Opal Fever

A project & technique workshop suitable for all skill levels - 2 days

Sue Dennis   Sue Dennis

Australia’s national gemstone the opal captures the imagination with mysterious depths of colour. Using oil sticks, Angelina fibres & appliqué you will be guided in the creation of your unique gemstones. This is your chance to make a small quilt featuring this colourful stone which has been used by Sue in a number of her quilts. “OPALS” was featured in Australian Patchwork & Quilting magazine Vol 13 No 5.

Also see: Opal Fever Student Gallery.

Materials fee per person applies for use of oil sticks & angelina
REQUIREMENTS

Download World Quilt Entry Form Opal Fever Requirements List (59 KB pdf)

Please note- Photographs above are of the two workshop quilts Opal Fever #2 & Opal Necklace. While both patterns are supplied, you will select one to stitch in class.
Both quilts finished size approximately 53cm W x 64cm L [21ins W x 25ins L]

FABRIC & EQUIPMENT

  • From 1m dark motley fabric, cut your background piece- 56cm x 67cm [22ins x 26ins] the leftover piece will be used for the binding.
  • For the opals- 2 or 3 fat quarters multicoloured batik in warm colour way & 2 or 3 fat quarters multicoloured batik cool colours. Colourful fabric without a definite pattern works best.
  • 1m for backing & rod pocket.
  • Wadding [I prefer thin wadding] cut approximately the same size as background fabric.
  • A small 15cm [6in] square practise quilt sandwich of fabric used in your quilt.
  • 50 cm fusible web.
  • Digital camera or spyglass [door peep hole- available hardware shops] if you have either.
  • Small roll of greaseproof paper [non-waxed lunch wrap], 3 sheets of A4 size computer copy paper for templates, notebook, pen & glue stick.
  • Appliqué mat or Glad bake [non-stick baking paper] disposable gloves for keeping hands clean when using oil sticks, wet wipes for hands, newspaper.
  • Cutting mat, rotary cutter & 24in quilt ruler, pins, scissors for paper & fabric.
  • Quilting gloves if you use them.
  • Quilt basting spray & mask- disposable OK. If allergic to spray- pin baste.
  • Chalk marker or soap sliver.
  • Iron & board.
  • Nametag & coffee mug

SEWING MACHINE & extension table, bobbins & machine quilting needle. Rayon or cotton thread to blend with your fabric or a shade darker. Your preferred bobbin thread for appliqué & quilting
Metafil needle- only if you are using metallic thread.

MACHINE FEET- Zigzag foot, walking foot & darning foot for free motion work