Circles Technique Class

Today ME and I took a class in circles.  Sound strange, doesn't it?  This class was billed as a techniques class designed to help us with circles.  That means that we started with how to use a particular ruler to cut a perfect circle using only the ruler, a rotary cuter, and fabric folded in quarters.  Once we mastered that, we moved on to how to cut the background fabric for that circle using the same three items only using a different fabric. 

 

Next came how to fold both circle and background fabrics to created 8 register marks.  Those marks would guide us in pin placement using only 8 pins.  Then we after being given a few more tips, we sewed our first circle.  Then another, and then another, and then . . .

 

We learned how to create intersecting lines and what the width of the intersection would do to the circle unless we took the necessary steps.  Here is the block ME made.  I wish the colors were more accurate (the upper circle with the little flowers is a deep, rich plum), but at least you can admire how she applied her knowledge and was able to sew the circles into her background fabric.

One of the samples Marlous brought with her (and she brought many) is the one below.  It is a sample that uses the Drunkards Path block (a quarter circle that can be made using the technique we learned today).  Both ME and I took a circle class when these patterns enjoyed a resurgence of popularity.  But as you all know, if you don't practice a method, you forget how its done.  What we learned today is different, and I think better.  We also learned many different ways to apply what we learned.

 

 

I can hardly wait to use some of the ideas with these new techniques!