ROTARY CUTTING, MACHINE PIECING & PRESSING

Rotary cutting is an amazing technique that few of us are actually trained to do!  We just buy the lethal weapon and proceed to cut.  Let me show you the best and safest way to cut perfect pieces in various shapes with minimal distress.

Machine piecing can not only be infinitely faster but more accurate than hand piecing.  I will share tips on getting a great seam allowance first time- everytime!

Perfect pressing (not IRONING!) is the final key to making a quilt you can be proud of. 

 

BASIC MACHINE QUILTING

Machine quilting is a skill we should all become familar with.  In this demo I will clue you into the Do's & Don'ts of successful MQ.

I will show you Straight Line and Free Form quilting, advise on feet and threads and then supply you with a Tips List to take home so you can have a go yourself.

Fear not!  Nothing scary here just good solid advice.



MACHINE APPLIQUE

Not everyone wants to applique by hand but everyone does want to be able to produce applique to enhance their quilts.

Satin Stitch & Buttonhole Stitch can both be done on almost any machine.  I will stitch them both and share the "secrets" that will help you enjoy Machine Applique.

I will suggest bonding web techniques, threads and feet so you can go home and use either stitch to produce lovely applique.



EVERYTHIING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

NEEDLES & THREADS

These two products are often misunderstood.  We get so excited about choosing a pattern, colours and fabrics that once we are ready to sew we just pick up any needle, thread it and sew.

In this Demo I will explain the basics of choosing the needle and threads that are best for you and the projects you are likely to make.

Understanding will reduce frustration, problems and definately make you a happier quilter.  Even quilters who have been sewing for 40+ years have told me they learned things they never knew from this class.

Lots of great hand-outs!





GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MACHINE

Although you wont actually have your machine on the day I will go over the basics of sewing machines as used by quilters.

Topics covered will be choosing feet, taming tension, cleaning and choosing a machine if you are still confused!!

Please bring the make and model of your current machine if you have any concerns.



THE WONDERS OF WADDING

What you choose to put inside your quilt is just as important as the top itself.

I will explain the various types of wadding, show you samples (sewn and unsewn) so that you can make a educated choice when you buy your next wadding.

I will also discuss safe washing and storage of quilts.



MITRED BORDERS AND BINDINGS

Borders and bindings are the final "frame" for your quilt top.  Straight sets are fine but why not learn how to mitre for an elegant finish to your work?  Especially when it is so easy to do!

I will bring lots of samples and give detailed instruction.  You will leave excited to get home and try out your new skill.

Few things can assure you of getting a "wow" like a mitred border and binding!