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I picked up two new books last week (drooling):  Amanda Jean and Cheryl's Sunday Morning Quilts

AND Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms' book Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts.  I would love to start one of their projects but first things first to which they both attest. My scraps need to be in some semblance of order and visible or they will remain where they are into eternity.  And, then I will also mention a third blogger/writer extraordinaire, Judy Laquidara, who reminded me in her book Weekend Quilts about big batch cooking so one can spend more time creating and less time in the kitchen (not that I mind cooking but I’d usually rather be sewing).  So, today’s effort combined all these forces into a burst of productivity which ended with a delicious dinner on the table and several drawers filled with scraps just waiting to be picked up and sewn into something marvelous;  all done in an hour and a half I might add.  So here are some pictures which will hopefully encourage you to do the same; believe what they say as they do know what they’re talking about in this regard to be sure! 

Bag-O-Scraps

Before:

Your basic storage drawers



The drawers got cleaned.  Chicken put in the oven.  Dump the scraps out on the floor and start sorting.  Don't over think it.  Listen to some good music or a podcast.  By the time the timer rang the drawers were filled!  I still need to label them but at least I can add to or take from with ease!  I can't wait to put them to use.  I also liked, rather loved, Amanda's cute fabric boxes but these will do for now.  My drawer categories are: Browns, reds, blues, purples, white/black, modern, golds, batiks, greens, selvages, block parts.  Oh, and I also added some too small bits to my "dog pillow bag" which also got a better place to sit so I will be more apt to throw stuff in and fill it up.  I'm so pleased! I hope you will give it a try too!

Layer Cake Blocks for 2011!!!

I hope you haven’t given up on me!  I finished the December Layer Cake blocks some time ago but just got to taking pictures this morning.  I also put all the blocks up together on my design wall using two basic settings.  I think they will still go through several changes before I settle on the final versions.  So, here's what I've got:

December Block:  Ladies Wreath

For this block I chose to use just 2 fabrics.  It's composed of half-square triangle units and squares of background.  It uses most of the layer cake square for each.  You could choose to use scraps from previous months if you like. 

Cut:

Layer Cake December Block

From background (light):

(4) 2 1/2" squares

(6) 2 7/8" squares, cut in half once diagonally

From dark:

(6) 2 7/8" squares, cut in half once diagonally

Pink and Brown Test Block-December

To save time when you cut the squares for the HalfSquareTriangle (HST) units, layer the fabrics RightSidesTogether (RST) and cut them at the same time.  Take them to the sewing machine as they are now perfectly matched, stacked and ready to go!  Piece them all, press seams open and then lay the units out as shown in the block picture.  Pay attention to the direction of the HST units so it looks like a wreath/circle.

Now for more fun stuff.  Get all your blocks out and let's see how they look together.

14 blocks set straight with sashing

If you made all the blocks you should have 14.  You need to make one more if you like this setting.  (I'll post another one later this month just in case you choose this one.)  That would make a small wall quilt about 36 x 56. 

If you like this setting you'll need: 1 1/2 yards of border/sashing fabric cut as follows:  Cut longest pieces first along the length of fabric.

(10) sashing strips 8 1/2 x 2 1/2

4 sashing strips 28 1/2" x 2 1/2"

2 border strips 48 1/2" x 4 1/2"

2 border strips 36 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Diagonal Set with Alternate Squares

Perhaps you would like something a little larger.  If you do then you could set the blocks on point and alternate them with a plain block like this.  Using the same fabric for setting triangles and the border makes the blocks look like they are floating.  I used only 12 of the 14 blocks.  That would give you a quilt that measures about 42 1/2" x 54 1/2.

From 1 1/2 yards border fabric cut:
(4) 4 1/2" border strips x length of fabric.

From remaining border fabric cut:

(6) 8 1/2" alternate squares

(3) 10" squares and cut twice on the diagonal for a total of 12 setting triangles (2 extra)

(2) 9 3/8" squares and cut once for a total of 4 corner triangles.

After inner quilt top is complete, cut border strips to length by measuring through the body of the quilt top and cut the side borders to that measurement (approximately 46 1/2").  Measure again from side to side for the top and bottom borders and cut the borders to that measurement (approximately 35").

Medallion Setting

 Here's a medallion setting for the blocks which would also be good for a wall hanging.  This one would measure about 40" square.  This arrangement uses 13 blocks. 

I'll give cutting numbers for this one at another time.

I have some other ideas in mind as well.  I'll post those as soon as I can. 

Until next time, happy sewing!

Stephanie

THE SHELF PROJECT

THE SHELF PROJECT

I, too, have a rather lengthy wish list when it comes to the projects I’d like to get done this year.  In the simplest terms, I want to finish everything on the shelves in this picture therefore my New Year’s List will affectionately be named THE SHELF PROJECT.  (No fair looking at the tubs to the right, ignore them, ignore them.)

Identifying them from top to bottom although they won’t be worked on in this order:

Top Shelf:

A Christmas Tree Skirt kit I just purchased in December of wool applique on red velveteen, not started.

Placemats for my Mother, not started.

Hundreds of half-square triangle units from a guild exchange in 2010.

Pillowcases for Chaucie’s Place; an ongoing effort, I make them from time to time as needed.

Second Shelf:

“Carousel” pattern from Cozy Modern Quilts book; needs borders pieced. (2/27-done!)

Fabric for 2 Mondo Bags, one for me and one for a gift.

“Etchings” fabric waiting for something….

Third Shelf:

Fabric for a Schlep Bag

Mini-Christmas stockings kit, 3 down, 2 to go

Orca Bay Mystery-just a few strips of blacks and shirtings are cut

Fabric for a Halloween Twister-lap size using 10” squares, not started.

Some Cheddar fabric for some little nine patches (2/26-put away for now)

Leftover fabric waiting to be put away…in the tub and plastic mesh basket (2/26-Cleaned up)

Fourth Shelf:

These items are all finished!  Call it my inspiration shelf…someday this whole shelf unit will store only finished projects!!

Fifth Shelf:

2012 QP Second Saturday project, in progress and up-to-date

Pieces for Double Delight, a good leaders and enders project

Black and Red fabrics for a Hexie quilt, not started.

Sixth Shelf:

Supporting cast members for several projects including:

Pink and Brown Pinwheel Quilt, in progress (2/26-making progress, 23 blocks done, 7 to go)

Layer Cake Sampler from last year, continuing on through this year; need to get current (2/27-December blocks done; working on setting-see post of 2/27)

Insulbrite for more grocery sacks/gifts; to work on as needed.

So, there you have it.  I added this shelving unit to my space late last year and it just magically got filled with stuff to do so I’ll tackle it first…in hopes that someday I’ll get to my other shelving unit which has even more projects started and collected waiting their turn.  Not to mention the FLOOR PROJECTS, items which do not even fit under the table, on the shelves, in the drawers, or anywhere else but the FLOOR!

I’m happy to report that there are two projects no longer on the shelf J because I have been working diligently on them since January 1!  One is ready to hand-sew the binding down; the other has borders almost completed and will get its backing soon too. 

Besides sewing goals I started swimming again.  And, I’ve had to get really tough with myself about NOT becoming the couch potato I could so easily be…I started walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes every night no matter what.  I just started last weekend (I kind of missed that Jan 1 start because it took an extra couple of weeks of pondering to get some goals together but I still want to complete 366 days).   So far I’m 7 for 7.  Want to try it too?  Just leave a comment. 

One of things I will not be spending much time on is blogging so don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from me for awhile!  It means I’m happily working away at THE SHELF PROJECT.  I will post occasional updates.

Best wishes of the New Year to you and your family!

Stephanie

A Different Thanksgiving

Our family held Thanksgiving this year without the patriarch of the family.  My beloved father-in-law passed away unexpectedly on November 7.  He lived to be 84, with all his faculties,  many family members by his side as he was wheeled into surgery.  He never regained consciousness.  Following the shock, and the funeral, is a new reality for my mother-in-law and all the siblings and families. We've pulled together, taken care of business, cried, and celebrated a life lived with greatest integrity.  It's been an incredibly difficult time but we are thankful for many blessings which did occur during this time.

So now, after Thanksgiving, I'm sewing again, working on our little blocks, considering the next step and whether I want to finish it next month, or keep going....your comments will be most welcome.  My first thought is I love making the blocks and I have plenty of Layer Cake fabric to keep it going.  My second thought is that I could use the rest of the fabric in the setting.  What would your choice be???

Here is the November block: 8" finished Maple Leaf

Pink and Brown Test Block

This is not normally an 8" block but, it does work and the numbers aren't bad.  I started with oversized pieces for the triangles (4" squares) so I could trim them down. 



For one block cut:
(1) Background piece for stem 3 1/2" square-cut in half on the diagonal. 
(1) Stem -rectangle 1" x 5"
(2) Dark and (2) Background squares 3 1/2" -cut in half on the diagonal
(3) Dark and (1) Background square 3 1/8" (cut a "generous" 1/8")

Assembly:

Piece the stem section first: Sew one triangle on and press toward the stem.  Align the second triangle, sew, and press toward the stem.  Trim to a "generous" 3 1/8". 

Try pressing your seams open throughout and see if you like it better.  I did this for the second block and I think it lays flatter and nicer.



Piece the triangle units and then sew the squares into three rows.  Sew the rows together to make the finished block. 

Layer Cake Block

So, although the leaves are off the trees and the wind is beginning to blow colder, you will have this maple leaf block to remind you of the fall season. 

Happy sewing!

Guild Show and October Blocks

Did any of you locals have the chance to see the guild's quilt show this past weekend held in Westfield, Indiana?  I think it came off quite well.  I say it that way because I was on the show committee this time.  Although many people worked on it for two years my part of it required the most hours over the past seven weeks.  I'm guessing I put in about 75 hours in that time although I didn't keep track. I'm glad I did it but, it did put me behind on several projects such as the Block of the Month I've been doing for all of you.  Nevertheless, I am so glad to have met and gotten to know several more members of the guild by working on the show committee.  I think it really helps someone to feel more a part of a large group like that when you get involved in one of the activities of the group.  And, the quilts by my fellow oh-so-talented guild members were a delight to see.  Bravo to all!

October's block is Chimney's and Cornerstones.  It's a block I've always wanted to make and with colder weather coming I started thinking about cozy fireside evenings especially those at my Dad's. 

Here is my test block in Pink and Brown. 

For this block you can use leftover pieces from your layer cake squares or choose new ones to cut up.  I used 8 different fabrics but it could be made with as little as four fabrics. 

I started by selecting the two fabrics that create the X but, I'm not sure that is the easiest way to do it :).  Then I considered what I wanted to do with rectangle units.  I chose to repeat the fabrics on opposite sides of center going from lightest to darker (although none are "darks").  The tricky thing about choosing fabrics for this block is to make sure that even the darkest of the rectangles still has adequate contrast with X fabrics.  I probably made it more difficult by choosing a pink for one of these as the rest of the pinks had to be quite light in order for it to work.  But, I really like the way it came out so, I did my Layer Cake block the same way.  Here it is:

Layer Cake Block

There are many possible variations such as creating concentric squares or making each quadrant a different color or creating a log cabin effect instead of courthouse steps as this one is.  Use the cutting instructions below and lay out the pieces so you can make adjustments for the color scheme you select. 

Here are the full cutting instructions:

From X fabrics:
Cut (8) 1 1/2" squares of two feature fabrics. They do not have to be light and dark.  They can be any two fabrics which will contrast with the rest of your block pieces.

For next round cut (4) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles.  (Two of each fabric if you're using my coloration.)
For the second round cut (4) 1 1/2" by 4 1/2" rectangles. (Two of each fabric if you're using my coloration.)
For the third round cut (4) 1 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangles.   (Two of each fabric if you're using my coloration.)

To assemble:
1.  Sew together the four patch in the middle.
2.  Add a small pink print rectangle to two opposing sides of the four patch.
3.  Add the X squares to each end of the small beige rectangles.  Add this unit to the top and bottom of the four patch unit.
4.  Continue each round by adding the (pink) rectangles to the sides and adding the X squares to each end of the logs for the top and bottom before sewing the beige rectangles on to the unit.  Block should measure 8 1/2" square when complete. 

Thanks for hanging in there!  Hope you have some time to sew today.

September Blocks

I had Another day to play Catch-Up (Thursday), now it’s Saturday….

After taking care of a few errands on Thursday I had a break in the action to work on this post.  I didn't finish it then but after a busy couple of days I can post it for you now.  I hope you have time to look at it over the weekend.  The weather has turned a little cooler and it feels lovely to be outside even if I’m just doing errands.  I’ve got my schedule under better control since last month.   I did finish the Railroad Crossing quilt as well as my other class samples and a couple of customer’s quilts too.  I've also had time to start another quilt top.

I made three blocks for you this month… twice.  One batch in pink and brown and, one from my layer cake squares.  I’ve got lots of 10" squares left and as I’m thinking about setting them I have one idea for using just 12 blocks to make a wall/throw size quilt which will finish at about 62” x 62” but I wanted to offer another option with more blocks in case you want to make it a bit larger (and have less leftover fabric.)  So, this month you can choose which one you want to make or make all three.  Or, if there was one you especially liked in an earlier month you could always make another of one of those.  The second setting I offer will grow more easily to suit the number of blocks you make.

The first block was chosen as a nod to the changing of the seasons and it is called Flock of Geese.  The second one uses up some of smaller leftover bits that I can’t throw away.  And, the third is a tribute to my beloved New York called Yankee Puzzle.  Once a Yankee, always a Yankee; September no longer goes quietly by without my thoughts returning “home”.  

Flock of Geese:

Version 1: Two Fabrics

From both a Light and a Dark 10” fabric square:  Cut  (1)  4 7/8” square, and cut (4) 2 7/8” squares.  (Note:  For the smaller triangles you could also use an easy angle tool.  In that case, cut (2) strips 2 ½” x 10”, layer dark and light strips RST in one stack and cut 8 pairs of triangles with 4 cuts.)

Pair the large squares right sides together and draw a line diagonally on the back of the light square.  Sew ¼” on both sides of the diagonal and cut apart on the drawn line.  Yield 2 HST units.   Press the seam open.  Square up, if necessary, to 4 ½”.   Repeat using the sets of the smaller squares.  Square these up to 2 ½”.  Lay out the block as shown in the photo at right.  Sew smaller units in groups of two then sew twos into fours.  Keep the units all facing in the same direction-light sides facing one way, dark facing the other.  Pressing the seams open will help the block lay flatter especially in the center.

Version 2:  Scrappy

Cut (1) dark and (1) light square 4 7/8”.  Choose 4 different lights and 4 different mediums (pinks) and cut (1) 2 7/8” square from each.  (Stack ‘em and cut them all out at the same time.)  You should have lots of pieces left from previous blocks.  Using them will help tie all the blocks together!  Use the instructions above to assemble the block.

Crossroads:

From one or more Dark fabrics cut a total of (4) 2 7/8” squares.  From one or more Medium fabrics cut a total of (8) 1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles.  From one or more Light fabrics cut a total of (8)  1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles AND, (4) 2 7/8” squares.  Lay the pieces out as shown in the photo at right.  Using the squares and the same method as in the Flock of Geese block for making Half-Square Triangle units, layer, mark and sew on both sides of the diagonal to make 8 HST units.  Sew rectangles together into groups of 4 by sewing them together along the long edge.  Sew the center of the block together.  Add a group of rectangles to the sides.  Add a HST unit to the end of each of the remaining rectangle units.  Sew these new units to the top and bottom of the center unit to complete the block. 

For a scrappier effect choose a wider variety of fabrics for the rectangles and further mix placement of lights and mediums.  This pink and brown version really isn't much scrappier than the blue and brown block above.

Yankee Puzzle:

From one light fabric (center pinwheel):  Cut (2) 2 7/8” squares.  From another light cut (6) 2 7/8” squares (or 2 2 ½” strips using an easy angle tool).

From Medium fabric:  Cut (2) 2 7/8” squares (or 4 triangles from a 2 ½” strip using an easy angle tool).

From Dark fabric:  Cut (1) 5 ¼” square, cut in half on both diagonals and (2) 2 7/8” squares (or, 4 triangles from a 2 ½” strip using an easy angle tool).

Using 8 matching light triangles sew onto both short edges of each of the 4 large dark triangles making four flying geese units.  Using smaller dark triangles, sew together with 4 matching light triangles to make 4 HST units.  Sew Medium triangles together with remaining light triangles.  Lay out block according to photo at right.  Sew a pair of triangle units onto the bottom of each flying geese unit to make 4 block sections.  Sew 2 sections together to make each half of the block.  Sew the halves together to complete the block.

My two blocks aren't much different from each other.  The top one is from my layer cake squares, the bottom one is from my stash.

Note:   I use an easy angle tool much of the time especially with 10” squares.  I feel like I get better usage out of my squares.  From (1) 10” square I can cut (2) 2 ½” strips and (2) 5” squares.  With those units I can cut almost every piece for these blocks, both triangles and squares.  However, I did not pre-cut my squares into these units. 

I hope you will enjoy making one or more of these blocks!  Enjoy the season!

A Good Day for Chicken Tortilla Soup!

I have the day at home today so I am busy with all types of housewife-y things.  You’d think that I’d have a regular schedule for these activities but my work schedule varies so I end up catch as catch can.  As I rev up my machine quilting business I see the need for more deliberate scheduling on my part so I can get all my quilting done as well as my customers.  Thus, being home today meant cleaning, laundry, making homemade soup and banana bread; all things I could work on while I did a little sewing.  Throw the laundry in, get the bread in the oven, sew.  Start the soup, take the pictures, finish the last block, finish the soup.  And, so here I am, ready for dinner, and ready to post the August  block.  Yippee!   I think that means I’ll get to sew the borders on my Railroad Crossing quilt tonight. 

I thought I’d share a couple of other little things before I give out the instructions for the next block but, if you’re in a hurry, just scroll down and come back up here when you have a chance.  I took a workshop last Friday with Susan Cleveland called Piping Hot Binding.  It was wonderful!  Susan is the real deal.  She is the kind of person you’d want for a best friend.  Not only that, I think almost every single person in the class came really close to completing the project IN CLASS!  I’m about 90% done and that has never happened to me before.  I have about a dozen tubs of UFO’s from workshops I’ve taken.  But, this one I will finish, and soon.  Check her out.  And, if you get a chance to take one of her classes do so.

I also finished the graduation quilt for my niece and will bring it to her soon.  She starts college at the end of the month.  I’m glad I have some time to show it around a little bit before handing it off!  And, yes, those are super-sized Hexies.  I hope she loves it. 

Now for the August block.  It’s called Indian.  And, I also made a variation of it called Indian Star.  If you have in your layer cake a square with a motif you’d like to highlight then this block will do that for you.  There is a 4” finished square in the middle so you can fussy cut something for it if you want to.  I just used a pretty print.

Let's cut the pieces for it:

From the Light print cut
 (1) 4 1/2" square, fussy cut if desired
 (4)  2 7/8" squares
 (2)  2 1/2" squares
From the Dark print cut:
(4) 2 7/8" squares
(2) 2 1/2" squares

Next, using my Quick Quarter Tool by Quilter's Rule, I draw a diagonal cutting line and sewing lines on the wrong side of the 4 light squares.



 Pair each light square with a dark square of the same size and sew on the outside lines. Remember some of your pieces will have a pinked edge.  Here is how I line them up.  You can see the dark print showing beneath the pinked edge.

Here is a super close up of sewing just towards center of the drawn line.  If you have had trouble with your units coming out to small adjusting your seam allowance like this may help.  Doing this allows for the thickness of the thread.  Sometimes a tiny adjustment like this makes all the difference!



Cut them apart on the center line to yield 8 half square triangle units.  Open and press the seam allowance towards the darker fabric.  They should measure 2 1/2" square.  Trim, if needed. 

Lay out all the pieces like this:  Pay attention to the direction of the triangle units.  Dark is always next to light and vice versa. 

Sew the triangle units together in pairs.  They should each measure 4 1/2" by 2 1/2".  It's easy to let your seam allowance change and then you end up with your pieces ruffling or skewed.  Sew straight in and straight out of the seam. 

Add the squares to the top and bottom row pressing away from the center.  Sew triangle pairs on to the sides of the center square and press towards the center.   Three rows complete.   Now sew the top row onto the center row and press towards the center.  Repeat to sew the bottom row on.  Your block is complete!

Here are my other sizes and variations:             You can use a third print for the center square or, you can put a four-patch in the center and turn the triangle units to look like a star (you'll use the same number of triangles) or, you can make it scrappy and 4 different lights and 4 different darks for the triangles.  When I did this I cut the squares in half on the diagonal before sewing them so I could mix them up even more.  Just be gentle with the bias edge.

Four a 4" finished block:

The center square is cut at 2 1/2".  The corner squares (all dark this time) are cut at 1 1/2".  The squares for the triangle units are cut at 1 7/8".  If you want a four patch in the center instead of a plain square cut 2 light squares and 2 dark squares the same size as the corner squares 1 1/2". 

For a 2" finished block:

The center square is cut at 1 1/2".  The corner squares are cut at 1".  Cut the triangle squares (4) light and (4) dark at 1 1/2" and trim them up to 1".   (They're easier to work with if you start out a little bigger and trim them.)

Thanks for visiting!  Hope you enjoy the rest of your day!