Extended Threadplay:  Go For It!

3 days - Intermediate to Advanced

Go beyond tradition and learn something new. Libby will cover innovative ways to come up with ideas, different methods of design, alternate construction techniques, and fun ways to embellish and personalize your quilts. She will begin with demonstrating such techniques such as sheer ribbon illusions, thread painting, and potluck reverse machine appliqué, bobbin drawing, and fusible webs and tricks of machine embroidery to create special effects on your quilts. Students will then spend the rest of the class creating a unique custom wall piece using the techniques that appeal to them. This is your chance to learn about and to play with all the wonderful decorative threads available today.

Taught by:  Libby Lehman

Supply List

• Sewing machine (zigzag) with all manuals & accessories, especially darning and  embroidery feet. Yes, it is worth bringing your best machine!
• Multi-plug & long extension cord
• Extra bobbin case for your machine
• 8” or 10” wooden machine embroidery hoop with adjustable screw. If you can’t find the wooden hoop, look for a plastic hoop with adjustable screw, such as Susan Bates (available at Wal-Mart and craft stores)
• Scissors (paper, fabric, and applique)
• Iron-on tearaway stabilizer or freezer paper
• Paper-backed fusible web, if desired
• Regular permanent marker (not fine line)
• Straight pins
• Pencil
• Paper sack for trash
• Tape to attach sack to table

For Cleaning the Machine

• 4 cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
• Lightweight sewing machine oil

Sewing Machine Needs

• One package of any of the following:  #90/14 Topstitch; #80/12 or #90/14 Metallica; #80/12 or #90/14 Metafil
• One package of any of the following: #80/12 Microtex, Jeans/Denim, or Universal

Threads

NOTE: The threads listed are the minimum. Please feel free to bring any others you wish.

• Regular cotton sewing thread to match fabrics, or several neutral colors
• The Bottom Line, Tru-Sew, Metrolene, Sew-Bob, Clotilde or YLI Bobbin & Lingerie. These are very fine, synthetic threads for the bobbin. Choose black or a dark color if possible.
• 40 wt. rayon or acrylic in a dark, medium and light value of the same color
• Sulky, Madeira, Yenmet, Superior or YLI metallic and a 40 wt. rayon in a matching but lighter color
• Variegated metallic (I like Sulky #7020 or Madeira Astro #3 or #4)
• One of the following: Razzle Dazzle, Candlelight, Glamour, Designer 6, Décor, perle cotton (size 5 or 8), pearl crown rayon, Success. These are heavier threads to use for bobbin drawing.
• Any other threads you want to experiment with

You can order these threads from Web of Thread, 1-800-955-8185, www.webofthread.com

Fabric

A selection of 100% cotton fabrics you wish to work with. Look through Threadplay (That Patchwork Place ’97) for ideas. Some students like to bring a small top to use as a starting point. You can also bring pre-cut squares (2 to 4” are a good size). Sheer fabrics (tulle, crystal organza, netting, etc.) are fun but optional.

Optional but very helpfl

• THREADPLAY by Libby Lehman (That Patchwork Place, 1997)
• Cushion for chair
• Extra bobbins
• Extra light
• Double needle, size 1.6/75 or 2.0/80