Tutor 1, Workshop 1 : “Design & Create Your Own Unique Quilt”

What do you do with all the beautiful hand work pieces (boro, sashiko, stitcheries)? – Learn how to turn them into a beautiful quilted project/s as we step through the process of designing your unique quilt to incorporate some of the pieces using simple piecing, with the added interest of pieced blocks that compliment your work.

Day 1: I will teach you how to plan a quilt project:

– Where to start — what can I make? What size and style?

– How to plan the number of fabrics you need, and work out how much of each.

– Mixing pieced blocks, or simple shapes into a design & how to choose the right ones.

– What section do I make first? ( assuming you have boro, sashiko, stitchery or applique already made)

– Creating a construction plan — a guide to follow for your project.

– How do you finish the quilt? —no borders? How many borders? What sizes ?

– How to measure and sew accurately for a flat finish to the whole quilt.

– Tips on binding finishes in a couple of ways – The importance of recording your projects

Day 2: Construction Day

– This is the day we put the planning into action and start constructing your project

–  Choosing from several different blocks provided and making sample blocks to take home for reference or to be included in your project.

–  Learning tips on how to make accurate pieced blocks — cutting & piecing accurate seams.

–  Time to sew.

–  Finish the workshop with a recap of the 2 days so each student has confidence to complete the project at home.During this class I can assist with any quilt structure questions you may have so you can be confident working on your projects at home.

Hand out sheets will be given throughout the 2 days, and I also encourage students to add to these with specific information related to their project or machine.

We will be covering:

–  Foundation Piecing and how to determine when it is the best technique to use.

–  Make up one or more examples of a foundation block that can be the main feature of your project or added in another area of your quilt—a great way to use up treasured scraps from other projects.

–  Working with different shapes within 1 quilt & how to blend them together.

–  Learn about adding texture options to a quilt — Ric Rac, Bias, Applique, accent trims.

–  Using circle shapes — how to sew them in or on to a project— choose one of the circle ideas presented and create your block.You could choose to make a single quilt from the techniques covered in this workshop, or make up the samples, take home the notes with lots of ideas for projects you would like to make.