Tara Faughnan is an avid quilter, teacher and pattern designer based in Oakland, CA, with a journey that began in the early 2000s, guided by the classic 101 Patchwork Patterns by Ruby Short McKim. She had no idea such things as rotary cutters, rulers or plastic templates existed, and spent many happy weeks tracing around cardboard templates and cutting out pieces with a pair of scissors.
At the core of her work is an endless fascination with colour interactions and the dynamic play between shapes. She is drawn to the striking simplicity of antique quilts, the vibrant palette of global textiles, and the unpredictable energy of improvisational pieces. These influences shape her designs, where she aims to balance simplicity with complexity, and harmony with a touch of the unexpected.
Her approach is about exploring the boundaries of colour and design, always seeking that perfect moment of balance that challenges yet unites. In every pattern and class she offers, you’ll find a reflection of this love affair with colour and design, inviting you to join her on a journey of creative exploration and expression.
I’ve been quilt-making a long time. I was drawn to Tara to learn about how she uses color so successfully. Then I found out how well she does her techniques and patterns. I don’t think there is anyone better at this. — Paula
Taking classes with Tara has transformed my relationship with color and value. I am more confident building and playing with my own color palettes, and am comfortably uncomfortable with colors that I usually avoid. Tara's teaching style is encouraging and full of details that make color feel tameable and help make block constructions easier and approachable. It's a supportive environment that allows learning without taking oneself too seriously when one strays off the path or makes a little oopsie. Every class or video has useful little tips to pick up on and many of the techniques she teaches are ones that I continue to use in my quilting projects. You can never take too many of her classes, there's always something new to learn. — Kristine
I've learned more from [Tara's] classes and making two of [her] quilts has impacted me more than any other quilter for 30 years. [Her] color choices and creativity are outstanding. — Joe
Thank you all for the wonderful week of community, creativity, and learning! — Sherri
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience! Everyone was so warm and inviting! It was a truly magical week creatively and for travel! I will cherish the friendships I made, and everything I learned. And, above all, the staff at Clos Mirable were so wonderful. They made us truly feel at home! I would love to return! — Suzanne
Thank you so much!! It was such a joy to be treated with such care and hospitality! I'm still thinking about all of the delicious meals. I will never forget what a magical time I had at Clos Mirabel! — Katie
