Quilting Class #1

Well, this was fun!

I was a little worried on Monday since the forecast was for heavy snow overnight.  Then Tuesday morning we awoke to about 6" of snow on the ground.  Most of the schools around here were on delays, but by the time we left to head to Rossville, many were cancelled, especially West Central and Winamac, North White, and Twin Lakes  --- and we were traveling through those school districts.

However, the trip to Hilary's house took only about 25 minutes more than usual.  The roads were snow-covered, but Gary drove slowly, we saw no cars in ditches, and plows had been out so it was a good trip.

When I arrived at the quilt shop, I was a little apprehensive because I didn't know anyone and thought everyone else would be friends or at least know each other and I would be the outsider.

That didn't happen.

There are just four of us in the class.  Becky is a grandmother also and lives in West Lafayette.  Gretchen, who wants to be called Greta ( not with a long e), lives in the Lafayette area also.  Debbie sat on my side of the table and lives in Montmorenci.  Charlotte is the instructor and lives in the Vinton Woods subdivision off of Greenbush in Lafayette.

My first glitch was that I had ordered the book but it was the wrong one.  She had extras, though, so I have the correct copy now.  It is a great book with all of the basics and instructions on 9 different types of blocks, then instructions on finished products to make with those blocks.

My second glitch was that I had two of my fabrics labeled as different than what I had wanted them to be - no biggie, but it did mean that I had to shuffle some measurements around a little.

We completed four blocks.  One was the Four Square, which is basically what I do, but I sew mine together in strips instead of blocks. I like the block method, then I can arrange and sew the blocks together.

The second one we did was a Rail Fence.  I always thought this was a cool block and now i know how to create it.

Next was the Log Cabin, and I really like it also.  It was easy to put together.  The trick is in the cutting.

Finally we did the Nine Patch which I had already done with the queen sized quilt I made for our bed.  This however used larger blocks and I liked the way we put it together.

 

Next week we will add in three more blocks, then the following week we will work on appliqued blocks and start to put it together.

I do know how to sew. I know how to put together a quilt and have created several.  But I needed to learn how to polish up my techniques.  I wanted to learn how to create new blocks.  I needed some simple ways to make items that look complicated.  I needed to learn terminology.

Some things I did learn -

• If I am working on a quality project, then my supplies must be quality also.  Buying fabric at a quilt shop is the best thing for the final product to be a long-lasting.  The same goes for thread and batting and backing and equipment.
• Pinning is not always necessary ( I did learn that, but I haven't put it into practice yet. I  am a pinner).
• The machine needle should be changed after each project is finished.
• The three most important things in making a quilt are these:
• Precise cuts
• Precise seams
• Pressing 

I was so excited when I returned to Hilary's after my class.  And I am really looking forward to next Tuesday.  Some things I know I will do before that time though are these:  change the needle in my machine.  Cut the pieces for the next three blocks before class. It will save me time and I can do more sewing!