Sweatshirt Orphan Block Class

This class will be a lecture with some hands-on work. Sewing will be completed on your home machine.

This sweatshirt project is a great 'quilt snack'...one of those little things you put in between other projects and gets quickly completed start to finish! The sweatshirt works beautifully with 'orphan' blocks (blocks not used in a quilt project) or a portion of a panel. The panel can have a border such as flying geese, or simply be a wonderful piece of panel that you love and don't quite know how to use it. This project also works incredibly well with large motif fabrics. (think about some of the lovely one's at Primrose)

The class will be a combination of demonstration and hands on preparation to get you ready to sew when you get home!

Please bring:

An orphan block or panel piece (or come a bit early to Primrose and select something you love).

Ideally the total size of the block works well between 7 and 12 inches. It can certainly be smaller or larger depending on the size of the sweatshirt .

The block/panel can be pieced, paper pieced or appliqued. Just keep the need to wash the sweatshirt regularly.

A sweatshirt -
Hoodie, pullover or zip up all work well. (I will not be working with denim jackets in this demo, but you can easily carry your knowledge to doing one of those as well)

Fabric to bind the block - if your block is round or oval please plan to bring enough fabric to cut a bias binding. A fat quarter is generally enough. If you want to work ahead, please feel free to cut a SINGLE fold bias binding cut to 1.25 or 1.5 inches width with length long enough to go around your edges on the project.

You will need thread that matches your binding to complete your project. While we are not doing that sewing in class please bring your thread so we can discuss options to attach your block to your sweatshirt.

Sharp pins

Small scissors to cut thread and a small amount of fabric.

A rotary cutter and ruler, 6x12- or 9.5-inch squares, are great, but nearly any size will work. We will trim your block if necessary and cut your bias binding.

Double-sided fusible stabilizer/webbing, lightweight. That will help stabilize your block while you apply your binding and assist in stabilizing on your sweatshirt. Optional - 505 spray stabilizer. I will discuss how both can used in this project. These are available for purchase at Primrose. 

Paper/pen, or an electronic device, to take a few notes.

Picking a Sweatshirt -

Hoodie, zip up, or pullover sweatshirts all work. It can be a new sweatshirt or a clean favorite of yours.
We will discuss using this technique to save those favorites that you have those random 'stains' on the front. (please tell me it isn't just me that manages to spill my coffee on my favorite sweatshirt)

Pick what you like for weight - big heavy ones, or lightweight ones for more indoor wear. We will discuss in class the tricks to manage any sweatshirt.

For your first project, I recommend an adult-sized project (vs baby or small child). It is simply easier to apply. You can make any size you want, and we will discuss differences in class.
The sweatshirts that are the shop samples are women's Tek Gear brand and were purchased online at Kohl's.
Let's talk about the shop samples -

The 'star' is an orphan block from a Jacqueline de Jonge class that I took with Primrose a few weeks ago. It was my effort to freshen my paper piecing skills, using scraps from when I cut for the quilt.

This is a great opportunity to try some paper piecing at home and bring that block with you. Good news - any warps or imperfections will not show when you apply to the sweatshirt — unlike quilts and table runners, the sweatshirt and block will be on bodies with curves. Those imperfections are nearly completely invisible.

The 'ghost' is a panel piece from the Pammie J collection, available at Primrose. The panel square is surrounded and trimmed to fit in a ring of flying geese. In the sample, the entire piece is approximately 12 inches across, and the inner circle opening is around 7 inches. Your block will need to be about 2 inches larger than any central opening if you do a similar pieced ring. (1 inch on all sides)
If you want a similar 'frame' around your piece, check online for a wide variety of options, both free and for a small fee. If you want to work ahead and complete the frame at home before class, you are welcome to — leave the edges 'raw'. The frame can be any shape that complements your central panel.

piece or focus fabric. It can be paper-pieced or pieced with a standard border. You may even find something appropriate in your 'orpah' stash.
Orphan-pieced blocks do not need a border around them, but they certainly can if you want to enhance them or make them a little larger.
? Please bring any parts and pieces, blocks, bindings you are considering for your sweatshirt. (blocks, borders, frames) We will work in the class to determine final design and placement. We will learn how to apply a single-fold bias binding to your block so you are ready to sew when you get home.

For your class project, I recommend a simple shape such as a circle, square, oval, rectangle, or fan. You will learn in class how you can expand your choices to more detailed shape for your next project. (trust me, it is VERY likely you will become a bit addicted to this simple and rewarding project. It is a great gift for a birthday or holiday. ..and you don't need to worry if the recipient will 'love' your quilt after hours of work and a big investment. Even if they don't love quilts, they will have a great sweatshirt to wear with pride and snuggle with on cool fall days.

Come and have fun! Bring any of your 'possibilities' and we will figure out how to best show them off on your sweatshirt!Introductions
 
Bring:

A smile and a positive attitude to do something creative. Coffee is always a good thing.

A sweatshirt, hoodie or T-shirt for the applique

Your bag of orphan blocks. (Sewing that never made it into the quilt).

505 spray

Paper and a pencil

Scissors. Purple Karen Kay Buckley or equivalent

Applique pins