This class offers a different, yet fundamental, approach to modern quilting by teaching you how to make a small quilt by hand from start to finish. It’s a great chance to disconnect from our tech-filled lives, gather together to honor traditional craftsmanship, and make something that looks freshly modern without the use of machines—plus, it’s a perfect size quilt project to display on a wall or tabletop when you are finished! Using Carolyn Friedlander’s “Circles” quilt block, we will cover traditional hand quilting methods including piecing, applique, basting, quilting, and binding. Given the geometric simplicity and clean lines of this block, we will be able to focus on key principals of design such as color play, line, emphasis, texture, balance, volume, and rhythm. As we apply these traditional methods and concepts, we will discuss them within the broader context of the “slow sewing” and “mindful design” movements.
Sewing outside of class: Class time is used for technique tutorials, individual troubleshooting, and time to work on the project itself. Students can expect to complete elements of the project each week in between meetings in order to achieve a finished or close-to-finished project within the scope of the course.
Please note—you should purchase all your materials beforehand EXCEPT for the fabric itself. During the first class, we’ll talk about design and what to keep in mind while choosing fabrics, so that you can pick your quilt fabric confidently.
Week #1:
Discussion: Review of fabric selection/Mindful design
Techniques: pressing, cutting and assembling blocks, basting stitch
Week #2:
Discussion: Slow sewing
Techniques: Needle turn applique and reverse applique, cutting and sewing sashing with running stitch
Week #3:
Discussion: Review of threads/frames selection, Mindful Design
Techniques: Assembling quilt sandwiches, basting and quilting stitches, making binding
Materials to purchase before class:
Carolyn Friendlander’s Circles Quilt Pattern
46×36″ Craft size Quilter’s Dream cotton batting
All purpose cotton or hand sewing thread in matching color
All purpose cotton or hand sewing thread in contrasting color for basting
Hand sewing needles
Clover binding clips
Quilt frame
Carolyn Friedlander’s Savor Each Stitch (optional)
Perle cotton (Valdani or DMC) for hand quilting (optional)
Quilt fabric to purchase during first class:
1 1/4 yd backing and sashing fabric
¼ yd binding fabric
3 different fat quarters for quilt blocks, or 1/2 yd cuts of 3 different fabrics
No Current Dates Set
Please stay tuned for upcoming dates or email for private lesson inquiries on this topic!