workshop

Stretch a Block, Stretch Your Creativity

Discover the quilt designer and home decorator in YOU! You'll learn how to take a classic quilt block and stretch it, alter it, put your personal stamp on it. I'll help you choose the perfect mix of fabrics for your original design. Then, you'll cut the patches in a half day workshop, and stitch the blocks--and maybe the entire Skinny Quilt top in a full day workshop.

This workshop will:

· Provide design inspiration and empowerment to stretch your creativity.

· Guide you smoothly through planning, cutting, and possibly sewing one block for a customized table runner, to be finished at home.

· Allow you to make the Churn Dash Stretch (shown above), by Avis Shirer of Joined at the Hip, from Skinny Quilts & Table Runners, OR create your own original design with another stretched block, for a piece that will work perfectly for your china and decor (or those of the recipient's, if you're making this for a gift).

· Teach you drafting skills: how to take a classic quilt block, and stretch it, alter it, put your personal stamp on it.

· Let you road-test simple, rotary-cutting and speed-piecing techniques—beginners at piecing are very welcome!

· Embellish with easy appliqué.

· Fill you with ideas for alternative finishing techniques.

What you'll need to participate:

Dimensions of piece as shown are 14" 1/2" x 55 1/2"; however, bring dimensions of your dining table for customizing your piece to the perfect size for where it'll be displayed.

Also, try to please bring a china plate, candlesticks, or other tabletop item you wish to coordinate.

Fabrics—Bring extra options and choices, to ensure a successful, original design! Helpful to have on hand 1 yard of one multi-color focal fabric with a print that works for the room, to use for large patches, spacers, borders, or even just the backing. Beyond this, I suggest subtly textured prints with low-contrast color palette, such as tone-on-tone, variegated/mottled, vines, geometrics, abstracts, in colors to match your multi-color focal fabric, and your china)

1/3 yard each of light-value print and medium-value print,

1/4 yard each of contrast-color print, small-scale print in a dark value, and striped fabric

Optional:

Small amounts of felted wool, Woolfelt, or felt, for berries and leaves

Neutral or matching-colored sewing threads

1/2 yard of fusible web, 18" wide, for appliqués
For finishing, but not needed for class, you will need:

2 1/4 yards of fabric, for a one-piece backing

18" x 59" piece of batting

Variegated threads in blues, oranges, and greens, for machine quilting and machine embroidery

Tools and Supplies:

Large cutting mat

Small (4" or 6" square) and large (6" x 24") acrylic rulers

45mm rotary cutter

Scissors

Not absolutely necessary, but nice for full day workshop: sewing machine in good working order; 2 or 3 irons plus lightly padded ironing surfaces--for the class to share; plastic baggies, for pieces; embellishments to add after quilting.

Teacher will bring:

· Copies of Skinny Quilts & Table Runners, I and II to sell at a discounted $20 and $25, respectively if desired—no obligation to purchase

· Hand-outs and exercises for drafting

· Small amounts of felted wool, Woolfelt, or felt, for berries and leaves

· Other books, embellishments, and resources for sharing

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