Date: TBA, visit the Jacksonville Center for more information about their "On Demand" classes

Description: Have you ever seen a beautiful scene and thought it might make a great quilt? Do you have vacation photos waiting to be made into quilted memories? Would you like to make a portrait of your house? This class will address both design and construction of pictorial quilts. It will teach you how to create a pattern from your favorite photos and to turn them into realistic quilted pictures using applique and thread embellishment techniques.

Susan's specialties include landscapes, flowers and architecture. It is suggested that you work within those subject areas rather than portraits.

This is a two day class. Please visit the Jacksonville Center to find out how to register

Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced. This is a machine class, so you should feel comfortable with your sewing machine. Some free motion sewing experience may be helpful but is not essential.

Supply List:

• Photo: You will need a clear photo* that you wish to make into a quilt. Bring an enlargement of the photo, about the size of a sheet of typing paper (8.5" x 11"). Instructions for enlarging a photo or sketch will be sent to participants before the workshop. If you can enlarge your sketch before class, then you will have a head start on your project. If not, you can plan to enlarge your source material in class. I strongly suggest using a photo of a landscape, flowers or architecture for your first project. Although it is possible to do faces, they are more difficult, just as faces are more difficult to paint.

  * Remember copyright laws: Use your own photos or photos in the public domain. Please do not use copyrighted photos (from magazines, calendars, etc.)without permission.

• Pencil and gum eraser
• Clear Acetate sheet† or other clear plastic sheet on which you can draw or write. (Available in class) Transparency film for overhead projectors will work as will a page protector. This is for working directly from a photograph.
• Extra Fine Point Permanent marking pen† that will write on acetate or plastic. Sharpie ™ ultra fine point recommended.
• Fabric: a large selection of fabrics that seem to represent your photo. Specific requirements will depend on the scene you choose to depict and how large you wish to work. It can wise to have fairly large pieces (1 yard or more) of sky and water fabrics.
• Tear-away stabilizer† as large as your planned finished quilt.
• Fusible web† such as Misty Fuse, Steam a Seam or Wonder Under.
• Pins
• Invisible thread, preferably polyester invisible (Sulky), but if you have a brand of invisible thread that you like and that works well for you, then by all means use it. I recommend having both clear and smoke invisible thread on hand. If you do not use invisible thread, use the lightest weight cotton embroidery thread available in colors to match or blend with your fabrics, or use a light polyester bobbin thread.
• Sewing machine in good working order with the ability to lower or cover the feed dogs. We will be doing some free-motion work. Please bring your accessories and manual!
• A quilting or darning foot to fit your machine. This is IMPORTANT!
• Sewing machine needles: Size 65/9 - 70/10 for use with invisible thread, size 14/90 topstitch needle for use with metallic or heavier threads, size 80/12 for routine use
• Cotton, rayon or other decorative threads* in colors that blend with your fabrics, for all stitching, embellishment and quilting.
  * “Decorative threads” refer to any threads that might be used for fine work or embroidery, as opposed to utility threads used for general sewing.
• Irons and ironing surface, may be shared
• a selection of sheer fabrics such as tulle and laces, for shading and special effects (optional, available in class)
• Solvy or other clear water-soluble stabilizer† for needle lace
• a small (7"-8") spring tension embroidery hoop. (I will have a few of these available to borrow.)
• optional: Large scale tracing paper†, available for purchase in class.
• scissors, small 4" embroidery scissors recommended
• Basic sewing supplies such as pins, seam ripper, scissors, etc