Month: September 2024

26 Projects 2024 #9

Time marches on. The year is more than half over and I ate up most of my yardage progress with the fabric that I bought on vacation. I don’t regret it. I had a lot of fun on that trip and saw some great quilt shops. Still I am back in the green and continuing to sew up a storm.

Finished 2024 Quilt Projects

Finished (for me!) Donation Quilts

As you know, I don’t quilt much. I really enjoy the collaborative effort of making a top and allowing someone else to quilt it. Thus, the quilts below are mostly tops, but I will include a finished quilt once someone else finishes it for the group.

Finished Bags and Small Projects

This category covers bags, toys, aprons and knitting as well as other non-quilt projects.

Ready for Quilting / In the Quilting Process

In the Finishing Process

WIPs

WIPs are projects on which I am working. This means that I am past the cutting out of pieces stage,  some sewing has taken place.

  • La Passacaglia – I am working on the border, but need to work more and harder.

Cut Out & Stopped

  • EPPic Bag – I need to make a cover/ main exterior piece for this bag. I was thinking of a Pineapple block, but haven’t gotten back to it yet. I am also kind of scared of this pattern. I know what to expect from Sew sweetness patterns, but this is a new designer to me.

Still UFOs

I still have UFOs. Who doesn’t, after all? A project in the ‘UFO’ category means I am stalled, it hasn’t been worked on in awhile or it is waiting its turn to be worked on. The list is a lot shorter and the projects are newer, for the most part.

I am annoyed that some of these are still UFOs. I have to give myself credit for completing some of them last year.

  • Rose Petrillo bag – I found the pieces for this bag cut out, but not sewn.
  • Superbloom tote using Hindsight fabric – not started. I did pull the fabric, supplies and found a photo I plan to use as inspiration that others posted, so I am one step closer.
  1. Handbag Sampler – I found the blocks! I found them in a bin I thought I had thoroughly searched! I also found the fabrics carefully stored together. Hooray!!
  2. Self Portrait: started in 2006 at a class at Quilting Adventures in Richmond, Virginia. After a brief burst of inspiration, I am stalled on this again. As one of my oldest (I am pretty sure) UFOs, I put it on my blog and out into the Twitterverse and Diane suggested that I not consider this as a self portrait. I think that strategy is a great idea. I am now trying to think of a new persona for her.
  3. Serendipity Lady – I am still planning to take this piece to be framed. It might need a bit of quilting first.
  4. Fabric of the Year 2020
  5. Fabric of the Year 2021 – I may combine 2020 and 2021 into a COVID edition.
  6. Fabric of the Year 2022 – yes, I added this one to the list, but this is the last one I plan to do.

Various & Sundry 2024 #8

Better place
Better place

Admin

I made a lot of changes to the Quilts in Print page after the last V&S was published. I only include books I have read and recommend. I also don’t update the page that often, mostly because I don’t have the time. I had completely omitted Frances Dowell’s quilt novels as well as Marie Bostwick’s Cobbled Court series. This was a serious omission since they are both excellent writers.  I originally wanted to add books that weren’t specifically in the quilt fiction genre, but I think the books by these two authors needed to be included. Now they are!

I also updated the Minikins page. I have been making some non-Minikins Sew Sweetness bags and was reminded recently that this page has some non-Minikins patterns at the bottom. I don’t think all of the non-Minikins bags I have made are there, but there are some.

The Color Strip & Chunk page has been updated to include the Green Strip #3 (The Swamp Thing) quilt.

Projects, Classes, Patterns, Techniques & Tutorials

I saw this “How to Write a Quilt Pattern” course in an email recently. I haven’t heard of the person who sent me the email, though I obviously signed up for the newsletter at some point! Neither have I heard of the teacher. It is a good idea, though. Forget writing patterns! Teach people how to write and market them.

A long time ago, I used to keep this list of small projects up to date. I might do so again. Since various holidays are coming, this list might give you some ideas for gifts for your friends.

I am thinking of making another version of Flying Around with curved Flying Geese. I looked for a tutorial on how to make them myself. I found this Better Off Thread tutorial. I will take a closer look at it and try to make some curved geese later.

–> Join Jeni Baker’s Lined Drawstring Bag Sew Along coming in November! If you want to try making a bag, this is a great way to do it. This is an easy project and the support makes it completely doable. It’s a great way to get started sewing and you can use the bag as a reusable gift bag for the holidays, if you don’t use it for a gift! Also, she has a free version as a tutorial. If you want to make a striped version, she has another tutorial!

Tools, Books, Fabric, Notions & Supplies

I went to the Sewtopia site to look at fabric and was disappointed to find that you can’t view more than 12 fabrics at a time. That means a lot of clicking. Bleah. I prefer sites that allow you modify how many fabrics to view. They have a lot of, what I would consider, novelty fabrics on their site.

A friend pointed out Common Threads Press to me. I am not familiar with these books and wonder if they are scholarly? The topics certainly seem interesting. Have you read any of the pamphlets?

Media, Books and Articles

The Washington Post had an opinion piece by one of Ruth McDowell’s daughters.

I posted a new book review recently with a lot of links to old books. Books have changed a lot  since I first started quiltmaking. Books now don’t usually have techniques. They only have patterns and one way to make them. Older books had techniques and different ways of making quilts and I always thought that was useful. Often you can find these books at a used bookstore.

I don’t remember mentioning the Quilters’ Guild. This is an overall guild for the entire UK. I am sure there are smaller groups around the island as well. They have a large historical collection of quilts. You can shop for patterns and tools and all sorts of things. The guild also supports historical research. They have one quilt from 1718 that was the one quilt in a book, The 1718 Coverlet**. The book talks about the history of the quilt, how to make a replica and how to make individual blocks using two methods.

Other Artists

Carrie's glass Bat
Carrie’s glass Bat

Carrie, a former student, is also a glass artist. She makes Halloween and Christmas gifts for some of her family. This is the 2024 Halloween decoration. Isn’t it great?

I love how the wings are sort of see-through. I used to know what that glass was called, but can’t remember.

NQR

I saw a cool story telling chair somewhere last week. This is built by Hal Taylor. Don’t complain about his prices! Beautiful work like this should be rewarded. It is a great chair if you have multiple children or grandchildren.

Ginger
Ginger

Dogs seem to be a recurring theme lately. My sister is still working on getting the Recovery Ranch Sanctuary off the ground. You can still help out! See the Cups for Pups club. I have also been spending some time with some puppies my awesome niece is fostering. They are Schnauzer and Husky. I went back to visit the other day and my favorite was gone to a different foster home. 🙁 Two puppies are easier than three!

I still got to have a cuddle with Ginger and Paprika. They are little energy bombs and then they switch off and go to sleep. It is funny.

And a reminder: Cups for Pups: Join my Lil Sissy in helping to fund the Recovery Ranch Sanctuary via GoFundMe. She is working on creating a place where the dogs of those needing recovery will be taken care of while their people are getting help.

 

 

 

 

 

**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.

September 2024 Donation Blocks

More blocks for more happy people who need quilts. I am eeeking out green strip blocks as I work on the Green Improv piece. I don’t have many strips of the right size left, so every green strip block I get is a bonus.

There are very few blocks this month as I have been focusing on using up scraps in the Swamp Thing. I did hand in three donation quilts, however.

Various Sew Day

I have a few photos and some info from recent Sew Days.

Gerre's fish blocks
Gerre’s fish blocks

Gerre has been working on her paper pieced fish blocks. They are really cool looking and a lot of work! They are small paper pieced master pieces. She works on them on and off depending on her whim. One of the reasons I like Sew Day is that I get to see various people’s projects. When people bring the same projects once in a  while, I enjoy seeing the progress.

I am tempted to use the pattern to make my dad another quilt. The first one just used fish fabrics and was one of my first quilts. I know I wouldn’t enjoy a completely paper pieced project, however.

Tim's Silas Pew
Tim’s Silas Pew

Tim brought the same quilt he has been working on for a month or so. He worked on this quilt at our sewing session at his house. He was chunking it at Sew Day and it was looking fabulous!

He used a pattern called Silas Pew by Jittery Wings Quilt Co. I wouldn’t choose that name, but I am sure the designer has a good reason for calling the pattern that.  Regardless, Tim used solids and few tone-on-tones for his version and it really glows.

Ombre Weave Top Finished

Ombre Weave Top Finished
Ombre Weave Top Finished

After allowing this top to languish on my design wall, I finally got down to business and finished the top.

I like the look of it with the sashing in between the blocks.

I am renaming it Hugs & a Kiss. I mostly made Os with the blocks (hugs). I turned four blocks into an X to symbolize a kiss for my niece.

Ombre Weave Back almost Finished
Ombre Weave Back almost Finished

I am almost done with the back and the binding, so this will be off to Colleen soon.

I decided not to make the Heart Strings quilt**, so I had quite a bit of the V&Co ombre to use for the backing and the binding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**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.

Book Review: Quick & Easy Block Tool

It’s been awhile since I posted a book review. Here is a great book I think you will enjoy!

The full title is The New Ladies’ Art Company Quick & Easy Block Tool: 110 Quilt Blocks in 5 Sizes with Project Ideas.

The New Ladies' Art Company Quick & Easy Block Tool: 110 Quilt Blocks in 5 Sizes with Project IdeasThe New Ladies’ Art Company Quick & Easy Block Tool: 110 Quilt Blocks in 5 Sizes with Project Ideas by Connie Chunn

I saw this book at a shop in Oregon last year. I didn’t buy it at that time, but I did add it to my wish list. One of my SILs bought it for me as a gift. I don’t ‘need’ any more block books, but I love them! In this case, I am glad I received this one as it has great ideas for using blocks. They also used lovely colors for the examples.

Ladies Art Company “of St. Louis, Missouri was the earliest quilt pattern company to publish quilt patterns in large quantities and design varieties. Officially established in 1889 (although the family gave a date of c1874 for the founding), Ladies Art Company continued to publish patterns until the 1970s. This collection is housed in the Michigan State University Museum.” See Quilt Index for more information.

This book starts off, after the table of contents, with directions on how to use the Block Charts (pg.4). This page includes a chart key giving makers tips on reading and using the various charts, especially the charts that tell makers how sew each block. Quiltmakers use this book in a similar manner to Around the Block**, a favorite block book, which is now out of print.

The Block Index by Name (pg.5-7) shows all the blocks included in this book. It is arranged by name as suggested by the title. The author or editors have colored the examples so readers get an idea of how the finished pieces will look. Remember to try placing colors in different places for different looks. Changing placement of the colors and fabrics allows makers to perfect their piecing by using the same pattern over and over to achieve different looks.

The Block Index by Grid (pg.8-10) helps quiltmakers combine different blocks together to create interesting secondary designs. This feature relates back to Jinny Beyer’s The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns, but without the extra information Ms. Beyer provides. It’s a good start to learning about grids and understanding some of the math of quilt blocks. You can always level up with The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns**.

To help readers who use and enjoy precuts, a “Precut Friendly Index” (pg.11) is also included. This information provides a baseline to terms and sizes used in the book. Great idea! The terms and sizes are followed by lists of blocks suitable for the various precut sizes. For example, charm squares (5 in. x 5 in.) can be used for Crazy Ann and Cut Glass Dish blocks while fat quarters can be used for Home Treasure and Kansas Troubles. Remember: yardage can be used for all blocks. You don’t need precuts to be successful!

Block making instructions start on page 13 with the block, Album 1. Included on each block’s page is a wealth of information. Not only do readers find the name and a list of cutting instructions, but the grid, design options, a piecing chart, yardage for a quilt and written instructions. Note that yardage for only one size quilt is given. That varies depending on the block pattern. Some sizes give enable you to make baby quilts, while other blocks have lap quilt sizes included. Readers can extrapolate out for other needed sizes. The block pages are extremely well designed.

The Ladies Art Company (LAC) number is also included. It can help you reference other resources. For example, if you know the LAC number you will be able to find the exact same block in Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns (3rd Edition)**. This and The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns both have references to LAC numbers.

What sold me on this book was the ‘Design Options’ section. The author and editors show different creative ways in which the blocks can be combined and used. This visual aid really spurs on creativity. I particularly like the movement in the Barrister’s Block (pg.15). Combining Fanny’s Favorite (pg.42) blocks creates an interesting secondary design. Mrs. Morgan’s Choice (pg.80) also appeals through the diamonds adding additional movement to an interesting pattern. So many of these blocks look simple and even a little boring alone, but shine when combined. The quilt made up of Nonsense (pg.82) blocks is one such design. It really sings when combined with like blocks. Old Tippecanoe (pg.89), combined with Snowball blocks creates a great chain type design.

Rocky Glen (pg.98) has a lot of piecing which makes the quilt look modern and very complicated when the blocks are combined.

Swing in the Center (pg.112) is probably my favorite because the combination of multiple blocks looks like a mosaic floor.

Turkey Track (pg.117) reminds me of the Spiky 16 patch quilts I have made. Quiltmakers could make the spikes (HRTs) in this block with the Split Recs ruler**.

After the block section is finished, the author has included a section called Tips & Helpful charts (pg.123-128), a useful section. I recommend you mark it and keep in mind for later. There are tips on cutting different shapes (pg.123) and also how to sew various shapes (pg.124).

The ‘Corner Alignment for Piecing Shapes’ (pg. 125) is from Alex Anderson’s Simply Stars book ** and is one of the most useful charts around. Use this chart to ensure your are lining up your triangles the correct way for the best piecing outcome.

Find information on yardage (pg.126), sizes for on point designs (pg.126) and a chart for changing block sizes (pg.127) as well.

Piecing blocks is a great way to hone your sewing skills. This book can support that as well as a desire to step away from patterns and create your own quilt designs. It is also a great help if you are not feeling inspired.

Nota bene: The only edition available on Goodreads was the Kindle edition. I didn’t read the Kindle edition. I read a spiral bound paperback edition** and that is the edition I recommend.

 

 

 

 

**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.

Maker’s Tote Potential Project

Maker's Tote Possible Project
Maker’s Tote Possible Project

I have been cleaning out my workroom – not throwing stuff away, but re-organizing, a little recycling and a few donations. I am doing a lot of filing. In the course of this, I found the Noodlehead Maker’s Tote pattern in a pile.

I remember seeing a cool version at Stitch in Ferndale a few years ago?? I can’t find the photo, though I am sure I took one.

The fabric, which I am thinking about using for the exterior, is from my last trip to Bolt. I thought about using it for a different project, but it might also be a good fabric for this bag. I am struggling with a choice for the outside pocket, binding and handles. Perhaps something bright like pink?

This project is far down the list at the moment, so I have time.

Half Hexie Star Returns

Half Hexie Star - quilted, not bound
Half Hexie Star – quilted, not bound

As mentioned yesterday, I got the Half Hexie Star back from Colleen finally. It is just in time to bind it and have it ready to give as a wedding gift. I am also pleased that I was able to show it at the guild meeting yesterday.

Colleen did a great job, as usual, quilting this. She said the binding of the two ends was the most challenging. I am really glad she put the first side of the binding on the quilt by machine for me. It will make the handwork much easier and get it done faster.

Half Hexie Star - quilting detail
Half Hexie Star – quilting detail

She used flowers and leaves as the quilting design. I am pleased with how it looks.

 

Day Out with Quilts

Tim and I visited Colleen yesterday, went to lunch and visited a quilt shop. We had a fun time.

Longarm Threads
Longarm Threads

Colleen has moved in the last few years, so it is more of an expedition to take her quilts than it used to be. When I am working, it isn’t really possible to make the journey, but I was able to do it yesterday. Having Tim along made it more enjoyable. I took the Ombre Weave (Hugs & a Kiss) quilt to be quilted. I also picked up the Half Hexie Star!!! Yes! After YEARS it is finally finished just in time for me to bind it and pass it on to its recipient. I’ll also show it at the guild meeting.

Rings of Change Flowers
Rings of Change Flowers

Colleen had a great quilt on her design wall. She was teaching her Rings of Change quilt and one of the students came up with her own design. Colleen wanted to try it and came up with this quilt.

Colleen wanted to try the ‘mistake’ (design challenge) and this is the result. She calls them flowers. I love the dramatic contrast of colors on black. The ‘blocks’ look a bit like Dresden Plates, but the spikes in the center make it a little different. These are made in plate format and then appliqued down. Contact Colleen if you want to talk about a class or buy a pattern (not sure if one for this variation is available).

Bay Quilts 2024 purchases
Bay Quilts 2024 purchases

After picking up and dropping off quilts, we went to lunch and Costco, then visited Bay Quilts. I wrote about this shop when it first opened. It is essentially the same as it was back in 2017, though they have a lot more gift items. They probably have the most fabric of any of the local shops.

I have to add the yardage to my ‘yardage used’ spreadsheet. Fortunately, I have ideas for all of these fabrics, so I need to get busy and get them off the spreadsheet again as well.

Hildegarde Progress

I made a little progress at the last Sew Day on this bag. I mostly did prep, which needed to be done. I have to admit that I prefer to cut and do prep at Sew Day. It just means I have less to haul around. I was happy to make some progress, especially progress that was useful.

Hildegarde lid
Hildegarde lid

When I got home I was able to get going on the lid.

I know that the trunk of the tree on the handle doesn’t exactly line up with the trunk of the tree on the top, I am still ridiculously pleased with how this came out. I am pleased with the pink and pleased with the fabric I chose.

Hildegarde lid complete
Hildegarde lid complete

The next day, I worked on making the whole top/lid. Above is just the exterior.

In the photo, left, you can see the hinge and the zipper completely attached. I think this method of construction is the same one used for the Hackney bags.

Hildegarde mesh pocket
Hildegarde mesh pocket

Again, I had some trouble with the mesh pocket. I am not sure why. It could be that I measured wrong somewhere. There was some ripping, but, in the end it came out ok. I really want to try another mesh pocket right away, but it will have to be for another type of bag as I am not ready to commit to another Hildegarde right away.

I know the mesh pocket looks a little wonky, but it really isn’t. I measured the binding on the top mesh carefully, so it would be even on both sides. It just looks a little weird in the photo.

Center Street Quilts has a video for her Stella pouch. I like the way she makes her zipper tabs and would like to try that method next time. I think that method would work for any type of zipper and give me some flexibility as to size. Of course, it would be helpful if I cut everything properly. I always think I do, but I have to explore the possibility that something was too small. Perhaps I’ll cut out the top of a Hackney and try this pocket again while my thoughts are fresh in my mind.

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.

Baby Jacobs Diagonal 9 Patch Finished

Finished: Baby 2 Jacobs D9P
Finished: Baby 2 Jacobs D9P

I finished this quilt at the beginning of last month, but forgot to post the finished quilt. August was busy!

One of my SILs brought it to the new baby when SIL traveled to the area where my niece and her husband live.  I was glad not to have to mail it.

I am pleased with how it turned out and the juxtaposition of the same design in different colors. The first D9P was for this baby’s brother and is almost the opposite in color of this one.

 

Sun Hat Progress

Sun Hat pieces - cut out
Sun Hat pieces – cut out

I took the pieces with me to Sew Day on a whim and actually made some progress. Mary C helped me to measure my head to confirm I actually have a teen head. I do!

Once that was established, which I admit was holding me back from making progress, I decided to cut out the pieces and get them ready to sew.

I made one change. Instead of cutting out four pieces for the brim and sewing two together I left that piece whole. It will look like a donut. I did check the directions and think it will be fine – I think it will save me a couple of seams and keep the pattern of the fabric intact. I have plenty of fabric, so if it doesn’t work then I can do something else.

I forgot the interfacing I planned to use so that will be a project for another day.

EPP Balls in the Wild

Hailey with EPP Balls
Hailey with EPP Balls

I sent two EPP Balls to a friend from work. She just had a new baby, but also has a 2 year old.

I wasn’t planning on sending an EPP ball to them, but they are so easy to make and seem to be a popular gift that I just sent them along.

The two year old has taken over both for the moment, which is fine. At least there are two, one for each sister.

Hailey showing Hannah the EPP Balls
Hailey showing Hannah the EPP Balls

Here, Big Sister is showing the EPP Balls to the newborn…. and hopefully not smothering her!