Swirly-Do Tree Quilt
Heather Thomas
Class Preview
55:10
- In-depth Instruction; over 56 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Session 1: Introduction
4:24
In this session Heather will show a sample of the Swirly -Do Tree quilt that will be made throughout the class. She will introduce the products and fabrics needed to make the quilt and will walk through the various techniques used to make the piece and talk about different ways to use those techniques.
Session 2: Preparing the Base & Prepping the Trunk
12:11
In this session Heather will walk through layering up the quilt sandwich and show how to create the trunk using gathering, folding, scrunching and ruching techniques. Then she will introduce ideas on how to stitch the trunk as well as the negative space.
Session 3: Quilting the Trunk & Stitching Branches and Roots
17:10
In this session Heather will show how to stitch down the trunk and major limbs of the tree. Then she’ll show how to deal with all of the fullness in the trunk while stitching in bark-like texture. Next I'll talk about options for quilting the negative space and stitch it. Once the trunk is company she will show how to use thread sketching techniques to extend the limbs into branches and will talk about placement of branches and stitch some of them out.
Session 4: Making Swirly-Do’s
19:00
In this session Heather will review her thought process when choosing colors and fabric for her swirly-dos or foliage on the tree. She will show you step-by-step how to create your swirls and her tips and techniques she has learned, including the best way to fill your space.
Session 5: Finishing Up
2:25
In this final session Heather will provide a quick review of the steps done to create the Swirly-Do Tree along with some information on squaring up the finished quilt and adding a twisted fabric edging.
In this class taught by quilt artist, author and instructor Heather Thomas, you’ll learn all the techniques needed to make this fun, funky, fantasy tree, complete with swirling leaves and filigree roots.
First she’ll show how to use loosely woven fabric to form the trunk and major limbs of the tree. Then she’ll show how to extend those limbs into branches using thread sketching techniques to extend the limbs into branches. At the same time Heather will discuss the placement of the branches and stitch them out.
Next Heather will teach you how to machine quilt fabulous filigree swirls for the roots. She will also share her tips on ow to deal with all of the fullness in the trunk while stitching in a bark like texture.
She will finish up by using torn and twisted strips of fabric to form the swirling leaves of the tree, discussing her color and size choices.
This class is geared toward growing and building a tree quilt, but the skills and techniques you’ll learn have endless uses.
Also included with this class is a downloadable and printable PDF document that provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on making your own fantasy tree quilt.
Heather Thomas
Heather is a mixed-media fiber artist with a passion for color and a dedication to teaching. After a decade of making original yet traditional work, she began venturing out toward art quilting, embellishments, and mixed media work. She is the author of "A Fiber Artists’ Guide to Color & Design" and "Fabric Embellishing: The Basics & Beyond."
Bonus materials available after purchase
