Ilaria Padovani grew up in Italy, where sewing, knitting, and crocheting became an integral part of her life from the age of four. Under the guidance of her grandmother, she quickly learned the value of precision and craftsmanship—any work that wasn’t perfect had to be undone and redone until it met her grandmother’s exacting standards.  

 

Since leaving Italy in 1999, Ilaria has lived in various countries, including the US, Ireland, and the UK. It was during her time in State College, Pennsylvania, in 2003, that she discovered her passion for quilt making, thanks to a welcoming guild of traditional quilters who mentored her. During those formative years, she developed a deep love for hand-sewn techniques, such as hand appliqué, English Paper Piecing, and Foundation Paper Piecing, which remain her favorite methods to this day.  

 

In 2014, after settling in Bristol, where she still resides, Ilaria’s keen eye for color and meticulous attention to detail caught the attention of Kaffe Fassett. She was recruited to create and coordinate sample quilts for his celebrated *Patchwork and Quilting* books.  

 

A passionate quilter, maker, and traveler, Ilaria thrives on sharing her expertise through teaching and inspiring creativity in others. She continues to explore the world, meet new people, and spread her love of quilting wherever her journey takes her. 

Classes:
3013E Foundation Paper Piecing
4012E Kawandi (Quilting) Using Kaffe Fassett
5011E Hawaiian Quilt Block
6011E Sashiko and Kaffe Fassett Fusion