QUILTS FOR BEDS

I started off my quilting life making quilts for my kids' beds and whilst I have strayed a long way from there I'm enjoying getting back to basics and making simple quilts within a prescribed format.

This series of classes is aimed both beginner and intermediate quilters who want to work in an ordered manner making practical quilts -not merely following what the pattern says. Each class will work in the same manner but revolve around a different quilt style or setting.

We start within a formal structure of mattress sizes - students will have pre-chosen one of six mattress sizes: lap, cot, single, double, queen, king. We'll using simple formulas to bring them to each individual's prescribed quilt size.

Then working backwards, we'll indivisualize the components, (body, borders, etc), to create a custom made, functional quilt design within the quilt type chosen for the class.

Each student then moves onto individual projects with technical help on best cutting and piecing practices;
Some will work at making blocks - I will have a 'library' of simple suitable Cut Loose, Stargazey and Traditional blocks to work with.
Some will cut 'blanks' as a speedy substitute for blocks and then spend time on piecing borders -Cut Loose, Stargazey or Traditional style.
Some will come with finished blocks to work into a quilt. Pieced or applique blocks in any style can be used.

All classes are;

• Rotary cut and machine pieced.
• Suitable for beginners and intermediate levels
• Given notes on all bed sizes (from Cot to King) - these may be presented on CD
• Fine to use with fabrics other than patchwork cottons (although these are easiest to work with)
• Will have individual tuition given on colour and design relevant to students needs.

1 or 2 day classes that would combine well with Machine Quilting classes to follow, or Cut Loose/Samplerz to precede.

Choose from these initial options:

		STRIPPIEZ A Strippy setting is one with a vertical format - columns in essence. We'll look at the practical technical restraints of cutting and piecing long strips. We'll explore the infinite variety available within the format - from simple single strips combos to more complex pieced block strips.
		ROW BY ROW A Row by row setting is one with a horizontal format but one that may have often has each row being different. The difference may be in row sizes or content of the rows. There is infinite variety available within the format; from piecing of odd sized rectangles forming the rows, through variations of the same block, to a melange of different pre-made blocks.
		SQUARE GRID QUILTS A Square block setting is the most recognisable in patchwork. We'll look at the getting the square working proportionally, technically and interestingly. There is infinite variety available within the format using abutting blocks or block borders and sashings to seperate the design.
		MEDALLIONZ A Medallion setting is one with a central 'block' that has borders continually radiating from it. it is one of the more challenging traditional settings. There is infinite variety available within the format from starting from straight settings to on point settings. The technical aspects of grain use and triangles are well explored here.
		CRAZIEZ Many of my quilts are set in a seemingly complex freeform manner. Generally these are based on a row, column or irregular block system. We will explore different ways to make up a 'crazy' fabric then work from pre-prepared blocks of your choice (they may just be squares of fabrics) and work them appropriately into a unique quilt setting using a mathsless system.