Karen K. Stone has taken a difficult traditional block and made it easy and fun. The Whig’s Defeat block, a beautiful, graphic pattern with spires and curves may seem too challenging on a first look, but Karen’s innovative method turns the piecing into an enjoyable project with supplies found mostly at the office supply or dollar store! With just a few pins and some glue, these blocks come together perfectly. Karen’s method of English paper piecing shortens the process while still making the pieces fit snugly. Then, Karen demonstrates how to connect the pieces on a home sewing machine so everything is held together invisibly. By learning to make only two lovely blocks, you can create your own traditional Whig’s Defeat quilt in a way that is anything but traditional!
Course Curriculum
LIST PDF
Fabric:
- Blacks: 20–24 fat quarters or equivalent yardage
- Whites or light grays: 12–16 fat quarters, more for variety than amount
- Turquoises: 10–20 fat quarters, more for variety than amount
- Yellows: 10–20 fat quarters, more for variety than amount
Thread:
- Clear or smoke poly monofilament
Sewing Machine Foot:
- Open toe embroidery foot
Cutting Tools:
- Retractable box cutter
- Fabric scissors
Other Supplies:
- Pins
- Poster board, cardstock, or lightweight cardboard
- Transparent tape
- Elmer’s® washable school glue
- Straight edge
- Cutting mat
- Pinnable ironing board
- Iron
- Spray sizing or starch
- Bias tape maker, ¼"
- Heavyweight water-soluble stabilizer such as Badgemaster or Sulky® Ultra Solvy
- Small paint brush
- Offset tweezers
Optional:
- InvisiFil™ by WonderFil
- 100% silk thread
- Electric Quilt® 8 quilt design software (EQ8)
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Will I have to buy lots of supplies?Honestly, you will already have many of these supplies on hand. Karen jokes about her ability to create amazing quilting tools from the dollar store and office supply stores. There are some items you may have to purchase, but the technique mostly uses items that are low cost or already in your home.
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Will piecing by machine give my blocks the look of precision that I like so much about English paper piecing?You’ll be amazed at how everything comes together using Karen’s method. It has that same neat and clean look of traditional English paper piecing with sharp points coming out as truly sharp points.
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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. At that point, if something is unclear, go to the tab that allows you to ask a question and Karen will get back with you via email. 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!
Janet Palmer – :
Diane Ahnstedt – :
Cinderella Ba – :
I am really happy I bought this class!
Nicole Owens – :
Susan Wood – :
Patricia Culleny – :
Charlotte Mattingly – :
Jane Ratcliff – :
Lynn Onions – :
Karen Stenback – :
Kim Komet – :
Great class
Thank you Karen
Betty Jo Tatum – :
Valli Schiller – :
Lisa H. Calle – :