Instructor's Lesson Plan

Mariner's Compass Quilts:New Directions

by Judy Mathieson


Notes to Instructor

Judy Mathieson has prepared this Lesson Plan for your use in developing classes using one of the oldest quilt block designs used in the United StatesÑMariner's Compass. This Lesson Plan is intended to give you information about the class including the number of sessions, supplies students will need, and what to cover in each session. Use the book Mariner's Compass Quilts: New Directions extensively during class; refer to appropriate pages to illustrate your instructions. It's a good idea to have samples of a finished project to accompany the book in a store display. Being able to see the finished product can really help sell the class, the book, and fabric needed for the quilt. Those who are unable to take the class can follow the book's easy instructions to create their own projects. Feel free to use the "Class Description" in your class brochure.

Class Description

This class will take you through the steps of creating Mariner's Compass blocks using two different methods (freezer paper templates and paper foundations) and teach you how to draft your own original full size block on freezer paper.

Number of Sessions

Three or Four 2-3 hour sessions

Suggested Class Project

Two pieced mariner's compass blocks.

Supply List

Fabric:

Session #1

Classwork: Review their fabric choices using the information in Chapter three, Fabric Selection to make sure they will have good contrast at the tips of the rays. Using Pattern 2,16 point mariner's compass Pg. 62, demonstrate how to make templates on freezer paper, introduce trimming and marking. Refer to Pg 44 - 51 of Chapter four, Construction.

Encourage the students to trim and mark the patterns for only onequarter to one half of the star so that they can begin construction. Have them sew one or two sections of the block. Use two mirror tiles held together at a 45 degree angle to illustrate how a complete block will look.

Homework: The students finish sewing the four sections into a circle, then block with a steam iron. Pg. 53.

Session #2

Classwork: Check students work. Demonstrate appliqueing a center circle and setting it into the the background using one of three methods. Pg 53-54.

Take the students through a practice session up to step 10 of the drafting lesson in Chapter three, Pg. 22-25. Discuss variations as time permits.

Homework: The students finish sewing the center circle and background block. Optional for homework or use for session 3 of 4 session format. If desired, students can draft an original full size star directly onto freezer paper, using technique taught in class.

Session #3 (Optional)

Classwork: Check students work on stitched block. Guide students through a drafting exercise on full size freezer paper (18" square) using any of the variations from the checklist on Pg. 31. Students number each piece and then cut out templates for one-quarter of the design, iron to fabric, trim, mark and sew.

Session #3 or #4

Classwork: Check students work with completed block and consult on any original designs drafted full size onto freezer paper. Demonstrate Paper Foundation piecing technique, Pg. 48 - 51. Have students cut strips (or pre-cut as homework from previous session) and sew one quarter of a block using Pattern 4 Split Star Pg. 68-71.
© 1995 by Judy Mathieson

For more information about obtaining a copy of Mariner's Compass Quilts:New Directions, please visit C &T Publishing's web site or call 1-800-284-1114

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