by Becky Goldsmith & Linda Jenkins
Quilt A Happy Garden
Hand Appliqué the Piece O’ Cake Way
(Note to teachers: You may teach the method of appliqué that you prefer. If necessary, change the description above to reflect the method of appliqué you will teach in class.)
Class Description
All skill levels. Learn how to make and use appliqué templates and placement overlays, how to prepare pieces for hand appliqué, and how to sew a variety of shapes with the invisible appliqué stitch. Each student will work on Block #1 in class. This block can be used in the quilt or as a stand alone project. Who can resist these completely cute and funky birds? This is a block (and quilt) that makes everyone smile. Optional – See a demonstration on how to paint the eyes on the birds.
Class Length -6 hours
This block can be taught as a stand alone project or you can teach multiple classes, each one focusing on a different block from the book.
Class Supplies
- Required text: My Whimsical Quilt Garden by Becky Goldsmith & Linda Jenkins
- A 12” x 12” square of background fabric
- Bring scraps of fabric that are approximately 12” x 12” for the appliqué, in colors suitable for the class block.
- Small, sharp, paper scissors
- Small, sharp, fabric scissors
- An ultra fine point Sharpie marker
- One 10" x 10” square of Premium Clear Vinyl. Keep the tissue paper that comes with the vinyl.
- One sheet of clear laminate, such as Piece O' Cake's Essential Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets.
- Appliqué needles and appliqué pins, such as Essential Appliqué Pins from Piece O' Cake Designs.
- Appliqué thread. Superior’s Masterpiece 100% cotton thread is a very good choice.
- Chalk Pencil for medium to dark fabrics
- A General’s Sketch & Wash pencil OR a Quilter’s Ultimate Mechanical Pencil for light fabrics
- Essential Sandboard from Piece O' Cake Designs or a sheet of fine grain sandpaper.
- Baggies for your templates
- Optional - A light and an extension cord in case the room is dark
- Optional - Many people find that appliqué is easier if they have a pillow in their lap to rest their forearms on. It’s a good idea to bring a pillow to class for this purpose.
Classroom Preparation
Students need table space and a chair. When possible, provide access to an outlet for their lights. 1-2 pressing stations.
Class Outline
- Make templates (page 4). Don’t spend a lot of time cutting out shapes you won’t use in class.
- Make placement overlays (page 5).
- Press background in half horizontally and vertically (page 4).
- Trace appliqué shapes and cut out with 3/16” seam allowance (page 5). Refer to the note below.
- Finger press then position the appliqué piece (page 6).
- Using the placement overlay to position you appliqué piece (page 6).
- Teach the invisible stitch along with the specific appliqué technique that pertains to that shape.
Note: Focus on the appliqué shapes that allow you to teach the most appliqué techniques in a 6-hour class. For example, in Block #1 we recommend that you teach these techniques and shapes, in this order:
Teach cutaway appliqué on stem #17 (page 7).
Teach outer points on leaf #2 (pages 40-45 in The New Appliqué Sampler).
Teach inner points and outer curves on flower bud #19 (pages 45-47 in The New Appliqué Sampler).
Optional - Use white and black acrylic paint, textile medium, a small paintbrush, or gel pens, or paint pens and demonstrate how to paint the eyes on the bird (page 11).
Teach cutaway appliqué on small pieces on bird beak #40 (page 7).
