by Judy Sisneros
Class Description: Make a gorgeous quilt in a day!
Beware! These quilts are addicting - you can't make just one! In this multi-session workshop, great for quilters of any level, you'll learn how to combine special fabric with a few easy patches for captivating results!
Notes to teachers or shop owners:
All 3 workshop options are for all levels of quilters, beginner and up. Rotary cutter skill is required.
The different workshops are a full six hours, but could be broken up into 2 sessions of 3 hours each:
- 9-Patch Pizzazz - the basic 9-patch pizzazz quilt
- Pizzazz on Point - like the cover quilt - everything is on point
- Sashing All Around - uses sashing with squares, rectangles and 9 patches (like book project "Flower Power")
Have several irons and ironing boards available for students to use, or require that they supply their own.
Supply List
- 9-Patch Pizzazz by Judy Sisneros
- Sewing machine in good working order with 1/4" foot
- Basic sewing supplies - scissors, pins, neutral thread, full bobbin
- Rotary cutter with SHARP blade
- Cutting mat at least 24"
- Rulers - 6 1/2" square, 12 1/2" square, 24" ruler
- WHITE fleece, batting or flannel attached to foam core board (can be purchased at office supply stores - at least 32" x 40") DO NOT FORGET THIS ITEM
- A foldable presentation board or other surface to design on and something on which to take the design home.
- Fabric - see requirements in book depending on which quilt they are making (amount varies)
CLASS HANDOUT:
Copyright requires that each student has purchased their own copy of the book in order for a handout to be produced from the book for teaching purposes. On the handout, I show cutting instructions, broken down by fabric (i.e. focus fabric, contrasting, blending, etc). These can be found in the book under individual projects. Also include brief info on making the 9 patch blocks as shown on pg. 14-15. Do not give out the handout until after instructor is finished talking - they will read the handout and not listen to you!
Class Instructions
I always begin by explaining that this workshop will give an opportunity to use those large-scale prints we can't resist. Students bring their chairs to the front of the class so they can see sample quilts up close. Point out the 12" blocks, 6"x 12" blocks, and 6" blocks. Be sure to remind them that a 12 1/2" square is 12" square when finished (seam allowance). Same for 6 1/2 x 12 1/2, and 6 1/2". Point out that the 9 patches do the work, but the larger squares are the focal point.
It is very helpful for students if the instructor takes the time to look at each person's fabrics. I recommend that everybody watch this process as a learning tool, but if they want to get started instead, that's okay, too. For each student, I critique their fabrics, and help them decide which to use. If a fabric won't work, in my opinion, I tell them and explain why.
The minimum number in of fabrics in each quilt is three. Additional options include:
- Basic Pizzazz - can use 1 1/2 yd of focus with 2 coordinates. Each set of 9 patches would include the focus fabric with one of the coordinates. If using 1 yard of focus fabric, 3 half yard coordinates are needed.
- Pizzazz on Point - no variations - only 3 fabrics
- Sashing All Around - As an option, the 9-patch checkerboard could use focus fabric with a coordinating fabric, instead of repeating same fabrics used in sashing (Flower Power). If this option chosen, student needs 1 1/2 yd focus fabric, 2 - 1/2 yard pieces for sashing, and 1/2 yd to use with focus fabric in checkerboard.
Be sure to stress that 12" squares should not be cut from the same placement on the fabric! Lots of times they just love one particular part, and do it twice exactly the same! Also stress accurate 1/4" seam.
After students have the focus fabric squares/rectangles cut, you may want to help arrange them on the design surface. They can copy a layout from the book, or you could help them with the first one. Don't start playing with the 9 patches until they have 2 sets ready to play with.
As they sew strips together for 9 patches, hold up a couple to demonstrate proper placement. Most quilters are visual and they like to see examples in progress. I make 2 sample 9 patches for demo so they can be both types (focus in the middle, or opposite).
This is an easy quilt to make, and lots of fun! I hope you enjoy teaching it as much as I do!
