Chickens have often found their way into the quilt world — small wonder given the astonishing variety of plumage in chicken breeds. Among the most memorable poultry quilts are the charming chickens and roosters (and turkeys and ducks) created by Ruth McDowell (www.ruthbmcdowell.com). This 2 day chicken challenge is a first introduction to Ruth McDowell’s Freezer Paper Template method and her use of patterned fabrics. We will also discuss translating a photograph into a sewable quilt design.
In this class, you will select from several chicken patterns that I have already prepared to create your chicken wallhanging. A brief discussion introduces the methods and techniques found in Ruth McDowell’s book Piecing Workshop and its companion volume Design Workshop. You will then prepare a freezer paper template for your chicken pattern and begin the process of selecting fabrics for your design. We will also discuss sewing methods and sewing order to complete your wallhanging
On Day 2, I will also demonstrate the process of creating your own chicken pattern. We will discuss the pros/cons of several chicken images and the various options for creating a block design. You may then choose to work on your own chicken design or continue work on the chicken wallhanging you started on Day 1.
You will see that my patterns combine a wide selection of fabrics that enhance the look of the quilt. The image (such as a chicken, flower or bird) will use anywhere from 8-15 different fabrics, mostly in small pieces. Some fabrics will be repeated in the quilt, others may appear only once. The backgrounds will also typically feature 3-6 different fabrics that have a similar look. In some instances we will be looking for specific features in a patterned fabric — for example something that suggests the shape of an eye, or feathers, or fur or a stem. Patterned fabrics with multiple colors add texture and dimension to the quilt. We will be playing with different combinations to see how these fabrics look next to each other. Having lots of patterned fabric choices from which to choose is part of the creative process for these quilts and helps bring these designs to life. It’s the seemingly odd combinations of fabrics that bring texture and depth to your quilts, and will work well.
SUPPLY LIST
Pattern: Purchase one of the Ann Shaw Designs chicken patterns. Patterns will be available in class.
Fabrics:
You will see that my patterns combine a wide selection of fabrics that enhance the look of the quilt. The image (such as a chicken, flower or bird) will use anywhere from 8-15 different fabrics, mostly in small pieces. Some fabrics will be repeated in the quilt, others may appear only once. The backgrounds will also typically feature 3-6 different fabrics that have a similar look. In some instances we will be looking for specific features in a patterned fabric — for example something that suggests the shape of an eye, or feathers, or fur or a stem. Patterned fabrics with multiple colors add texture and dimension to the quilt. We will be playing with different combinations to see how these fabrics look next to each other. Having lots of patterned fabric choices from which to choose is part of the creative process for these quilts and helps bring these designs to life. It’s the seemingly odd combinations of fabrics that bring texture and depth to your quilts, and will work well
BRING LOTS!! Lots and lots of patterned fabric. A fat quarter or less is probably as much as you will need of any one fabric. Bring you largish patterned fabric scraps (though the strips found in jelly rolls are often too narrow). I routinely pull 50 or more fabric choices from my stash for the main subject of my quilts and additional fabric choices for the background. Having a wide variety of fabric choices to key to this style. When choosing colors, keep in mind that a red poppy will also have bits of orange and yellow, and perhaps hints of purple and gold and green in it, so look for fabrics that have hints of other colors. BRING YOUR STASH!! However, note that we will NOT BE USING solid or tone-on-tone fabrics that “read” as solids.
Large prints, medium prints, small prints, batiks, plaids, stripes, prints with many colors, bold fabrics as well as pastels — I pull them all. Each different kind of print will add something different to the overall look of the quilt. Look for printed fabrics where the print clearly contrasts with the background.
Before class, visit my website and spend some time looking at the range of patterned fabrics used in my quilts to get an idea of what to bring. www.AnnShawQuilting.com Also look at Ruth McDowell’s website to look at the fabrics she uses in her gorgeous quilts. www.RuthBMcDowell.com
For Freezer Paper Template:
Freezer paper
Pencils/Eraser/Pencil Sharpener
Ruler (18” plastic is ideal)
Paper Scissors
Blue Masking Tape
Sharpie brand Ultra Fine-line permanent marker (Black only!)
Highlighters (several colors)
Color pencils (7 distinct colors for making tick marks)
(NOTE: Ink pens, Gel pens, Sharpie Markers or Crayons will not work for tic marks)
Design Wall: Bring to class a foam design board (30”x40” or larger).
They are inexpensive and can be found at your local office supply store. You will be pinning the chicken pattern
and template pieces to this as you audition individual fabric selections. Its then easy to carry your project home.
Sewing Supplies:
Paper and Pencil to take notes
Paper Scissors (to cut apart freezer paper templates)
Rotary Cutter, 12” (or longer) quilt ruler, and cutting mat
Fabric Scissors
Pins (Lots and lots of pins!! 1”ball head pins or longer are ideal)
Basic Sewing kit
Several Ziploc bags (quart and gallon size)
Sewing machine and Supplies: (bobbins thread, needles etc).
Depending on the pattern you choose, you may or may not reach the point of beginning to sew your design together. Most students will be complete the fabric selections begin sewing by the end of the workshop during the second day. If you bring along your sewing machine, leave it in your car initially. You should be comfortable using your machine. Before coming, check to be sure that it is in good working order
Optional: Digital Camera: If you have a small digital pocket camera, bring it!
Large prints, medium prints, small prints, batiks, plaids, stripes, prints with many colors, bold fabrics as well as pastels — I pull them all. Each different kind of print will add something different to the overall look of the quilt. Look for printed fabrics where the print clearly contrasts with the background.
Organizer Supply List:
Table space of at least 3′ x 4′ per student (a full 30′ x 60″ standard size folding table for each student is preferable)
Individual foam board for each student (30″ x 40″)
Whiteboard, dry erase makers, whiteboard eraser
At least 2 irons and ironing boards
Extensions cords
Good lighting
Pencil shapener
Waste baskets
Adequate outlets
