Deconstructed Design Workshop
Saturday, June 27, 2026
10:00 am to 1 pm (Arizona Time)
$28 for members
For many quiltmakers taking the leap from following a pattern to designing their own quilts is a daunting prospect. Beginning with an examination of some well-known, traditional quilt patterns, and moving through a series of hands-on design exercises, this workshop will introduce students to fundamentals of geometric quilt design, offer practical advice on ways to approach design, and also include exercises to help students develop their own designing voice. Recognizing that no two quilters are the same, the instructor will share the process she uses to design her quilts, while encouraging students to find their own way.
NOTE: this workshop is all about developing ideas for future projects, how much participants actually sew in class will vary with how quickly they work!
Part 1: Infinite Variety
We will kick things off with an icebreaker exercise which will require only paper, scissors, and glue. By working in such a direct way, participants will immediately begin to recognize that simple blocks can lead to complex designs. We will then move on to look at a range of examples of spectacular quilts and spend some time breaking down their magic by analyzing the building blocks that are at their foundation. Finally, Sarah will offer some insight into her own personal approach to design, and participants will spend some time considering ways to reinvent traditional blocks in order to come up with their own unique designs.
Part 2: Make It Your Own:
In the second part of the workshop, we will work with our block inventions from the first half of class to consider ways that these can be utilized to produce a finished, usable, and unique quilt pattern. Participants may work with fabric at this phase, or continue to work with paper and glue, drawing, or on the computer. The class will conclude with a final discussion in which we share our work and share ideas for moving forward with our designs.
Learn more about Sarah Nishiura
Sarah Nishiura grew up in Detroit and now lives in Chicago, where she uses traditional techniques to craft one-of-a-kind quilts from her own designs. Sarah learned to sew from her mother and learned to love geometry from her father. Her grandparents were great builders, painters, stitchers, weavers and gardeners taught her that making things is one of the greatest imperatives, privileges and pleasures in life.
Sarah's quilts are all pieced from 100% cotton recycled and vintage materials, backed with new yardage, and then hand quilted. It can take up to 4 months to complete a quilt, but the result is strong, durable, and suitable for warmth or display.
sarahnishiura.com
Registration
- Log into your account on AQG's website to register for this event!
- Eligibility to register for this event is part of your membership.
- Non-members may attend for an additional $15.
Registration is required for admission.
Registration ends June 24, 2026
Registration is limited to 20.
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations must be made online (no emails).
- Cancellations 5 days (120 hours) or more before the scheduled event will receive an account credit. The credit can be used for future AQG events.
- Cancellations less than 5 days before the event are not eligible for a credit.
- Refunds are not offered.
Zoom Details
- The reminder emails will contain the ZOOM link to the event.
Be sure that you have the link. We cannot guarantee monitoring of our email on the day of the meeting.
- The lecture will begin promptly at the listed start time.
Please join 15-30 minutes early and ensure that your full name appears in the bottom left corner of your photo in the Zoom meeting. If you don't know how to change that, click on the three dots next to your name or ask for help in the waiting room chat.
If you are unfamiliar with ZOOM:
