Quilts From the Garden
You may choose the flowers to have growing on your quilt. In this two or three day class we will construct a simple pieced background, border and fuse flowers and other garden elements to create an original design. We will then explore ways to embellish the subject; using machine appliqué or free-motion embroidery. The second focus will be to learn how to adjust your machine and working techniques to accommodate the variety of decorative threads on the market today.
Supply List
Every student is responsible for understanding their sewing machine and how to adjust it. Some brands have computer menus that are difficult to navigate. You will need to know how to: raise and lower top tension; lower feed dogs; change stitch width; change stitch length; reduce pressure on the presser foot; know how to set your machine for free-motion work. Some Viking machines have a free-motion override setting, know how to find and activate it.
- Sewing Machine with zigzag and decorative stitches, capable of lowering the feed dogs. Make sure it is cleaned and tuned before class. Tell your machine service person that you will be doing free-motion work. There's nothing more frustrating than coming to class with a machine that can't handle the assignment!
- A platform or table extender to increase the flat work surface area around the feed dogs and needle.
- Sewing machine manual
- Extra bobbin case, optional
- Darning foot, appliqué foot, standard sewing foot, extra bobbins
- Sewing machine needles, size 10-11 universal, size 12, 14, 16 Schmetz top stitch needles
- Extension cord
- Small bottle of silicone, Sewer's Aid is one brand name, optional
- Thread: bring thread for piecing, monofilament thread in clear and smoke, bobbin fill thread such as The Bottom Line by Superior Threads. Bring a selection of decorative thread: rayon, solid color, variegated, at least one spool of 30 wt. thread, metallic to complement and match flower and leaf choice.
- Pencil, felt tip marker, paper scissors, fabric scissors, rotary cutter, ruler and mat, pins
- Some type of paper for drawing, newsprint etc. Fold up several large sheets to fit in your tote bag. You may tape smaller pieces of paper together if necessary .
- Machine embroidery hoop, 7 inch size, round, plastic rim with metal insert preferred
- Iron and padded surface for pressing, optional
- 1-2 yards of white felt or flannel to use as a design wall
- Paper backed fusible webbing, at least 2 yards. Wonder Under or Trans Web would be preferred brands
- 2 yards of Tear away type stabilizer
- Garden subject matter: Please bring photographs, ideas, sketches, drawings etc of your choice of flower, leaves and plant habit. To keep this simple, limit your floral selections to 1-3 types of flowers. They should be enlarged enough to fit a 24-30 inch square wall hanging. The cluster of flowers on page 1 illustration should be a maximum of 21 inches.
- Optional, SewSlip or Free-motion Slider (new cling type; no tape)
Fabric needed:
- A piece of muslin or solid color fabric 12 inches square for experimenting with embroidery techniques
- 36-50 six inch squares of fabric in one color family, ranging from very light to medium in value. Cut no more than 2 squares of a fabric. This will create your garden background. For example bring: cream, beige, khaki, and taupe fabrics in a selection of solids, batiks, tone on tones or small prints. Take into consideration your choice of flower. There must be some contrast between your flower color and the background used.
- An assortment of fabrics appropriate for your choice of flower. Example, if you want daisies bring 3-4 whites, 2-3 yellows for centers, 5-6 greens for the stems and leaves. The assortment size should include light, medium and darks, in fat quarters or large scraps.
- Accent fabrics, enough for a narrow 1-2 inch border, some very dark fabrics, maybe a black and white print, or something that would create a contrast with background choice.
- Optional, contrasting border (instead of self-border), enough yardage for desired width and finished quilt size.
- Optional, yard pieces of bridal illusion veiling, white, black, or color used in flowers or background. Available in most chain fabric stores, finer than nylon net. This can add highlights or shadows.
- Bring a selection of colorful scraps and some of your favorite fabrics, in case of a change in garden plans!
The instructor will have thread and top stitch needles available for purchase.
CLASSROOM SETUP: Please provide one table per student. Ironing boards and irons. Wall space for each student to hang felt for design wall. Two tables for instructors use.
Ann Fahl encourages her students to try new ideas and experiment on their own. If you have any questions or other ideas that you would like to try, please contact her before class! Your supply list may need to be amended!
