I’ve mentioned that I’m taking Tara Faughnan’s Block Studies Class, and I’m happy to say I’m having new experiences. The most recent assignment is to use the designated palate to make blocks in limited sizes/shapes (though she says we’re free to change any part of the prompt). The goal is to create movement/focus/etc. through use of color and value alone.
The assignment turned out to be MUCH harder than it sounded, at least for me. My first attempt at a block design using her formula (with one black/white fabric added by me) resulted in this block, which took about 10 hours to work out.
My second attempt took even longer, perhaps 16 hours. Here are some of the (many) iterations I tried
and here is the finished block.
Finally, I made this block which took only about 3 hours–maybe I’m catching on? Or maybe I just quit worrying so much.
And this block was made to use up scraps, totally without reference to her guidelines.
Whew! This class is closed for now, but I do recommend Tara’s classes if you’re ready for a challenge!
It’s obvious I’m not up to her standard (yet); look at some of her finished “studies” here. It appears to me she used a much wider range of colors than I did, so maybe that’s the next challenge!
Zippy Quilts 
The black inset to the piece gives it such a different vibe!
Black is a great all-purpose color. Never mind mocha, or whatever they’re calling that brown “color of the year”.
I know I would have had a very hard time with that assignment! But now you have a great set of blocks.
I liked looking at her work; it has such a beautiful tactile quality and I love the colors!
I’ve appreciated Tara’s work for some time and am glad to have an opportunity to take a class with her. Thanks for reading and commenting, and hope you have happy holidays in Texas.
These blocks are so exciting! I like the first one best.
After your first post on your classes with Tara I started following her on IG. Thanks for introducing me to her inspiring work.
Glad you like Tara’s work; I’m pleased to be able to take a Zoom class with her.
I think your blocks are lovely
Thank you, Helen!
I think every one of your blocks is great! I realized, early on, that when it comes to color and improv design, each of us creates with our unique personality. That’s what you’ve done. Your blocks are colorful, and cohesive. They will look great together, and I’m looking forward to seeing how you arrange them in one quilt. Fun times ahead for you!
Indeed, I am looking forward to arranging all these blocks somehow. Thanks for visiting and commenting.