Fokus Quilt Workshop

Learning objectives:

Amongst the many techniques and skills covered in this class are no-pin curves, seam matching, pressing, colour work, construction and quilt design. Jenny will show you how to transform the design by altering the colours, using different sized curves and changing the degrees of rotation on the wedges to create eight, six or four-wedge quilts.

To get all participants workshop-ready, Jenny will hold a two hour prep class on Zoom a couple of months prior to the in-person workshop. This will enable you to get your head around what we will do in class, as well as gathering your fabric and tools. In the prep class, Jenny will talk you through the Fokus design and pattern, templates and pre-cutting, as well as suggesting different ways to pick colours with the help of tools like drawing programs and colour apps.

Individuality is highly encouraged and Jenny will show you multiple ways of making the design yours*, using the three patterns included as your starting point. Jenny will be using TouchDraw, a vector 2D drawing and diagramming application, to demonstrate how to add curved blocks to wedges and how to get the gradation to enhance the optical illusion.

* For those of you interested in using this technique and design as a spring board for your own designs and to make bigger changes to the original, an additional 1-2-1 design class will be available at an extra cost. In the 1-2-1  ‘Design your own Fokus quilt’ workshop, your design is turned into your personalsied cutting and assembly instructions. More information on the 1-2-1 will be shared in the ‘Get ready!’ session on February 2nd.

Included:

•PDF paper templates

•Fokus Quilt PDF patterns (three different versions)

•recording of the Get ready! session as well as the in-person workshop

Level:

The class is targeted at the experienced quilter (and quilt designer) who would like to develop their craftsmanship further. Adventurous and brave beginners should also feel encouraged to apply. No previous curve experience is required but general quilting knowledge is assumed (how to use a rotary cutter, sew with an accurate seam allowance etc.). An affection for precision will surely help!

Dates and location:

This workshop takes place at Jenny’s Mas Nouveau retreat in Génolhac, France and runs from April 8th – 10th. Upon arrival to Mas Nouveau in the afternoon of April 7th, you will be shown to the workspace where the class is held so that you can get settled in and prepared for the first session the following day. In the evening you are invited, together with your fellow students, to a welcome meal before getting together to hear Jenny’s presentation ‘How to Fokus’ on how the design came about.

We are sewing for three days between 9am and 4pm but the workspace will be open 24/7 during these days for those who want to keep working outside of class hours. Please see our itinerary for the course below including our prep session via Zoom on February 6th, 5 – 7pm GMT (18:00 – 20:00 CET). Find your local time zone here.

Itinerary:

Prep session (via Zoom), February 2nd, 2025, 5 – 7pm GMT (18:00 – 20:00 CET).

In this two hour online session we will be going through the design and pattern, templates and pre-cutting. We will also talk about how to choose fabric and colours that accentuate the optical illusion by using tools like drawing programs and colour apps as well as coloured pencils. There is a design element included for those who’d be up for changing the pattern. Information about the additional and optional 1-2-1 design class will be shared in this session.

Day 1

Getting started – recapping what we talked about in the prep class before going through everyone’s designs, planning the approach and which, if any, additional curves and backgrounds need cutting. Demonstration of sewing and pressing the no-pin curves in many different sizes, whilst ensuring accurate seam allowances and precise curves in preparation for the following day. The aim is to get the first panel done and to do any colour tweaks that might be needed before the rest of the panels are made (Day 2) and cut into wedges (Day 3).

Day 2

Any adjustments to the colours are made before we continue to sew the curves and panels. The size and shape of the quilt is finalised. The background triangles and borders are added. The panels are marked in preparation for cutting.

Day 3

The panels are cut into wedges and joined together. Demonstration of precision piecing and seam matching when joining the wedges together.

Trouble shooting – getting everyone’s quilts progressed whilst making sure you know how to correct errors if necessary, and overcome any difficulties.

Final assembly – The focus is on nicely pressed seams, smooth joints and flat quilt tops. We will have a chat about quilting before finishing off with a group photo of all your stunning makes!

Supply list:

• sewing machine
• quality fine sewing thread (40 or 50 wt) in neutral, grey, or to match your project
• cutting mat
• rotary cutter
• long gridded ruler with a 30°, 45° and 60° lines (a large square ruler is also helpful).
• Hera Marker or other non-permanent marking tool/pen/chalk
• fabric scissors
• pins
• seam ripper
• access to a printer (for the paper templates) OR my Acrylic template (see info for Templates on the right)
• glue stick (I use Prym Aqua Marker but Sewline Glue Pen is popular too)
• fabric allowances will be discussed in the ‘Get ready!’ session. Please hold off buying fabrics until after our Zoom meeting

Useful but not a must:

• wool pressing mat
• tailor’s clapper
• iron and pressing mat (if you prefer your own)

Available at Mas Nouveau:

• irons
• pressing mats

Group size:

The group at Mas Noveau will have a maximum of 20 participants.

Read more about the retreat and the venue here

BOOK NOW