I had the good fortune to take a class last week with Lorraine Torrence. She was the guest speaker at our guild and then followed up with a class using her patterns. She brought 4 different patterns for us to choose from and kits that we could purchase if we wanted.
Here is the pattern that I chose.
First we copied this large paper pattern onto freezer paper and then onto muslin. All the pattern pieces were labeled alphabetically as well as all the pieces of fabric in the kit so we couldn't mess it up. She really put a lot of effort into making it as easy as possible.
Then we cut the freezer paper pieces apart and ironed them onto the fabric and then cut out the fabric and laid it onto the muslin. There were some paper piecing parts on each pattern which were fun to do. She has a different technique for paper piecing that I enjoyed learning. Unfortunately her technique does not really translate to other paper piecing patterns.
Once all the pieces are laid out on the muslin and pinned down, we zigzagged all the overlapping pieces right on top. No fusing or glue required.
The next step is to make bias tape or bias strips that will be used to cover all the zigzag up. The strips are sewn down with a top stitch along the edges (or you can use a decorative stitch.) This is done after sandwiching the batting, the backing, and the top. So when you top stitch the bias tape, you are actually quilting. You can add other quilting in the open areas as well.
Here I am auditioning the different colors of bias tape.
I have sandwiched my little quilt and am ready to apply the bias tape. We made our own bias tape from bias strips she provided in the kit. Her method is to put a pin in the ironing board cover with a gap as wide as the finished tape.
You push the pointed end of the bias strip under the pin and then pull the strip to the left gently manipulating it before it goes under the pin. It folds automatically.
I didn't think to take a photo before I made the tape, so this is already folded and ironed, but I tried to open it up to illustrate the point.
She taught us to set the iron flat on the tape as it comes out of the pin and Voila! you have bias tape. I thought I would not be able to do it, so I bought a bias tape maker for that size at Joann and found it was more putzy than using the pin method.
Our guild had its summer picnic/ party in June and we brought a bright summery Fat quarter to swap. I took home this piece of lime green with flip flops.
We were asked to make at least one block and bring it back later in the year. We can only add white as a background color.
I made 3 blocks. These will be combined with others to make some quilts for kids at the local hospital. A fun project!
