Get Addicted to Free-Motion Quilting Class Plan

by Sheila Sinclair Snyder

Longarm Ladies Night Out!

Class Description
A fun, energetic class offered in a series of 3-4 (or more) parties! Expand your quilting repertoire with a progression of free-motion quilting designs from simple to complex. Learn each basic design, then expand and embellish that design with 2-3 more progressions. Follow the step-by-step plan presented on page 6 to get interested, involved and addicted! Each class will feature 2-3 design suites. The class can be taught at a longarm machine, at a sewing machine, or with drawing paper.

Class Length
Each party will last 60-90 minutes, enough for each student to try each of the progressions in 2-3 design suites when students are familiar with basic free-motion work. Each party will last 90-120 minutes when students are learning the how-to's of free-motion quilting.

Class Supply List
Required text: Get Addicted to Free-Motion Quilting by Sheila Sinclair Snyder
For a longarm party: the quilt sandwich will be loaded and ready onto the machine, large enough to provide space for each quilter in a column of quilting which will be cut apart at the end of the party and distributed. The cost of this quilt sandwich will be included in the class fee.
For a sewing machine party: each student will supply 2-3 quilt sandwiches approx. 24" x 24" with quadrant markings, (one quilt sandwich per design suite).
Basic sewing and quilting supplies: sewing machine, thread, scissors, marking tools.
For a drawing party: one 8 1/2" x 11" or larger sketchbook, drawing pencil or pen.
Tip: Students may want a variety of marking tools, nesting circle templates, thread snips and fabric shears as well as a variety of quilting threads in a range of colors and variegations. You may choose to develop a kit of supplies for the sewing machine party and/or the drawing party.

Classroom Preparation
A chalk-board, white-board or a poster size blank flip chart with easel may be needed for demonstrations.
A longarm machine will be available for the longarm party.
Basic tables and chairs will be available for the sewing machine party, with space available to support machine quilting.
Basic tables and chairs will be available for the drawing party.
You may choose to serve party snacks and beverages to support the party atmosphere.

Class Agenda
For each party, choose 2-3 design suites (such as Springy Things, page 14; Spurs, page 18 and Blossom, page 22) to demonstrate and teach at each party. Allow time for the students to practice and to get up, move around the classroom to admire each other's work, and for snacks!