Pre-cutting the fabrics is a mandatory requirement prior to taking this course. Please begin preparing for class at least 3-WEEKS prior to the class to make sure that you are able to get the pre-cutting completed before hand. This process will take you from 8- to 12-hours to complete, which does not count the time spent at the fabric store selecting the fabrics to use in the quilt. If this step is not completed, you will have a very difficult time keeping up and participating in the instruction. I do not want anyone to feel as though they have wasted their money and time.

A Touch of Spring Class: This class is designed to teach you the simplicity of foundation paper piecing along with simple stack and slice techniques to speed up your cutting time. You will need to purchase a copy of the pattern listed above for this class. The patterns include the yardage instructions, template making instructions, and the foundation papers. Read your pattern prior to class.

Cutting Instructions for the Foundation Papers: The foundation papers are located on the newsprint included with your pattern. Refer to the “Prepare your Foundation Papers” section at the top of the second column on page 2 for information on cutting out the foundation papers and organizing them into the appropriate groups. If you don’t have time to cut out all the foundation units prior to class then only cut out one page each of (NP-99), (NP-100) and (NP-101) prior to class. I will show you in class a faster way to stack and cut the papers.

Organization: The organization of the papers, templates, and fabric is a critical step in this pattern as it will save you so much time sorting and identifying the pieces you have cut for your pattern as you sew them together.

Cutting Instructions for the Templates and Template Layout Sheets: You will find the templates printed in two places: A 11 x 17 sheet in the middle of the pattern and on one large sheet of newsprint folded with the foundation papers. Locate the template sheets in your pattern and read the “Prepare your Templates” section on page 2. In some cases, you will need to make copies of the templates and template layout sheets. In some cases, you can use the ones provided. The instructions in your pattern will give you this information. Place the templates and template layout sheets into the appropriate bags.

Yardage for a 68″ x 84″ Quilt: 18 different fabrics should be selected in groups of 6. Group #1 are Light and Medium Light Background Fabrics 1-1/2 Yards each of Fabrics #1 – #3 2/3 Yard each of Fabrics #4 – #5 2-2/3 Yards of Fabric #6 Group #2 are Medium Textured Fabrics 1/2 Yard each of Fabrics #7 – #12 Group #3 are Dark Textured Purple and Turquoise Fabrics 1 Yard each of Fabrics #13 – #18

Cutting Out Your Quilt: Refer to pages 3 – 6 in your pattern. Complete all of the cutting directions that do NOT have “Template Layout Sheet” as part of the bold title in each group. The pre-cutting does include the initial strip cutting that is discussed in the first three sections of the cutting instructions beginning half way down the second column on page three and on to page 4, titles referred to as “Background Colors”, and “Template” pieces, “Spikes”, and Border strips. Note that there are general directions for getting strips placed into each of your six (6) bags (the first three sections in the instructions). Then, the instructions are broken down by each bag numbered #1 to #6. Cutting directions for each bag are separated by the double solid lines, while different units within each bag are separated by dashed lines. End where you see the words “The Cutting is complete!” on Page 6. All the sub-cutting using the Template Layout Sheets will be completed in class.

The following items will be used in class:

Sewing Machine with a quarter-inch foot,
Steam Ironing Board,
Two pieces of Template Plastic (3″ by 18″ piece and 3″ by 12″ piece),
12″ Add-a-quarter ruler ,
18″ Add-a-quarter ruler (optional),
Purple Thang (optional),
6″ by 12″ ruler,
Medium size cutting mat (18” by 24”),
Rotary cutter 45mm or 60 mm,
New rotary blade,
Size 70 needles (Microtex recommended),
Scissors,
Seam ripper,
Surge protectors,
Extension cords,
Fabric glue UHU stic,
Glue Pen (Fons and Porter, Sewline, or Avery recommended),
High quality cotton sewing thread,
Flower pins,
Scotch Tape,
Large Ziploc Bags,
Stapler,
Binder Clips,
Large Paper Clips.

If you have any questions regarding this class, please contact your instructor directly. Contact information for Judy and her Certified Instructors is available on our website at http://quiltworx.com. Please include your correct email address, phone number, and name. You may also want to check out our website www.quiltworx.com and our facebook page quiltworx.com prior to selecting fabrics. There are many samples, slide shows, and color-changing quilts available for you to enjoy. We also have corrections and helpful hints posted for most of the patterns we have published.

Judy Niemeyer and the Certified Instructors