Improvisational Piecing for Beginners

Miriam Galadima Benson

Published on: 19/12/2025

What if your quilt didn’t need to be perfect—just honest? In this beginner-friendly guide to improvisational piecing, discover how African prints invite you to loosen the grip on rulers, trust your instincts, and let the fabric lead the design. Rooted in traditions from Gee’s Bend to West African weaving, this post explores why breaking free from the grid can unlock deeper creativity, preserve powerful motifs, and transform “mistakes” into meaning. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to cut into your most vibrant Ankara, Batik, or Shweshwe fabrics, this is your invitation to stop measuring and start listening.

African culture and historyQuiltingQuilt Africa FabricsAfrican Fabrics

Why 3,000 Quilts Are Rewriting Art History

Miriam Galadima Benson

Published on: 27/11/2025

Discover why more than 3,000 African American quilts—crafted by resourceful Black women and rooted in improvisational design—are transforming the way the world understands art history. This powerful blog explores the groundbreaking BAMPFA collection, the legacy of makers like Rosie Lee Tompkins, and the urgent need to preserve these cultural treasures. Learn how these textiles challenge traditional art narratives, why their preservation matters, and how your own quilting practice continues this rich story of creativity, resilience, and heritage.

African culture and historyQuiltingQuilt Africa FabricsAfrican Fabrics