We’ve been following along with Aurifil Artisan Gosia Pawlowska of Quilts My Way‘s work for years and have always been impressed with her vision and her quilty skills. She tackles so many cool techniques and seems to excel at them all!
For the past few years, she has hosted these epic, year-long+ quilt alongs and it’s always pretty amazing to see not only her completed projects, but also those of the dedicated participants. Along the way, Gosia helps with tips and techniques for tackling everything from piecing to quilting — a true quilt education, all done from the comfort of her studio in Poland.
Gosia’s latest event, The Geometric Fun Quilt Along, caught our eye and we’re thrilled to feature it, along with Gosia herself, here today!
Thank you so much for joining us today! To get started, tell us a little more about yourself. How did you get started in the world of quilting?
Years ago, I worked for a medical company, but chose to stay home after my daughter was born, opting to take a parental leave (about 3 years). During that time my adventure with patchwork began and it was love “at the first stitch”. Some of my quilts won the first prize in local competitions and that success encouraged me to continue working.
After the parental leave, I decided to go back to work, but it was a difficult decision. I missed my passion and after a short time decided to leave the medical company and start my own business. Since that time I have been a teacher, quilter, and pattern designer.
Do you have a favorite technique?
Yes, my favorite techniques are sewing curves and paper piecing.
When did you first start using Aurifil thread and why do you prefer it for your projects?
About 8 years ago I won a set of Aurifil threads. The first spool I used was 50wt and I was delighted with how it sewed on my machine. It was smooth and silky and strong. I have completely switched over to Aurifil for machine sewing.
Do you have a go-to color?
Although my quilts are usually colorful, the thread I reach most often is white 2024.
Can you tell us a little more about the Geometric Fun Quilt Along?
The “Geometric Fun” quilt along was created so that quilters of all levels could participate and have fun. The pattern is a combination of several techniques, which gives us the opportunity to develop our skills in in new areas while sewing only one quilt.
The pattern is divided into 20 parts (one part per month). On the first day of each month, I share that month’s part on my blog. The month’s pattern is available to download in my Etsy shop for 1$. Members of my Facebook Group (Quilts My Way Modern Patterns) can download it for free for 24 hours after release. After the end of the Quilt Along, all participants will have the opportunity to enter into the giveaway.
We’ve loved following along with your past quilt alongs! How did you decide on the pattern for this new event?
In previous years, we practiced sewing a curve (drunkard path, stitching circles in a block, etc.) and sewing with the paper piecing technique. I had a good hard think about what we should make next, and decided to ask members of my Facebook group. Most of them voted for a quilt consisting of many blocks of varying difficulty. They preferred to have a modern quilt. So, after a few weeks of work and many projects that I threw into the bin, I finally decided on this one.
What skills are you hoping to share with participants along the way?
In addition to improving various sewing techniques, I want to share some ideas and tips for modern quilting with the use of the walking foot. It is my hope that the tips will prove helpful while completing the Geometric Fun Quilt.
What do you love most about the collaboration involved with hosting a quilt along?
Sewing modern quilts is my big love. For many years I shared the results of my work on my blog and I was often asked about various tips. It’s great to share my experience and knowledge with others.
What is one thing that you’d love to share with quilters just getting started with the Geometric Fun Quilt Along?
I encourage you to follow my blog, Facebook, and Instagram. During the quilt along, I will announce challenges in which every participant of the fun can take part. I will announce the first one in May!
ps — Joining in and eager to start plotting out your quilt? Join Gosia’s FB Group to grab a free coloring page!
Thanks SO much to Gosia for sharing her Geometric Fun Quilt Along! If you’re sewing along and working with Aurifil Thread, tag #aurifil, we’d love to see what you’re making!