Suggested Materials
Suggested Materials
Optional Class Samples
First, you my choose to add the Improv Piecing and Machine Appliqué Workshop to your class, this is available immediately upon purchase. Making these quilts is optional, if you want to learn the techniques. The non traditional quilts do, however, create a nice collection of small wall sized projects upon which to make a final project with the blended quilting texture techniques...which are also a bit non traditional. You can make these projects anytime or never, it is up to you. Each small project has fabric suggestions attached to it, however you will likely find enough fabric to work with simply in your fabric stash. There are 5 wall hangings included in the workshop which can be made any size, or converted into smaller items like table runners or placemats, so it is impossible to give a specific recommendation, other than to remind you quilting will show up best on lighter, more solid fabrics.
You may also opt into purchasing the optional vintage silk shibiori and dupioni silk kit off my website, in a color that appeals to you, if you plan to make the Koi wall hanging or try the machine appliqué with silk dupioni. The color chosen, is a contrast color. So, if you like a main project in blue, the kit you may want to consider could be red or gold, to add a pop of color. Here is the link to the optional kits which include decorative silks, foundation machine appliqué paper and wooden cuticle sticks:
Other (Practice) fabric:
Fabric: The quilting classes aspect of Breaking Boundaries with Blended quilts requires practice fabric, batting, and backing fabric. We will practice on a fairly small scale, however you will only gain mastery with effort, and as such I recommend filling 1/2 - 1 square yard per quilting class with your design work, however many students are content sewing less. There are 6 quilting class units designed with practice in mind. I suggest purchasing 3 yards of plain/ solid top fabric and 3 of (any) backing with batting at first, then adding more at the half way point if you feel you are interested in additional mastery.
Design challenges are presented during class that may be done on practice fabric, but a fresh piece of small, fat quarter sized "nice" fabric may be a nice way to create a fairly finished and polished piece.
Thread: high density background quilting is done best with a thinner thread. I recommend a maximum of a 60 weight thread in a low contrast color to your practice fabric, or try 80 to 100 weight options. Please enjoy the Bonus Thread Talk class for discussions about thread weight.
Batting: I recommend a higher loft batting like Hobbs 80/20 cotton or wool to create high dimension texture. Please enjoy the Bonus Batting Resource guide for discussions about batting. Wool will be a more flexible finished product than the cotton, but for practice, that may not be a consideration.
Marking Supplies: Chalk roller (Dritz has a good version), Mark B Gone blue wash out pen and purple air erase pen. Please enjoy the Bonus Quilt Marking Resource Guide.
Office Supplies: 1" ring binder, paper for printing your own PDF's on your home printer, sketchbook, pens, pencils
Other Supplies (for the Improv and Applique workshop): Acid free washable glue stick (any brand), small scissors, one sheet of Hugs and Kisses foundation applique paper (available inside of the optional kit), 2-4 wooden cuticle sticks (available inside of the optional kit) sewing machine set up for free-motion machine quilting.