Sister's Choice Quilts

Kiss Along With Me?

Here is my first block made from the Fig Tree pattern "Kiss Me".  Isn't it sweet?  I am making my quilt from various Fig Tree corally reds.  The fabric above is from Patisserie, but most of the reds I will use are from last summer's Strawberry Fields collection.  I found my fabrics late in the game, over the internet.  Quiltshops.com and Etsy are both good sources for older fabrics that your local quilt shop may no longer have in stock.  If matchy quilts aren't your thing, don't worry, this would be extremely cute done in a scrappy fashion, with each block a different fabric, or even Super Scrappy style, with individual blocks made from multiple fabrics in the same color family.  How amazing would that be?

When I posted on my plan to make this quilt, several of you said that you planned to make the pattern as well.  If you are in the process of making it now, as I am, let me know and I can link to your blog or post photos of your blocks as you make them.  Kiss Along with me, if you will!

So, here's the thing about Fig Tree patterns.  In general, I do not find that they are for the inexperienced sewer.  This one is certainly not.  The instructions are clear enough, but if you haven't been sewing long, you may wish for more pictures and more explanation.  There are bias edges, sewing of triangles, and lots and lots of points matching.  The results will be a beautiful quilt, and certainly worth the concentration it will take to construct it.

When I use a Fig Tree pattern, I don't like to mess around with it too much.  Just follow the instructions and all should be ok.  However, this time, I thought there might be a couple of tools that I could use that would make the cutting and construction more efficient (easier) for me.   Here's an example:

For the blocks, you need to cut Isosoles triangles.  Remember those from geometry class?  I know.  My head hurts too.  Anyway,  the pattern has you using your regular old rotary cutting ruler and using the 45 degree marks to find your place on the fabric strip.  I could do it, but it seemed (given my penchant for error) to be an unreliable method for me.  I had a couple of other ruler tools on hand that I though might be easier to use.

How many of you have one of these triangular Omnigrid rulers laying around that you have no clue what to do with?  I had one too!  The strips you cut for the triangles are 2 1/2 inches wide.  If you position the Omnigrid ruler so the number 4 lines up with the bottom of your fabric, you can cut on either side of the equal sides of the triangle (on the right and the left) and get the perfect sized triangle you need for this block.  Can anyone tell me what the numbers 1-8 on that ruler signify?  I hadn't the foggiest idea, but since 4 corresponded to 2 1/2 inches, I was good.  Do those numbers reflect the measurement of the long side of the triangle?

But wait, there's more.

I had another ruler called the Companion Angle by Darlene Zimmerman (who also made those wonderful Dresden Plate templates), which would do the job as well.  And look!  Her ruler has lines that actually say 2 1/2 inches so you can't possibly get mixed up.  It also has those same numbers 1 through 8 that I didn't understand, but I ignored them.

Ta da, first triangle.

Flip the ruler and cut another.  Of course you can stack your fabric so you don't end up cutting out individual triangles.  I cut up to four at a time.

To test things out, I made up a block and it seems like everything measured up just right.  I plan to spend the next day or two getting all my fabric cut out for this project.

Have a safe and fun Memorial Weekend everyone!

 

 

Rediscovery

Rummaging around in my studio has its advantages.  I remember how excited I was when I started this project over a year ago.  I love a two color quilt, and the curved piecing is just the sort of gentle challenge that I enjoy.  This quilt pattern is called Winding Ways, and has a super cool secondary circular pattern that shows up when you put the blocks together.

When I rediscovered the project box containing the few blocks I had made, my heart started beating just a little bit faster.  I pulled it out, sat down, and before I knew it, had made several more blocks.  These are really fun to put together!  Moving house and setting up my studio took me away from my projects for way too long.  What a happy thought that now I can get back to finishing up these blocks into a quilt.

Back in February 2011, I used the Marti Michell Winding Ways templates to cut out my pieces.  I love her acrylic templates, because you can just use your rotary cutter and cut around them.  Of course, if you have one of those "Go" cutter things, that works great too.  I still haven't climbed on that band wagon however.

There is  book I am referring to for my block construction method.  It is called Winding Ways Quilts by Nancy Elliot MacDonald.  Once you get a couple of the blocks under your belt, the method is truly "practically pinless" as the author claims.  Each and every block went together like a dream.  Do not be afraid of curved piecing.  Just try it.  After a couple of practice blocks it comes easily.

How wonderful it is to be organized again, and especially to be able to find my books and supplies as I need them.  All my pieces are already cut out and arranged together in the project box, and it was just a matter of moments to pull the book out of the bookcase, sit down, refer to Nancy's diagrams and start stitching.

Now, if I could only remember how big I was planning to make this quilt...

Hanging Out In the Studio

What a lovely day I had yesterday.  I hung out in my studio a good part of the day, puttering with this and that.  No deadlines, no pressures, just futzing with whatever my heart led me to do.

Since I am working on my Fig Tree Dresden Plates, I decided I needed a thread catcher to match my project.

I am kidding, sort of.  My other thread catcher lives up in the house next to my embroidery work, and I have been wanting one down in the studio next to my sewing machine.  I grabbed a layer cake of "Fresh Cotton" and pulled out two coordinating 10" squares and whipped up this little thread catcher in about 15 minutes.  Gosh those things are quick.  This time I left out the fusible interfacing, and to tell you the truth, it doesn't seem to make any difference if it is in there or not.  If you haven't gotten around to making one of these for every gal in your sewing group, you should consider it.  Here is a link to three tutorials, including mine.

I only constructed two more Dresden Plates, but sure do like looking at how cute they are.  These could become seriously addictive.  There are my Granny Squares smiling down at me from the design wall as well.  Those things make me happy!  Right now I am so in the mood for feminine, springy colors.

Oh, and here is an apparatus that I am currently enjoying very much.  It is a thread holder.

It was sent to me by a very thoughtful friend, and I have really been appreciating both its beauty and its functionality.  Here is another picture of it, without any thread strung through it.

This is made by Paul's Metal Petals.   The cone thread holder is such a stable way to hold your thread while you piece or machine quilt.  The thinner spindle on the right can be used to stack extra bobbins.  A very decorative and extremely practical addition to any sewing table!!

Back to Work!

Ok, enough goofing around, shopping at the mall, and gazing vacantly into space.  Time to get back to sewing!

I have the day off for the most part today, and plan to put together some Dresden Plates.  I love these pretty Fig Tree fabrics, and know my finished top will be so summery and vintagey. 

Other things on my list to get back to are Farmer's Wife, Granny Squares, quilting my T is for Thelma Schnibbles, and making a dozen or more little zippy bags for my son in law's new wine tasting room.  He has said he would like to have some "boutiquey" items for sale in the shop, and my zippy bags fit the bill!  So excited about that!

So, as you see, I have plenty to do and hope to show some results to you all next time I post!

Can't help sharing this picture of some ground cover that popped up in my back yard:

No clue what it is, but it seems pretty common in my area.  Couldn't you just dive into it?

And look!  They're ba-ack!

 

Final Day, Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts Blog Tour-- And Giveaway!

Let me introduce you to "Memory", the quilt I made from Monique Dillard's new book "Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts:  Eleven New Projects from Open Gate Quilts", published by C&T Publishing.

My quilt is not complete--I have ordered border fabric ( for a narrow blue containment border and a wider red print for the outside border), but it hasn't arrived yet.  I think you can get the idea of what this will look like finished from the 48 blocks I have completed and sewn together for the center of the quilt.

This is a picture of the quilt in the book:

Monique's patterns are so accurate and easy to follow.  She gives instructions for making multiple sizes for most of the projects in her book, and when her own fabulous rulers are recommended (for additional accuracy), she shows very clearly how to use them.  She also has a lovely blog where she shares her work and life with her adorable dogs Maple and Tilllie.

It's so funny, many of us who are quilters also have pets in our homes.  Why is it that when we finish a new project, our dogs or cats are so keen to investigate the completed work so thoroughly?

Here is Ozzie, checking for any mis-turned block units.  Can't have that, don't you know?  I am so glad I have him watching out for me.

To celebrate the launch of Monique's new book, Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts, I am doing a giveaway today of both the book and one of her wonderful rulers!  Please leave a comment below for a chance to win one of these two great prizes.  The winner will be announced on Monday.

But wait!  After you leave your comment here, you must go to one more blog to see another one of the projects from the book.  Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Company has also made a project from the book, and it is sure to be amazing as everything she does is!  You will also have one more chance at winning one of these terrific books if you comment on her post today.

Thanks so much for following along with those of us who participated in the blog tour this week.  And very special thanks to Monique for honoring me with the invitation to be part of her book launch.

 

 

Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts-Day Two

Welcome to Day Two of the Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts Blog Hop and book launch!  Today is Lisa's day to post on the project she made from this wonderful new book by Monique Dillard (Open Gate Quilts).  Jump on over to Lisa's blog Stashmaster for a look and a chance to win a prize or two.

My day to post on my project is this Friday, and to tell you the truth if I make this deadline with a finished top it will be a miracle.  I got a late start due to the construction of my sewing studio, and have been behind from the get go.  I am happy to report all my blocks are finished, and now need to be sewn together.  Then borders and Bob's your uncle.  I understand I am not the only participant who is scrambling (ahem) so I don't feel so bad.

Here is a look at one of the blocks that comprise my quilt top, which is called "Memory".

There are forty eight of these blocks in the top that I am making.  The terrific thing about this book is that Monique gives instructions to make most quilt patterns in Twin, Full/Queen, and King sizes.  You can take your pick and make the size you want.  I love it when a quilt book author provides that information, which is definitely an extra step for the author and a huge bonus for the quilt maker.

I had to make 384 half square triangles for these 48 blocks.  My method was to take Monique's measurements (which are slightly oversized) and trim the HST units down to size after sewing.  To sew the HSTs, I used my Angler 2, which I have raved about in the past.  A must when you are making a gazillion little HST units.

Here is a photo of my Angler 2 in use.  You don't have to draw any lines, just line the corners of your squares up along the guideline and stitch away.  I reinforced the visual guideline on the Angler template with a strip of blue painters tape.  The rest of that tape around the edges just fixes the template securely to my sewing surface.

Tomorrow I will show you the tricky bit of making these blocks and the tool I use to get perfect results.

Meanwhile, gaze at my sewing companion in her activity chair.  She loves to spin around and play with all the toys around her.  Her only frustration is that she thinks this chair should bounce, which it doesn't.  She has knocked her little sock off trying to make the chair go up and down.  Where there's a will, there's a way...

 

Bonus Sewing Time

Due to a change in my babysitting schedule for Baby E, I ended up with two bonus sewing days this week!  I'm spending it working on a project that I can't share with you until the last week of March, because it is a secret 'til then.  Don't mean to be a tease...Oh yes I do!

This quilt I am working on has 384 half square triangles, all of which require trimming.  I like making my half square triangles a bit big and then trimming them down to size to get perfect accuracy.  (Is that redundant?  I think so).  I am down to making my last dozen quilt blocks (out of a total of 48), and am feeling pretty happy to see the end of these half square triangles in sight!

We've had a lousy week here this week with lots of rain and grey skies.  We need the rain, so that's ok, but my goodness, is Ozzie ever getting on my last nerve.  Due to the inclement weather, he has not been getting the walks he needs every day.  To punish me, he thinks up pranks to get my attention like you would not believe.

This is my asthma inhaler, which has been by side constantly of late.  Except for that time I left it on my desk while I went into another room to do something.  See those little tooth punctures?  Yup, Ozzie thought he would like to try out my meds.  (No, he was not successful).

Yes, he is thinking of jumping up on the counter.  He knows I am standing right behind him, so he is restraining himself.  I have a feeling that when I leave the house, he is into everything he can think of to get into.  He does have something of a conscience, and only does his naughty tricks when he thinks I won't catch him.

One night this week, around 3:30 AM, I heard a rythmic noise coming from the family room.  Was it knocking?  tapping?  Nope, it was Ozzie.  Digging.  He had gotten up onto the counter and filched a ripe tomato.  He was on the white couch, holding the tomato carefully in his mouth, attempting to bury it in the cushions of the couch.  My white couch.  A ripe tomato.  At 3:30 AM.

I got the tomato away from him, and there was no damage to the couch, so I have decided to let him live.

Ozzie, hoping the rain will end soon.

 

Granny Squares

Have to say I am having a blast making these adorable blocks.  I love the construction technique, which makes an otherwise extremely tedious process super simple and easy.  Can you even imagine cutting out teensy pieces to make the setting triangles?  Me either, which is why I haven't made this block up 'til now.

The fabric is the other part of this that I am loving.   I can never get too much pink and red!  My favorites are the alphabet print and the strawberry print.  I was going to go with twelve blocks, but I don't think I am going to be able to stop with that.  Maybe 16 or even 20 would be better....

Dana at Old Red Barn is starting a quilt along for these granny square blocks.  It begins March 1, and you might want to join in.  Looks like everyone wants to make one of these quilts.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  I know for many of you, it isn't even over yet!

Well, That Didn't Last Long.

My little funk was certainly short lived.  Good thing too. 

Yesterday while the baby was sleeping and Grandpa was enjoying his newspaper, I brought my portable sewing machine into the kitchen.  Sometimes, you just have to make sewing happen.  I did have to make a trip down to the studio for some fabric I purchased recently.  You see, I had seen something while blog hopping, and just had to give it a go.

Jolene's quilt

Rachel at Stitched in Color is hosting Scrap Attack and encouraging everyone to use up those scraps we all have in abundance.  She asked Jolene at Blue Elephant Stitches to show how she makes her terrific Granny Squares blocks, as they are a wonderful way to use up little scraps of fabric.  Check out Jolene's  fun tutorial on how to make the blocks on her blog.

Rachel's blog is one of the most inspirational I have looked at in some time.  If your inspiration is lagging, as was mine, please make a point to visit her site Stitched in Color.  She is completely awesome.  Her most recent post is actually on the subject of inspiration-- how TOO MUCH of it can be overwhelming!

Since my scraps are packed up at the moment, I was forced to use new fabric (aw, poor me, I know).  This is what I chose to work with.  Since when have you seen such yummyness and didn't eat it?

This is PamkittyMorning's collection from Lakehouse.  I got mine online at Shabby Fabrics, but it is available in some shops in my state, such as Prairie Queens in San Jose.  I met the Shabby Fabrics girls at Road to California, and thought they were just outstanding in terms of customer service, friendliness and expertise.  And talk about knowing their niche.  Wow.

So, I got cracking and made four blocks, which I am completely in love with.  Believe me, as soon as I can get at my scraps, I will be making a scrappy version of this quilt as well.

If you haven't made this block before, the construction is really simple.  Basically, you just sew rows of 2 1/2" squares together and then trim the block down to a 9 inch square.

Thank you Pam, Rachel and Jolene for blasting me out of my funk.

 

Hmmm, What Shall I Do?

 
Out in my garage, there is a mountain of boxes, all labeled "Studio".  My Studio is more accurately the Studio-That-Isn't, so the boxes remain unpacked, much to my frustration.  I know that many of you have been wondering, What's the hold up?  Well, to be honest, the answer is simple.  Money.  The bad news is that my husband has been unemployed for quite some time.  And the good news is that he recently got a job!  Woohoo!  So, the work on the studio is definitely going to happen, but not for a few weeks.  Once we get started, I will keep you all posted on the progress.

Meanwhile, I have been trying to make the best of things, and spending some time sewing in my unfinished studio.  The biggest problem is, every time I start in  on a project, there is some tool or reference book or material that I think I need, which is packed up in one of these cardboard cartons.  I know, you told me to label the boxes elaborately, so as to know exactly what is in each one.  Did I do that?  Well, not precisiely.

 
Ah.  This one looks promising.  Kind of a vague description, but let's see what's in here, shall we?

 
I started rummaging around over the long weekend, looking for another project to work on.  When I opened this box, labeled "Project Boxes" (one of eight just like it), I really didn't know what I was going to rediscover.

 
Oh my gosh, it is the Designer Mystery Quilt from Fatquartershop from a couple of years back  2008!  Now, for some reason, finding this abandoned Christmas project really got me excited.  I love those fabrics.  A 3 Sisters collection, the name of which I have forgotten Peace On Earth.  And each block in the Block of the Month Series was designed by a different (but well known) pattern designer.  Now why on earth did I ever put this away?  Doesn't matter, I found it again.

When I opened the box, I discovered that I had made six of the twelve blocks!  Hey, I am nearly half done with this project that I had completely forgotten about.

 

I was so thrilled, I got straight to work and made the seventh block.

 
Extremely cute.  Loving this.