Straight and Curved Edge Foundation Piecing
Class Description: This is a technique class that will show students how easy it is to create crazy quilt blocks, even ones with curved shapes. Beginning students should do fine in this class, as long as they know how to use a sewing machine. Students will leave class with two blocks pieced, and the confidence to do curved foundation piecing on their own. It is not as scary as they think! They will also see how fun it is to put fabrics together in a block in an intuitive way, choosing as they go along. That is one of the best parts of crazy quilting!
Class Length: This is a 3 hour class.
Class Supply List:
- Required text:Allie Aller's Crazy Quilting by Allie Aller
- 1/3 yard muslin
- 18 fabric pieces, at least 8" square. Fat 1/8ths would be perfect.
- 1/3 yard fusible interfacing (I list this as optional in the book, but I strongly believe that any crazy quilt block that is going to be embroidered and or embellished should be interfaced after it is pieced and before the stitching goes on. The outcome is so much better!)
- Water soluble marker
- Tracing paper and pencil (I use Golden Threads tracing paper; every quilter should have a roll in her sewing space)
- Scissors for fabric and paper
- Basic sewing supplies: thread, pins, ruler, cutter, and cutting mat for cutting
Classroom Preparation: Several ironing stations are necessary, because the blocks must be ironed after each patch is sewn on. Each student needs a sewing machine.
The teacher should create sample blocks in different colorways if possible so that students can see the blocks' possibilities. They will want to buy more fabric this way! Having fat 1/8ths precut before class might encourage students to purchase convenient amounts in more colors as well. These blocks look great in quilters' cottons and do not need to be made of "fancy" fabrics.
More information can be found on pages 27-30 of Allie's book.
Class Agenda: The first two piecing methods in the book will be mastered by the end of this class. Students may wish to create an entire quilt based on their class experience—not even embellishing it, but quilting the assembled blocks instead. Shop owners could organize a "show and tell" a month or two later. Everyone's quilt will be unique!
