Embellishing with Anything Class Plan

by Gladys Love

Featured Classes:

3D FABRIC EMBELLISHMENTS
Fused Fabric, Turned Pieces and Stitching to Create 3D Embellishments

Class Description:

Students in this class will create two styles of 3D fused and stitched fabric elements to use as embellishments in their fabric artwork.

Students will leave this class with several finished leaves and/or flower petals for use as embellishments in a project of their choosing. They will have confidence with double-sided fusible webbing and new skills in turning stitched pieces right side out, as well as couching designer threads to the surface of their project.

Approximate Class Time: This would be a full day class for any level of student.

This class can also be used as Part Two of a three part series to complete the Ginkgo Wall Hanging. Part One would be another full day class using the Curvaceous Pieced Background Class Plan and Part Three for assembly and finishing.

Class Supplies:

  • Required text: Embellishing with Anything by Gladys Love
  • Sewing Machine
  • Quilter’s Freezer Paper Sheets
  • Pencil
  • Paper Scissors
  • Sewing Machine and supplies
  • Sharp Fabric Scissors
  • 1 yard double sided fusible webbing
  • A selection of fabrics to represent leaves, flowers. At least 10 pieces, minimum 4” square. If your shop carries fabrics other than quilting cotton, encourage the use of silks and other shimmery fabrics. If your shop only carries quilting cotton, encourage “non-leaf” colors as well as traditional ones. Printed fabrics also produce a nice finished project.
  • Thread to complement fabrics for both top and bobbin
  • 2 yards of a decorative wool for couching
  • Thread to match wool
  • Turning tools

Classroom Preparation:

Prepare some leaves and/or flowers using the technique as described on pages 14, 15 and 16. Use a variety of fabrics demonstrating viability of cottons, silks, organza, prints or plain. Prepare a handout with notes and pattern for tracing. Make one or two turned and couched leaves with different fabrics and wools. Enlarge the patterns on Page 55 to distribute to students.

Class Outline:

    1. Discuss use of a variety of fabrics demonstrating viability of cottons, silks, organza, prints or plain.   
    2. Have students trace pattern shapes for fusible leaves onto their Quilter’s Freezer Paper Sheets.
    3. Demonstrate use of double sided fusible webbing.
    4. Have students choose two fabrics for their first leaf and fuse them as per page 14.
    5. Follow steps 1 to 3 on Page 54.
    6. Proceed to Step 1 & 2 to topstitch these leaves.

When this technique is mastered by all students, move on to the Turned and Couched Leaf:

  1. Follow technique on page 15 & 16 to create the larger turned leaf.
  2. Demonstrate couching wool to the leaf.

When students have finished their first couched leaf, discuss use of these techniques to make different shaped leaves or flower petals etc. Refer to pictures on pages 52, 55, 56, 90 and 91 for leaf examples, and for flowers, see the photo in the gallery, page 90. The grass stems in the projects shown on Page 57 & 65 use the same fusible technique with organza.

CURVACIOUS PIECED BACKGROUND
Curved Cutting and Piecing to Create a Spectacular Background

Class Description:

What better way to highlight your pictorial or appliquéd quilts than to have a fantastic background to put it on? This technique creates an organic looking backdrop to anything you want to feature. It can be used in so many ways that you will come away with ideas to make many more.

Students will leave the Curvaceous Background class with knowledge of curved cutting and piecing, twin needle texturing and a beautiful background ready for a design application of their own. Knowledge of this technique will inspire students wishing to do original work with a new way to feature their own designs.

Class Length: This would be a full day class for any level of student.

This class can also be used as Part One of a three part series to complete the Ginkgo Wall Hanging.  Part Two would be another full day class using the 3D Elements Class Plan and Part Three for assembly and finishing.

Class Supplies:

  • Required text: Embellishing with Anything by Gladys Love
  • Sewing Machine
  • 2 fat quarters of practice fabric in high contrast
  • A selection of coordinating fabrics for their project  (at least 3) 1 yard each
  • Thread to match fabrics
  • Rotary cutter and mat
  • A wide twin needle
  • 2 colors Top stitching threads
  • Lingerie thread for bobbin

Classroom Preparation:

Practice the steps discussed on pages 12, 13 & 14. Prepare a partially stitched sample and some fabric to demonstrate the cutting & stitching technique. For demonstration purposes it is helpful to use high contrast fabrics, but to entice the students to the class, a finished sample in sumptuous fabrics is suggested. Have a finished piece that is not top-stitched, and one that is.

Class Outline:

  1. Discuss your finished background sample, fabric layout, (tip on page 53) and the handling of bias edges.
  2. Demonstrate the curved cutting and stitching & pressing techniques.
  3. Have students get started on their practice high contrast fabrics.
  4. Discuss degree of curves and how to make it easier.
  5. Get students started using their project fabrics.
  6. When students are well on their way to having a wide enough background, demonstrate the twin needle stitching and how it adds texture to their piece. Assist any students who are ready with the adjustment of their bobbin casing. (Page 14)
  7. Have students practice using twin needle on their start-of-the-class high contrast practice pieces.
  8. Now just “be there” to answer questions, problem solve and encourage.
  9. Point out uses of techniques on pages 52 (with topstitching), 94 (no topstitching), and page 90 (with topstitching).

QUICK AND SIMPLE BEADING
Review of Beading Techniques used to Embellish Projects

Class Description:

This class is designed to introduce the student to beginner beading techniques used to embellish Art Trading Cards, Journal Pages or Wall Hangings. Students will learn the basic methods of applying beads to the working surface and finished edges.

Each student will come away from the class with confidence in their ability to use beads as embellishments; at least one finished and heavily beaded ATC and lots of inspiration to carry on beading others.

Class Length: This class would be offered as a half day.

This class is offered as a “handwork only”, not requiring a sewing machine.

Class Supplies:

  • Required text: Embellishing with Anything byGladys Love
  • Timtex, (cut to ATC, Postcard or even just sample size for a working surface)
  • Fabric surface to cover Timtex piece
  • An assortment of decorative threads
  • An assortment of beads to coordinate with their fabrics
  • Spray adhesive or gluestick
  • Hand beading needles
  • Thread wax

Classroom Preparation:

The teacher should complete a small sample of each beading technique, as well as have one started but not finished on which to demonstrate.
This would be a good class for a shop to provide a “kit” to the students with supplies to complete one card. They could get started easily by working with their kit materials, and then purchase more supplies during or after the class to carry on practicing this technique at home.

Class Outline:

Refer to:

  • Page 16 for couching a line of beads.
  • Page 34 to illustrate messy stitching hidden after finishing
  • page 11 for a beaded finishing edge.
  • Page 35 for a tassel corner finishing idea.
  • Page 40 for a method to raise beads from the surface

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