Workshops

Easy Pieces Workshop

Creative Color Play with Two Simple
Quilt Blocks

Description

In this class based on Margaret's book by the same name (C&T Publishing), students work with two versions of a simple, template-free, "wedge-pieced" block. Both the block and its mirror image are cut at the same time. The blocks are made quickly, and create many quilt designs depending on how they are placed on the design wall. After doing guided block arrangements which teach moving value and color across the pieced surface, students will develop their own Easy Pieces quilt using one or both versions of the block.

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Important Notes

Easy Pieces is offered as a one-session or two-session workshop. Make sure to check the supply list for the class you're attending.

Supplies Needed for One-Session Workshop

One copy of Easy Pieces: Creative Color Play with Two Simple Quilt Blocks
Sewing machine – in clean and oiled condition, with several bobbins already filled
Extra machine needles, bobbins, and toolbox that came with machine
Machine cords, FOOT PEDAL, etc.
Extension cords and multi-plug power strip if you have one.
Thread appropriate for machine (color doesn't matter)
Scissors for fabric, thread snippers, and seam ripper
Straight pins
Pressing equipment: iron and small ironing board or pad
Rotary cutter with sharp blade (extra blades recommended)
Acrylic straightedge – 6" x 24"
Rotary cutting mat – large enough to cut fabric 22" wide
Six-inch acrylic square
Designing Supplies
- 1-1/2 yards cotton quilt batting or flannel/backed tablecloth for vertical design wall
- WIDE masking tape to adhere design surface to wall
- Reducing glass (or other reducing device such as binoculars or camera)
- Cushion or pillow for your chair, to raise you to a good sewing height!!
- Camera with flash capability, plenty of film for prints, extra batteries
- FABRICS – Bring 8-10 values (dark through medium through light) in EACH of TWO color families. Bring about 1/2 yard of each fabric.
- NOTE: You need not buy all this fabric new: pull from your fabric collection first, and fill in value gaps with new fabric! You may bring two similar fabrics and use them as ONE of your 8-10 values in a given color family. The greater number of fabrics you bring, the more flexibility you will have in the workshop.

Supplies Needed for Two-Session Workshop

One copy of Easy Pieces: Creative Color Play with Two Simple Quilt Blocks
Sewing machine – in clean and oiled condition, with several bobbins already filled
Extra machine needles, bobbins, and toolbox that came with machine
Machine cords, FOOT PEDAL, etc.
Extension cords and multi-plug power strip if you have one.
Thread appropriate for machine (color doesn't matter)
Scissors for fabric, thread snippers, and seam ripper
Straight pins
Pressing equipment: iron and small ironing board or pad
Rotary cutting equipment
Rotary cutter with sharp blade (extra blades recommended)
Acrylic straightedge – 6" x 24"
Rotary cutting mat – large enough to cut fabric 22" wide
Six-inch acrylic square
Designing Supplies
- 1-1/2 yards cotton quilt batting or flannel/backed tablecloth for vertical design wall
- WIDE masking tape to adhere design surface to wall
- Reducing glass (or other reducing device such as binoculars or camera)
- Cushion or pillow for your chair, to raise you to a good sewing height!!
- Camera with flash capability, plenty of film for prints, extra batteries
- FABRICS – Bring 8-10 values (dark through medium through light) in EACH of TWO color families. Bring about 1/2 yard of each fabric.
- NOTE: You need not buy all this fabric new: pull from your fabric collection first, and fill in value gaps with new fabric! You may bring two similar fabrics and use them as ONE of your 8-10 values in a given color family. The greater number of fabrics you bring, the more flexibility you will have in the workshop.
- Optional: Bring 8-10 values of a third color for the 2nd day. (see pages 77-79 of my book Strips That Sizzle for guidelines for choosing three- and four-color families with which to work).