Random Roses

      Workshop with Karen Eckmeier

Time to play! Here we go round and round to create beautiful one-of-a-kind roses. This project workshop is a great introduction to Karen’s Layered Waves technique, which uses an easy topstitch method to layer and piece curves. In class we will make 6 Random Rose blocks in your favorite color. Create the skinny wallhanging/table runner in class, or bring more fabrics to continue making roses for a large quilt. Borders with gently layered curves will be demonstrated along with many exciting ways to use your Random Rose blocks.

Finished size: 12” x 45” approx.

FABRICS FOR “ROSE RUNNER” PROJECT (6 HOUR WORKSHOP)

·         Roses & Borders: ½ yard each of 4 different pinks/or color of your choice.

(1 light/2 mediums/1 dark)

BRING TO CLASS PRE-CUT!!! : SIX – 6.5” squares from each of the 4 colors, and TWO 2.5” strips (selvage to selvage) from each of the four colors.

·         Leaf Triangles: ¼ yard green to contrast with your roses

Not necessary to bring to workshop, but needed to complete your wallhanging/table runner:

o        Backing: ¾ yard (needs to be pieced)

o        Batting: approx. 15” x 48”

o        Binding: ¼ yard

FABRICS FOR RANDOM ROSE BLOCKS ONLY (3 HOUR WORKSHOP)

·         ¼ yard each of 4 fabrics in the same color family. Any color is fun with this technique. Yellow roses, red roses, purple roses, orange roses….you get the idea!

EXAMPLE: Blue Roses = ¼ yard each of 4 different blues (1 lt./2 med./1 dark) will yield 6 blue roses.

BRING TO CLASS PRE-CUT!!! : SIX – 6.5” squares from each of the 4 colors.

SUPPLIES

·         Sewing Machine with ¼” foot and straight stitch foot

·         Thread: One spool to match all the values of your rose (can be a variegated thread)

·         Rotary Cutter and Mat

·         6½” quilter’s square (a MUST)

·         6½” x 24” ruler for rotary cutting

·         Scissors – large and small

·         Chalk pencil or marking pen

·         Pins

·         Best Press™ (clear starch alternative) or Spray Starch (optional)

·         Book: Layered Waves by Karen Eckmeier is highly recommended but not required for class.

Complete instructions for making “Random Roses” are on pages 36-39. We will NOT be doing the project featured in the book.