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An Introduction to Kena Tangi Dorsey

Quilt Artist, Kena Tangi Dorsey talks about when she got started on her quilting journey.  

Kena was the Showcase Presenter at The Quilt Africa Summit, July  2022, where she taught some hands-on workshops using African Print Fabrics. Some of her recent original works have been published in "Today's Quilter" Magazine (Spring 22 issue #88), Art Quilting Magazine (Spring, 2022 issue), and Art Quilting Magazine (Winter 2023 issue)

This platform is where you can purchase some of her patterns and online classes. 

On-Demand Classes

  • $55

African Crazy-Pieced Log Cabin Quilt (Class)

  • Course
  • 17 Lessons

This workshop is a great introduction for using African wax print fabrics in quilts. Using an improv piecing method, students learn how to make a crazy-pieced center block and then build larger strips around it to make wonky log cabin blocks. The blocks can be turned into a wall hanging, table runner, throw or full sized quilt.

  • $15

An Introduction to Binding: Kena Quilt Style (Class)

  • Course
  • 11 Lessons

In this course, Kena shares her method for making & sewing on quilt bindings for projects of any size. She guides you through each step in 10 easy lessons. Each step is broken down into individual video tutorials so that you can go back and watch whatever steps you'd like to re-watch. You will learn how to make the right amount of strips, join tails, miter corners, & finish your quilts in style!

  • $55

Diversity Day Quilt (Class)

  • Course
  • 14 Lessons

This workshop teaches a fun and easy method of raw edge appliqué while using African wax prints to create a beautiful wall hanging quilt designed by Kena Tangi Dorsey called “Diversity Day.” Students will use pre-made templates, and a pattern provided by the instructor to create four different appliqué blocks of kids to use in a quilt. (Skill Level: Kids, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advance Quilters)

  • $39

Garden Window: An Introduction to Raw Edge Appliqué (Class)

  • Course
  • 24 Lessons

This is a fun introductory course that teaches an easy method of raw edge appliqué. Using the pattern from my "Garden Window" quilt pattern, a practice block template is provided to help you get started. Once you get the foundation down, the world of possibilities is yours!

  • $55

Iyanla Portrait Quilt (Class)

  • Course
  • 19 Lessons

A beginner-friendly class that uses the "Iyanla" pattern to teach a fun & easy method of raw edge appliqué all while using African print fabrics! The pattern is included with the course. The pattern is also available for individual purchase, however, this class is perfect for the quilter who would like to be guided through each step of the process for making this mini quilt. All of the lessons are pre-recorded.

  • $175

Let's Make a Selfie Portrait Quilt! (Class)

  • Course
  • 55 Lessons

Learn the step by step process of how to make a portrait quilt by using a photograph of your favorite "selfie" to create a template and pattern to design your own raw-edge appliqué art quilt.

Patterns

  • $10

"Diversity Day" Quilt Pattern (Pdf)

  • Download
  • 2 files

This is a Raw Edge Appliqué quilt that features African Wax Print Fabrics. However, you can use any colorful prints. This pattern includes: Templates you can print at home, Materials, Supplies and Fabric Requirement Lists, Cutting & Assembling instructions. Works great with pre-cut charm packs, 10" squares, and four Jelly Roll Strips. Download Pdf after purchase. Finished Size: 36"x 36"

  • $5

"Garden Window" Mini Quilt Pattern (Pdf)

  • Download
  • 1 file

Adorable Mini Sized Raw Edge Appliqué wall hanging. Pattern includes: Template, Materials & Supplies, Fabric Requirements, Cutting and Assembling instructions. Finished Size: 20"x 24"

  • $12

"Iyanla" Quilt Pattern (Pdf)

  • Download
  • 2 files

This beautiful pattern works perfectly with African Wax Print Fabrics along with solids for the skin tone. You can use an assortment of 10" squares for the head wrap and a fat quarter for the blouse. This pattern includes a full size template with instructions on how to create this raw edge appliqué wall hanging. Download the Pdf after purchase. Finished Size: 21"x 26"

Kena Tangi Dorsey

Quilt Artist, Teacher, Designer


My name is Kena Tangi Dorsey, and I'm a quilt artist, teacher, speaker, mentor,  designer and owner of Kena Quilt Studio. I currently live in Palmdale, CA, but I began sewing and quilting a little over 20 years ago while living in Harlem, NYC. 
Early on, I was influenced by many of the Harlem Renaissance artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Zora Neale Hurston, James Van Der Zee, and Langston Hughes, to name a few. So, it’s no surprise that when I quickly became intrigued with portrait quilts, I  began making raw edge appliqué story and art quilts using images that reflect African American people.  While living in Harlem, I had an abundance of access to African shops and boutiques along 125th Street, so I began infusing African wax prints, kente cloth and mud cloth textiles into my quilting projects -  by making wall hangings, table runners and quilted bags with them.  I also love working with Indonesian Batiks and had fun purchasing a large collection of them on my trip to Indonesia a few years ago!  I teach both in- person and live virtual classes and workshops, and I want to share that passion with you!
So, no matter whether you are a confident beginner quilter or an intermediate/advanced quilter looking to add new tools and techniques to your tool-kit, my online courses are for you! 
Sign - up today and get started making beautiful quilts! 


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