Help ...what do you consider the next step in learning quilting....

I think Drunkard's Path would be good - a not much hassle curved seam. Then a Lemoyne Star as well would be handy - 'Y' seams just need to be taught, they don't need to be hard. I also think, at this stage, students should learn to increase and reduce pattern size to suit what they want. If they haven't already done so, learning to use freezer paper templates, where you sew the seams along the edges of the paper would be a very handy technique to know. Working out setting -side and corner - triangles for an on Point setting would also be most useful. . In message , Mauvice in central WI writes

lly the onpoint setting, I know plenty of quilters of long standing who are = afraid of it...I hadn't thought of freezer paper template but that would be = good too... I was just wondering if anyone had an "AHA" moment that empowered them....I know when many students see the HST for the firs t time they all say "OOH" "OMG" or something to that effect....what I am looking for... Mauvice

How about an easy applique? Most people love applique patterns.

Someone else recommended stuff with 60 degree angles, etc. I think perhaps a *true* Tumbling Blocks quilt (not the type that have the pieced diamond shapes with only straight seams) might be a good next step. You not only have to deal with the diamond shapes and the "Y" seams, you need to be able to choose appropriate light, medium and dark fabrics. You could also use templates for this and cover all sorts of stuff!! CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their w> I have taught beginning quilting for about 8 years, learning to use

You could also do a machine applique class with different ways to do machine applique. (Fused, fused with inside of fusible cut away, faced appliques, and so on. Using invisible thread, buttonhole stitch, and so on. Lots of different techniques and ways to do it.) When I designed and taught an extensive Beginning class I did 9 different blocks, included strip piecing techniques, half and quarter square triangles, flying geese, using templates, a couple of applique by machine techniques, paper piecing, and so on. Did not do curved piecing, but did do curved applique (combined templates with an applique technique for grandmother's fan block. we stitched lace or piping or ??? to the outer edge of the fan, turned it on that seam then did stitch in the ditch to applique it down.) We then set the blocks with sashing and learned to add borders. Practiced machine quilting on a place mat made from any of the blocks they wanted to make a second of. And did the binding on the mat. It was a very complete introduction to quilting, in 6 weeks.

Pati, > I have taught beginning quilting for about 8 years, learning to use

How about a simple paper pieced block. Maybe a Pine Tree or even a square in a square. So many people "fear" paper piecing -- when once they learn how to go about it -- a whole new world of "complex blocks" opens up to them!

I agree with the drunkard's path block. Doing curves is another technique that "scares" lots of people.

Another idea might be doing mitered corners on borders.

Sounds like a fun class!

espcially the onpoint setting, I know plenty of quilters of long standing who are afraid of it...I hadn't thought of freezer paper template but that would be good too...

Paper piecing!!! I was trying to do a complicated block with templates and then I was shown paper piecing and was amazed at how sharp my points were. And how easy it was to get them sharp after struggling with templates. Yup, definitely an "AHA" moment for me!!

Allison

Please do show them the 'trace on tulle, then copy with a Crayola washable marker onto the quilt manner of marking' for machine quilting. I just showed that to my newest quilter and she thinks I am magic. We discussed it thoroughly here on 3/26 if you need reminding of the details and variations. I guess it's because I have two beginners underfoot now but I have too many suggestions, I'm afraid. Do teach them to troubleshoot SM woes. Most of the time, it seems, we rctq-ers have been able to resolve everyone's troubles with stitching. You might even hand them a list of things to check. Most SMs have a troubleshooting guide or a page for maintenance but I suspect that many of them are written by medicine men in Ballawahallagana. Thank you for asking, that was fun. Polly

"Kate G." wrote in message news:Xs-dncI80eO9LGbanZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com...

Definately: Paper piecing! and mitered corners. those were my "AHA's". A fun project would be a 3 session class with 2 blocks per session. the first could be a review and use the blocks they know with color changes. the 2nd could be PP and/or freezer ppr applique, the 3rd could be how to finish off the quilt. they'd have a 4 to 6 patch WUH and it would be finished by the end of the 3rd session.

amy in CNY

Some gentle curves: fan blocks.

Some sharp angles: storm at sea.

Partial seams: bright hopes block.

The set in pieces are a good idea too.

Mauvice

Oooo YES -- Partial seams! so easy -- and can be so practical!

I just did a Garden Twist top (almost have it finished) -- and instead of following the directions which caused seams where really there shouldn't have been... I recaluclated using partial seams -- saved cutting time, sewing time and really enhanced the look!

Great thought Pat!

Great ideas, Elly. I have a similar 4 block sampler (top) that I made for a class sampler that never took off. It is on my UFO list for this year. I really like how you set the central unit on point with the crazy patches. I hope you don't mind if I copy cat your idea!!

Peaky and Spike! This is the next step for sure. That and working with graph paper.

If your students can sew squares, half square triangles, quarter square triangles, rectangles, strip piecing as in rail fence, and flying geese, the next thing is learning to draft their own blocks. I think Doreen Speckman's books should be the beginning text for piecers.

--Lia

Applique Debra in VA See my quilts at: