Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Fons and Porter Master Class Review




Today I have the pleasure of presenting my review of Janet Pittman's video "Learn How-To Fusible Appliqué."  

You'll find this class and many more on Fons and Porter's Daily Craft TV which is "a community showing new craft ideas and projects with online webinar videos.  Expert instructors provide online craft classes in Quilting, Scrapbooking, Sewing, Crocheting, Knitting and Paper Crafts."


Janet Pittman, "a quilt artist from West Des Moines, Iowa, has been designing her own quilts since 1994. Her appliqué designs are stitched are then embellished to add natural texture and dimension for a realistic appearance whether it is a fuzzy bear or a satin rose. Janet is a Master Gardener and finds inspiration from her colorful garden."

Click here to visit Janet's web site.

Considering my love of appliqué in quilting, the subject "Fusible Appliqué"  jumped right at me when browsing the list of classes.  

I really enjoyed this class. It is short, well organized and nicely presented.  It reminds me that there is always something new to learn when taking a class and I should do it more often. 

Janet's class is listed as intermediate level, but I really think anyone interested in fusible appliqué would enjoy it.  

Sources for appliqué patterns, types of fusible web, fabrics and other supplies are covered. 

Next, Janet teaches how to trace, fuse, cut appliqué shapes and arrange them on a background.  

An interesting and easy method of making fusible bias stems is shown - I will definitely use it!  

The need to reverse shapes in fusible appliqué can be confusing, but here it is explained well and is easy to understand.  

Janet talks about fussy cutting with special motifs and the use of fabric gradation and linear fabrics for maximum effect.  Also covered is how to line light appliqué shapes so that darker fabric shapes won't show through.  Another trick I will try.

The last portion of the video class teaches how to use different appliqué stitches and the machine settings for each.  Janet also demos free motion embellishment which looks like a fun technique to explore.

The complete pattern for Janet's original Clematis Block is available for download once you order this class.  It features full size color templates and instructions to make the block including free-motion zigzag stitching.  It is an excellent practice project.

Be sure to browse Daily Craft TV and take a class!  There are 37 quilting classes alone, covering a wide range of topics.

Fons and Porter to me are the quintessential quilters, teachers, designers and leaders in the industry.  







No comments:

Post a Comment