Haiku + Quilt = Haikuilt (Workshop or Lecture)

For Individuals - RaNae teaches this class live online from time to time. Click here to see what classes she is currently offering. Click here to get her newsletter for new classes, quilting tips, and more.

For Quilt Guilds and Shops - This class is available LIVE ONLINE through the Zoom platform. Please contact RaNae for more information and to schedule it for your guild or shop.

What is a haikuilt? It is a small art quilt that accompanies and expresses a haiku -- the ancient Japanese form of poetry best known for its 3-line, 17-syllable structure. There is far more to haiku than just counting syllables: haiku express a subtle fusion between nature and human experience. 

The Workshop: We begin with learning about haiku from old Japanese masters and some of the best contemporary English-language poets. Then, taking inspiration from  their haiku or one of your own, you'll make a haikuilt to accompany and interpret it. The quilt can use piecing, English paper piecing, fusing, applique, machine quilting, handwork, embroidery, embellishments, found objects, etc. Rather than exploring a specific technique or design, this class is an opportunity to explore, relax and let your creativity flow. And since the quilt is small, you're likely to finish it in class.

The lecture: Find new quilting inspiration in this slide show and discussion that includes haiku from old Japanese masters and contemporary English-language poets, a simple haiku-writing exercise, and a trunk show of haikuilts made by myself and my students. 

To see my full collection of haikuilts click here.

Student haikuilts from previous workshops: click here and here

Some of my haikuilts published in the journal Modern Haiku  

To read about how to write haiku visit http://www.graceguts.com/essays/becoming-a-haiku-poet

For a list of contemporary English-language haiku journals visit https://www.raysweb.net/haikujournals/

I have been a member of the Haiku Society of America for several years. My haiku have appeared in journals in the USA and Canada, and my haikuilts have been exhibited at several international haiku conferences. I'm excited to share my love of this beautiful ancient poetry form and how it has blended with my love of quilting.

In case the lettering in the image above is too small for you to read, the haiku is:

         the screen door slams --
         popsicle drips
         on the kitchen floor

                                 RM

Information for Presenters

Please download and use the any photos above in your marketing by right clicking and "Save Image As".

Come ready to share and trade fabrics, embellishments, etc. Since you don’t know yet what form your haikuilt will take, sharing increases everyone’s available possibilities.

Materials & fabric: Small amounts of fabric in a variety of colors and small patterns (can include non-quilting fabrics such as organza, velvet, etc.); scraps of fused fabric (if you have them); embellishments, such as buttons, crystals, ribbons and trims, embroidery floss, found objects, etc.; 5” x 7” piece of batting; backing fabric at least 6” x 8”; pen, pencil, eraser; writing/sketch pad (graph paper is helpful); colored pencils or pens or crayons; a variety of fabric pens, paint sticks, etc.;

Tools: Sewing machine is optional (you may sew by hand); a sheet of flat cardboard with a 5” x 7” window cut out (template in materials list); basic sewing supplies, including needle & thread; scissors, rotary cutter and ruler; fabric glue; removable fabric marker; corner-turning tool (optional); several sandwich-size plastic bags.

Presenters please note: Classroom must have at least one iron.

See materials list for recommended haiku readings.