the Penny Sampler - prelude

I like to be challenged.  There's something about a grandiose project that draws out my best efforts, changing me and refining me in the process.  When I first envisioned this class, this quilt, it became something I couldn't refuse.  I knew it would make me reach and learn... and it has.  I've spent 6 months developing and creating, and now I'm just delighted to be sharing it soon!

Inspiration

 folk Scandinavian, from StorybookWoods

It began with Scandinavian inspiration, its folk notes and modern melodies combined.  That first vision became a framework of ideas - miniature pictures, small geometric piecing, intricate sashing, a pointy border.

modern Scandinavian, paper art by Fideli Sundqvist

But I wanted it to be lively, unexpected, definitely different than your everyday sampler quilt.  So, I threw out regular gridwork and traditionally placed sashing.  Instead blocks are a smorgasbord of sizes, sashing falls here and there for movement, layers of interest.  The border is broken up and resized in a decidedly unpredictable way.  All this aiming to be true to the quirky charm of modern Scandinavian style.

I'm not revealing the finished quilt today... you'll have to wait until registration!  These photos are a collection of bits and pieces I've shared throughout the year.

the Class

My Penny Sampler class in an invitation to a fun but challenging journey.  The online class centers around the making of an epic quilt - the Penny Sampler - while developing three themes:  machine applique, precise piecing and machine paper piecing.  These skill sets go beyond basic quilting to equip a quilter to face with confidence tricky traditional geometric piecework and picture-motifs made by appliqué or machine paper piecing.

Previously my classes have been designed with 5 weeks of instruction, sometimes interspersed with time "off" to sew.  This time I'm going with a whole different approach.  I've heard so often that my classes are rich with projects and learning experiences, but really too rich for most to digest in the time allotted.  Sure, I want you to be challenged, but I don't want you to be rushed.  To enhance enjoyment, this class is designed so that you have the time to do all the projects along the way.  Of course, you can still choose to skip some, in which case you'll have time for independent sewing pursuits while still keeping up with the Penny Sampler.

This time I've spread out our journey over the course of 3 months.

  Each month we'll focus on one theme, beginning with machine applique.  Week 1 of Applique I'll get us started with videos teaching applique techniques, plus 2 independent applique projects.  These are "skill-building projects" available for you to experience before diving into The Quilt.  At the close of Week 1, I'll share the first and simplest applique block in the Penny Sampler.  Weeks 2-4 of Applique month you'll have 3-4 block assignments for our quilt per week.  That's a doable, though upbeat pace, designed to keep you engaged but not overwhelmed.  You might also be finishing the applique skill-builder projects, if you chose to do them.

After 4 weeks total of applique (intro week and 3 more) we'll move on to 4 weeks of Precise Piecing and then 5 weeks of Machine Paper Piecing.  Yes, there's a little more time spent machine paper piecing than the rest!   Since it is a time-consuming (though super rewarding) process, I've spread blocks out over 5 weeks, with quilt assembly and quilting tips mixed in too.

I hope this makes sense!  So, for each theme - machine applique, precise piecing, machine paper piecing - the course includes a first week of learning with helpful videos, tutorials and 2 practice projects.  Then, what follows is 3-4 weeks spent making blocks that become part of the Penny Sampler.  The Pixie Churns quilt you saw yesterday is 1 of 2 skill-building projects for our month on Precise Piecing.  See?  

Also new - this course will include a prelude week immediately after registration focused on choosing colors and fabrics for your quilt!  That's a total of 14 weeks of instruction.

Will class fees be higher?  Nope, they'll be the same!

the Dates

Registration opens Monday, July 22nd.  Choosing fabrics week of instruction starts July 29th.  We'll start sewing with our first week of Applique on Monday, August 19th.  (I tried to hold out until pretty near to school starting in the States in hopes of making this more doable for those with kids!)  Our last week of instruction is the week of November 11th.  We'll be finished before the holidays!

I hope that your interest is piqued.  For myself, I have to say I am totally humbled to have the opportunity to develop and teach classes online.   I hope that the things that I am passionate about making, continue to be inviting and interesting to this community.  I am determined to always and only teach from my passions, because that's where I'm able to do the best work.  Thank-you!

xo,

Rachel