by Jean and Valori Wells
Many classes and events can be created that are inspired by a garden theme. We hope you take our ideas and expand on them. Have fun!
Required text: Through the Garden Gate by Jean Wells and Valori Wells
Beginning Gardener Classes:
1) Students bring a flower picture to class. Instructor helps them choose fabrics to reflect the flowers in their picture and interpret their own garden palette. The class should meet three times. The "Lavender Patch" nine patch quilt and the "Tossed Salad" log cabin quilt are wonderful to use as inspiration for beginning gardeners!
2) Use the "Americana Collector" quilt as inspiration and have students do a collage quilt. Marking the top and hand quilting could complete the experience. The class should meet three times.
3) "Enchanted Morning" is a great quilt for beginners. The background is pieced, and then flower shapes are fused on top and buttonhole stitched in place. The class should meet two times.
Sew and Flip Design Class
Quilting in the Garden Design Class:
For intermediate and advanced quilters, a "Quilting in the Garden" design class would be fun. Start out as I mentioned above and let students design and make a quilt. There are a variety of techniques in the book like "sew and flip", watercolor, and foundation piecing that could be demonstrated in the first session. In this style of class the instructor becomes a resource person and a coach, encouraging students through the design process. The class should meet three to four times.
Advanced Watercolor Class:
Use "Vanilla Rose" and "Summer Garden" as the launching pad to design a watercolor quilt. Teach students how to move color around. Embellish with broderie perse to enhance the design. The class should meet four times.
Foundation Paper Piecing Class
Have a "Quilting in the Garden" Quilt Show:
When classes are finished, get the student work together and have a mini quilt show in a garden setting. Serve lemonade and cookies at your garden party.
