Artist, Teacher, Author of Artful Improv, Adventures in Improv Quilts, and Freehand Curve Quilts

Cindy Grisdela – Artist, Teacher and Author

Welcome!

I’m Cindy Grisdela – an Artist, Teacher, and Author from Reston, VA.

Color and texture are the driving forces behind my contemporary art quilts. Browse my site to see how I combine line and shape, then add stitching lines to create texture and dimension – a process I like to think of as painting with fabric and thread.

See the headings below for information on my books, Artful Improv, Adventures in Improv Quilts, and Freehand Curve Quilts, my lectures and workshops, and my on demand classes.

I am offering Independent Zoom workshops that run for three 3 hour sessions over 3 weeks. Sessions are recorded for later viewing. Visit the shop for my next classes--Improv Scrapmania--starting in June 2026 and Artful Improv Medallion--starting in July 2026.

 

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Books

Artful Improv: Explore Color Recipes, Building Blocks & Free Motion Quilting

Adventures in Improv Quilts: Master Color, Design and Construction

Freehand Curve Quilts: Improv Techniques for Creative Play & Bold Expression

Workshops & Lectures

I’m passionate about helping others find the creativity I believe lives inside each of us, just waiting for permission to come out and play.

Online Learning

Take a class on your own schedule in your PJs if you want to! Class content includes video, text, and still photos that give step-by-step guidance to create your own designs.

Latest News From Cindy

2026 Teaching Schedule

I have an exciting year of teaching planned for 2026–a mix of new things like my Hawaii cruise in January and February, plus return trips to Empty Spools Seminars in April and Woodland Ridge Retreat Center in August. Check out the list below to see if I’m coming to an event near you (or that…

Read More about 2026 Teaching Schedule

Working in a Series at the Crow Barn

I just finished another two weeks studying with Nancy Crow at the Barn in Ohio. The class was Working in a Series and I think it was the best one yet! Of course I wouldn’t have been ready for it without taking all the others. This was my tenth class with Nancy, going back to…

Read More about Working in a Series at the Crow Barn

New Solo Show at Reston Art Gallery!

I’m pleased to announce my new solo show at the Reston Art Gallery & Studios in Reston, VA. The show is called Textile Paintings and it showcases 18 of my abstract wall quilts in a variety of sizes and colors.   The quilts range from larger statement pieces to smaller works that are mounted on…

Read More about New Solo Show at Reston Art Gallery!