Need help with ideas for a quilting class- YIKES!

Hey, that was me last year. Only my mom opened her mouth and volunteered me, I didn't do it to myself :-)

We met once a month from 10-12. So, two hours just like you.

Do they need to complete something every time? I would shoot myself if that were the case. If not, just do that the first time to whet their appetite for quilting.

Think pin cushion (maybe even not pieced just two squares, stuffed and sewn shut) or a needle case or a book mark.

Then, bring something bigger to share with them.

We did a small sampler quilt. The first time we learned to rotary cut, sew a 1/4" seam, press, and they looked and felt the differences in thread and fabrics; the second class we met at a quilt store and shopped (the owner gave them a nice guild discount - call ahead you never know) and then we were really ready to start. Class by class:

Rail fence block, strip pieced

Nine patch block,strip pieced

Friendship star, draw squares on the diagonal and sew either side to learn a technique for half square triangles and then traditionally piece to assemble

Flying geese, used the great technique on the patchpieces site

Assemble the top

Basting (fusible batt was required) and starting simple quilting with a walking foot.

Finish the quilting

Binding and discussion of labels, hanging sleeves, keeping a photo of every quilt you make - because you know you'll give them away and you want something to remember it by.

They had a good time and had their project done by Christmas so they were happy with that. The rule was they needed to make 4-6 blocks of each kind. We had a lot of fun playing with the blocks and everyone had their own layout in the end. They were forbidden to make anything larger than crib size and appreciated that rule when it came to the quilting. It is such a great way to learn because then you know early on that you can take something and make it your own.

After that we did meet for a few stand alone technique classes - free motion quilting, piecing curves, etc but then the group petered out. I think the drive to make something real kept them coming and the little stuff didn't.

marcella

Leslie, with both hand and machine seamsters it will be difficult to do anything cohesive, since so many things are somewhat different for the two groups. Most things that would take a hand sewist 2 hours to finish could be done in less than half that time by the machine seamsters. And the fact that you will have all levels will make a big difference too.

I agree about "free" classes. There needs to be some sort of payment in order for the students to think the class is "worthwhile", it seems.

Maybe, what ever you decide on, you could have a "kit fee" to cover the cost of materials you provide. That would mean you are not supplying at no cost, and they would have an investment in the class.

A needle book, or pin cushion is a good idea. Even a pot holder could be done, if it was a simple one. But that involves a lot of different skills, any one of which could take most of that 2 hours.

I just uploaded some pictures of a needlebook that I have. (Album of sewing accessories.)It is not too difficult to make, once the pattern is made. Will post instructions in a separate message.

Have fun, Pati, in Phx

Leslie & The Furbabies > I opened my big mouth and got some ideas tossing around to teach some

Sorry! I meant the pieces ready cut. . In message , Patti writes

Leslie

Favourite quickie project for me is make two foundation pieced log cabin blocks. This can be done by machine or by hand (Manx style).

Then sew them together to make a pyramid shape and stuff.

Small pyramids make great pin cushions, and larger ones can take a small bag of stones in the middle and be used as door stops.

The shapes can be made to look pretty or cute - eg. just add features for faces, or eyes/tails/ears/fins for animals.

It only takes two blocks, you can draw the pattern on the foundation fabric beforehand, and then they can sew along the lines. It doesn't take much fabric, and they can even swap strips among the group.

What about some of these coasters Leslie ?

know that these are mine but I can't find the directions link in thearchive. The instructions used to be on about.com but I cant find them now.

Dee > I opened my big mouth and got some ideas tossing around to teach some

Google for "Penny Pennington" (Just did and the site comes up.)

Pati, in Phx

Dee > What about some of these coasters Leslie ?

Disappearing Nine Patch.......

could ask them to bring 9 - 12 different scraps wide enough to cut 4" squares from and with a mixture of mediums/darks and lights. Also to have some left over so they can swop with others so they can have a variety to choose from.

They could get the taste of making a small wall hanging from the squares or a placemat. I'm sure they could get at least four 9 patch squares done, cut and turned around in 2 hours......depends on how much chatting goes on

I think asking a small fee would be a good idea for the next lot of classes.....running the first one for free but making certain that they know the first one is free and subsequent ones will incur a fee. Most folk don't mind.

I so love the Disappearing Nine Patch.........I'm currently working on this one.....

one called "Risky Business".

Hey they're a good idea......can I pinch that one? Wendy in Nsw

It's not my idea so you don't need *my* permission

Dee in Oz

Or a Christmas Ornament? Minimal piecing, minimal quilting, no binding, a small loop as a hanger (thread, ribbon or yarn) and it's finished! CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

The allsorts crisscross pattern is just like Penny Pennington's except for Penny's you don't have to mess with fusible anything. Just put a piece of batting (I like Hobbs 80/20 between the two squares pieces, then stack the folded pieces as shown in allsorts directions. I don't think I would like them as well with just the fusible. The batting helps absorb any moisture from whatever you're sitting on the coaster.

I've made many, many coasters from Penny Pennington's pattern. They make wonderful gifts especially if you put a set in a little wooden crate. I used to buy wooden crates that were just the right size from Create for Less, but I can't find the crates on their website now.

Potholders?