Retreat Project

Sue has created two Flower Basket patterns with JWD Designs, Ashley's Flower Basket and Jessica's Flower Basket. Students will select their favorite and work on this project at the retreat. The supply list below will work for either pattern to make a one block small quilt. If you would like to make a four block version, contact Sue for these yardages. Learn all aspects of Sue's stitched raw edge applique' technique. The patterns also include an original feather design for quilting and Sue will demo and allow time to practice some machine quilting. Sue's website has photo's of both patterns— www.Sue.Nickels.com go to the store to look at the patterns. Sue will provide patterns for students at the retreat.

Machine Applique' Flower Basket - In this workshop learn how to applique' using a raw edge fusible machine technique. Learn the fine points of machine applique' including perfect points, neat curves and creative surface embellishments. This technique is the focus of the new AQS book "Stitched Raw Edge Applique'" co-authored by Sue and her sister, Pat Holly. Quality workmanship is the priority in this workshop!

Supply List

• Sewing Machine - Blanket stitch used, zigzag may work as an option Don't forget your foot pedal and power cord!
• Open Toe Applique' Foot - A must for machine applique' (sometimes called an open toe embroidery foot, it is the #20 foot on the Bernina)
• Darning Foot - use for surface embellishments
• Small Scissors - good for precise cutting of small applique' pieces
• Paper Backed Fusible Web - 2 yards, lightweight (Sue uses Lite Steam a Seam and will have a small amount availble)
• Spray Starch
• Iron and small ironing board (one for every 4-5 students)
• Extension cord
• Optional-extra light, small cusion for height
• Basic Sewing Supplies - pencil, needle, pins, etc.

Fabric

• 100% cotton, pre-washed and pressed
• Block background - 2/3 yard. Cut a 21" square and spray starch before coming to class to save time. Bring remaining background fabric to use for practice.
• For Applique': 8-10 fat quarters of assorted coordinating prints and/or solids.
• Bias Stems and Leaf Applique's - 1/2 yard
• Bias Branches - 1 fat eighth
• Dogtooth border - 3/8 yard
• Outer Border - 7/8 yard (28'x28' square)

Thread: colors to coordinate with applque' fabric

Sue's favorite for machine applique' include 50 weight and 40 weight cotton threads. *Sue will have a selection of her King Tut "Tone on Tone" threads for sale in class.

The following are not needed in class but will be needed to complete the quilt:

• Binding - 3/8 yard
• Backing - 1 yard
• Batting - 32"x32" square

For practicing machine quilting:

• Two 15"squares muslin
• One 15" square cotton batting
• 15 safety pins
• Fabric marking pencil
• Off white cotton thread