Explore Kawandi Quilting at Fiber Guild Meeting

Judith Love Schwab of Merritt Island will present a program on Kawandi Qulting at the September meeting of the Space Coast Weavers & Fiber Artists:t 10 am, Saturday September 27, at the Merritt Island Public Library, 1195 N Courtenay Pkwy.

Kawandi quilts are a type of patchwork quilt traditionally made by the Siddi community of African descent in India. The Siddi community, over time, formed in remote areas of India and Pakistan. Their traditional quilts are created using scraps of fabric, often from old clothing, and are characterized by their layered, appliquéd construction and the use of a running stitch. Each quilt is unique, with corners often featuring a “phula” or fabric tassel.

Kawandi quilts are hand-stitched and formed from the outer edge of the quilt to the center. The design is created piece by piece while sewing without a pattern or prepared design.

Judith Love Schwab will demonstrate the technique followed by a hands-on workshop. She learned hand sewing as a young child and has continued this contemplative practice ever since. Judith has studied metal-smithing, precious metal jewelry making, and gradually returned to textiles by treating copper as fabric in her mixed media work. Judith has exhibited in juried art shows throughout the U.S.

There is no fee for the workshop, but you need to bring the following:

Fabric scraps that are easy to hand sew – cottons are typical

Light weight backing fabric (cotton) cut into a 12” by 12” square

Lining fabric (will not show) cut about one inch smaller 11” by 11”

Hand sewing needle

Embroidery thread or perle cotton in matching or complementary colors

Straight pins

Scissors

For easier understanding of this type of quilting, view Siddi women quilting at

Or watch a 30 minute tutorial at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unhoO0zO6M4

Margaret Fabrizio is famed for her quilts using this method, which can be viewed at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf5QjEMcX8w

Since 1983 SCW&FA has been Brevard’s go-to guild for fiber arts: spinning, weaving, basketry, rug hooking, and more. The guild helps fiber artists, beginning or advanced, learn through workshops and the informal exchange of ideas. They also work to educate the public about the fiber arts.  Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, call Jeanie McCormack at 321-266-1610. or visit https://www.spacecoastweaversandfiberartists.org/