Compose, Collage...and Stitch

3 days - All Levels

More than just collage . . . the focus will also be on composing and finishing a collage quilt with exciting stitching that will enhance the design. Using a scissors and working from a photograph or sketch, students will compose and collage by cutting and pinning directly onto the quilt, then experiment with decorative threads and free-motion stitching to complete the composition. Ideal for first time or experienced collage quilters.

Taught by:  Pamela Mostek

Supply List

• A photo or sketch that you will use as the inspiration for your quilt. This can be something from a book or magazine, a personal photo, or something you've drawn out. If  it's your own design, please have it completed before you come to class. I suggest a still life, landscape, architecture etc. You might bring several if you're not sure of your choice and you may work realistically or abstractly as you choose.
• Sharp scissors ….a small thread scissors plus a larger one is ideal. Make sure they're sharp!
• Pins…two boxes of long, thin, silk pins. There are a number of them on the market but ask for silk pins as they are thinner.
• Stylus…very important to have in your hand as you sew down your collage
• Tracing paper…. a tablet of approximately 14" x 20"
• Machine and freemotion foot ….be sure your  machine is in good working order…oiled, cleaned etc. We don't want to spend time working on your machine when we could be working on the collage!
• Notions etc. …wide black marking pen,  masking tape, and anything else you feel comfortable having with you.
• Thread – monofilament for stitching down your design,decorative threads of your choice for adding the freemotion decorative stitching. I suggest bringing multiple choices  in the appropriate colors as we will talk about how and where to use them. Include cotton, polyester, and metallic threads
• Bobbin Thread  60 wt polyester, Superior’s Bottom lin in a medium shade, neutral color line gray.

Fabric

• In this case, more is always better! Looking at your photo, decide what colors you will primarily be using, then bring as many choices within the colors you choose as you can. This can be commercial prints of all sizes, solids, geometrics, hand-dyes, specialty fabrics, metallics etc. etc. Pieces can be small…you will rarely use large pieces.
• Batting – a 44" x 44"  piece of lightweight cotton batting. This will allow you to vary the size of your quilt, but you will have enough for the larger size. We will use this as the base for your collage on the design wall.
• Bobbin thread that is 60 wt. polyester. I recommend  Superior's Bottom line in a medium shade, neutral color such as gray.
• Backing a 42 X42 piece of cotton for backing

Any questions…just give me a call at 509 455-6857 or email me at www.pamelamostek.com