Bring Springtime Inside! Crocus Window Box Class Plan
Class Description:
Improve your needle-turning appliqué skills while making a lovely window box to bring spring inside your home. In this workshop you will hone your needle-turn appliqué skills while learning simple techniques to appliqué stems and perfect two of Deborah’s most-used embroidery stitches.
Students may choose to hand quilt, machine quilt, or leave the appliqué unquilted before transforming the panel into a window box. Class level is easy to intermediate.
Class Length:
Two classes of 3 hours each, approximately one month apart so the appliqué and optional quilting can be completed in time to construct the window box in class 2.
Class Supply List:
• Required text: Euphoria Tapestry Quilts
•Enlarged pattern for Crocus Window Box (p. 87): pattern should be enlarged by 400% before class 1
Class 1
• ¾ yard cobalt blue fabric or background color of choice
• 14˝square green fabric for leaves and stems
• ½ yard total of assorted solid fabrics for flowers
• Spring green and bright orange embroidery floss
• Freezer paper
• Fine Sharpie for drawing templates
• Fabric marking pencil and eraser
• Thread to match appliqué
• Paper scissors
• Sharp scissors and sewing kit
• Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat
• Masking tape
• 38˝´ 8˝batting
• Optional: light box
Class 2
•Thread to sew quilt
• 35 ½˝´ 6˝rectangle of foam core presentation board
• Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat
• Sewing machine
Classroom Preparation:
For class 1 each student will need some table space and access to a pressing station. There should be one iron and ironing board for every four people. A classroom with nice big windows makes for an easy way to trace a long design, using windows in lieu of light boxes. Simply stick the pattern on the window and trace. For class 2 each student will need table space for their sewing machine and access to a plug socket.
Class Agenda:
Details for appliqué of flowers and stems and embroidery stitches can found in Part 1: The Flowers (p. 19). Window Box details can be found on pp. 84–85.
Class 1
1. Prepare background fabric for appliqué.
2. Prepare the templates and appliqué.
3. Stitch appliqué and embroidery stitches.
NOTE:For those students who would prefer their window box quilted, see pp. 86–88 for options. Quilting needs to be completed before class 2.
Class 2
1. Layer panel with batting and backing.
2. Follow instructions p. 85 to finish window box with sleeve.
3. Insert card stock.
