I would like to take a moment to celebrate the conclusion of my most recent class: Raw Edge Applique at The Arts Barn in Schuylkill Haven, PA. First of all, owner Deb Cooper and Education Director Joanne Cosentino were so gracious and accommodating from beginning to end, even providing snacks for the students during class. I am very grateful to them.
There were 4 students. Even that small number kept me busy every moment. They were good humored, smart, and cooperative. I loved to see when they “got it!” Some examples of comments, this from an experienced traditional quilter, “This is so much more freeing than making all the little squares!” “Wow, what a difference it makes when you’ve quilted the piece”
I provided little thumbnail sketches they could use for composition ideas. Two used them, one made her own composition, and one took hers from my Quilt National 2015 Catalog. She said she kept coming back to “Infinity” by Elena Stokes, and ended up nearly copying that. (on a much smaller scale, with different fabrics.) I hope Elena takes that as a compliment!
The one composition “rule” I impart to beginning students is to avoid the center of a piece. You are trying to keep the eye moving. Use the “rule of thirds,” or at least don’t put an eye catcher in the center!
I brought in two sewing machines, one set up with a walking foot for straight line quilting, and one for free motion. I didn’t want them to get hung up on fancy quilting techniques for an introductory class. We only had two 3-hour sessions. Near the end I changed the free motion machine to straight stitch so they could finish the bindings.
They worked in small sizes. I cut muslin for the substrates approximately 12 x 16″ with batting to match. I had two ironing stations set up, which also worked well. I teach using Mistyfuse, and each student got about 2 yards of it to work with.
I began the class by showing pictures of Art Quilts, and also explaining the relationship between traditional quilts and art quilts, and where raw edge applique fits into the later category. I brought in some of my own pieces, and gave brief demonstrations at various points: how to start, squaring and trimming, quilting, and binding. I had instructions available for both “facing to the back” and quarter inch binding. Everyone chose to use the “facing to the back” method.
I also gave color suggestions, using a color wheel. You can’t go wrong with complimentary colors!
My own take-away is that two 3-hour classes is the very least time needed to start to learn this method. More time would have been better. But everyone almost finished their work, or is prepared to finish it at home.