Do you ever look at a piece of fabric and wonder what else you could do with it? Perhaps add some colour, create an interesting texture, try a different quilting technique or make something that is just a little bit unexpected?

If so, I have something that I think you might enjoy!

Back in 2020, I created a series of textile activities called Textile Textures Playtime. The idea was simple: to give quilters opportunities to play, experiment and stretch those creative muscles without worrying about making a finished project.

It proved really popular, and now I’m delighted to make the whole programme available as an instant-access online course. No waiting for the next monthly instalment. No need to follow my timetable. Just choose the activities that interest you and get playing!

Textile Textures Playtime

What is Textile Textures Playtime?

It’s a collection of 12 Playtimes, each exploring different ways to work with fabric, colour, stitch and texture.

There’s plenty to explore, including:

• Quilting techniques to give your stitching a new dimension.
• Paints and dyes for adding colour and interest to fabric.
• Folded and three-dimensional quilt blocks that introduce texture and structure.
• Pleats and pin tucks for creating surface detail.
• And lots more ideas to encourage you to look at fabric in a different way.

Each Playtime contains at least four exercises, giving you plenty of opportunities to try things out, see what happens and discover which techniques appeal to you.

And here’s the important bit: there’s no pressure to produce a finished project.

This is about the pleasure of experimenting. You might discover a technique that becomes a regular feature of your quilts, or you might try something, decide it isn’t for you and move on. Both are perfectly good outcomes!

Do I need lots of specialist equipment?

Not necessarily!

When I designed the activities, I wanted people to be able to use materials they might already have in their sewing room, kitchen or even bathroom cupboard.

Where specialist tools or materials are suggested, I’ve included alternatives where possible, so you can investigate the technique without automatically needing to buy a whole new collection of supplies.

Of course, you may discover something you love and decide you want to explore it further. That’s part of the fun, too!

How does the online course work?

Each Playtime has a detailed tutorial, with plenty of photographs to guide you through the process. Where appropriate, there are also supporting videos to help you see the techniques in action.

You can work through the activities at your own pace, return to the instructions whenever you need them and choose what to try next according to your interests.

Fancy experimenting with paint today? Go for it. More in the mood for some interesting stitching? Choose a quilting activity instead.

The choice is yours.

I’ve also included suggestions for further exploration and resource lists to help you take your experiments in new directions.

Want to have a look before you buy?

One of the things I really want you to know is that you can try before you buy.

The course page includes preview sections, so you can explore the introduction and the first exercise, as well as see the range of activities available.

You can take a look, get a feel for how the tutorials work and decide whether Textile Textures Playtime is right for you before purchasing.

Explore Textile Textures Playtime here

Ready to give yourself permission to play?

As quilters, we’re often focused on the finished quilt: choosing the fabrics, piecing the blocks, getting those seams to match and deciding how to quilt it all together.

But what if we occasionally set aside the finished project and simply experimented?

What if we tried something new just because we were curious?

That’s what Textile Textures Playtime is all about. It’s an opportunity to build your creative confidence, discover new techniques and find fresh ways to use them in your quilting.

The whole programme is now available whenever you’re ready, so you can pick and choose the activities that catch your eye.

I’d love you to come and have a look. And if you do join me, let me know which Playtime you enjoy the most!

Happy playing!

Sheena

Green Man Quilts — Simple techniques, stunning results.