Rabbit and Floral Collage Quilt

Fun CLASS! Do you want to try collage quilting?  Do you have a stash of florals waiting to create a collage?  Join me to use the colors of spring to create your own unique collage.  This class will teach you the Laura Heine techniques of blending colors, selecting fabrics, and the underlay methods. We will also cover preferred tools, needles, ironing and finishing techniques.  I will demonstrate easy ways to finish your quilt to welcome spring. Bring a friend and enjoy a fun day sharing fabric, ideas, and creativity. See below for suggested patterns.

Every student must have their own pattern.  I am a certified Laura Heine instructor and I am required to honor all copyright law.  Plus, it’s the right thing to do. Also, choose early to make sure your pattern is in stock.  Students get a 10% discount on all class materials. 

PATTERNS: Laura Heine uses lots of florals in her collage quilts. Because this is one day class, I will focus on 2 patterns: Spool of Flowers or Hip Hop Rabbit. We move quickly to cover a lot of skills and techniques, and I want every student to go home confident they will finish this collage for spring.  I will ask for your choice of pattern prior to class so I can be best prepared to help you. Beginner students in my classes have successfully done both patterns and find the Spool of Flowers is a quicker design.

Note: Laura has updated her Hip Hop Rabbit to have a fused background. I will be teaching this technique, not the pieced technique shown in the pattern. All students making the rabbit will receive a handout with the updated technique instructions. I have adjusted the supplies for the collage approach.

REQUIRED Supplies--- both patterns.

Check the back of the pattern you choose. Each one differs slightly in the supplies and sizes.

Fabric glue. I like the Fabric Fusion but there are other quick drying brands. Important that the glue can withstand heat and dry clear. Sold at SMF.

#2 dark pencil (no sharpie required). 

NO sewing machine required.  BUT bring a hot iron and iron pad if you have one.

Fabrics: Background fabrics:  variety of lights and mediums (approximately 6” x 10”)

Fabrics for the “Cuttables” (e.g., flowers)bring a variety of scraps or small pieces of floral fabrics (patterns suggest sizes but these are approximate).  Also have a few other designs such as birds, leaves, and vines, that fit with your pattern choice. Try to have a variety of sizes of cuttables. Also, you will need some small pieces (e.g., 4 x 6” or rectangles of various sizes) of tone on tone or low contrast prints to use in collage blending and background.  

Binding and Backing fabrics (not needed for class).

Steam a Seam2 . This is the only fusible that works for Laura’s type of collage quilts. Note for these quilts, the pattern recommends Steam a Seam 2 not the Lite Steam a Seam2 version.  See pattern for amount.Most students find the amount of SAS2 shown on the pattern to be more than they use in class. Also, amount varies depending on if you purchase the 12” or the 24”. You will be able to purchase additional amounts on day of class if needed.

Changes to HIP HOP Rabbit supplies (Required) In this new version, No voile is required. Instead we will collage the background. You will need Pattern Ease, approximately, 3/4 yard. Also, you will need additional Steam a Seam 2 but you can wait until class to purchase.

Required for Spool of Flowers: Transparent Applique Pressing Sheet (medium or large).Check your pattern to see if size is indicated. Must be able to see through. You will find it is very handy on many applique quilts. SMF carries several sizes and styles.

OPTIONAL but recommended notions for both patterns

Karen K Buckley medium scissors (ridged blades make cutting easier) or similar scissors.  I also like the small red curved Karen Buckley scissors for cutting curved pieces.

Tracing can be hard to see on a dark table.  If you have some, bring white freezer paper to use on the classroom tables. It can help!  I will bring some also.

PRE CLASS HOMEWORK: 

Both patterns: if you have used Steam a Seam 2 before or are comfortable with knowing how to use it, you may begin ironing on some of your fabrics.  If you decide to do this, you do not need to put on large pieces of fabrics, just the flowers or other cuttables you plan to use for the rabbit or spool.  No worries if you want to wait until class.  I do not want you to waste either fabric or SAS2. Note that at this stage, steam is not used.

If needed, you can use a low iron on pattern ease to get rid of sharp creases. Does not need to be perfect! Then cut your pattern ease to size show below:

HIP HOP:  approximately 22” W x 32” H.

Spool of Flowers: approximately 25”W x 26” H.

Instructor:  Kelly Zellars. For any questions about the class or supplies, please contact Kelly at Kelly.Zellars1@gmail.com (please put Collage question in subject line).  All questions welcome.

*** I will contact registered students one week prior to class to talk about optional additional pre class work.   When you register for class, please make sure the store has your current contact info in case I need to reach you. Thank you.