by Victoria Findlay Wolfe
Class Description
Beginner-to-advanced students will learn how to make a 20" X 20" one-of-a-kind mini-quilt through 15 minutes of "play." They'll also learn how to sew spontaneously, ask questions about process, build confidence in color choices and build unique quilts through play.
Class Length
4 hours
Class Supply List
- Required text: 15 Minutes of Play—Improvisational Quilts by Victoria Findlay Wolfe
- Scraps can be bought through the quilt shop (Suggest that students buy scraps with which they typically wouldn't work)
- 4 fat quarters in colors that students would not normally use
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter
- Thread
- Cutting mat
- Iron
- Ironing boards
TIP: Encourage students to continually try new colors, techniques, and layouts. The store will be filled with items that the teacher can share/teach to encourage people to try new techniques and tools–curves, templates, appliqué, machine applique, threads, slow stitch, embroidery floss, needles, felt wool, etc.–anything that can add a new element to each person's project.
Once they have constructed 4-6 blocks of fabric, demonstrate each technique for made fabric from the book. Ask what each student "always does" when they make a quilt and help them to find a new approach. Get them to ask "what if?" questions. Encourage them to use colors that they don't normally use, and try on-point settings. Ask them if they've paper-pieced or appliquéd. Have they used fabrics beyond cotton?
Classroom Preparation
Teacher should be well versed in various quilt techniques and encourage students by asking "What if?" questions to inspire play without giving them the answers.
Class Agenda
The goal is to get made fabric made, then "play" on the design wall with a layout that is unique to each quilter. Give students as many options to play as possible so that they can use what they have made to put together a 20" square top as quickly as possible. Through play, watching, and asking questions, they can feel confident that they've made smart choices. Encourage each person to talk about why they made the choices they did.
