Teaching Template

I guess this post starts with why do a patchwork class.  Why?  Firstly because patchwork is something that grows like wild flowers.  There is so MUCH to LEARN!  I am forever amazed to see the many layers of quilts coming together figuratively as well as literally.  We have so many things to consider as we contemplate and approach our projects.  I have grown to love teaching patchwork...grown from being absolutely terrified of the responsibility.  How we learn determines how we progress.  It is fun to have someone show us how to do things.  It is fun to sew in a group.  It is fun to share the joy of creating in a group of like minded individuals.

Judy had it in her all the while so my job is really only to open the door to her stash with a bit of Soul Searching.  Everyone has to make something different in this class because no two stashes are the same.  One of the things about it that I find amazing is Judy used to only work in reproduction fabrics and now has a wider range of colour experiences.
For me, I like my classes to release the inner beast in all that attend.  That means learning to use colour and to experiment.  It also means to try new techniques and tools.   It isn't so much about the specific technique (although the more we learn the more we can do quickly and accurately) as it is about learning to think about what we are doing and to make decisions along the way that we are confident about.  The best compliment I can ever get after a class is something like, "Geez, I learned so much making this quilt and I loved doing it!" 

Judy brought this quilt in for a border the other day.  We tried one...

Then a few others...

And in the end after many other options she decided to use both of these two options.  The floral blocks are Kaffe's  Field Bouquet which is quickly becoming one of our favorite fabrics.  I too am using this at home to make a quilt...very slowly between lecture writing and planning the Quilt and Craft show releases for Darling Harbour this year.

The other HOTTER than HOT fabric is the plaid by Brandon.  I am finding this to be a very functional fabric.  The wonky lines mean no need to worry about cutting straight adn the colours are great for linking the fabulous florals. 

Speaking of hot fabric!  These are my two favorites at the moment.  I just love that mule!  LOVE it!  If you are looking for that fabric in the shop you might not be able to find it without a good look around.  Certain employees who shall remain nameless here are known to put them where they don't belong so no one else can find them.  This fabric makes my imagination go WILD!  I already have two projects on the wall with it so look out.
A new palette is developing using softer colours which is nice to see as well.  It's nice to pull back from the brights a bit.

 

Sue Ross is in the shop today and this class is always full of exciting quilts from a group of gals that never stop pushing boundaries.  
It is a traditional wedding ring block made MAD with bright colours and then that up and coming border...Stephanie was picking borders last time so today this one should be done!

Grandma's Star is one of our favorite blocks.  You can fussy cut (custom cut if you choose that term!) to make dramatic patterns...all from the same template set.  Easy, repeatable patterns made with a variety of fabrics from your stash and one of these...   

There are great options for playing with fabric when using template shapes.  There is a lot of room for variety all linked by the pattern.  We get that scrappy look but with a bit of unity.  Lindy was picking backgrounds yesterday for the blocks.

One of my favorite tools is featured in Quitlers Companion this month. The quilt is Fairlawn...

This quilt has a great number of half square triangles which for some might seem like a lot of work.  However, Greative Grids have made a template that cuts a 9 sets of half square triangles in one go.  Neat, easy and repeatable that go together with perfect points!  Here's how:

Establish a straight edge with your long ruler.  The Creative Grid strip ruler has a measured 2 1/2" strip that cuts perfect strips.  Measure from the straight cut edge.  Move the ruler away and cut along the long ruler to reveal two strips.  Repeat with a contrast strip.

These two fabrics have great contrast.  Now place them right sides together.

Then use the ruler to cut the triangles.  First line up the straight line at the base of the triangles with the base of the two strips.

Then cut...preferably not really late at night while holding the camera in one hand and the rotary in the other!

Look MA!  One hand.  This is much easier done with two hands as you can hold the ruler in place securely as you cut.  The cut out circle shapes allow the rotary to cut the shapes along the strip.

If you have never used a half square ruler before you might wonder about the flat tip points.  This is FANTASTIC as it allows you to sew an exact 1/4" seam on the machine.  With the skinny points the needle often jams the points into the machine causing annoying delays in sewing as well as shredding the points of the fabric.  This blunt point give the racers something to move along and in most cases perfect points are achieved.  The other great thing is that no matter what size triangle you are looking for you can still cut strips as if for squares.  The math is taken out of designing which is a fact I LOVE.  Creative Grid make a 1/2 square ruler that makes blocks up to 8" finished.  Other companies make them as well but be sure they have the tips squared off.

This block...and many others coming to Material Obsession soon!  gotta dash...do I say that every time?  It is Saturday and you know that means when too much sport is never enough!!! k

Comments

[June]

Kathy, Thank you for the demonstration using the strip ruler. I saw it in Quilters Companion but couldn't quite get my head around it but now thanks to you, all has been revealed. Another must have.
June

[Anna]

I think i have to make Wendy dresses from that animal print and LOVE LOVE the mule fabric also.

[Roz]

That ruler is the bomb. Must get one.

[Meg Hamilton]

Absolutely LOVE the use of the Kaffe floral panels....I got one of each of those in a packet of Fat Quarters and although I've had more than a few chances to fussy cut them up, I've saved them, knowing that something would present itself as inspiration. And the Sue Ross is gorgeous...can't wait to see what she turns up for the BOM next year!

[Colette Lee]

Hi Kathy! I have got to figure out a way to get to Australia to visit your Material Obsession! I am so inspired with you and your sister quilters! I love your use of fabric and teachings! Thanks so much for sharing your gift and your heart! Colette in California!

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