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Pieced Curves So Simple in Russian

My book Pieced Curves So Simple has been published in Russian.

If you are interested in scheduling a workshop or class or wish to contact me for any other reason please email me:

Dale Fleming
Walnut Creek, CA
dalefleming@dalefleming.com

I love quilting. The spectrum of texture, drape, and color of fabric allow limitless creativity in any project—from a complex artistic statement to a simple child’s lovey. Equally important to me is the sense of community and generosity that happens when women come together to share skills while quilting.

Whether the quilter is a novice or is accomplished, traditional or contemporary, it doesn’t matter. Using the methods I have developed people can expand their skills as they explore many new possibilities. My goal is not to have students create quilts just like mine, but instead, to give people the tools that allow them to simplify difficult tasks and create what is in their hearts.

I have developed several methods that making machine piecing easier. The first method is “Unpaper Piecing.” Unpaper piecing is a cross between paper piecing and foundation piecing. Just about anyone can draw a pattern, as in paper piecing, but with my method you don’t have to remove a paper backing, as in foundation piecing. The quilt, Corporate Attire, was done entirely using this method. This quilt was featured in Quilt National.

Another Method that I use is Pinless Piecing. Pinless Piecing is a method that uses fabric safe, water-soluble glue instead of pins to hold fabric in place when piecing. This technique is so versatile that even a first time quilter can easily make a perfect machine pieced circle. Advanced quilters also benefit since they can assemble a complex design in hours instead of days. The quilt, Charles Was Having Tea When A Luau Happened, was constructed in this manner. This quilt was featured at Pacific International Quilt Festival in Santa Clara, Ca.

What I usually do, is mix many techniques together. I use whatever machine piecing methods I think will make the construction easiest. The quilt, Hot Flash, uses both methods described above plus several others. It won Best of Show at, Best of The Valley Quilt Show in Tulare, Ca.

Although my degree from UC Davis is in food science, I always preferred my classes in art and color. I continued to take classes at UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and have studied under Professor Laverne Edwards from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland.

ERRORS IN THE BOOK!

Page 39
Photo labeled Step 2.
The callouts on the photo are incorrect. If you seam rip where the callouts on the photo indicate, the technique will not work.

At the bottom of the photograph it should say; “Leave attached and open seams”. If you look closely you can see the fluorescent orange seam that has been removed two inches back into the circle.

The two “Open seams” at the top of the circle in the photo should not be there. Please cross them out.

Page 58

Addition #5:
5. Clip convex curves, steam iron, and sew the seam . .

Page 59

Replacement for #9 and the “Tip”:

9. Clip the convex curves, steam iron and sew the seam. As you sew, manipulate the fringe of the convex curves so it will splay out like a fan. Remember, only pull on the two adjacent fabrics or the fringe. If you have added enough glue they will stay attached. Trim seams to 1/4” and iron the seam in the direction you prefer. Use the fringe flipping method (page 60) if you are using an open toed foot.

WHERE DO I SEW?
To get a better idea of where one thread from the crease is, do the following exercise. Sew two pieces of fabric together. Gently finger press the seam open. One side should have three layers of fabric, the other side one. Look at where the stitches are. The stitches will be snugged right up against the crease. That is how your own stitching should be sewn.

WHY DOES THE FABRIC NOT POP OFF THE PATTERN?
Too much glue is used on the first tack. Tack the fringe down with the lightest amount of glue. The quantity is like the touch of a feather, it does not solidly cover the paper pattern. It is spotty, only enough to tack.

THE TWO FABRICS DO NOT STAY GLUED TOGETHER.
There can be several reasons the fabrics don’t stay attached to each other:

1. The second glue application has to be very heavy. You should see a slick sheen of glue, 1/2” wide, all the way over the fabric edge. There should be no seam allowance without glue.
2. The glue dried before the second fabric was pressed into the glue and joined with an iron.
3. The wrong glue was used. Some of the generic glues do not adhere. Removable glue never works for this step.

Where do I get a Circle Cutter?
The circle cutter is a Fiskar’s circle cutter. It is used for scrapbooking and can be found in craft stores or online at Amazon.com. The price varies from $14 to $20. The cutter is adjustable and cut circles from 1” to 8”. The cutter works best on two fused layers of paper. Some practice is needed to keep the pressure consistent while cutting

I can't find an AVERY GLUE STIC.
For a good bond in Pinless Piecing the glue in the glue stick should be as firm as a tube of lipstick with good adhesive qualities. Brands other than AVERY that work well are UHU and SCOTCH. Fabric Glue sticks
work but often are mushy and therefore quite messy. Some generic brands of glue work well but many are too soft and more importantly, do not have good adhesive qualities and so the  fabric units fall apart when you sew them.

MORE ABOUT REMOVABLE GLUE
People either love it or hate it.  Learn to use the regular glue correctly before you try the removable glue.

The people who like it are students who have difficulties cutting patterns. Perhaps they have carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions that cause weakness or pain.

I like it because I can use a circle pattern many times before it gets too goopy with glue to allow the pattern to pop off easily

It does have drawbacks as noted in the book.

What Sewing Machine do you use?
I use a Pfaff Performance 2056. I love this machine. The needle-positioning feature is 9mm (3/8”) wide with excellent feed dog distribution. I get straight, consistent stitches with neither slipping nor sticking. The built in walking foot allows me to sew silk and canvas together with no slippage. It also has the toe tap needle feature that allows me to put the needle up or down with just a tap. There are many excellent machines on the market but I am a confirmed Pfaffer.

How can I order your book?
Please purchase my book through C&T Publishing.

Pieced Curves So Simple
The 6-minute Circle and other Time saving Delights.

Stitch circles and curves- the fast, accurate easy way. Dale’s fast, easy, pinless technique really works for machine-sewing curves and circles. Think like a designer- Dale demystifies color, balance, unity and more. Design-as-you-go techniques bring out your creativity. Discover a variety of easy ways to make your own patterns.

Pieced Curves So Simple is published by C&T Publishing. Click here to purchase my book direct from C&T. Price is $24.95.

I am available for workshops and lectures. Please contact me if you interested in scheduling one.

Workshop Descriptions

Every workshop I teach is specifically tailored to fit the needs and desires of the participants. However, my classes all have a similar format, which are based on my method of construction called Pinless Piecing. The techniques are from the book Pieced Curves So Simple. Workshops are open to all levels of quilters, from novice to expert.

In all workshops, including a one-day class, the first three hours are spent learning and mastering 6-minute circles. The technique is thoroughly explained and practiced so quilters can be assured of success when they go home.

During the second three hours of a one-day workshop, students learn either more techniques or make a specific quilt design using the Pinless Piecing technique. The pattern is taught using detailed written instructions. I always bring my latest design experiments which students are also welcome to play with.

A two-day workshop starts the same as a one-day workshop. The second day, students either continue working on a quilt, or focus on learning more techniques. These skills culminate in the making of a block from the leaf quilt “To Leaf”. A less experienced quilter in this class may comfortably choose to work on a circle quilt, while the more accomplished quilters relish the opportunity to stretch their abilities.

Workshops lasting more than two days are more open-ended. Students start with learning how to make the six-minute circle. Next, new skills are introduced until all the necessary and requested techniques have been learned. In subsequent sessions students design and construct their own quilts. Color exploration and fabric selection are discussed extensively.

Students may choose a design as simple as circles in squares or as complex as a butterfly. The students are encouraged to create their own designs, as simple or elaborate as their comfort level dictates. If they would prefer to use one of my designs and focus on playing with color and learning the techniques, that option is available as well.

Workshop: SIX–MINUTE CIRCLES AND SO MUCH MORE
Skill level – All

Novice or accomplished, traditional or contemporary, quilters love the notion of circles and curves in quilts but only too often avoid them thinking they are too difficult. Based on the top selling quilt book, PIECED CURVES SO SIMPLE, this class will transform how you quilt. Learn to machine piece the six-minute circle with all of its nuances and variations using my extraordinarily fast, easy, pinless piecing technique.

This is my most popular class as it covers all the basic skills in the book and is all skill levels. First I teach how to make a 6-minute circle. Then I show students some quilts they can make just using circles. Easy instructions are available to everyone. There are always people who just want to make circles and a quilt and nothing else. In the afternoon I teach how to make tips, convex curves and play with patterns in the context of making simple leaves

Workshop: JUST CIRCLES
Skill level - All

Novice or accomplished, traditional or contemporary, quilters love the notion of circles and curves in quilts but often avoid them thinking they are too difficult. Based on the top selling quilt book, PIECED CURVES SO SIMPLE, this class will revolutionize how you quilt. This class starts with a lesson on how to machine piece the six-minute circle using my extraordinarily fast, easy, pinless piecing technique. After a discussion of color and value with your fabrics, you will start a quilt using either your or my design. Extensive help will be given to facilitate completion at home. This is a fun relaxing class that will add zing to your quilting.

Workshop: LEAVES SO SIMPLE
Skill level – Beginning Intermediate and up

People love leaves but machine sewing curves and sharp points can be intimidating. Teaching from her top selling quilt book, PIECED CURVES SO SIMPLE, Dale makes sewing leaves painless and speedy. This class starts with a lesson on Pinless Piecing, an extraordinarily fast, easy, technique of machine piecing difficult shapes. The workshop will focus on Pinless Piecing a variety of leaf shapes, discussions of color and designing a quilt that celebrates nature.

Workshop: PLAYTIME WITH CURVES
Skill level – Beginning Intermediate and up

Do you love the elegance and orderliness of block quilts but wish for them to be more unique? Learn to design your own quilt blocks that have the personality you so desire. Dale Fleming is the author of the book PIECED CURVES SO SIMPLE, and she loves to play with her blocks. This workshop will feature new techniques, design concepts and different ways of creating blocks that both stand-alone and create wonderful secondary patterns. This stimulating class will change how you think about quilt design.

Workshop: COLOR YOUR QUILTS!
Skill level –Beginning Intermediate and up

Gain confidence and skill in selecting fabrics for quilts that have zing and reflect your personality. Explore color, value, and texture in fabric. Discover what makes a great selection and then with help create a fabric pallet of your own for your next quilt.

Lecture Description

My lecture is about translating inspiration into art. I reflect on the many different paths an idea can take before it becomes a quilt. It is about gaining the confidence to call myself an artist and finding ones own style.

The presentation consists of slides, quilts and takes about an hour.

I look forward to meeting you and teaching you some of my time saving curved pinless piecing techniques.

In each new quilt I make, I try to build on the techniques, colors, and designs I have used in previous quilts. As I start a new quilt I am always excited by a new exploration of design, color, perhaps a new and easier technique, and certainly by the chance to surround myself with a new pile of fabric. These are some of my quilts. Click on the quilt for a closer view

Chorus Line

 

Limnology

 

Koi Pond

 

Flip Circles

 

Dancing People

 

Just Circles

 

Four Patch, Nine Patch

Hidden Circles

 

Circus Play 2

 

Sailing Around

Nic's Leapfrog

Darwinian Blocks

Tahoe Blue Autumn

Around Down Under

Identity Crisis

Claire in a Field of Lupines (started in a Ruth McDowell Workshop)

2008 Class Schedule

January 14
Delta Quilter
Antioch, CA

February  7 - 8
High Desert Quilt Guild
Ridgecrest, CA

March 16 - 21
Empty Spools Seminars
Asilomar, CA

April 19 - 21
Canyon Quilters
San Diego, CA

May 14 - 16
Little Traverse Bay Quilters
Petoskey, MI