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.

Pre-Class Instructions: In this class we will begin to construct a quilt designed around the Bird of Paradise pattern. You will need to purchase and bring to class one Bird of Paradise pattern along with the tools, fabric, and templates, listed below. Read the instructions prior to class but do not let the amount of instruction intimidate you. This quilt is actually very simple to make and is achievable by any beginner.

The following items will be used in class:
Sewing Machine with a quarter-inch foot and Accessories
Steam Iron 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

Applique Supply List:
Rinse-a-way
Purple Thang
Stapler
Bias Bars (metal)
Applique thread
UHU Fabric glue Stick
Size 60 applique needles
Small sharp scissors

Applique products can be purchased at class. If you have done machine applique prior to class, then bring your tools and threads with you. We will not have time in the two-day class for machine applique but I will present a 1-hour demonstration showing the technique that I use for applique.

Fabric Requirements for Class: The fabric requirements for this quilt are listed on the back page of your pattern. You should probably read the section in your pattern on pages 1 & 2, about selecting your fabric. The cutting instructions in your pattern will tell you how many strips to cut for each of your templates. These strips should be cut before coming to class. If you are not sure about your fabric selections, then cut out the fabrics you are sure about and bring the rest to class. There is no reason why you should not have the background fabric strips cut out prior to class. If you want my help with colors for the flowers and centers bring a selection of 1/6-yard strips and I will help you layout the color arrangement. Do not bring 6 yards of 6 different fabrics to class expecting to have time for pressing, cutting and sewing. The Bird of Paradise has 5 foundation sections that you will be required to make. This quilt is not difficult but please come organized so you can get your work done.

Templates: Make a plastic template for each template shown in your pattern. An easy way to make templates is to photocopy the templates onto six (6) 8-1/2″ by 11″ sheets of Avery label paper. This can be purchased at one of your office supply stores. Remove the backing from the label paper and place it sticky side down onto a sheet of template plastic. Proceed to cut out your templates by trimming around the outside line on each template with your rotary cutter. Do not trim off the extra seam allowances that are built around the original template. This is the extra fabric needed to help center and position the fabric under the foundation paper. Separate the templates and place them into their designated bags. The large templates for the center background pieces will need to be copied on two pages and then joined together as best that you can. There are other methods for making templates and you are welcome to use whatever method works for you. All I care about is that you have templates ready for class.

Foundation Paper: Prior to class, cut out the foundation papers for each unit listed in the pattern. Follow the instructions under Foundation Papers on page 2. Place all the sections into the appropriate bags at the time of cutting. I will be demonstrating a quick and easy way to stack, trim, and prepare the foundation paper to help you save time. If you choose to wait until after the demo this would be fine for this pattern. If you have taken a class from me before and you already know how to stack and trim the papers, then please have them ready for class.

Pre-class Cutting Instructions: The cutting instructions are found on pages 3, 4, and 5. You must have the following ready for class.

1. Make sure the background fabrics are cut and ready for class.Note: If you want my help with the colors for the flowers and center spikes, then bring the fabrics to class ready to cut. I will help you arrange them in class and then you can cut what you need during class.
   
2. Crosscut the strips into pieces using the designated templates.
3. Place all the strips and pieces for each section into small individuals bags. Then place all the small bags into the appropriate large bags.

Wait until class before cutting out fabrics for the border units! I will be demonstrating how to arrange the color layouts for the borders.

Just a thought: Because most of the templates require only one strip of fabric, you may find it is easier to cut out all the strips for each template and place them into the bags listed in the instructions.

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