Twiggy and Opal: quilt block

Showing posts with label quilt block. Show all posts

Friday, November 3, 2017

Evening Star :: Sparkle & Sass

I feel like I'm totally behind in my blogging lately. My excuse is home improvements. Remodeling. Nightmare. Money pit! For those who have been through remodeling you know what I mean by nightmare! Especially if you own an older home and are trying to update. Our simple goal was to rip out the carpet in the bedrooms and install wood floors. Well, one thing lead to another, that led to another and is still leading to another...Money Pit!

My sewing room has been set up in a small area on my dining room table where I'm able to quilt and finish small projects that have been lingering. One of those is this project 'Evening Star'. An enticing paper pieced block that I've had in my sights for a while now. I saw the block at 'Swim, Bike, Quilt' blog, which was part of a Summer Sampler Series.

Initially I had intended to just make the block. Testing the waters. After deciding on a rainbow theme, my creative spirit took over!

I had just enough white for the background of the star, which will explain why I ended up pulling out my bag of neutral solids for the borders. Normally I mark my fabrics with the color and manufacturer, especially with whites. It still amazes me how different whites can be.

The first border is made of 2 1/2" 45 degree triangles. I could have stopped right there, but darn those scraps! It seemed like the perfect time to use them and do a little improv.

And so it began...the figuring it out as you go, the creative bug, the thrill of using up scraps. I wanted to use little bits of color mixed in with the improv and settled on randomly shaped triangles. It started with small blocks that were roughly 3" square that included a solid color triangle. After I had those finished I made 'filler blocks to add between the squares and extend the border. It took a little finesse, but it worked and was worth it!

At least I think it was worth it! We'll see how the quilting comes together before I start tooting my horn!

The border triangles range in size from 1/4" to 1". Chubby ones, skinny ones, perfectly imperfect triangles.

There are rainbow quilts that call for a whole bunch of rainbow thread! I've done it before and know first hand that changing each color time after time is a pain in the 'bobbin'! Then again I also know that it can be very well worth the headache and time in the end.

This quilt will require my Hera Marker and a big bunch of 50 weight Aurifil thread.

Natural White #2021
Lobster Red #2265
Neon Orange #1104
Canary #2120
Bright Pink #2425
Spring Green #1231
Delft Blue #2730
Jade Green #1148
Medium Lavender #2540

Oh! Let's not forget you have to have a plan! And boy did I have a plan. A long and tedious plan! I won't leave you hanging...I'll leave you with a sneak peek of my very ambitious quilting plans.

Working with one block is a great way to experiment and test a block. You can play with color, add borders, and eventually even practice with the quilting.

Do you make a block for fun? It isn't unusual for us to take our stray blocks and work them into or make them into something else. Were are a clever bunch, don't you think?!

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Monday, June 26, 2017

'ATOMIC BLOOM' Pattern Release

Building confidence has never been my strong suit, and I most likely say it more often than necessary. Writing a pattern for a block or a quilt is a scary venture filled with trepidation. Even so, I'm putting myself on the line! It might even feel like a firing squad! Pretty dramatic don't you think?!

Foundation paper piecing (FPP) has become one of my favorite techniques. As my love for FPP increased, so did my curiosity and desire to design my own blocks and quilts. ‘Atomic Bloom’ is one of those blocks! After refining the design, I settled on what I think is a fun and unique block. It reminds me of the inside of a flower with a funky twist, while others see rocket ships, mushrooms, popsicles or fireworks! A bonus with this block is the ease in which you can go scrappy. With each block made up of four (4) sections, you can easily make each block unique and all your own!

Atomic Bloom Pattern

This drama girl is officially announcing the release of 'Atomic Bloom', a paper pieced block available in three (3) sizes. There are templates for 8", 12" and 16" blocks.

'Atomic Bloom' is now available for purchase in my Craftsy Shop!

You have your 8" block, this mini quilt was featured on Friday in the Patriotic Blog Hop. Red, White & Blue...Patriotic...I'm feeling the celebration!

This 16" mini quilt was the one that started this whole pattern thingy! The original 'Atomic Bloom'. This is a semi scrappy quilt, but I could see taking it at least another step further.

When designing a block, you sometimes get an unexpected surprise with secondary designs.

This is pretty color combination... the 'cool' zone!

Adding a border or sashing surprisingly changed everything about the block. Or it could also be the unusual color palette too! I may have to try this layout and color combination...wheels are turning!

Thank you for letting me 'toot' my horn! I always feel like I need a vacation or a therapy session after completing a pattern! Does it ever get easier?!

✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩

As a reminder, you can still enter my giveaway for a Patriotic fat quarter bundle of Painter's Palette Solids! Just click here to leave a comment: Patriotic Palette Blog Hop & Giveaway!!

LINKING:

Main Crush Monday

Freemotion By The River

Midweek Makers
Let's Bee Social

Needle & Thread

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Round Robin :: Round Three

Ahead of schedule, ahead of the game! I've been trying to clear up, clean up and get caught up with several projects this past week. Including preparing for a couple workshops.
Next weekend our Guild is hosting Latifah Saafir. I am looking forward to meeting and learning from her. We have a Glam Clam workshop, a Bias Tape workshop and of course a lecture and trunk show. I'll most certainly let you know how it goes and share some pictures!

So, because of all the hub-bub going on I needed to finish my Round Robin Round earlier than I normally would.

21" x 21"

This is my starting point, my starting block. Maria's block if a pretty one! An on point 'X' block variation. A little floral, a little solids. Which is good for those of us who love one or the other (or both!).

It appears this block/quilt is going to end up full of color magic! Emily had the round before me and as always she likes to mix it up! It took a while for me to think this one through. But you know how it is when you get an idea and it won't let go...

At first I was trying to find a suitable print that matched in color to the starting block. With my stash, that was not going to happen!

And then I came across these extra HST's from my 'Wanta Fanta' quilt. I saved them knowing full well one day I would use those little extras for something. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to do just that. I love when I can use scraps!

I trimmed each one to a whopping 1 1/2" square and then stitched two together to make a ribbon like block. I'm sure the block actually has a name, but I'm calling it the Ribbon Effect...whether it is or not!

Before the ribbon blocks, I added a 2" white border. I think it will keep it light and airy, plus it will let each round stand out.

Once I figured out the math for the white piece in between each ribbon block (believe me it wasn't easy!), I pieced the strips and added that around all four sides.

And as the final touch, another 2" border. I think it works, I think! So, there you have the madness behind the scenes!

29" x 29" After Round Three

Again, I'm looking forward to the next block to work on and you know...I'll be sharing that one too!

LINKING:

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Round Robin :: Round Two

Ready for another installment of Round Robin? For those who have done these before, should round two be easier? I feel like each round comes with it's own set of worries!

I've had an entire month to figure out the next move,and as always I wait until the last possible moment to get my round done.

16 1/2" x 16 1/2" Starting Size

This is Libby's block. I was sure this was going to be a fun block to play around with. The multicolored dot fabric came with Libby's starting block. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to somehow use it in my round.

I like how Emily added the three flying geese in the first round. The colors pulled straight from the dots.

Whatever will I do!!

Why...add more color of course! I pulled Kona Capri, Moda Lime (I think), Kona Storm and I'll use Kona Snow for the background of my contribution.

These blocks are 2 1/2" unfinished and are the same size as Libby's center block size. It would work perfectly for my idea.

The chevron block was the first block I made. I wanted to add more dark blue, but didn't want to overwhelm the rest of the block.

This is a perfect combination of colors! Lime green is my favorite color and it's also one of the colors in the dot fabric. More colors, more blue, more dots!

24 1/2" x 24 1/2" - After Round Two

Half way through I was getting a festive party vibe and started calling it the 'Party Quilt'!

Libby, I hope you like it!

I'll be handing this off today and also picking up the next round! Round Three!

LINKING:

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Round Robin :: My First

You would think after all this time I would have a Round Robin under my belt by now! I've seen and admired many quilts that have made the rounds, and secretly hoped that one day I would be able to participate in one. Luckily our Guild decided to try it out this year and signing up was voluntary. So, of course I signed up!

Groups of participants are formed, usually 4-6 people. Each person makes a center block and passes it to the next person in the group. That person then adds to the center block. It could be borders or blocks, maybe on one side, perhaps all sides. After that round is finished, it moves to the next person and so forth until it has made it around to every one in the group.

We can specify colors or size, provide fabric, suggest a theme. Or like me...let them 'have at it'! Just have fun!

That being said, here's my center block for the Round Robin. You may recognize those blocks from my Orange and Black paper pieced quilt. I was testing block sizes for the pattern I'm attempting to write.

Since the test blocks were ...test blocks... the background was different on each one! I'm cool with that and it seems to me, it will play well with each round. No one will have to worry about variations of whites, or creams or snow. It won't matter. Neutrals + Scrappy = perfect!

My center block is a rectangle measuring 12 3/4" x 15 1/4". It'll be interesting to see if it stays that way! I used pinks, corals and oranges to kick off the festivities, but left the color choice to the next in line. I hope I don't stress them out with my lack of guidelines!

Look at me! I used prints! I needed a little extra width for my block and a row of geese came to mind. A row of very tiny geese! These actually should be called 'Flying Goslings', they are just little babies! Super cute measuring in at a whopping 2" x 1".

Tomorrow we will pass our blocks to the next in line and I have to say, I'm excited to see what I get to work on!! Suspense!

I'll keep you posted on how this all plays out! Have you done a Round Robin before? Did you recommend colors, themes or fabrics?

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Oh Scrap!

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Trials and Tribulations

This year started just as I had hoped, by releasing a new pattern on Craftsy. For me it was a confidence builder and hope to keep the momentum going.

Usually by this time I would have a nice new beautiful quilt made from start to finish. I have always enjoyed getting that 'first' of the year underway and completed. However, things get derailed, off track, or just plain life happens. I knew going in to the New Year that there was going to be a change in our household. Our 'norm' was going to change.

My baby boy is flying the coop! Yay? Yes and no. It's time he spreads his wings, build a life, see what the world has to offer. I have wanted that for him and expected this day to come. I didn't expect that he would be moving to New York City! Of all people, not him. As much as I've tried to prepare for him moving out, it has been especially hard knowing he will be so far away. He will be with his girlfriend, and I'm thrilled about that.

Through tears of sadness and joy we will take him to the airport today so he can start his new adventure, his new adventure. I'm going to miss him so much, I can't even tell you!

That alone has slowed my quilting to nearly a standstill. Almost! I've been trying to work on my latest design and make slow progress on it.

I designed a paper pieced block and began playing with it. I've always wanted to make an orange something, and decided this was the project for that. The black, well I love how it makes the colors glow. Black I have heard isn't a modern quilt color. I'm not buying into that notion. I happen to love black, so that is what I shall use!

It began with a block. I played with the shape thinking at first that I wanted it more of a 'flying geese' shape. I ended with this instead. I went with the a 3" x 4" block because after all, it's just a test.

I love starting a paper pieced project knowing the size of fabric needed for each section. For me it makes the process easier and faster. After cutting the pieces needed I was able to make the first test batch to play with.

Progress happens pretty fast especially when I trim 1/4" on the next section. I can then align the piece and not have to worry about making sure I have it in the right spot.

Perfect points always make me smile and make the extra work worth every second!

I finished this section and liked it so much I decided to make another batch! You know the point where you love it so much and wish you had made bigger blocks for a bigger quilt? At 3" x 4" I would need a gazillion blocks for something substantial!

Instead this will be all about testing the design and testing the block! It will be a baby quilt or wall hanging. Or a table runner.

I've been playing with layouts. I really like this one. Can you imagine it filled in with black?

Or this one? I'm leaning more towards this one. But one never knows...

Perhaps a table runner? Or should I have it be a quilt with a lot of negative space? Dang! I don't know what to do now!

I think this block needs to be made bigger...that I'm excited about! Maybe it could be a new pattern! What colors would you use?

Being an emotional wreck this week and especially today, I'll not make any decisions right now.

One thing I have to remember my son by today...

He was teasing and mocking me yesterday (which I will miss immensely) , I spun to leave and the door frame jumped out and caught my foot! (damn door!) Talk about instant pain shooting through your body! I'm left with a swollen toe and good bruise. Thank you Taylor...I'll think of you with every step I take! And I love and will miss you dearly!

LINKING:

Needle & Thread

TGIFF

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Star Thistle ~ Cloud 9 New Block Hop

Welcome to the last day of the 2016 Cloud 9 New Block Blog Hop! If you have been following along, you no doubt have seen some amazing blocks! If not, you can check out all the beauties on my Pinterest Board!

A huge thank you to Cloud 9 fabrics for sponsoring this Blog Hop and to Yvonne @Quilting Jet Girl, Cheryl @Meadow Mist Designs and Stephanie @Late Night Quilter. It's always a pleasure to participate in this event and pushing myself to create a new block!

This year I tried something new! Star Thistle is my first paper pieced design! You can get the free download with templates at my newly opened Craftsy store!

Let's get started!

STAR THISTLE
12 1/2" UNFINISHED

Template #	Color	Size	Quantity	Subcut
A 1	Pink	3” x 2”	4
A 2 - A 3	Dark Blue	3” x 3”	4	Cut Diagonal
A 4 - A 5	Light Blue	2 1/2” x 3 1/4”	8
B 1	Dark Blue	6 1/2” x 3”	4
B 2 - B 3	Grey	5 1/2” x 9”	4	Cut Diagonal
C 1	Pink	3" x 3 1/2”	4
C 2 - C 3	Grey	2 1/4” x 4 1/2”	8

Print four (4) copies of the template. (Download template) Using paper scissors, cut around each section about 1/4” from the outside line.

SECTION A - MAKE 4

Using the cutting chart from above, prepare your fabric for piecing.

***If you are using a print fabric, the first piece will be face up on the back of the template, all other pieces will be stitched together right sides together.

Starting with Template A, center A1 fabric on the backside of the A1 section. Using a dab of glue on the first piece is helpful.

Align fabric A2 on fabric A1, 1/4” over the seam line. Holding the template up to a light source helps. Note: a little more than 1/4” is advised. The seam will be trimmed.

Shorten your stitch length, stitch along the line between A1 and A2, back stitching at the point. ***I back stitch at points and inside seams when I paper piece. All other lines are from one side the the other.

Fold the paper back, and trim your seam to 1/4”. Unfold the paper, flip the fabric open and press.

Repeat steps 4, 5, 6 for the A3 section.

Align fabric A4 on A3 fabric, 1/4” over seam line and stitch from one side the the other. Trim and press. Repeat with section A5.

SECTION B - MAKE 4

Center B1 fabric to the backside of the B1 section. Glue in place.

Align fabric B2 on fabric B1, 1/4” over seam. This section is a little tricky! Flip your B2 fabric making sure it covers the template. Pin in place to avoid shifting.

Stitch along the line between B1 and B2, back stitching at the point. Fold the paper back, and trim your seam to 1/4”. Unfold the paper, flip the fabric open and press.

Repeat for section B3

SECTION C - MAKE 4

Center C1 fabric to the backside of the C1 section. Glue in place.

Align fabric C2 on fabric C1, 1/4” over seam. Stitch along the line between C1 and C2, back stitching at the point. Fold the paper back, and trim your seam to 1/4”. Unfold the paper, flip the fabric open and press.

Repeat for section C3.

TRIM FINISHED TEMPLATE SECTIONS

For one (1) block you will need four (4) of each template.

Trim your templates 1/4” from the dark line around all the templates.

Your pieces will look like this. Neat and tidy and ready to assemble!

Join A and B sections, stitch together. The hope is everything fits together perfectly. If you are unsure, stitch along the seam using a longer stitch length. Check alignment and re-stitch using a shorter stitch length.