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Verso University Presents: Color and Stitch: Foundations for Quilters and Sewing Enthusiasts
Course Details
Fridays, January 23 & 30, 10:30 am-12 pm (McCall, Room 216)
Join expert quilter and costume designer Brenda Phelps for a two-part course on the essentials of quilting color theory and sewing technique — ideal for beginners or those returning to the craft!
During the first session, students will explore the essentials of quilting color theory and the use of color in fabric. Learn how hue, value, and contrast contribute to a successful quilt, along with tips for choosing confident, creative, cohesive color palettes.
In the second session, the focus will shift to fabric and fiber basics. Examine different fiber types, weaves, and fabric samples with an emphasis on selecting appropriate fabrics for quilting and garment sewing, including tips for buying fabrics online.
About the Instructor
Brenda Phelps is a modern quiltmaker and long-arm quilter whose work has been featured in QuiltCon Magazine, on the Modern Quilt Guild website, and in numerous juried quilt exhibitions. With a background in professional costume design, her quilting practice reflects a deep understanding of color, texture, construction, fiber, and surface design developed over more than 25 years in the costume industry.
She studied theater at the University of Georgia and earned a master’s degree in costume design from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. Her professional career includes work in costumes and wigs for the Georgia Shakespeare Festival, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Broadway Bares, the Metropolitan Opera, and numerous Off-Broadway productions. She later worked at Barbara Matera Limited on over sixty Broadway shows, as well as film and television projects.
Brenda teaches classes on costume technology, stage makeup, and the history of fashion; hosts quilting workshops; and continues to design and quilt. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, painter and fine artist Robert Mars, and their two sons.
Important Information About Verso University Classes
- Classes are usually structured as a consecutive series.
- Class size is often limited.
- Each series has a one-time fee registration fee covering all classes in the series.
- Registration is mandatory.
- The Westport Library wants to ensure that all interested students are able to participate in Verso University courses. If the registration fee is a barrier to entry for you, please contact [email protected].
Verso University is the Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative, serving up year-round offerings of classes, workshops, and lectures designed to further education and learning. Offerings run the gamut of educational opportunities, ranging from one-time lectures to ongoing courses to classes that meet weekly or perhaps monthly.
Verso University programs are made possible by the generous support of the Nancy J. Beard Lifelong Learning and Education Fund.
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The Westport Library is committed to intellectual freedom, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. Our mission is to provide welcoming spaces for the free exchange of ideas. The Library does not endorse or condemn points of view, including any program content or the views expressed by presenters or participants.
