This is my first attempt with a tutorial. I welcome constructive feedback. I am not a technical writer and my chosen style is to try to put it in words how I would verbally teach it. So “listen” to my words as much or more than you “read” them.
The pattern I have chosen is “Paddlewheel” by Judy Niemeyer Quilting. Judy’s company, Quiltworx was recently highlighted in 2 major quilting magazines and this pattern was included as part of articles.
I am a certified Judy Niemeyer instructor and love teaching her patterns and techniques at quilt shops and guilds across the country (and beyond with a quilters cruise in May!)
There are some tools that are recommended for our techniques.
Before we can begin you need to cut out your papers! Quiltworx prints these on newsprint for us making it easier to remove the papers at the end! When trimming papers, be sure to leave at least 1/8″ all the way around the pieces.
Now let’s begin!
Here is my Paddlewheel quilt – there is a contest going until April – if you use fabrics from the “Reclaimed West” collection you are eligible!
Today’s post is for the “Goose” block!
(I will do the other block and assembly tomorrow)
The pattern is written for the cream and blue in the upper left in the above photo! I have chosen different fabrics for mine and made notes on my pattern which colors replace which fabrics!
Once we have our fabrics chosen we are ready to cut out the pieces. Quiltworx patterns take the guess-work out of cutting the pieces for paper-piecing. We will be using “Template Layout Sheets” These are simply pre-printed papers that tell you exactly where to cut your fabric. They are clearly labeled as you cut so there is no guess-work when you get ready to sew.
WE are ready to sew now. Set your stitch length to 1.5-1.7, use a size 70 microtex sharp needle and a sewing foot without the little 1/4″ ledge. WHY a size 70 you ask? Each time we take a stitch we push fiber dust and a little bit of paper into our machine, with a 70 sharp we will push a lot less trash into our bobbin area!)
Now we are to LATHER, RINSE, REPEAT stage – just keep on with what you have been doing. Only instead of lather, rinse, repeat – you have a couple of choices of acronyms
TSP (teaspoon) – stands for TRIM, SEW, PRESS (I believe Carol Doak coined this acronym.
SIFT – Sew, Iron, Fold, Trim – I am not sure the origin of this acronym, it was shared by one of my students.
Once all 10 pieces of fabric have been added you are ready for the next steps!
Now that you have made one block, I encourage you to “chain-piece” the remaining blocks. This will speed up the process A LOT!!! I love chain-piecing!
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and look forward to you joining me for tomorrow’s post as well!
As you know, I have made a Judy Niemeyer quilt but none the less, I think your instructions are very clear. Good job.
First time I have had a chance to view this tutorial and like your classes, very good even to the mistakes that can be made