Tag: Potato Chip Quilts

Example Potato Chips

Spiral Potato Chip block
Spiral Potato Chip block

I made a Potato Chip block based on my discussion with DH. I used the pieces I had cut awhile ago.

I picked out certain pieces from both caches in the medium range and used his idea for a spiral layout. I am pretty pleased with the overall result. The colors look really nice together. I could make the block larger with another round. That would make a finished quilt come together quicker. While the block is finished, it is not too late to make it larger.

One thing that I was reminded of was that the construction revolves around patches that are twice as long as they are wide. This means that while I am using 2.5 x 4.5 inch patches, 1.5 x 2.5 inch patches will work as will 4.5 x 8.5 inch patches. All are easy to cut with the 4.5 x 8.5 inch Creative Grids ruler** that is my favorite.

This is a block that only takes a few minutes to make, but I have a lot going on and am not sure I want to commit to this at the moment. Of course, It is just piecing, because there is a lot cut. 

 

 

 

 

 

**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.

Potato Chip Workshop

PQC Potato Chip quilt workshop
PQC Potato Chip quilt workshop

I went to a workshop on Thursday with the Pacifica Quilt Club. I mentioned them a few months ago. I did join and have been to one meeting. This was my first workshop. I went because I am interested in the Potato Chip quilts and wanted to see what they had to say.

I talked a little bit with Lynette about Potato Chip quilts at the Retreat, so I knew about them, but have never made one. I have to say that I am excited to try one with some 2.5×4.5 inch piece I cut for another project I will never make. 

Spiral Potato Chip block drawing
Spiral Potato Chip block drawing

DH and I talked about the workshop at dinner and I did a little drawing of the block. He added on to it to make a spiral and I think I will start with that idea. I already have some pieces of the right size I was doing to use for another project whose time has passed. 

There were a number of examples, which show the versatility of the idea. The first example is a mini quilt (maybe miniature). It uses 1.5 x 2.5 inch pieces, but the same piecing applies. 

Potato Chip example -flower block with self-sashing by Kay
Potato Chip example -flower block with self-sashing by Kay

One block I particularly liked was by Kay. She made a quilt, but I just took a picture of one block. It is larger and the white strip with another ’round’ of pieces makes the blocks ‘self-sash’ when you put them together. I love this kind of concept.

The blocks end up large, too, so you can quickly make a quilt.

In this example Kay has used all different kinds of flower fabrics, which shows how well loose themes work for this quilt design.

Potato Chip example -in paper by Jaysa
Potato Chip example -in paper by Jaysa

Jaysa made some paper examples showing additional layouts. These layouts look like Log Cabin blocks, but are Potato Chip blocks. 

While learning this technique we all made blocks to contribute to a community quilt. I made two blocks during this short workshop. Julie C cut all the pieces, so we didn’t have to bring fabric or spend time cutting. 

I used my fabulous wagon for the second time and got a lot of compliments on it.

More Dogwood Pouches

Dogwood Pouches F & J
Dogwood Pouches F & J

I finished the latest two Dogwood pouches the other evening. I really like the way they came out.

I was much more careful this time about fussy cutting, so the butterflies are whole. I did a good job on the Hindsight Dogwoods, but the print was much larger, so it was harder to select a part of the print.

Dogwood Pouches F & J - open
Dogwood Pouches F & J – open

The lining is the same as the Butterfly Superbloom, which makes these part of a set.

I like the way the zipper is handled in this pouch. I might have to talk about that in the future.

These are the same sizes I made before. I wanted to make them again to cement the process in my mind. My printer is also acting like a jerk, so printing is iffy at best.

When I make pouches I always think about how I would use them. Pouch F is the larger one and would be great for chargers and other small electronics. I have several pouches in my work bag so I can keep things organized and think I would use this pouch for cords and chargers.

Pouch J is the small pouch and would be great for hand sanitizer and lip balm. I didn’t make these with vinyl on the inside so I have to think about keeping them clean. However, the pouches are washable, so that is a bonus.

 

I wash the pouch and bags I make in a lingerie bag to keep the handles and other pieces from getting into the workings of the washer. I have already washed all the fabric in hot water, so any temperature is ok. I recommend cold, but you can also wash them in hot.