Commentary about works in progress, design & creativity
After cutting a lot of pieceswrong and having to re-cut I finally finished block 1. What I figured out is that I am struggling to cut the HRT B pieces.
For the next block, I will label much better. I had a hard time figuring out which ruler to use for trimming.
I am pleased with the fabrics I chose.
I have a lot of lists. One of them is in my journal. I get great satisfaction drawing a line through my to do items. I haven’t drawn a line through a project that has been on my list in awhile. You know I have been sewing, but not on those list projects.
I really want to cross at least one thing off one of my lists. I prefer to cross something off that has been hanging around for awhile. For some reason the Handbag Sampler came to mind. I was really pleased to find the blocks last year. Yet it is still unpieced.
I also found some of the fabrics I used for the piecing. Still nothing happened. I have decided to sew 9 of the blocks together, put one on the back and call it done. The colors are really different from my other samplers, which shows the versatility of block quilts. Still, I am not excited about the project any more and would just like to get it off the list.
While only a couple of these have the same blocks, they are all different types of samplers. I am fond of this style of quilt, because they don’t get boring to piece and I can use a variety of fabrics. I actually like projects like the Star Sampler. It is fun to find all different ways to modify one block.
I know people think samplers are old fashioned and boring. I don’t agree. I think the colors used are the key. I used great colors in the A-B-C Challenge. Actually I like the colors in all of my samplers, except for that burgundy in my first sampler. What did I know?
Try making a sampler quilt!
This is more of a product review than a tutorial. I’ll talk about the ruler and give you some resources and tips.
I started this post when the HuRTy 1** was a new-ish tool. The designer, Latifah Saafir has now released two more HuRTys: 2 and 3. All three HuRTys help quiltmakers cut and sew Half Rectangle Triangles (HRTs). I received HuRTy 1 as a gift from Friend Julie! On a whim, I bought HuRTY 2 and 3 myself.
You may know that Latifah is the creator of the Clammy series of rulers** that help make curved designs. You might remember the class I took from her and the quilt I made using the Clammies, as well as the relatively recent Orange Peel Circle tutorial. Latifah is talented and her rulers work really well!
Remember, I did a series of posts on tools for making HRTs? Take a look at those to get an idea of the various tools available for making this great shape. I use the Split Rects** ruler, mostly. I am always open to new tools and I had high hopes for the HuRTy 1 ruler** when I received it. I have to admit I struggled using it at first. The only way I got more comfortable was to cut a million HRT pieces for the Triumphant quilt. I admit that I cut a lot wrong as I got used to the ruler. Make sure you have plenty of fabric. You can plan to use the mis-cuts for a donation quilt.
Latifah, the designer of the ruler, has a YouTube channel. On it she has some good video tutorials, which SueS talked about when she wrote for this space recently. I tried using the ruler without watching the video and it didn’t work for me. This has nothing to do with the ruler or the instructions. As I have said before, it has everything to do with the way I learn. Also, specialty rulers can be challenging, so videos are great learning tools.
One of the things about HRTs is that you have to be able to make both HRT A & B blocks, if you want to make a piece like my Spiky 16 Patch. This means a lot of flipping and turning of the ruler. Different HRT ruler designers accomplish this in different ways.
The first HuRTy video shows viewers how to use The HuRTy™ to cut both A & B HRT pieces. Amazingly, Latifah includes left handed cutting! These HRTs are the normal ones that I was able to cut using the SplitRects rulers.You can see the A and B pieces in this Spiky 16 Patch quilt. They face each other in the top center with the fat part of the triangle pointing in different directions. In this design the middle HRTs are touching.
My first efforts with HuRTy ruler, before using the Triumphant instructions, didn’t seem right. The pieces just seemed too small, then I realized I would have to trim them anyway, so I think most of them would work on my test project. I think trimming is a good thing with HRTs. There is so much bias that, in my opinion, it is the best method for making sure the patches are the right size.
Part of the issue is knowing what size to cut the strips or pieces at the beginning. The Split Rects ruler** by Studio 180 Designs has that information printed on the ruler, which is super helpful. The Triumphant pattern had a whole section about cutting strips, which are later subcut into HRTs. The strip info does not seem to be printed on the HuRTy rulers.
You use both sides of this ruler. For the HRT A, the side called ‘A Start’ is up. For the HRT B pieces, the ‘B Start’ side is up. In the photo you can see that the ‘A Start’ is upside down. In the photo, I am trimming an already made HRT.
This is a little challenging, because you would have to put True Grips**, or similar, on both sides. I often put True Grips on specialty rulers so they stay in place. With the HuRTys, I have to pay careful attention.
I am curious about how to design a quilt using the HuRTy(s). Though I love specialty rulers, one thing I don’t like is if you have follow a pattern in order to use them.
In general, I will try new rulers. Often I buy specialty rulers with the intention of trying them and never do or get derailed. I was glad I signed up for the Triumphant quilt as it really is helping me to learn about using the HuRTy(s). It would be great to have a ‘ruler library’ where people can check out rulers in order to try them out.
Other Resources and Previous Posts
**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.
I was able to accomplish A LOT at Sew Day. I trimmed all the Triumphant block 2 pieces that I sewed sometime. I also cut out all of the block 3 pieces. I felt like I was on a roll.
In general, Sew Day was not that well attended. We didn’t even fill up two tables this time. We did have a new potential member, which was good.
Amy always finds the best stuff! This time she brought her new wagon, which is awesome and oh so pretty! It is so much more fun than the regular solid (grey and navy blue) Costco versions.
She got it from Natural Life and it is perfect for quiltmakers. They have a lot of great stuff. I was tempted to get a wagon, but I held off. I really liked their Mimi utility tote and almost bought a car trunk organizer. I need to measure my cargo space. They show it carrying groceries, but I would use it for the random stuff (paper towels, umbrella, blanket, first aid kit, etc) that I keep in the back of my car in case of emergencies.
AngelaB showed a super fun baby quilt on which she is working. She mapped out the design herself using graph paper! Each square is 5 inches, a pretty standard size. Floral dinosaur anyone?
The dinosaur is really cute. I also like how she used some florals and plant-like fabrics to depict the natural environment.
I am pleased I went and even more pleased that I accomplished my goals.
My entry did not win any prizes, but I enjoyed visiting the Fair anyway. My visit was too short, but fun.
I only entered the pencil roll. Next year, I will enter Old Town. I am pleased with how it came out. I am not sure what it was up against, so cannot determine why it didn’t win. I’ll find out more when I get the judge’s comments back.
The big event was Friend Julie and I sitting at the BAM table and talking to people. The goal is to add members. I shamelessly talked to almost everyone. I even went up to people and talked to them if they were nearby. We told them about the guild programs, such as community quilts. I showed a few people our challenge quilts. We also handed out cards showing all the info about the guild. For part of the time our DHs joined us. It was a good time and if I weren’t working I would do it again.
Before Friend Julie and her DH arrived, we walked around and looked at the different non-textile exhibits. My favorite was the mare and her foal. It was so relaxing to watch them, though the mare looked completely stressed out. The Chincoteague books** came to mind as I spent time with them.
When we, first, went into the barn, the baby was sleeping. We watched for awhile, then we wandered around the barn to look at the other animals. No chickens this year. Bird flu, I am guessing. When we circled back to the mare and foal, the foal was on his feet having a snack. It was adorable and made me think about the relationship of animals and humans. I haven’t had a pet in awhile and would be hard pressed to find one that would be as great as my childhood cat, Spooky.
BAM had an exhibit of challenge quilts. The theme was “Hip Not to be Square”, which was a reaction to last year’s judging. One judge commented each time a quilt was not square. I am curious to see what the judge’s said about this year’s un-square quilts. I didn’t make a challenge quilt this year, but the guild had a GREAT response to the challenge. I loved seeing that not all were hexagons!
I was particularly interested in Preeva’s solution for hanging her round quilt.
The quilt is truly round. That yellow fabric is a kind of extended sleeve. I thought it was a clever idea.
Cyndi put the quilt that she and Tim worked on while we were having a Sew Day at her house. I love the name, Improv with a Help from Friends. She gave me credit, too, which was very kind since I only started giving my opinion when they were well on their way to finishing.
I am so glad this turned into something great. The quilting works well. I am even more pleased that Cyndi got an Honorable Mention!
Guild members really cleaned up. In addition to Cyndi’s Honorable Mention, Lee Ann won a ribbon for her Cozy quilt. A number of guild members are making or have made one of these quilts. I only know of Lee Ann finishing hers.
One of my favorite (random by non-guild members and friends) quilts in the Fair, though it is sooooo hard to choose, was this Blooming Nine Patch by Julie McAuliffe. I think I really love the colors.
Julie is a friend of my SIL#3 and used to be the organizer of the Home Arts for the Fair. I always say hello to her and remind her of the connection when I see her. I invited her to come and visit the guild as she sat at the Pacifica Quilt club table. Who knew there was a Pacifica Quilt Club? I might go check it out.
I only had time to quickly look at the Fine Art on my way to sitting at the BAM table. Julie pointed out this dress to me. It is Brains, Brawn & Beauty by Elizabeth Savoy and made from newspaper. The details were really cool looking.
I would have liked to have spent more time with the quilts and looking at the Fine Art, but maybe next year. I really had fun sitting at the BAM table and talking to people, so that was time well spent.
**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 website.
The last meeting was a bonanza of quilts. There was a lot of show and tell plus 3, yes THREE, mini-trunk shows. It was so interesting to see the different styles and designs of the members.
One of the quilts at show and tell was SueS’ HRT quilt. I didn’t even know she was working on an HRT quilt. I am on high alert for HRTs since I am working on the Triumphant quilt with the HuRTy rulers**.
SueS sent me the text I used for this post. I have edited it and tried not to change the meaning.
For this quilt she wanted to see how a single block could be used to create a sense of movement. Sue said that the half rectangle block reminded her of a bird in the distant sky, so she tried to create the idea of a flock of birds.
When I first saw this quilt, I was intrigued by the way it looked like the quilt was sideways. Knowing that she was working to create the sense of a flock of birds make the orientation make more sense.
Sue found that of all the techniques she has used for making HRTs, Latifah Saafir’s HuRTy ruler is her favorite. She used the HuRTy 1**, which is for making 1:2 and 1:6 ratio triangles. The 1:2 triangles range from 1 x 2 to 6 x 12 inches while the 1:6 triangles are 1 x 6, 1.5 x 9, and 2 x 12 inches. All of these sizes, shapes and angles can be made using 1 ruler.
Sue found the instructions to be clear. She also found the ruler to be well marked for right (HRT A) and left facing (HRT B) blocks of each size. She found the markings limited the mistakes that are really easy to make when cutting HRTs.
The HuRTy 1** has a QR code printed on it which links to YouTube tutorials. The tutorials provide help for using the ruler. Sue found the videos to be very helpful for getting started, along with general tips for making HRTs. One tip is to press the seams open. You know me! I prefer to press the way the quilt needs. I have also found that HRTs work well when seams are pressed open. The bulk ads up quickly, and pressing seams open helps reduce the bulk.
Other Resources and Previous Posts
**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 website.
This top is taking forever and, again, I need the design wall space, so I’ll need to spend some time this weekend churning out half blocks.
That being said, I haven’t been a slacker. I have made some progress and the quilt top is coming together. I also like the way it looks, though it is a bit dark close up.
There was no way I can finish it to turn in tomorrow at Sew Day, but maybe I’ll be able to finish it for the meeting in a few weeks. Work sure does get in the way of sewing!
It really is all about mystery quilts lately.
I finally got all the pieces I needed for the first block cut out correctly and started to sew the block together.
I am struggling with the HuRTy rulers**. I wanted to give up since my sewing time is really precious. However, cutting the background was so easy that I have it already cut out and couldn’t see wasting those strips. I’ll get there.
So far, I think it is an interesting design, but not one I would have come up with myself. Perhaps this is a stretch for me? I am definitely using my brain with the rulers.
**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 website.
I saw this motif on a carpet at a hotel.
I was reminded of it when I was sewing the Triumphant Block 1. The designs aren’t exactly the same, but this one reminds me of what is going on with the Triumphant quilt.
The back of Old Town is done. I have sewn the binding, so it is ready to be applied after the quilting is done. With all of these chores done, the quilt is ready to go to Colleen for longarming.
I used a really nice wisteria print from Philip Jacobs. I had two pieces, which means I bought it twice, but I can’t remember where. The colors fit perfectly with the Old Town top.
The blue swirly prints were leftovers from the Half Hexie Star quilt. I wanted a little bit of that fabric on a quilt I will probably keep.
So, on to quilting. I have to arrange that, but hope to take another quilt at the same time.
I started Latifah Saafir’s Triumphant Mystery quilt. It is a lot of cutting and I have to re-learn how to use the HuRTy ruler. Well, there are three of them in use for this quilt, so HuRTys!
I cut a bunch of pieces wrong, because of my misunderstanding of the instructions. Fortunately, I have enough fabric to make a few mistakes. I am struggling to get the flip of the ruler(s) from A pieces to B pieces correct. I am trying to be more careful as I don’t have infinite fabric.
I sent off the next pillowcase for my youngest nephew the other day. He should have received it by now.
I was able to see him on Mother’s Day, but didn’t really get a chance to talk. I do know that his next big adventure is heading down to Santa Barbara to attend SB Community College. I wonder if he will take these pillowcases with him?
None this month- this is depressing! I might put major progress in here going forward or omit this section until I have a quilt finished.
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.
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.
I finished the Old Town quilt top over the weekend! Hooray! I am so glad it is done.
It is pretty pink. Pretty in Pink? I don’t think it screams ‘little girl’. It does remind me of my childhood bedroom.
Now just to make the back and then I can take it to be quilted.
Admin
I updated the quilt gallery with this year’s one completed quilt. I am optimistic there will be more!
Projects, Classes, Patterns, Techniques & Tutorials
I was able to watch the Sew Sweetness Live Show this month again. At about 10:50 in the Live Show, Sara showed a sweater that she crocheted. OMG! It looks amazing. I never would have known that crochet could look so great!
I was reading Today’s Quilter the other night. A recent issue had a bag and a project portfolio pattern in it. I looked at the designer and then went down a rabbit hole looking at her Etsy shop and blog. She has some interesting bag patterns, including several free patterns that would be a good test on whether her pattern writing style fits my pattern reading style. 🙂 I also like the name of her shop: The Folk Art Factory.
Christa Watson posted a new walking foot quilting tutorial.
Thanks to SueG, I found Scissor Tail Quilting has a library of blocks to use if you need some inspiration.
Tools, Books, Fabric, Notions, Services & Supplies
In the Sew Sweetness Live Show, Sara talked about Lazy Girl Slicker**, which is a type of iron on vinyl. In the past I used Pellon VinylFuse on my Half Moon Modern Chubby Charmer**. Almost 10 years have passed since I made that bag and it is holding up well except for the VinylFuse. It isn’t terrible, but the seams didn’t hold up well. I wonder how this Slicker product would compare?
This is what a non-Clover Wonder Clip looks like when you try and open it. I don’t know where the rest of it went, because parts of it flew all over my workroom. Buy Clover Wonder Clips!** I don’t own stock in Clover, but maybe I will look into buying some.
Despite Quiltmania going out of business, Willyne Hammerstein has published the next EPP book in her series. The word on the EPP street is that it will not be sold in the US. Start making plans to go to Holland!
Exhibits and Organizations
Media & Articles
You know how men post pictures with measuring tapes of their giant fish? Here is a take-off of that kind of photo/video in a quilt shop from Calliope Quilts.
NQR
If you are interested in a article about what is happening at the Library of Congress and how the LoC works, read this article from Scholarly Kitchen. Write your Congresspeople even if you think they already agree with you. Check out Lorraine Woodruff-Long’s Mailstorm IG post for some good ideas about how and what to write.
**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 website.