Saturday, September 29, 2012

First Ugly Fabric Challenge Quilts In. . .

Well, it's the end of September and the first of the Ugly Fabric Challenge quilts have been submitted, both by the same person.  I guess she didn't find it so ugly after all :)
This adorable rag quilt will be her little dog's bed after the challenge is over (buttons off, of course).
And this lovely embellished purse fulfills all the rules we set for a quilt submission so in it is.  There's another month left to complete your submission (and begin it :)  We look forward to seeing what you can do.

Blessings,
Karri

Friday, September 28, 2012

Teaching an Abstract Quilt Class. . .

This past Wednesday I taught how to create this abstract quilt in my monthly Itsy Bitsy Quilt Club class.  The end result is to allow a quilter to design and create their own art quilt. 
My students agreed to be guinea pigs in my preparation for teaching this technique at a Texas guild next month.  Here are their projects in the works.  This student is putting the finishing touches on her threadplay.
The colors in this quilt make me think of a scarecrow.
This one has a fall feel, and
this student was the quickest and is appliqueing the final element to the quilt center.

Teaching a method of art quilting such as this is a little more intense for me as a teacher.  I really have to have my act together and be sure I know what I'm talking about as my students are being asked to look at quilting from a more abstract point of view than they may otherwise be used to.  Try different art quilting techniques if you really want to stretch and twist your brain.

Blessings,
Karri







Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Lone Star Quilt Begun Using "Radiant Star" Book

Saturday, Clara will be teaching the Lone Star quilt from Eleanor Burn's book "Radiant Star".  A few weeks ago I began one so I would know how it comes together.  Here is what I know.
The quilt begins with strips that are sewn together and cut at a 45° angle.  For this quilt size, four fabrics are used.
Now the fun begins with matching up the seams.  For this quilt, the seams have to be marked and matched.  There are no natural seam matches.  Each diamond is marked 1/4" in (I used chalk).
The chalk marks are matched,
and pinned.
Once sewn, the strips are opened to verify that corners meet as should.  If not, ripping is necessary, and I did rip more than a few times :)
The first set of sewn strips are sewn to the second set of sewn strips,
and you have a star point.
Once you have eight points complete, you have a star.  Mine is called "Wild Child" as my goal is to make this the most colorful, busy quilt I will make (I think).  I will put it all together in Saturday's class and will share my progress next week.

Blessings,
Karri





Monday, September 3, 2012

September Class Schedule Up

The September class schedule is listed.  Check out our Class page to see what fits into your schedule this month.
September 8 and 22 will be the Lone Star quilt taught by Clara.
"Backdoor Bear" by Toni Whitney will be taught Wednesday, September 12 by Karri.

Twisted Fibers Friday is September 14.
A new block-of-the-month, "Graceful Rhapsody" begins Wednesday, September 19 with Becky.
The Itsy Bitsy Quilt Club will be held Wednesday, September 26 with this month's quilt being a quilt designed and taught by Karri.
We also begin our "Ugly Fabric Challenge."  See the Challenge page for the rules.  Join in on the fun and possibly receive a prize.

Hope you find something that tickles your fancy this month.  Even if you are unable to attend, please check back and I will do my best to share class details here.

Blessings,
Karri