Karen Bolan

Forever a textile addict, I am a civil engineer-turned-quilter in Santa Rosa, California. I am drawn to the layers of design and expression possible in quilting and love the learning that comes from experimenting. I endeavor to find efficiencies in process and material use. My designs are out of the box and integrate a love of geometry, experimentation, interconnection, depth, and texture. My work has been featured in magazines and exhibited at local and international quilt shows. I teach and write quilting patterns with an encouraging and engineering-influenced methodological approach. My classes blend lecture, demonstration, and discussion, and include ample hands-on time for students to experience and practice new techniques with individual instruction. I always teach with a focus on fun and skill-building. I carefully and compassionately guide students beyond their comfort zones to new levels of enjoyment, creativity, and skill.

My offerings include: Color in Quilting, In-person lecture, In-person trunk show, In-person workshop, Inspiration, Personal journey, Quilt Design, Technique – Curves, Technique – Finishing, Technique – Foundation Paper Piecing, Technique – Modern Traditionalism, Technique – Quilting, Virtual lecture, Virtual trunk show, virtual workshop

karen@karenbolan.com