• Learn to get absolutely accurate results using foundations when you purchase this ebook
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Firm Foundations

Firm Foundations

  • Briefly: Learn to get absolutely accurate results using foundations, learning from the foundation piecing queen, Jane Hall Read more
  • Type: E-books
  • ISBN: 978-0-473-62953-3
  • Author: Jane Hall
  • Skill Level: Beginner

    • Techniques

    Foundation Piecing

    FAQ About Patterns

    Question: Where do I find the download I purchased?
    As soon as you make a purchase, you are directed to a Thank You page which will have a link to download your pattern.
    We also email you the 'Thank You' to your email inbox which includes the link to download your pattern. Please check your spam/junk box if you do not receive this.
    Question: I've clicked the download link and nothing happens, what should I do?
    Chances are the pattern is downloading in the background. Give it a moment then check your file app (iphone) or download folder (in My Files or File Manager on android) to see if the file is there. If it isn't, before trying again, try the suggestions in the trouble downloading question below.
    Question: I'm having trouble downloading the pattern, is there anything I should do?
    Yes, the most important thing to do is turn off any popup blocker. Popup blockers prevent the download window from being seen by you, yet we will not know about it so each time you try, it will appear to us that you have attempted to download the pattern.
    Here is a full list of things to try:
    • Ensure that no pop up blockers are enabled
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    • Clear your cache and cookies
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    • Try another device, like another computer, tablet, or mobile phone
    Question: What if I exceed my download tries?
    Don't fear, we will always make sure you receive your purchased pattern. If your download link expires, simply email us and we will send you a new link.
  • Tags: Ebook, foundation piecing

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    • Description
    • Requirements

    Stability, precision, speed, and versatility. What more could you ask of a technique? No wonder it has become a basic tool for us. Jane shows you how to piece on top, underneath, and with single templates. You will learn how to use the foundation as a stitching guide without actually sewing into it. You will get 21 different block patterns but there is no project.

    Skill level: beginner to advanced. It helps to have a basic familiarity with piecing and with your sewing machine. Rotary cutting is also an efficient way to work, but foundation piecing can be done with basic tools and can be sewn by hand if you wish.

    OUTLINE

    Part One

    The basics

    • Why we would use foundations
    • Types of foundations
    • Marking
    • Fabric cutting
    • Basic under pressed piecing: six sample blocks with patterns and directions
      • Geese Over the Cabin - whole block
      • Snail’s Trail - whole block
      • Dutchman’s Puzzle - 2 equal segments
      • Rambler - 3 diagonal segments
      • Pinwheel - 4 equal segments
      • Featherbone - 8 equal segments

    Part Two

    Two completely different foundation piecing techniques

    • Top pressed piecing
      • String block - simple random diagonal strings
      • Crazy pieced block - randomly pieced shapes of fabric
    • Single template piecing
      • Hexagon Flower - all set-in seams.
      • 8-Pointed Star - 8 diamonds
      • Interlocked Squares - intertwined shapes, strips and triangles
      • Rocky Road to Kansas - uses all 3 foundation techniques

    Part Three

    More complex designs

    • Breaking blocks into irregular shapes
    • Discuss coding foundations with colors and grain lines
    • Learn about cutting templates for accurate fabric placement
    • Choose from six blocks with patterns and directions
      • Card Trick - 4 asymmetric segments
      • The Palm -  2 diagonal segments, long skinny points
      • Starry Path - 4 diagonal segments, single fabric cutting
      • Dusty Miller - 8 segments, several techniques
      • Delectable Mountains -  8 segments, skinny and fat
      • Mariner’s Compass - 2 foundation techniques plus hand appliqué

    Part Four

    Completion

    • Finishing touches 
      • joining blocks
      • block-to-block
      • with sashing
    • Borders
      • basics
      • simple string
      • crazy pieced
    • Strip piecing designs, three blocks with patterns and directions
      • Mock Log Cabin - 4-section strip pieced design
      • Spiderweb - 8-section strip pieced block
      • Crossroads - 8-pointed star strip pieced block
    • Tweaks and variations to the basic foundation techniques

    There are 21 different blocks in class.  The string block in Lesson Two is 4"; all the rest are 6" square.  You will be asked to make 2-3 blocks for each lesson, but may make as many others as you desire.  All the 6" blocks will fit together so it will be easy for you to make a sampler quilt, tablerunner, wall hanging, tote bag or decorative vest.

    • basic sewing supplies including sewing machine, thread, pins, scissors.
    • rotary cutter, ruler, and mat, if desired
    • pencil, eraser
    • small ruler
    • tracing paper
    • freezer paper

    Fabric: Scraps, strips, fat quarters; total of maybe 3-4 yards to make all the blocks

    Note: Some blocks will use only two fabrics, others up to 5.  If you are thinking about a coordinated project, I would suggest 1/2 yards of 3-4 medium and dark fabrics, scraps of light, and a yard of background.   These can be prints, batiks, or a run of 6-8 hand dyed fabrics.  This can be a scrap project.