Instructor: Sue Benner

Supplies Participants Should Bring:

Images that interest and inspire you from just about any source (sketches, books, magazines, photos, etc. keeping in mind color, shape, line quality) for use as starting points for your designs;

A reproduction of at least one abstract image of another artist (or a whole book) to contribute to a class discussion, could be part of above group of images;

20-35 yards of Pellon Wonder-Under 805 –the faster you work, the more you bring. (HINT: Watch for coupons/discounts at JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores) If you cannot find this brand bring another product that is a paper-backed polyester web. Do not bring Heat n’ Bond as it is a different type of product;

One full/queen-size cotton batting or equivalent. To insure consistent results only bring 100% cotton batting such as Quilter’s Dream Cotton or Fairfield Soft Touch. Some batting contain polyester or a synthetic scrim that can cause problems, like dimpling or warping (Warm ‘N Natural has such a scrim; if it is all you can get, we can deal with it.);

FABRIC! Choose an assortment of fabrics with your inspirational images in mind. Bring the fabrics you want to work with, that are your signature, and then…, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Remember, you can fuse fabrics that you can’t piece, so be creative with your choices.
• Bring a range of values from light to dark, not just mediums. Stretch yourself into tints, tones and shades.
• Mind-bending color, be bold and don’t forget the neutrals!!!!!
• Large prints, small prints, hand-dyed and painted.
• Cotton, silk, linen, rayon, and polyester will all work.
• Recycled thrift store clothing, fun, fun, fun!
• Sheers like chiffon and organza.
• Anything of interest that you want to put into your work, fabric or NOT!

Pre-washing is not required, but I usually do, including the recycled clothing. You can fuse fabric before the class, if you like. You could start with fusing a 12”-17” length of Wonder-Under to a grouping of fabrics. Do not pull paper off, transport flat or rolled.

3-4 yards or more cotton backing fabric, darker fabrics a bit better;

Press cloth of 100% cotton long staple cotton (like pima), pre-washed, approximately 18” x 18,” white color best. If you don’t have this kind of cotton bring any kind of white cotton.

Teflon press sheet or parchment paper;

If you want to work large, increase amounts of materials appropriately;

Extension cord and outlet strip, unless furnished by class;

Straight pins, pencil and paper (about 20 sheets office paper or spiral of drawing paper, a few sheets of tracing paper, letter size or 9”x12” is fine) , black fine point Sharpie, masking tape, glue stick, one colorful magazine to cut up;

Steam iron;

1 yard of 100% cotton solid fabric, preferably white (this is a “junker” fabric). Part of the cotton batting and this cotton sheet or fabric will be used to create an ironing/design surface on your work table;

Sharp scissors, cutting mat, rotary cutter (a large and very small, 18-mm, would be ideal), and gridded ruler (24” x 6” is good), gridded square (6 ½” or larger);

Digital images of your work, actual quilts, or portfolio.

Optional, but Helpful Supplies:

Digital camera (highly suggested) and/or reducing glass or other type of reducing viewer;

About 5 manila folders or gallon plastic bags for storing fused scraps;

Old blouses or other clothing to add to class stash, silks best, but other interesting fabrics welcome;

Tacking or sealing iron (brand name, Hobbico); iron cleaner (for a fusing slip-up);

Portable sewing light;

X-acto knife (helpful to cut intricate designs);

Supplies I Will Have on Hand:

Digital camera

Interesting fabric scraps

Go Back to Sue’s AQT page