We begin at the Centre

The First class in a Medallion Quilt must begin in the centre, as this is how all Medallion quilts begin. Then adding rounds of additional blocks or strips complimenting the overall 'feel' of the finished quilt.

Our first class focused on an appliquéd Cosmo flower which included three-dee flower petals.

Second class added the first round of bricks or blocks including the posts at the corners. (All measurements given in the class)

Embellishing the corner posts included learning how to make Yo yo's. Other embellishments could include buttons or waiting to do the quilting, to use a 'different' corner pattern.

Summer Classes

Cosmo Flower Medallion lap quilt starts with the centre block.

An appliqué not done with fusible webbing.

Later we'll tackle Yo-yo's and prairie points!

We are going to learn some new techniques with marking and quilting as we go.

There is still room in the classes for "I've never sewn anything before!" or experienced quilters looking for some fun with a new project.

The class is 6 to 8 evenings spread over as many weeks. Choose Monday evenings or Thursday evenings.

Don't bring a sewing machine! as this series is all done by hand!

New Classes Starting!

Valance or Table Runner?
I can't believe it! I actually finished the two projects for samples before the class began!
We will be doing some paper piecing or foundation piecing, plus 3 different blocks. The valance has two extra triangle blocks, one on each end, to balance the valance when over a window or on a mantle as a skirt.
Fabric choices matter in any project, but when you choose to make a valance for a certain room, take into account the room's decor and style.
This project needs one metre of background and three fat quarters for blocks. There is a 'flower' theme of a sort, so consider the flowers you like before choosing fabrics.
I hope to see you at class!

Finishing Monday's March/April classes

Our classes have always been really super. Friends build brilliant projects into works of art, made with love or just for fun! We are wrapping up this series of Windmills in Spring, taking a week to regroup before we start the next one!
I'll finish the binding on the sample valance for May/June class and post it later this week. It is turning out a lot better than I 'saw' it on paper!
I can't wait to WoW you!
Thank you ladies for sharing!

Quilt-as-U-Go Table Topper

This was a fun class. We all picked different fabrics and made huge splashes of colour!
I had done this pattern as a pieced top and quilted in the usual way. (check the gallery in the website) But this class was all done with a sewing machine!
Quilting by definition is three layers of textiles sewn together: a backing, a filler, and the top.
Some fillers(or batting) work better than others depending on the end purpose of the quilted item.
This table topper needed to lay flat and not buckle when things are sat on top of it. So, I opted for a felt filler. Yes! Felt these days is make of polyester, the same stuff poly bats are made of, but uniform and cheaper! It doesn't shrink in the wash and is pretty good at resisting a bit of heat.
We started with the backing face down, laid the filler over it, then started from the centre and 'built' our topper sewing seams through all layers. Some small amount of piecing was required. Binding was added and whip stitched on the back to finish. 2 hours! A done project.
This technique is great for whipping up a gift in a hurry.
Be aware that all sewing is obvious on the back while hidden on the top, so be very neat with your sewing.

Knitters link to Louise!

Knitting Class options can be viewed at wildflowerwoolknits.blogspot.com
Hopefully I have put in all class dates in the calender on the 'classes' page.
I am so thankful for Louise teaching the knitting classes.
Her classes are always fun and challenging. I will eavesdrop on the topic and maybe even try it myself! I'm really looking forward to the summer classes coming up.
Last summer we had a competition between the knitting class and the quilting class. Each doing a six block (knitted or quilted accordingly) throw/quilt. Joining each block after they were finished.
This year we will do a medallion throw/quilt. A totally different technique.
I'm really excited about it.
Keep watching for updates!

Fifth Night

All four blocks should be done now. Yipee!
I'm sure they look great!
See how your colours are coming together!
Each block should be 12" finished (means plus seam allowance)
To prepare for the fifth class: Sashing & Posts
Choices, choices!
You can opt for the simple plain sashing and posts or the complicated ones like the pictured sample.
Simple sashing is 2"x 12" finished and Simple posts are 2" x 2" finished.
Pictured Sashing & Posts:
There are 3 strips for each sashing between blocks,
Each sashing will consist of 2 outside strips (cut 20) in contrasting colour and 1 inside strip (cut 10) in background colour.
Each strip measures 12" x 1.5" (add seam allowances)
(give yourself a bit extra length in case your blocks are a smidgen over 12")
You can hand sew or machine sew your strips into the 10 three-strip sashings.
The friendship star posts will finish at 4.5" (plus seam allowances)
You will get all directions and templates for the stars in class.
Many of us have made the Friendship star block before in different sizes.

Do not sew your sashing to your blocks until we discuss the order of operations in class. Phew! You had me scared there!
And we'll talk about quilting as a whole project verses piecing two halves, quilting them and then putting them together.