Using only solids, Gwen Marston offers many traditional designs that can be transformed into more modern blocks, making your quilts fun and relaxing to create. Sew traditional squares, triangles, and framed squares. Recut simple blocks into wonky shapes that add up to quilts that are playful and interesting. Construct a Rail Fence with Gwen’s Liberated method that includes wedges and curves. Learn the fun of designing your own quilts using solids that bring out the best in these traditional-made-modern techniques. Try her approach for sewing odd-sized and elongated triangles and add expressive borders that are stress free! Gwen shows how to make strippy quilts while learning about color and scale. She finishes the class by showing how to make string quilts that require no foundation piecing. This class does not come with an option to email the instructor if you have questions, but Gwen provides complete step-by-step instructions that beginner, intermediate, and advanced quilters will understand. For your convenience, this class can be purchased for online viewing or purchased on DVD.
Course Curriculum
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Books: (Optional)
- Free Range Triangle Quilts
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- Minimal Quiltmaking
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- Liberated Medallion Quilts
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Fabric:
- 3 yd. solids
- A note from Gwen: You can work with predominantly lights, mid tones or darks or a big mixture of colors and values. You can work with bright colors or dull colors. Regardless of your predominant tone, include some accent colors and even a few prints. Bring color ideas you like to work with and you will probably like your quilt.
Thread:
- 100% Cotton
Quilting Tools:
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Iron
- Ironing surface
Rulers:
- Ruler 6" x 12" or 6" x 24"
Other Supplies:
- Snips or small scissors
Optional
- Electric Quilt® 8 quilt design software (EQ8)
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What will I learn in this class?Gwen starts with traditional squares and triangles. She shows how to make a framed square. Then she amps up the creativity by showing how to recut blocks to add interest. You’ll learn how to make a Jacks block, an Hourglass, a Pinwheel, and a Nine-Patch block. True to Gwen’s style, she adds her own special ways of cutting these so that the quilts pop with personality. You’ll learn how to make these traditional blocks in Gwen’s trademark Liberated style. The remaining two lessons address strippy quilts and string quilts. You’ll have fun with solids like never before. As Gwen says, “Think of it as playtime at the sewing machine.”
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Why solids?Gwen demonstrates that quilts made entirely of solids have a more “painterly” appearance than those made with prints. They show more line and form, allowing the quilting to show up better.
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Will I make a project in this class?While there is no specific project offered in this class, what you will learn are techniques that will enable you to create your own quilts from solids—no patterns required!
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What if I have questions?We recommend that you watch the class in its entirety and become familiar with the downloadable materials. This class does not come with a student/instructor interaction option. If you do have a question, use the Contact Us option on the website and a staff member will assist you. Please do not contact iquilt instructors by telephone.
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When can I start the class?We know you are excited to get started. After you have purchased the class, you can enjoy it anywhere and anytime you have the Internet. The class belongs to you, so watch it as many times as you like!
Catherine Lehouillier – :
Laurie McLaughlin – :
Paula Betts – :
Alice Kish – :
janie krig – :
"Play time at the sewing machine" indeed. I love how she brings out the fact that early quilters were both innovative and practical and that some of the most amazing quilts were made by women of few means.
Thanks Gwen, thanks iquilt!
Patricia Hanna – :
Krista Hennebury – :
Roxann Burns – :
The instruction and video quality was like having a private lesson with an old friend.…
Miss Gwen I would love some liberated stars video.
Leeann Decker – :
Hillary Goodwin – :
Fern Royce – :
Jeannine – :