Home of the Original
Louisa Smith Strips 'n Curves Cutting Templates for Quilters.
Now manufactured & distributed by Debby Walters.
I welcome teaching and speaking opportunities with all kinds of groups!
From traditional to contemporary to modern, the Strips 'n Curves method has something to offer everyone.
Please get in touch to discuss the size, skill level, and interests of students in your guild or bee or at your quilt shop or retreat.
Debby Walters
281-610-2543
debby[at]stripsandcurves[dot]com
LECTURES
FINDING FOCUS
I am a workshop junkie. I love to explore new ways to put fabric together to make a quilt. Just a few of those techniques include hand piecing and quilting, machine piecing and quilting, numerous applique techniques, paper piecing, quilting on vintage linens, and mixed media. In this trunk show chronicling my 35 years of quilting, I share 45 quilts that demonstrate these techniques and more. Some are small and some large, a few simple and some complex, some winners, some not, but all made with enthusiasm as I went head first into different ways to use fabric, thread, beads, paint, and my love of quilting.
TRUNK SHOW
Highlights the contribution that workshops, guilds, and Bees have had on my quilting skills from my first quilt made in 1989 to today. Includes several ribbon winners, a Best of Show, and a Judge's Choice.
LOUISA SMITH'S ORIGINAL STRIPS 'N CURVES TECHNIQUE
I like to work with one and two-patch designs, and one of my most successful experiments started when I married my favorite two-patch pattern, Drunkard's Path, with my love of strip piecing. I was mesmerized by the combination of linear and circular patterns that emerged...I was enchanted by these unexpected successes, but what hooked me on their usefulness in quilting was the fact that my students had such great success with them.
~ Louisa L. Smith
BASIC CLASS
1 or 2 day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $39.95 for the Basic Set templates
No fee if student already owns the template set
This class introduces quilters to Louisa Smith's original Strips 'n Curves method and the Basic Set cutting templates. The template set is based on the Drunkard's Path block with its many (MANY!) variations. We will work with the "L-Shape" and "Quarter Circle" of the traditional Drunkard's Path block, plus two additional pieces -- the "Wave" and "Half-Moon" -- which divides the traditional quarter circle to offer even more design possibilities.
Taking the fear out of curved seams is the first step in making the Drunkard's Path block, so pieced and turned edge applique construction methods will be demonstrated. The class will also explore construction and use of simple strip sets and how they can push your designs to the next level.
BASIC II CLASS
1 or 2 day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $68+tax for both Basic Set and Basic II templates
No kit fee if student already owns both template sets
This class introduces quilters to the Basic II set of cutting templates and the additional variations it adds to the Basic Set. These four pieces build on the "L-shape" from the Basic Set, and modify the the quarter circle of the Drunkard's Path block to offer endless design possibilities.
Taking the fear out of curved seams is the first step in making the Drunkard's Path block, so pieced and turned edge applique construction methods will be demonstrated. The class will also explore construction and use of simple strip sets and how they can push your designs to the next level. A demonstration of double cuts and overlapping circles will be given. When offered as a two-day class, we will also do a little paper piecing to add a big surprise to student's blocks.
TECHNIQUE ORIENTED CLASSES
LEARN TO LOVE YOUR CURVES with the HALF CLAMSHELL
1 or 2-day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $25.95 +tax for the Half Clamshell template set
No kit fee if student already owns the template set
Let's have fun using 1/2 clam shells to create flowing rivers of color that just invite appliqué! The appliqué can be fused, hand stitched or machine stitched. The pictured appliqué was fussy cut from a fabulous floral print and fused in swath of light value half clamshells. The curve of the half clamshell is very gentle and they are are sooo easy to stitch. A two pin construction method will be thoroughly demonstrated -- this is the perfect class for beginners to start loving your curves.
LEARN TO LOVE YOUR CURVES with the THE SWIRL
1 or 2 day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $36.95 +tax for The Swirl template set
No kit fee if student already owns the template set
This class introduces quilters to the The Swirl set of cutting templates. Taking the fear out of curved seams is the first step in making The Swirl block, so pieced and prepared edge applique construction methods will be demonstrated. We will also explore using simple strip sets as a design element. There is so much movement in this design created by the 4 apostrophe shapes in each 18" block and experimenting with fabric placement, pattern and value can create many different secondary designs.
LEARN TO LOVE YOUR CURVES with the 9" ON THE EDGE
1 or 2 day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $36.95 +tax for the 9" On The Edge template set
No kit fee if student already owns the template set
This class introduces quilters to the 9" On The Edge set of cutting templates. Taking the fear out of curved seams is the first step in making the On The Edge block, so pieced and prepared edge applique construction methods will be demonstrated. There is so much movement in this design created by the apostrophe shapes in each 9" block and experimenting with fabric placement, pattern and value can create many different secondary designs.
PROJECT ORIENTED CLASSES
DAYDREAM BELIEVER
1 or 2-day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $25.95 +tax for the Half Clamshell template set
No kit fee for students who already own the template set
Let's have fun using 1/2 clam shells to create flowing rivers of color that just invite appliqué! The appliqué can be fused, hand stitched or machine stitched. The pictured appliqué was fussy cut from a fabulous floral print and then fused in the swaths of light value half clamshells. A two pin construction method will be thoroughly demonstrated. The curve of the half clamshell is very gentle and they are are sooo easy to stitch. This is the perfect class for beginners to start loving your curves.
BLUE VELVET
1 day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $29.95 +tax for the 3"+ 6" On The Edge template set
No kit fee if student already owns the template set
Put a beautiful quartet of flowers on your table or a bouquet on a lap quilt. This lovely table runner is made exclusively of modified Drunkard's Path blocks. Wouldn't it be happy in yellow and white? A garden of sunflowers! Detailed demonstrations of sewing this curved seam will help you get over the fear of curves. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned quilter you do not need to continue to avoid curved seams in your quilts.
1 or 2-day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $25.95 +tax for the Half Clamshell template set
No kit fee for students who already own the template set
Put a beautiful quartet of flowers on your table or a bouquet on a lap quilt. This lovely table runner is made exclusively of modified Drunkard's Path blocks. Wouldn't it be happy in yellow and white? A garden of sunflowers! Detailed demonstrations of sewing this curved seam will certainly get you over your fear of curved seams. Quality time with individual students will help you be successful.
Sample Quilt
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
2 day class
Skill level: Confident beginner and up
Kit Fee: $39.95 +tax for the Basic Set templates and $37.95 for Basic II set
No kit fee if student already owns both template sets
Once you've created this beautiful modern take on a wedding quilt, you will no longer fear curves!
This class introduces quilters to Louisa Smith's original Strips 'n Curves method and the Basic & Basic II cutting templates, and the Drunkard's Path block with its many (MANY!) variations. Taking the fear out of curved seams is the first step in making this quilt, so pieced and turned edge applique construction methods will be demonstrated. The class will also explore construction and use of simple strip sets and how they can push your designs to the next level. A demonstration of double cuts and overlapping circles will be given and we will also do a little paper piecing.
We will start with a jelly roll to make a piece of strata (strip sets). The overlapping rings are central to the intriguing design, but are surprisingly easy to make. While this class is project focused, it is also loaded with techniques for your bag of tricks!
Describe your image
Double Vision by NancyGennaro (student work)
Double Vision by Kim Buchmann (student work)
Describe your image
DOUBLE VISION
1 or 2-day class (2 days highly recommended)
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $29.95 +tax for the 3"+6" On The Edge template set
No kit fee if student already owns the template set
This class will leave you with an entirely new way to look at fabrics. The double vision construction method uses NO CURVED PIECING -- only straight seams in these quilts! This technique uses layers in the quilt top which fool the eye and give a 3-dimensional effect. This construction method is very versatile and can be used to make many designs, so it's a fantastic technique to have in your bag of tricks!
FLOWERS ON THE WALL
Quilt Layout
Sample Quilt
1 or 2 day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $36.95 +tax for Mini Beg & Borrow template sets
No kit fee for students who already own the template set
This class introduces quilters to the Mini Beg and Borrow set of cutting templates. This set is a 6” Drunkard’s Path block with additional pieces to increase design possibilities. Taking the fear out of curved seams is the first step in making this block. A simple two pin method will be demonstrated along with alternatives. Make your version an individual design by creating all four flowers the same colors or four different colors.
WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?
1 day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $29.95 +tax for the 3"+ 6" On The Edge template set
No kit fee if student already owns the template set
This workshop introduces quilters to the 3”+ 6” On The Edge set of cutting templates which contain two complete sets of cutting templates -- one for a 3” finished block and a 6” finished block.
Taking the fear out of curved seams is the first step in making this block. A simple two pin method will be demonstrated along with alternatives. Make your version an individual design by creating all four flowers the same colors or four different colors and make a solid border or pieced border.
Quilt Layout
Sample Quilt
RAMBLIN' ROSE
1 or 2-day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $29.95+tax for 3"+ 6" On The Edge template set
No kit fee if student already owns the template set
This class introduces quilters to the 3”+ 6” On The Edge set of cutting templates. Although at first glance the template pieces appear to be the same as the Basic Set, there are small differences which create an entirely different design – most notably the tapered edges of the “L-Shape” (see photos on page 2 of the class description) – that allows the shape to disappear into the seam.
Taking the fear out of curved seams is the first step in making the On The Edge block, so pieced and prepared edge appliqué construction methods will be demonstrated. Then construction of 6” and 3” quilt blocks and creation of a 36” x 36” wallhanging (pictured above) will be the emphasis of the class. Students have the option of making a 24” x 60” or 24” x 72” table runner utilizing only the 6” template from the set (large teal flower above) in lieu of the wallhanging.
LET'S IMPROVISE!
1 or 2-day class
Skill level: Confident beginners and up
Kit Fee: $96.95 +tax for Basic, Basic II, and Mini Beg & Borrow template sets
Kit fee will be adjusted for students who already own one or more of the template sets
In this class, quilters will utilize 3 sets of templates - Basic, Basic II, and Mini Beg and Borrow - to design their own original quilt. Taking the fear out of curved seams is the first step in making these blocks, so pieced and prepared edge appliqué construction methods will be demonstrated.
The class will begin with making a few basic blocks using a few of the fabrics brought to class. From there students will begin adding more blocks, moving them around, using additional fabrics, and continue building until the desired size is reached. When offered as a two-day class, we will do a little paper piecing to add a big surprise to student's blocks.