The African Echo: Stitching the MLK Portrait
A 2-Day Masterclass in Creative Audacity
February 10 & 11, 2026 | 3 PM US EST
On MLK Day, we gathered to look past the monument and see the man.
We discussed how Dr. King had to find the audacity to begin his journey despite his own fears and the weight of the world.
Now, we move from that inspiration into action.
This workshop isn't just a sewing project; it’s about translating a global legacy of equality into a 30" x 40" textile masterpiece.
Using the vibrant soul of African fabrics, we will honor a man whose story is fundamental to our own, creating a piece that stands as a testament to your creative voice.
Working with a portrait requires a shift in how you see fabric.
In this hands-on workshop, we dive deep into the technical artistry of portrait quilting:
✴ The Power of Curves: The background of this portrait isn't static—it's alive.
You will learn to navigate the organic, sweeping lines of the background that radiate behind Dr. King, bringing movement, energy, and a "halo" of influence to your work.
✴ The 1-2-3 Focus on Color Value: This is the secret to a successful portrait. You’ll learn how to group your bold African prints into light, medium, and dark tones. By mastering value over color, you create the shadows and highlights that bring a striking likeness to life.
✴ Vibrant Storytelling: Discover how to select and place colorful African fabrics so they don't just "fill space," but speak to the heritage and depth of the subject.
Buy our curated bundles or pull fabrics from your stash that reflect the story you want to tell.
Stop the Guesswork:
Every participant receives a custom Coloring Sheet.
Use this to map out your fabric pull before the first cut, ensuring your values are perfectly balanced so your "African Echo" resonates exactly how you envision it.
What You’ll Learn in This Workshop:
Across two focused days, Judie Pokaka and I will guide you through the transition from a flat piece of fabric to a soul-stirring portrait. Here is our roadmap:
Day 1:
Mapping the Vision & Cutting the Map We begin by deconstructing the "African Echo."
Judie will walk you through her creative process for this portrait, teaching you how to build your "quilt map." You’ll learn how to organize the 30" x 40" composition and prep your individual pieces for a seamless build.
Day 2:
Construction & The Final Assembly: This is where the portrait comes to life. We will focus on the hands-on work of assembling your pieces and bringing the elements together. Judie will provide real-time guidance as you navigate the construction of the face and the background.
Mastering Facial Likeness with Color Value: Learn our signature 1-2-3 focus on color value. You’ll discover how to group bold African prints into light, medium, and dark tones to create the realistic shadows and highlights that bring Dr. King’s likeness to life.
Piecing Organic Background Curves: Learn the technique for creating the sweeping, organic curves of the "African Echo" background—adding movement and energy that radiates from the portrait.
Interactive Q&A with the Artist: Each 2-hour session includes dedicated time for questions, giving you direct access to Judie’s expertise to troubleshoot your fabric choices or technical stitches.
A Vital Piece of Your 2026 Creative Collection As You Build Your Body Of Works
This workshop represents Piece #1 of your 5-Piece Portfolio.
We are building a body of work this year that defines your creative footprint.
By completing this 30" x 40" wall hanging, you aren't just making a quilt—you are documenting your growth and establishing yourself as a purposeful creator during Black History Month.
Workshop Schedule
Session 1: February 26 | 3 PM – 5 PM EST
Session 2: February 27 | 3 PM – 5 PM EST
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an expert portrait quilter to join?
Not at all! This workshop is designed to take the mystery out of portraiture. Whether you’ve never sewn a face before or you’re looking to refine your technique, Judie’s "mapping" method and our 1-2-3 color value system will guide you through every step.
What fabric should I use?
You have two great options:
Use Your Stash: This is a fantastic opportunity to use those vibrant African prints you’ve been saving.
Curated Bundle: We have put together a specially curated fabric bundle featuring the exact tones and prints needed to achieve the "African Echo" look. You can add this to your order during registration!
What is the "5-Piece Portfolio" mentioned?
This is our 2026 initiative to help you build a professional body of work. "The African Echo" is the first official piece of this portfolio. By participating, you are completing the first milestone of a curated collection that defines your creative footprint this year. Read about it here: https://blog.quiltafricafabrics.com/post/what-is-your-quilting-footprint-a-roadmap-for-2026
What if I can't join the live sessions at 3 PM EST?
We highly recommend attending the sessions live, but we know life happens! All registrants will receive access to the workshop recordings so you can rewatch Judie’s demonstrations at your own pace.
What supplies will I need?
Upon registration, you will receive our Supplies and Fabrics Requirement PDF. This includes a detailed list of tools and the fabric requirements for the portrait. Generally, you will need your standard sewing setup (machine, iron, rotary cutter, mat) plus specific materials for mapping the portrait.
Is the pattern included in the registration?
Yes! Your registration includes the digital pattern and mapping instructions for the 30" x 40" wall hanging. You will also receive a custom Coloring Sheet to help you audit your fabrics and organize them by value (light, medium, dark) before you cut.