From Modern Rainbow: 14 Imaginative Quilts that Play With Color by Rebecca Bryan
Class Description
This class will cover making the “Flame” quilt found in pages 70 – 73 of Modern Rainbow. The class is best suited for the advanced beginner: those who have experience in basic patchwork but are looking for a new challenge. The class will teach Cutting Diamonds and Cutting Angled Units (page 20). During the first class, students will begin making their flame blocks. The second class will walk students through the quilt top assembly.
Class Length
This class works best as a series of 2 2-3 hour-long classes. The first class will teach students how to make the flame blocks with optional teaching time to discuss color theory and selection. The second class will teach the students how to assemble the flame quilt top. The intervals between classes should provide enough time for students to make enough flame blocks to make a quilt.
Class Supply List
Required text: Modern Rainbow: 14 Imaginative Quilts that Play With Color
Cutting Board
Rotary Cutter
Ruler – 6’’ x 24’’ with a 60° line
Sewing machine
Iron and Ironing Board
For the first class, students will need to bring enough 2 1/2’’ strips to make at least 1 Flame block. Depending on time allowances, students may want to bring or buy more fabric. See page 71 for full fabric requirements for the scrappy version and non-scrappy version.
For the second class, students will need to bring their flame blocks and sashing fabric.
TIP: When cutting the strips, a specialized 60° angle ruler is helpful to have.
TIP: For the scrappy version it would be fun to offer a scrap exchange or fabric bank among the participants. Also, a shop could find many opportunities to supplement yardage from the shop.
Classroom Preparation
* Prepare Flame block step outs as needed
* For the first class, students will need an individual or shared workspace where they can cut and press. Students will need a place to layout their blocks.
* For the second class, students may need a design board if they intend to finish the quilt top in class. Also students will need an individual or shared workspace where they can cut and press.
Class Agenda
First Class:
The first class will discuss how to make individual flame blocks.
* As an optional activity, open the class with a discussion of color using the chapter “Using the Spectrum in Quilts” as a guide. Hit upon playing with colors in the spectrum in visually interesting ways and using the negative space to create additional visual interest. This would be a good opportunity to market fabric from the shop.
* Teach participants how to cut the strips of fabric needed for a flame block (Modern Rainbow page 71-72). Skills covered: Cutting Diamonds (page 20 of Modern Rainbow) and Cutting Angled Units (also page 20).
* Demonstrate making a flame block (Modern Rainbow page 72) and assist students as needed while they work on their flame blocks.
Second Class:
This second session will focus on assembling the quilt top.
* If necessary demonstrate cutting the pieces needed for the sashing or allow students to prepare sashing pieces prior to class.
* Walk students through quilt top assembly (page 72-73).
TIP: Demonstrate using fabric marking pens when sewing rows together.
From Modern Rainbow: 14 Imaginative Quilts that Play With Color by Rebecca Bryan
Class Description
The class covers making the Lucy in the Sky Quilt found on pages 33 - 38 of Modern Rainbow. The project is best suited for the intermediate quilter. Skills covered include paper piecing.
Class Length
This project can be broken into 3 short (1-2 hour) classes – the first class teaches the paper pieced rainbow squares, the second (optional) class teaches the hourglass blocks, and the third (optional) class covers quilt top assembly. If teaching the full 3 class series, allow plenty of time between classes for students to finish blocks at home.
Class Supply List
Modern Rainbow: 14 Imaginative Quilts that Play with Color
Copies of Lucy in the Sky Templates A and B (see pattern pull out sheet)
See page 33 for full supplies list and page 38 for alternate sizes (TIP: This may be a good quilt pattern to offer kits.)
For the Class on Paper Pieced Rainbow Squares:
Small Cutting Board
Rotary Cutter
Smaller Acrylic Ruler – 3’’ x 12’’
Sewing machine
Iron and Small Table-Side Ironing Board
Classroom Preparation
For the first class, each student will benefit from a small workstation next to their sewing machine where they can trim and press their paper piecing.
For the second class, the students can share irons and ironing boards.
For the third class individual design boards may be needed to lay out each student’s quilt top.
Class Agenda
First Class/ Paper-Pieced Rainbow Squares
* As an optional activity, open the class with a discussion of color using the chapter “Using the Spectrum in Quilts” as a guide. This would be a good opportunity to market fabric from the shop.
* Prepare rainbow fabrics for paper piecing (see cutting instructions for Rainbow Fabrics page 33)
* Walk students through paper piecing Templates A and B (see Paper-Pieced Rainbow Squares pages 34-35)
Second Class/ Piecing the Hourglass blocks
* Cut fabrics needed for the hourglass blocks (see Background Fabrics page 33).
* Demonstrate making the hourglass blocks (page 36)
Third Class/ Assembling the Quilt top
* Walk students through quilt top assembly (page 37)
