June 2024 – Artquiltmaker Blog

Various & Sundry 2024 #5

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Do you want to be ready for anything in quiltmaking? Check out the Quilt Class and Teaching page. And, get in touch if you want to learn a wide variety of techniques. I am hoping to start a class at the end of July.

I updated the Color Chunk & Strip Donation Top page.

The Niece-phews page has also been updated.

Projects, Classes, Patterns, Techniques & Tutorials

Carrie sent me a link to using up scraps. It is based on Elizabeth Hartman’s ‘Map of the States’ tutorial. Unfortunately, the content no longer exists on the new elizabethhartman.com site. Yes, I did check. Remember that using scraps is very personal. If you cannot deal with scraps, shove them in a pet bed and move on with your life. Don’t stress because you aren’t using your scraps. I wrote a post recently about using my scraps.

Take a look at this tutorial for making Flying Geese.

Anna Maria is coming out with a pattern called Echinacea. Pink Door has pre-orders now, but it is only for the fabric, it seems. The website says the pattern will be available in November from Free Spirit. There aren’t a lot of details so I am holding off for now.

It’s a beautiful quilt, but that is a lot of applique’ for me.

Tools, Books, Fabric, Notions & Supplies

The first thing I noticed about the Color Cube is that it was very attractive. Those little squares of color really pulled me in. The Color Cube comes in 2 volumes, each containing 250 color combinations as cards. The idea is that you use them to choose color combinations. The hex codes are on the back, which are great for digital artists, but can’t really be used by quiltmakers as we never know what our favorite designers used for colors. As I have experienced with the Pantone Project, the leap from paper to fabric isn’t always smooth. Still these would be fun to look at or use for inspiration.

I was referred to a template site in hopes I could get some bag templates made. I was thinking of templates like Moni Malene uses in her reels on IG. I am not sure they have that sort of thing.

Media, Books and Articles

Check out the current size of the quilting industry.

I read this NYT article about LL Bean tote bags. While we do not have to copy the LL Bean classic tote bag, the same feelings can come from a tote bag you make. Perhaps you have a pattern you love (mine is the Jane Market Tote) and you make often. If you often make it as a gift, people might look forward to getting their own. I do like the sturdiness of the LL Bean tote bags as well as the open wide design. Check your library if you do not have a subscription.

Do you want some awesome inspiration? Check out Christine A. Moore Millinery. Yes! Millinery! Hats! She is the Official Milliner of Breeders’ Cup and makes hats for the Kentucky Derby.

Other Artists

Gustaf Westman is a furniture designer and he has some interesting furniture.

NQR

As mentioned last time, my sister is opening a Sanctuary for dogs who need a place to stay while their people get treatment for various addictions. She has a GoFundMe and I hope you will donate. Even $1 helps.

June 2024 Donation Blocks

I worked diligently on the third of my Diagonal 9 patch quilts using the green donation blocks as leaders and enders. The donation blocks kept piling up until I could finally focus on sewing a green donation quilt with these blocks. I haven’t had a lot of time lately, so it is slow going. Also, the smaller the strips, the slower I am to finish blocks.

The good news is that a green donation quilt is going well and I should be finished with it before I attend the next meeting. I have enough blocks to make a second quilt with green strip blocks. I have also started on an improv donation top with the smaller, non strip scraps. At this point, I don’t know how large it will be. I don’t want a small piece of ‘made’ fabric hanging around like the black improv piece and the grey improv piece seem to be doing.

Purse Inserts in General

After I posted about the Encore Purse Insert the other day, I went looking at my patterns to see what other purse inserts I had. I wanted to compare them by size and shape.

As you saw, I have the Encore Purse Insert, thanks to Sherri D.

This is a large insert at 11.5 x 5.5 x 6 inches. I am guessing it is either 5.5. or 6 inches tall. This is definitely for a larger handbag or tote bag. Since I haven’t made it yet, I can only say that I think it would be super useful in a tote bag.

I am also wondering if it could be used for quilt travel for supplies. One downside is that it is open, so the larger bag would have to be closed. That is also on the plus side, because an open bag means easier access.

I also have the Mustang Purse Organizers. These are part of Minikins Season 3. As you know this is a 12 pattern and video bundle, so you get more than just the Mustang pattern for the price. I made both sizes for my mom in 2021.

The smaller size is 8 inches long x 5.5 inches tall x 3 inches deep. The larger size is 11.5 inches long x 6.75 inches tall x 3.5 inches deep. The sizes are similar to the Encore, which gives me an idea of the size of Encore.* I know my mom transfers her stuff from one purse to the other using the smaller organizer.

I also have a pattern from Sotak Handmade called Purse Organizer. I have made two of these, one for Mom and one for Gerre. I haven’t had any complaints, but they are very different from the handbag organizers above.

One of the advantages of the organizers above is that they are open, so you can slip your hand into your handbag and pull out what you need. This is flatter and closed. There are external pockets as well, which means you could take it out of a larger handbag and carry with you or transfer it quickly to your work bag.

I also have the Multi Pocket Organizer from Sotak Handmade. I have not made this pattern yet. Now that I see it again, I am eager to make it. It is a combination, it seems of the Mustang and the Sotak Purse organizer. It might be the right size to use in my new handbag. I like her patterns and this one holds quite a bit in an organized manner. It is (wide on bottom x tall x deep): 10” x 6 1/2” x 4”, so in between the large and small sizes of the Mustang.

I also have a pattern called Handy Purse Organizer by Caroline Fairbanks-Critchfield. I couldn’t find the finished size on the blog post. There are 13 pockets – 6 mesh, 6 fabric, and one interior zipper pocket, which is useful info.

There are a lot of free patterns on the Sew Can She site. I haven’t made this one, but it is another option for purse organizers.

Am I going to have 35 purse organizers? LOL!

* I know what 11 inches is, but the numbers don’t get into my brain and I need to see a bag to actually understand the size.

Hildegarde Notions Trunk

I cut out the Hildegarde Notions Trunk at the MARCH Sew Day, then I didn’t touch it again. I still haven’t, but I wanted to look at it so I took a photo.

Obviously, the project bag is not a picture of the pieces, but I am really thrilled that I am using the project bag even though I think the large size (according to the pattern) is more of a medium size. I need a larger project bag for the Hildegarde, but it is working for the moment.

I used some Tula Pink Pink Neon Dots for the lining, which I love even more now that I see them again. I am definitely in pink mode right now and I am embracing that. I also used a Heather Bailey pink called Aflutter that I didn’t have quite enough of to be really comfortable. I asked Amy if she had some, but she didn’t so I just thought I would have to make do, but I found some online. I don’t need more fabric, but I like the idea of making this a really great bag. I might want some of this fabric to do that or make another one.

I am still seeking the perfect bag in which to take my tools to sew days and retreats. I’ll give this one away if it doesn’t work for me.

In case you can’t tell this is a Sew Sweetness pattern. It is part of Minikins Season 4 bundle. You can see the various projects I have made from the Minikins patterns on the Minikins page.

QI Tool Tote Zipper End

I know I finished this tote YEARS ago, but I see it every day. It sits next to my desk with the zipper end hanging over.

I know I fixed this end before, but it is still bugging me. I either need to fix the zipper again or turn the bag around so I don’t see the zipper end all the time.

I don’t like how big the zipper tab is. I like my zipper tabs to be as wide as the zipper.

In this case, I have done a nice job of fussy cutting, but the size still bugs me.

Encore Purse Insert

My friend, Sherri D, sent me this pattern out of the blue. I had a really good mail week that week and this pattern was one of the items I received.

I really like the photo and I am kind of amazed at how much stuff is in the bag. This could be a handbag in itself. As soon as I looked at the pattern, I thought of what would happen if I put a strap on it and made it into a handbag itself. I just can’t help myself. 😉

It is from Studio Kat Designs. I went to the website to see what it said about and couldn’t find it there, so I think it is one they don’t sell any more. Still, I plan to make it to see how it works.

Thanks, Sherri, and go take a look at her blog. She does beautiful work!

Breakage by SueG

SueG’s entries were amazing! I didn’t know she entered so many projects into the Fair.

This is Breakage by one of my friends (and student). It is her own design and I am so proud of her. She won a ribbon at the Fair as you can see.

She said that she was able to make this quilt, because of what I taught her in the quilt class. That made me feel SOO good.

I have been wanting to write about her quilt, Breakage, for awhile and seeing it at the Fair meant that I could take a photo and then would be able to write about it.

One of the things I teach is that knowing all the techniques allows you to have the skills to not only design your quilts, but actually put them together. Sue knew how to sew and how to make quilts when she joined my class, but she has much more confidence now and is really making some amazing works. Breakage is just one of them.

Thanksgiving Mette Ring

I still haven’t glued the Mette Ring together. I wanted to see how it looked with all the legs. I like the way it looks, but it also shows that I am a little out of practice. I didn’t use the bone folder as much as I should have. I am working on another Mette Ring and am using the bone folder this time. We’ll see how the two look in comparison.

Finished Black Strip #2 Donation Quilt

At the meeting the other day, Erin showed the Black Strip #2 donation top, which was quilted and she had finished binding. Hooray!

I finished the top in January so it hasn’t been that long. She wanted to pick up the blues in the blocks, so used more blue than I would have in the binding. It looks nice however!

Repost: Fair Wrap

I have permission from Laura M to repost this email I received from the Fair. I have edited some parts that no longer apply.

If you didn’t read Monday’s post, I talked a little about my entries and the guild entries. I’ll write some more about other quilts and entries I saw.

____________________________________________

San Mateo County Fair Logo

Message from Home & Floral Arts Department Supervisor Laura McHugh

Thank you for entering the 2024 Home Arts Fair, sponsoring an award, volunteering and providing a demonstration. We had 225 quilts and 475 entries overall in Home Arts and 53 people participate in the Community Quilt we gave away today to a lucky winner of the raffle.

We are seeing an uptick from the impact of COVID closures on our department and hope to continue that upward trend with even more entries.

Sweepstakes Award for Home Arts Exhibitor of the Year
We will be reintroducing the department Sweepstakes Award for Exhibitor of the Year in 2025. This award goes to the entrant with the most total points award for winning entries (1st is 5 points; 2nd is 3 points; 3rd is 1 point). This is your combined department total, not just in any one area such as quilts. So get your pieces started now.

Home & Floral Arts Theme for 2025
The theme for 2025 will be 50 years/1975. This was the unofficial year of the revival of quilting, so get your 1970s game on for this special award.

Suggestions
Please do send me any suggestions you have for improving the Fair and our part in it to me. We start planning meetings with Fair Operations in August, so I will be happy to pass along your comments.

Special Award Winners

Here is a list of our 42 Special Award Winners in Home Arts. Congratulations to all the winners. I am humbled by the beauty of all your entries.

2024 Home Arts Special Award Winners

* * * Congratulations * * *

Best 90s Theme in a Home Arts Entry

- Andrea Molinari

Best Floral Theme in a Home Arts Entry

- Jackie Bell

People’s Choice Quilt

- Wendy Kennedy

Best in Show Needlework

- Meredith Angle

Best in Show Sewing Entry

- Jess Millikan

Best in Show Textiles Entry

- Christina Huth

Best in Show Crocheted Entry

- Jeanette Funcke

Best Needlework Depiction of Flowers

- Meredith Angle

Best in Show Knitting Entry

- Lynn Curry

Best in Show Smocked Entry

- Margaret Harden

Best in Show Arts & Crafts

- Linda Hughes

Best in Show Miniature Fairy House

- Linda Hughes

Alice Lam Memorial Award – Best Use of the Color Blue in a Quilt

- Grace Hardy

Margaret Ann Niven Memorial Award – Best Use of the Color Green in a Quilt

- Jenn Etheridge

Lynn Simms Memorial Award – Best Use of Purple in a Quilt

- Dorothea Copeck-Nolan

Jeanne Matysiak Tribute – Best One Block Wonder Quilt

- Terry Casleton

Lynette Rodriques Tribute Quilt – Best Hawaiian Themed Quilt

- Julie McAuliffe

Best Quilts

Best Traditional Quilt

- Nick Martin

Best Modern Quilt

- Gretchen Michaels

Best Applique Quilt

- Angi Merlone

Best in Show Quilt

- Randa Mulford

Best Division 620 Quilt (Original Design Quilted by Maker)

- Kathy Carroll

Best Division 621 Quilt (Original Design Quilted by Another)

- Sara Guyol

Best Division 622 Quilt (Original Design Quilted by Maker)

- Kit Morse

Best Division 623 Quilt (Original Design Quilted by Another)

- Wendy Kennedy

Best Division 624 Quilt (Group Quilt)

- Julie McAuliffe

Best Division 625 Quilt (Specialty Quilts)

- Randa Mulford

Best Division 626 Quilt (Challenge Quilts)

- Angi Merlone

Jeanne Matysiak Tribute Quilt – One Block Wonder

- Terry Casleton

Lynn Simms Memorial Award – Best Use of Purple in a Quilt

- Best in Show Crocheted Entry

Best Coastal Theme in a Quilt

- Jeanette Funcke

Judge’s Choice Awards

- Textiles, Knitting, Crochet, Needlework and Arts & Crafts
  - - Mary Dare
    - Betty Tang Fitzpatrick
    - Jeanette Funcke
    - Laura Larkin
    - Rebecca Stecker
    - Mona Ten
- Quilting
  - - Diane Costello
    - Grace Hardy
    - Wendy Kennedy
    - Angi Merlone
    - Gretchen Michaels
    - Penny Streeter

____________________________________________

It is really interesting to see the various special awards, like the ones about using purple and green. I made a One Block Wonder once. Remember The Peacock? I probably won’t make another quilt in that style, but I could make a tablerunner to enter into the theme category next year.

Green & Grey Top!

I finally had an hour to sew the blocks for the Green & Grey Diagonal 9 Patch together!

I am pleased with how it looks!

Next up: backing, label and binding.

2024 Fair Pt.1

I attended the Fair last weekend with my wonderful SIL#3 and some great friends, including the fabulous Friend Julie. Her terrific husband Marc came along, too.

Colorblocks 3: Second Place San Mateo County Fair 2024

First, my quilt, Colorblocks #3, won second place. I always want first, but Julie won first and she deserved it. Her quilting was much better than mine.

I might need to make this quilt over again. I like it, but am not sure it hits the points I was hoping to hit. I need to look up my original notes on the iteration I wanted to make after I made Colorblocks 2. Good thing I have plenty of silk left.

Sadly, neither my nor Cindy’s Enigma pouches won anything. The big bags always win even though the one that won had NO zippers, NO hardware, nothing complicated.

Fortunately, Laura said she is breaking up that category so small bags are separated from large bags.

I only put in two entries, so I only got one prize this year. They are reintroducing the Sweepstakes winner next year, so I’ll have to start collecting various projects to enter.

The challenge quilts were well hung (except for mine, which was at knee level) and there were many ribbons on them: 4 total. There is an award for the best quilt in the challenge category, but none of us won that one.

I’ll have some time this year to beef up my entries, so I will work on that. There is something really satisfying about entering the Fair. It’s a feeling I don’t get from entering regular quilt shows.

A Whole Lotta Foam

A year and a half ago Julie bought me 5 yards x 60 inches of Soft & Stable. I remembered 10 yards, but looked it up and it was only 5 yards.

The other day I realized I had less than a yard left and I went looking for the 60 inches wide version. Amazon has 1 yard by 58 inches**. They also have a 2 yards by 58 inches** pack. I have bought both of these in the past and they are reasonable to store. I kind of wanted another large roll. I found a 15 yard by 60 (or maybe 58) inch roll on Etsy. Impulsively I bought it. Then I got a message saying it was being shipped from ByAnnie directly. I went to look at the ByAnnie site and found that they sell the rolls to anyone.

Well, a 15 yard roll is HUGE. It doesn’t fit in the spot my old roll fits in, so I have to find it a new home. Also, I better get sewing!

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.