Showing posts with label ruler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ruler. Show all posts

Friday, March 23, 2018

Island Batik: Try A Technique

Island Batik Ambassadors were asked this month to try a technique.  It didn't have to be a particular size or use a particular line - so the sky was the limit (the fabrics were provided by Island Batik).   I have been quilting a long time, and worked in a quilt store, so I have tried a lot of techniques.  What to do???
In April, while I was still working at Cambridge Quilts, Linda Warren stopped by with her ruler and some patterns.  While I couldn't make a decision for the store to buy it, I liked it enough to by one for me.  The ruler is not very large - pieces will finish either 2" or 4".  The pattern I chose would make a 12" block.  There wasn't a lot of fabric, so I had to be careful
 So, here it is - my new technique is using the ruler called "The Learning Curve".  This ruler is quite fun.  You can get wonderful circles and create wavy borders.  You can find her patterns and her ruler at Linda Warren Designs and also follow her on facebook.
The first order of business was this test block.  I loved the technique and so I chose my fabrics. One thing about me is I never do the easiest pattern first - always the hardest. I did watch one of her videos, too, just to be sure that I knew what I was doing.
Island Batik sent quite a few fabrics, but it is always hard to decide which group to jump in and use.  I figured since we have been in the winter of our discontent with 3 Nor'easters in March, I would do my Nor'easter quilt!   I would use Alpine Ice!  Here is one of the pictures that helped me figure out what I wanted to use.  The middle fabric with snowflakes was a little bluer/brighter than the others so I pulled it. out.  Funny that the background looks much whiter in that picture.

Linda's business card had the setting I used with a kind of gradation of color across it.  I loved the one on her business card but was afraid it would be too busy.  I made one section and loved it!  I tried to group the fabrics to make it work, but mostly, it think it helped the prints be in a little more control.  The other batiks I had were just not going to work, so I decided to go ahead.

It is a good idea to press seams open and use a stiletto.  I never liked pressing seams open, a hard habit to break.  I find myself doing it more and more.  The stiletto really helped control the curved piecing  and no pins were damaged in this exercise. 😉
 There was a lot of trimming.  Her technique has a good way of giving you plenty of help to get those curves nicely done.   Mostly what I liked is that it all really worked well - no puckering - no redoing of seams.  I pressed to the dark batiks and that allowed the pieces to nest well when I got to joining the blocks.  I highly recommend this ruler.  It is a simple easy solution to get some great curves in your blocks!
I chain piece when I can, because why not!

Here is the final quilt!
You can see the quilting on the back, pretty simple as it is a small piece.   I used Hobbs Thermore batting for this quilt (generously provided by them) and I loved the way it behaved.  It is thin but has a bit of loft.  Quite nice! Notice there are triangles I used for hanging smaller pieces.
In case you were wondering what a whole quilt might look like here's an example. I used a program called Layout on my Iphone to do this.   Note, there is a double row that acts differently and interrupts the interlocking circles,  but you get the idea.  If you want to see others, you can go to Linda's facebook page from here.

And a final look!

"The Winter Of My Discontent - 2018"  20.5" x 20.5"
Island Batik fabrics from the Alpine Lace Line
Hobbs Thermore Batting
Machine pieced and quilted



Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Fancy Forrest Deux - OMG February Finish



I love this quilt!  It is the second time I made it, using many of the same fabrics from the first but a few changes.  The pattern is Fancy Forrest by Elizabeth Hartman and I just couldn't help myself.  I changed a few things.  I wanted my thistles to be purple and I wanted Frances the Firefly (not butterfly) to have a bright yellow bottom - all lit up - like fireflies are!



I was cutting it close with this thread when quilting!  I made it - although truth be told - I did have another similar looking spool (same color) in my stash.  Must be one I really like!



The back was a fabric I stashed for awhile.  Of course, it wasn't big enough so it has its own border.  I didn't use my printed labels as this is for a baby and I didn't want the label to be a problem. I will sign somewhere discretely or put a small label on this side when I know who is getting it.




 I did quilting with my Westalee ruler set on my Bernina 440.  It allows you to do straight lines and other lines with a little more precision.  I had fun figuring out little ways to enhance the critters and the thistle.


I liked giving Hazel the Hedgehog some spikey hair.


Frances the Firefly just got some curves added to her wings.


I am pleased it is done and think I know where it may go.  That is the really nice part, knowing the quilt will have a lovely wee one to smile at it.   If I hadn't set this goal, I am sure it would not have been done.  Thanks for the encouragement!  This quilt was on my list for OneMonthlyGoal, 2018APQ Resolution and 2018FalQ1.  So great to have it done.  



Linking up:  One Monthly Goal
                     2018FALQ1






Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Block 11 in the I Wish You A Merry QAL

I am so excited!


Picture


It's time for Block 11 in the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-a-Long! I named it simply North Star and I am so pleased to have designed this block.  I was thinking of many more complicated versions, at first, but settled on one that I hope is accessible to quilters of all skill levels. 

I love stars and looking at them at night.  I spend part of my time in Maine and it is amazing the number of stars in the sky on a clear night.  Now, I am not so sure I could have them direct me anywhere, I am much happier using an app with GPS to get me there.

Please enjoy making this star!  I am so looking forward to seeing your interpretations of my design.  I am truly humbled by the amount of people who are working so hard on all these blocks and have followed along for so many weeks on this journey.  You are almost there!!!!



Block 11:  North Star



Instructions for North Star


Without further dithering, here are the instructions.  There are two versions, one for paper piecing and one for using a Tri-Recs™ Ruler.

Please download before printing.  
Also be sure you DO NOT HAVE print to fit checked.  



If you need to purchase a ruler, you can find them at Craftsy (and other places).



Remember, that each of the following bloggers are my hosts and specific hints that will help you and also many fun and different versions of the same block.  It is so gratifying to see the hard work each of these quilters has put into the I Wish You A Merry QAL!  Please visit and see their tips.

Abbie at Sparkle On
Becca at Pretty Piney
Diane at Cwilt
Vanda at Quilt in Piece

Giveaways

There are giveaways for this block too!  Hard to believe that the prizes just keep on coming.



First:  A binding baby, donated by Shari at Doohikey Designs.  Aren't they just the cutest things!

Second:  Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter, one of my friends from the 2017 NewQuiltBloggers group, where we met and conceived this Block Party,  has donated a pdf pattern of your choice.  Jennifer is so supportive of other bloggers; it has been really fun to get to know her in the blogsphere.









How do I enter the Giveway?  

There are three ways to enter, BUT, whichever one you choose must be done by December 4, 2017 at midnight EST.   You do not have to finish every block to enter this giveaway - that's the good news - but you do have to finish the one to be eligible for these prizes and you must upload a picture.

Please upload a photo of your finished block to either:
  1. my Linky Party at An InLinkz Link-up  OR
  2. the Facebook Group I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long   OR
  3. Instagram using #iwishyouamerryqal


Don't forget the grand prize:



There is a fabulous grand prize package (thread, fabric, batting, patterns and more), and if you have been working along, or decide to play catch-up you can win!  We encourage you to finish the top.

You are eligible to win the grand prize if you:
1)  finish your quilt top including all 12 blocks (it does not have to be quilted)
2)  post a picture of your finished quilt.
3)  do both of these thing by 11:59 PM EST January 15, 2018.  


Thank you for joining us in this journey,