Beginning Foundation Paper Piecing: Tiny Blocks

Thursday, May 22, 6-9pm

Optional follow-up session: Thursday, May 29, 6-8pm

Class level: Beginner/intermediate (must be comfortable using a straight stitch on a sewing machine)

Age requirements: 14 and older (under 16 must sign up with an adult)

Registration fee: $90

Teaching artist: Carolyn Lipke

Foundation paper piecing allows you to create precise, tiny quilt blocks with ease.  This is a great way to use up small quilting cotton scraps.  In this workshop you will learn the basics for foundation paper piecing using a sewing machine and create three palm-sized quilt blocks that could be used in other projects, patches, or unique greeting cards (cardstock and envelopes provided).  Students will leave with additional patterns, color selection tips/tricks, and ideas for future projects.  This class is appropriate for anyone who can sew a straight seam.  While these blocks may look fussy and intricate, the technique is easy to learn in a few hours and simpler than it seems once you understand a few key concepts.

All of the instruction, and for many all of the making, can be achieved in the session offered on Thursday, May 22 from 6-9pm. For those who would like more instruction, and/or time to work in community, you are invited to come back for the second optional session on Thursday, May 29 from 6-8pm.

Provided Supplies:

• Quilting cotton fabrics

• Paper Piecing patterns

• Cardstock and envelopes

• Irons and Ironing board

• Fabric and thread scissors

• Rotary cutters/mats

• rulers

• Clips/pins

Required Supplies:

• Sewing machine with new needle (size 80/12)

  • (If you need to barrow a machine, please contact TAC here for more info)

• Neutral color all-purpose thread (with bobbin wound)

Optional Supplies:

• Feel free to bring your own quilting weight 100% cotton fabric in solids or semi-solids, if you don’t want to use the provided fabric.

• You can bring your own fabric/tread scissors and any other tools you like using.

Note: If you use reading glasses or other vision aids (like magnifiers or task lights) for doing small detailed work, bring them.

REGISTER

Bio:

Carolyn has spent the last 20 years experimenting with handicrafts while living in remote Alaskan camps, onboard ships in the middle of the ocean, and at Antarctic research stations. Creative re-use of materials is necessary when you are in the middle of nowhere, but is also a fun and sustainable practice here at home in Wisconsin. She has two decades of experience teaching knitting, sewing, mending, and science.