Teaching times at IQF…..

I tend to shy away from classes when I am at the International Quilt Festival, mostly because I love being on the floor and don’t want to use my time otherwise.

But, each year I attend at least one lecture and this year it was Ricky Tims!! I have done several of his lectures in the past and I ALWAYS come away with some new idea or technique. This year was no exception.

The BIG AHA moment for me was when Ricky talked about using a projector to enlarge patterns…..

Now I HAVE a projector and still use my computer printer to print “posters” and then have to trim and tape all of the papers together!! And, if I do it the wrong size, I have to start over again. Using a projector, I can visualize the finished size before I start tracing!!

He also encouraged the audience that, if you do this a lot, it would be worth investing in a small projector. After a quick look at Amazon, I see that you can buy a “mini” projector for between $40 and $60!! That might be a good Christmas Present to add to your list!!!

As an aside, I have a photo that I want to enlarge to about 40-inches so I plan to try this out in the next few weeks.

Ricky also talked about how he quilts some of his “Locomotion Quilts”, such as this one……

The process was interesting and I enjoyed seeing that most of these designs are based on grid quilting.

In this video, he shows us a few of his designs. The audio is quiet so you may need to turn it up to hear his narration, but the quilting ideas are great even if you can’t hear!!

Linda and I also attended a couple of the free sessions on the show floor.

The first was presented by Jenny Lyon and she talked about her cut-work designs…..

Some of her ideas included…..

• Use two layers of Misty Fuse as it doesn’t alter the hand of the fabric.
• OR….use Terrial Magic to stiffen the fabrics.
• Mark the design, leaving space between the elements
• Stitch around each element at least two times
• Don’t cut right up to the stitching line so that you can wash it and let it fray.
• Short, stubby scissors are best for cutting out the pieces. She suggested that Kai, 4-inch scissors worked well.

I can’t wait to try this technique and have a Christmas Gift planned using it…..so I better get busy!!!

Our favorite of these free talks was presented by Sue Heinz and called “You’ve got a friend in Elmer”…..glue that is!!

She didn’t allow the word “glue” to be used but she presented MANY ways that you can “Elmer” your way out of difficulties, including applying binding, holding seams in place when you are piecing or appliqueing, and a whole host of other ideas that I can’t remember right now. I should have taken better notes!!!

OKAY…..we are now finished with the International Quilt Festival…..or at least my version of the trip!!

I hope that you have enjoyed seeing all of the quilts and that you have been inspired and encouraged by the techniques that you have seen.

AND…..why don’t you think about joining me next year. It is a trip to remember!!

Tomorrow we get to change gears as I embark on the journey of Dresden Plates!!! Be sure to join me!!

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If you don’t want to miss my personal tour of the International Quilt Festival in Houston, be sure to subscribe…….

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