Friday, September 26, 2014

Quilting

The first quilt I made
Growing up my Nana made many of the clothes that I wore (and that I still have). Over the years she kept many of the scraps, until she moved and I was able to sneak the bag of scraps away in order to make this quilt, the first quilt I have made. What made this project special was the fact that I was able to find special fabric sheets that I could put through the printer to be able to intertwine family photos into the quilt, making it even more of a memento. 

Looking back, I think this would be a fun class project, to create a class quilt (either with paper) or with actual fabric. Students could first look at examples of quilts, (i.e. home made ones from family members, Amish et cetra)and look at different designs, how colours work together, and what doesn't look good. Next, they could draw out their designs on paper, colouring it and making sure it is something that they could easily cut out and possible sew. Students would then piece together their quilt, cutting and measuring it making sure it is exact. Once the whole class has completed their squares they would be pieced together on the wall or a bulletin board. 

This project could be integrated in with other subjects, such as math (measurement, geometry) or even social studies, looking at early settlers and how they made everything by hand. 

Possible PLO's for Grade 4:
Visual arts: A1- Draft ideas using feelings, observations, memory and imagination
                    A5- Use 2-D and 3-D images -That express Identity - That respond to or reflect aspects of art                 from a verity of historical and cultural context 

1 comment:

  1. Context is addressed beautifully in this lesson idea. There are some beautiful picture books about quilts or you could do this at the same time as reading a novel set in pioneer times. I also always love ideas that involve building community among the students by making a large group project. Whether you go with a paper quilt or a sewn one would probably depend on the age of the children and how much volunteer help you might have. It might be neat to enlist the help of a retired persons' quilting club. Another tip...have someone thread many needles and tie the knot, so they are ready for the kids. And have them sign out and return each needle...so none end up sticking in the carpet to injure someone. Another idea is for each student to do their own quilted wall hanging, made of a family photo with a quilted frame. Try one yourself first to work out the kinks and see how much time it would take!

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