514 Brooklyn Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64124
A TASTE FOR THE COLOR OF CHOCOLATE
About Brown Town
Meet Merrie
I grew up in Montana, and I've come to realize that so much of my childhood has influenced my color preferences. I have loved the color brown since a young age- the bark of trees, pinecones, leather saddles - my memories are full of Browns, and my fondness for this color has expressed itself in my Quilting Journey.
While attending a color workshop in 2017, the students were asked to share their least favorite (or most challenging) color to work with. I was surprised as person after person said "Brown"! Probably 80% of the group considered MY favorite color to be difficult to work with.
An idea began to take shape for a program focused on using Brown in Modern Quilts while still obtaining vibrant results.
My Program - "I LOVE CHOCOLATE" showcases the color Brown in a wide variety of quilts. (see Gallery). I talk about why we are attracted to certain colors and discuss ways to challenge ourselves as quilters to see colors in fresh ways. The Program is personal, fun & informative, and consists of both slides and a trunk show of approximately 20 Quilts.
Program Option #2 - "Surrounded by Creativity" In this presentation I share my personal Creative Journey, the gaps in creativity, how I restarted and the many benefits of living a Creative Life. The accompanying Trunk Show features a variety of Quilts that express how my work has evolved over time as I continue to Start More than I can Finish!
Quilting Background
I began sewing in 8th Grade Home Economics, and primarily made clothing for years. I caught the quilting bug at age 22, & was the youngest of the 13 founding members of the Flathead Quilters Guild in Northwest Montana. However, a growing family and several moves kept me busy, and for over two decades I made only a handful of Quilts. When I "rejoined" the quilting world, the Modern Quilt Movement was in full swing and I loved the clean, vibrant colors. Once again I became a founding member of a guild - this time the North Jersey Modern Guild. I opened a Boutique fabric shop in a small Arts community in New Jersey, but that dream was short lived as we moved to Kansas City, MO just one year later! I am now a lucky member of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild and I credit them with much of my growth, courage and enthusiasm as a quilter!
In 2021 we returned to our home state of Montana during the summer season. More time spent outdoors has rekindled my love of nature, which influences my creative journey. I teach hand-stitching classes at The Bigfork Arts & Cultural Center, and Quilting classes at Shops and Retreats in the Valley.
I love the Art of Quilting, and the fact that there is always something new to learn- whether it's a technique, color theory, or design process.
workshops for Guilds, retreats & shops:
I offer a variety of workshops which focus on everything from technique, to use of Color, to Collage.
Color Challenge Workshop compliments the Program on Browns and is a great exercise in the way neutrals work to make our quilts better.
Collage -In June of 2019, I became a Certified LH Collage Instructor - I teach her patterns, but also discuss color & value, movement and ways to make your work unique even when following a pattern.
Improv Circle Sampler - In this workshop students explore freeform piecing of circular designs beginning with basic skill building exercises, followed by the 4 types of circular units, adding inserts and making their own sample compositions. (Photo left)
NEW WORKSHOPS IN 2024:
- Color Wheel Explorations
- Handwork: Stitching Stones, OR Pods & Stems Journal Cover
more details below on NEW workshops...........................
Introducing Color Dance Workshop
Quilt History
The Block featured in this Quilt was historically referred to as "Crossed Squares" The original blocks - shown here - were pieced by my Grandfather. but never made into a quilt. He loved wild colors- much to the chagrin of my grandmother who was involved in more traditional quilting! In the process of discovering, rescuing, and piecing these blocks together, I learned some important color lessons and decided this Quilt would make a perfect project for a Color Challenge Class.
additional classes launch in 2024
Color Wheel Explorations - In this workshop attendees will learn to use a Color Wheel and then will MAKE a quilt Color Wheel which will familiarize them with tints, shades and combinations. You will sharpen your Color Skills, make fabric strata, and have a new wallhanging for your Sewing Space!
Color Challenge - Please note that this is NOT a "Project" class. This is a workshop to learn the Process of Color Planning in a Quilt. We will audition lots of colors, participate in Group discussions, and work extensively on a design wall before the actual sewing begins.
instagram updates
Want to check on Progress of New Classes and Projects? Follow me on Instagram @theArtofSewing OR @theartbarn_mt