What skills should be taught in a beginner class...

[Judy M.]

One very important thing to teach the new quilter is that rotary cutter blades do get dull, and a new blade is much cheaper than a trip to the ER. We are much more likely to cut ourselves trying to use a dull blade than we are if using a nice sharp one.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Barbara B.]

Yes, the students do a lot of the piecing at home. At the second class they make their first block, then they are to come back to the 3rd class with a total of 6 blocks done. At class 3 I introduce the 3 other units and they return to class 4 with all 12 blocks done. There are 8 students in the class and most keep up that pace. I try to put a week off between class 4 and 5 so everyone can catch up.

This is an ambitious project but when the class is done most of the students are proud of their accomplishment and ready to make their next quilt. Many of them join our large quilt guild and enjoy the friendships that come with that.

I always tell the students that if "life intervenes" and they can't make this large of a quilt, they can make a smaller wallhanging. Of all the quilts I've taught to beginners this is by far the one they all seem to learn the most from. And I'm still enjoying teaching it so I won't be makng a new quilt for 2009.

I expect my TQS BOM will garner a lot of attention and hope to teach the one that is available from Quakertown Quilts (a simpler version than ours) in 2010.

[Barbara B.]

BTW, I just thought of something else. In July I was video-taped for the website http://www.monkeysee.com The title is "How to Quilt". While I thought it was a little hokey, my Fall students said they watched it several times at home and it helped them master or remember the skills taught in class.

My joke is I can teach anybody to make a quilt in seven 3 minute segments. And it only took 6 hours to produce! Here is the link:


http://www.monkeysee.com/play/10919-how-to-quilt

[Barbara B.]

Hey Barbara, those are brilliant videos, and the block is quite easy once it's broken down into its component parts. I'm inspired to have a go myself, it's a very effective quilt! Thanks so much for sharing.

[Barbara B.]

Can I be cheeky Barbara and ask you what the fabric requirements for your star quilt are? I'd like to have a go, I've got the perfect fabric selection, you know how it is when something new catches your imagination! Thanks!

[Barbara B.]

Very nice videos, Barbara, I've put that into my Favorites to send to new quilters.

Pat in Rockport, TX