We will be completing a small 9 patch quilt in a series of 4 classes. You can add more blocks to make this pattern any size that you want.

Class 1 We will start off with the basics of quilting. Measuring and cutting techniques for quilt blocks is the first step. A rotary cutter, which is like a pizza cutter for fabric, is not a prerequisite but is almost essential. We will be using the rotary cutter, cutting mat, and rulers to cut the 9 patch pieces.
April 7, 2007

Class 2 Learn to assemble the pieces of the quilt, set triangles (the easy way) and learn how to border the quilt. April 14, 2007

Class 3 We will learn how to layer the quilt top with the batting and backing. We will also learn how do to free motion quilting and stitch in the ditch quilting. April 21, 2007

Class 4 We will learn how to finish the quilt with binding.
April 28, 2007

* Sign up for all 4 classes and receive a discount on the class fee as well as having a completed quilt.

Future Classes

Curved Pieces, No Templates
Join curves you design yourself, with reliable results, but without the hassle and limitations of using templates. Don’t be put off by curved seams in quilt blocks. Learn the secrets to controlling the seam and the amazing ease of designing your own matching curves. We’ll make three 12” blocks that can be the foundation for art quilt applique in the future, or can be used as is for a sinuous touch to any quilt. Learn techniques that can be used in landscape and other art quilts, but also apply to garment and home dec sewing. [Intermediate on up, need fabric control/easing skills]

Curved Piecing Supply List

Sewing tools needed:

• Rotary cutter with sharp blade
• Medium cutting mat
• 12” or 12-1/2” square ruler (handiest size) or 24” long ruler
• Well-sharpened lead pencil and some paper to sketch on
• Chaco or other chalk marker (color of your choice that will show on fabric)
• Template plastic sheet (store has these)
• Masking tape, scissors, pins
  
  Supplies needed:
  
  Our blocks will be “sun, sea and sand” themes, so select fabrics that remind you of these ideas. You need three base fabrics, one for each theme, in ¼” yard amounts (fat quarters or regular running yardage quarters). Also bring an assortment of scraps that are about the size of a sheet of copy paper, in fabrics that fit the themes. As a suggestion, “sun” can be golds, yellows, creams, oranges; “sea” can be greens, blues, purples in lights and darks; and “sand” can be earthy tones from pale beiges to rich browns, rusts or others that evoke a shoreline. We might even trade fabrics!

The Basics 3 B’s (Borders, Basting and Binding
Meet your quilting demons head on, and be rid of them, forever! Tame wavy borders, lumpy spots, curling corners and other woes using the easy “sneaky tricks” learned in this class. It’s easier than you think to have a quilt that hangs or lies flat, with a neat edge. The project will be placemat size so that you’ll finish it, but the techniques apply to quilts of all sizes. And, if you have a funky-edged quilt to bring in, trouble-shooting advice will be given. [Beginners on up]

Freemotion 101, part A
Unlock the creative soul within yourself, or just see why quilters should drink wine. Freemotion quilting allows you to go “off the grid” and use any shape or pattern you like to put in your quilting stitches. Part A of this topic will provide the basic machine setup and methods for guiding the stitches yourself, sans feed dogs. You will have a chance to practice simple design following and introductory stippling, plus learn the important tension balance considerations that result from different thread choices. And, no, you don’t have to have a top of the line machine to make this work (although it’s certainly handy...). [Beginners on up, but must be familiar with adjustments to machine tension, feed dogs, speed, etc.]