Checker Newsletter

Wow, what a spring !  In the past couple months I have attended several major longarm quilting shows, and either taught or had a booth at each one. I tried something new in my hands-on quilting machine templates classes, and it was a real hit . . .  preprinted quilt panels from RGA Designs.

 These are not the typical preprinted panels – these have been designed as a teaching tool, and they are great. There are several choices available, but my preference was the colored panel from the Design Builder instruction set. It has 6 different quilt blocks, plus sashings and borders. These are sold by the bolt.

My classes are customized to teach people how to use the Sweet Set Quilting Machine Templates from Creative Grids. The beginner class starts with the Straight Stitcher rulers for outlining and stitch-in-the-ditch (SID). Then the concentric shapes are used to custom quilt the blocks. The Border Curve templates are used to create a structure in the border that is enhanced by adding some free motion quilting. The quilting design choice for the borders and sashings will vary depending on the quilter’s skill level.

Creative Grids Class Templates

Participants can take the panel home and make a tote out of it. The FREE pattern for the tote is on Renae’s website (rgadesignquilts.com).

The panels are great for teachers looking to design their own classes or the teacher can use the instructions from the Design Builder kit  which includes the fabric panel, an instruction book and a DVD.

Design Builder Kit

Renae Allen (RGA Designs) also has other Skill Builder instruction books that focus on machine quilting with a domestic sewing machine (DSM) or a sit-down quilting system.

So, consider updating your classes and include these panels and/or instructional materials. It is a great way to help your customers enhance their skills and also have a quilted piece to make a cute tote!

Always “checking” for a better way to quilt!

Sewlong,

Pat Barry