Pre-Class Instructions for Rain Drops: Purchase your Pattern. Please read the instructions in your pattern at least one (1) time before class. This will help to ensure that you understand the cutting information below. It is strongly encouraged that you have the papers, templates, and fabrics strips cut for the entire quilt, placed in bags, and ready to use in class. If these steps are not completed, it will be difficult for you to catch up to participate during class.

Foundation Papers: This quilt uses two (2) foundation units, the (LCS-Units) and the(SCS-Units). Cut out one full page of the foundation papers. The foundation papers are printed on the news print provided in your pattern. It is a good idea to trim the excess paper away from the outside cutting line on each foundation unit. If you leave about 1/8\” of excess paper on each unit this is fine. It is much easier to position the fabric under the foundation paper when the excess paper has been trimmed away. Place a large paper clip on each group to keep the units together.

Templates: Most of the templates for Rain Drops were arranged and grouped together on two “Template Layout Sheets.” Make (3) copies of each Template Layout Sheet. These are found in the center of your pattern. Bring the full sheets to class along with the fabric strips listed in the Pre Class Cutting Instructions below.

Glue Center Template LCS and the Star Cutout Template both need to be adhered to template plastic. Do not glue the template layout sheets onto plastic.

Caution! Always check your templates for accuracy after photocopying or scanning to the original templates in the pattern. If the templates are not sized properly before cutting your fabrics, the fabric pieces you cut in class may end up the wrong size and you may need to re-cut and start over with new fabric.

Pre Class Cutting Instructions for Unit LCS: Bag #1:

Unit LCS: Background: Cut one (1) 8″ by 42″ strip from 20 different bight jewel tone batiks for the background pieces.

Unit LCS: Spikes: Cut one (1) 7″ by 42″ strip from each of your 10 dark background batiks for the spikes.

Unit-LCS Foundation Papers: Cut out one (1) page before class: Place the foundation papers for Unit LCS into a large bag. Label it Bag #1.

Pre Class Cutting Instructions for Unit SCS: Bag #1:

Unit SCS: Background: These pieces are cut from the left over fabric strips for LCS:

Unit SCS: Spikes: Cut one (1) 5″ by 42″ strip from each of your ten (10) your dark background batiks for the spikes.

Unit-SCS Foundation Papers: Cut out one (1) page before class: Place the foundation papers for Unit LCS into a large bag. Label it Bag #2.

General Supply List:

Steam iron
Ironing board
Medium size cutting board
6” by 24” ruler
Small scissors
Size 60 rotary cutter with a new blade
Seam ripper
Template plastic
Surge protector
Extension cord
Sewing machine with a quarter inch foot.

Paper Piecing Supply List:

12” add-a-quarter ruler
Scotch tape
Washout fabric glue stick
Flower pins
Large Ziploc bags
Small Ziploc bags
Stapler
A Purple Thang
Size 70/10 microtex sharp sewing needles
20 or 30 large binder clips
High-quality cotton thread (poor thread has a tendency to break when removing the paper).

In this class you will have the opportunity to learn some of the techniques that I teach and write about in my patterns. I teach a process of foundation paper-piecing that uses a chain-piecing method. This process is possible because all of the fabric is pre-cut using templates that I have designed and included in the pattern. I also teach speed-cutting techniques for both paper and fabric. I teach sewing and pressing techniques that will enable you to do foundation paper piecing, curved piecing, and traditional piecing. I teach fast and easy ways to make templates, how to use them, and how to design them.

Extra foundation papers are available for this quilt. The finished size for each block is 10″. Several options for sizes and layouts are included with the purchase of the extra foundation packages. The information needed too order extra foundation papers can be found on my web page. If you would like to have the extra foundation papers available to you before class so you can figure out your yardage, please place your order through the store you are taking this class through in advance so they will have time to place an order with me.

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