I really did want to make this quilt. But, it's not the right one for the person I need to make one for. I just couldn't visualize it, the color placement, and all. I am making Ohio Stars but in a different size block and setting. If anyone doing Eventide would like to see what I'm working on I will update on Tuesday with pictures of my progress. This quilt needs to be completed by May 1 so I should have something to show each week until then. Sorry if I've disappointed. There's always much to choose from and many decisions to make for any quilt. The Eventide quilts will be beautiful. I'm sure I will be sorry not to have made it this time around but hopefully some day I will. Thelma's doing a great job hosting too! I'm having a really good time seeing what everyone is doing. If you want to see it head over to http://cupcakesndaisies.blogspot.com/.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Three Little Tidbits
I feel like such a weasel to say I've been too busy (for me, that is, not for some people who remind me of the energizer bunny, but, that's not me) the past couple of weeks to have the time or energy to think about posting. But, I do have a couple of things you all might like to know about.
One, CV gave me this link to Sharon Schamber's instructions for a Quilt Show quality binding and it is wonderful! I've used this on two bindings recently and it's a winner. Don't worry about whether your quilt is going to a show or not, it's a good method for any quilt for which you want a machine-finished binding; I haven't tried it yet for a hand-finished binding. Once the binding was sewn on front side of the quilt, it only took an hour to prepare and sew down the other side and it came out well even on the first try. I'm thinking that's pretty good; and I can surely get better at it. http://quiltinggallery.com/2008/05/15/binding-with-elmers-school-glue/.
Two, I did complete one small task. I told you about the triangle exchange I hosted so the next step was to take the paper off the units. Ta Da! That’s done! Now to press open 900+ pieces but, that should be way more fun since I’ll be looking at all the different fabrics as I press. (picture added 3/20/11).
Thirdly, I'm making an Easter Basket out of 1/2" cotton cording wrapped with fabric strips that I think will be sooo cute. Hopefully that will be ready to post over the weekend. I'm not even close to being a Grandma but, a friend asked me to teach her how to make corded baskets for her grandson so I thought I'd make one to share with you all. If I get it finished soon you'll have plenty of time, I hope, in case you have a little one that needs an Easter basket this year. (It's not ready yet...maybe next weekend??)
One, CV gave me this link to Sharon Schamber's instructions for a Quilt Show quality binding and it is wonderful! I've used this on two bindings recently and it's a winner. Don't worry about whether your quilt is going to a show or not, it's a good method for any quilt for which you want a machine-finished binding; I haven't tried it yet for a hand-finished binding. Once the binding was sewn on front side of the quilt, it only took an hour to prepare and sew down the other side and it came out well even on the first try. I'm thinking that's pretty good; and I can surely get better at it. http://quiltinggallery.com/2008/05/15/binding-with-elmers-school-glue/.
Two, I did complete one small task. I told you about the triangle exchange I hosted so the next step was to take the paper off the units. Ta Da! That’s done! Now to press open 900+ pieces but, that should be way more fun since I’ll be looking at all the different fabrics as I press. (picture added 3/20/11).
Thirdly, I'm making an Easter Basket out of 1/2" cotton cording wrapped with fabric strips that I think will be sooo cute. Hopefully that will be ready to post over the weekend. I'm not even close to being a Grandma but, a friend asked me to teach her how to make corded baskets for her grandson so I thought I'd make one to share with you all. If I get it finished soon you'll have plenty of time, I hope, in case you have a little one that needs an Easter basket this year. (It's not ready yet...maybe next weekend??)
Friday, March 4, 2011
Layer Cake Sampler-Block 3- is here!
Layer Cake Sampler Block 3
Here’s what we’re making this month:
This block is called “Louisiana”. It is divided into four sections with each section containing a rectangle and a flying geese unit. I choose to keep all the background the same color but you could use a different fabric for the small triangles on the flying geese unit. If you use a busy background the seams won’t show as much. You could also choose to make each flying geese different. Make sure the flying geese unit comes out to the same size as your rectangle or it won’t go together properly. Ready? First I’ll give the cutting numbers and then I’ll go through the piecing with some more pictures. Here are the cutting numbers for finished 8”, then 4”, then 2” blocks:
For an 8” finished block cut:
From the Dark fabric (geese) cut: (4) 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles- make them all the same or choose two or four different fabrics
From the Light (background) fabric cut: (4) 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles and cut (8) 2 ½” squares. The squares can be a different fabric from the rectangles.
For a 4” finished block cut:
From the Dark fabric (geese) cut: (4) 1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles- make them all the same or choose two or four different fabrics
From the Light (background) fabric cut: (4) 1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles and cut (8) 1 ½” squares. The squares can be a different fabric from the rectangles.
For a 2” finished block cut:
From the Dark fabric (geese) cut: (4) 1” x 1 ½” rectangles- make them all the same or choose two or four different fabrics
From the Light (background) fabric cut: (4) 1” x 1 ½” rectangles and cut (8) 1” squares. The squares can be a different fabric from the rectangles.
Now let’s see how to put these together:
Here are the cut pieces.
The pieces at the bottom are left over from the geese fabric. You’ll use up all of the background square if you choose to use one background. Remember the pinked edge “counts” when measuring your cuts.
Make the flying geese units:
For each dark rectangle lay a light square RST (right sides together) and draw line on the diagonal of the light fabric.
Sew on the drawn line making sure to exit at each corner. Press the flap back so there are three layers in the corner. If the corners all match up then you’ve sewn correctly and you can trim off the back two layers. Save them and use them as leaders and enders by sewing on the diagonal! I’ll show what you can do with them later.
Repeat the process for the second square. Be sure to draw the diagonal line in the correct direction. The point of the dark geese fabric does not go all the way to the edge of the unit. There should be a ¼” seam allowance between the point and the edge.
Sew a Light rectangle onto the pointy side of the flying geese unit. I sew the seam with the background fabric on the bottom and so I can look at the point of the geese unit and stitch right through the intersection of the seams. These four sections should each measure 4 ½” square (or 2 ½”, or 1 ½” depending on the size block you are making). And, the point should be visible and the dark fabric goes right out to the corners. Sew the top two together and then the bottom two together. Press the top seam to the left and the bottom seam to the right so that they nest together. Use a pin to secure it. Sew. You’re done with this month’s block !!
Now, about those extra triangles you cut off…you should have 16 of them and just look at what you could do if you saved them each time you made a batch of flying geese! Now how could you throw those away! So, try one of these arrangements with yours.
Happy Sewing!
Here’s what we’re making this month:
This block is called “Louisiana”. It is divided into four sections with each section containing a rectangle and a flying geese unit. I choose to keep all the background the same color but you could use a different fabric for the small triangles on the flying geese unit. If you use a busy background the seams won’t show as much. You could also choose to make each flying geese different. Make sure the flying geese unit comes out to the same size as your rectangle or it won’t go together properly. Ready? First I’ll give the cutting numbers and then I’ll go through the piecing with some more pictures. Here are the cutting numbers for finished 8”, then 4”, then 2” blocks:
For an 8” finished block cut:
From the Dark fabric (geese) cut: (4) 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles- make them all the same or choose two or four different fabrics
From the Light (background) fabric cut: (4) 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles and cut (8) 2 ½” squares. The squares can be a different fabric from the rectangles.
For a 4” finished block cut:
From the Dark fabric (geese) cut: (4) 1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles- make them all the same or choose two or four different fabrics
From the Light (background) fabric cut: (4) 1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles and cut (8) 1 ½” squares. The squares can be a different fabric from the rectangles.
For a 2” finished block cut:
From the Dark fabric (geese) cut: (4) 1” x 1 ½” rectangles- make them all the same or choose two or four different fabrics
From the Light (background) fabric cut: (4) 1” x 1 ½” rectangles and cut (8) 1” squares. The squares can be a different fabric from the rectangles.
Now let’s see how to put these together:
Here are the cut pieces.
The pieces at the bottom are left over from the geese fabric. You’ll use up all of the background square if you choose to use one background. Remember the pinked edge “counts” when measuring your cuts.
Make the flying geese units:
For each dark rectangle lay a light square RST (right sides together) and draw line on the diagonal of the light fabric.
Sew on the drawn line making sure to exit at each corner. Press the flap back so there are three layers in the corner. If the corners all match up then you’ve sewn correctly and you can trim off the back two layers. Save them and use them as leaders and enders by sewing on the diagonal! I’ll show what you can do with them later.
Repeat the process for the second square. Be sure to draw the diagonal line in the correct direction. The point of the dark geese fabric does not go all the way to the edge of the unit. There should be a ¼” seam allowance between the point and the edge.
Sew a Light rectangle onto the pointy side of the flying geese unit. I sew the seam with the background fabric on the bottom and so I can look at the point of the geese unit and stitch right through the intersection of the seams. These four sections should each measure 4 ½” square (or 2 ½”, or 1 ½” depending on the size block you are making). And, the point should be visible and the dark fabric goes right out to the corners. Sew the top two together and then the bottom two together. Press the top seam to the left and the bottom seam to the right so that they nest together. Use a pin to secure it. Sew. You’re done with this month’s block !!
Now, about those extra triangles you cut off…you should have 16 of them and just look at what you could do if you saved them each time you made a batch of flying geese! Now how could you throw those away! So, try one of these arrangements with yours.
Happy Sewing!
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