strip pieze

My first quilting class hosted at Betty's in Santa Maria.  The teacher Sandy is really nice and I have been really exciting to learn a new skill and make something that I will love.  I love the fabric combination and can't wait until it's finished and I can start using my new quilt.

The class is formatted like a learn and do and demo class.  The steps aren't difficult, but if you aren't familiar with sewing it could be a challenge.  So, the sample quilt, is a 5 x 5 square center and then a 2 inch and 6 inch border.  I decided that the size wouldn't cut it to use and share, so mine is upped to 7 x 7 center, with the border the same dimensions.  There is one in the classroom that is this size and I think it will be perfect!

Let's take a look at the progress -

Step 1:  Cut your 9 patch fabrics into 2 1/2 strips.  The number of strips will depend on the number of squares you choose.  My quilt consists of 25, 9 patch squares.  Each of the strips will be laid out so there are n=1 set of  light, dark, light sets and 2n dark, light, dark sets.

 



Step 2: Sew each of your strip sets together like in the second picture, depending on your colors and 9 patch squares.  Then cut your stip sets into 2 1/2 3 patch sets.  You will need to determine how many of each and then cut the appropriate number.  I think I had 29 LDL sets and 54 DLD sets.

Step 3: Take each of the smaller patches and sew them together like the picture on the right.  Repeat until all your center sections are used up (these are the LDL ones).  Then iron to set the seam and press the seam towards the dark panels.

Step 4:  Repeat with the remaining dark patches.  There should be 25 sets of the 9 patch squares.

Step 5:  Cut your 6 1/2 squares of focus fabric.  I needed 12 of each pattern or 24 total.  Then lay out your squares into the pattern of your choice. Some fabrics are directional so pay attention to the layout and when you sew and piece it together.

Note:  Mine are somewhat directional.  I wanted it to look random, on purpose.  When I cut the surfboard print especially, there were some that were directionally dominant, so I made sure that they weren't going the same direction as ones near it.  Yeah, I'm crazy like that.

Step 6: Sew your 6 1/2 squares together and iron as in the previous steps.  Right now, I have 7 strips of 9 patch and focus fabrics sewn together that look like the top photo.  5 hours done.

Next week we will be finishing the fronts by adding boarders and prepping for the quilting portion, on week 3, then the last week we will be adding the backing and binding. I am assured that we will have help every step of the way.