fusibles in pictorial quilts, raw-edge appliqué, and bias tape. A special follow-up workshop will be held for anyone who needs extra time or help.

Participants should bring basic sewing supplies, their sewing machine (or rent one for $10; sign up in advance), a large paper map (up to 24- by 26 inches), and a willingness to experiment and play.

Instructor Timna Tarr says, when it comes to choosing a map, “I have found that the more detailed the map is, the more I like the finished project. My maps that cover about four to five miles in each direction are my favorites in terms of detail. I like working with city maps, but I have also seen very effective maps done of more rural areas. The most important thing is to make sure that the map has a few design elements to focus on: streets, parks, and bodies of water are excellent focal points.”

Tarr is available to give feedback on potential map images at timnatarr@gmail.com.

To reserve a spot or learn more, visit catessewmodern.com/product/map-quilting-with-timna-tarr.