Inspiring HSTs :: Elmer's Glue :: Rainbow

Seems like it's been a minute or two since I took the time to blog!  But here I am and here we go!

When I was writing my 'Sparkle' quilt pattern back in April, not only did I make the actual quilt but I made extra Half Square Triangles to use in the future.  Making HSTs is a process I enjoy from start to finish.  So making lots of them seems to make sense when I'm in that kind of mood.

Then one day as I was scrolling through Instagram, I came across a post by Summer at squats_and_runningstitches for a quilt along she was hosting (#enthropyscrapalong) and I was immediatly inspired!  I grabbed my HSTs, crossed my fingers and went for it.  All the while hoping there would be enough blocks to come up with a pretty little rainbow quilt.

MAGICAL HST RAINBOW
46" x 57"

Happily there were plenty of blocks and colors to make this quilt.  I layed out the blocks in a pleasing to my eye way, but had the constant fear that I wouldn't have enough of the background gray for the solid blocks needed to complete the design.  It was a color that I don't usually have on hand all the time, so it was important to work the design around what I had available.  

It couldn't have turned out any better!  Plus, it used almost all of the HSTs which is a win, win in my book.

When it came time to sandwich the layers together I did something entirely new to me, something I had never heard of actually but decided I was going to try it regardless of the outcome!

I'm a pinner.  It's something that fits my budget unlike the expensive spray basting method.  But when I saw Summer (squats_and_runningstitches) show how she sometimes bastes her quilts I was intrigued, curious and skeptical!  

Have you ever used Elmer's Washable Glue to baste a quilt?!  Could it possibly work?  I'm here to tell you it does!!  (Click HERE to see Summer's Instagram post)

I wish I had taken pictures of the process, but like I said I was skeptical!  If you look closely you can see the drips and splashes of the glue through the top of the quilt.  Summer suggests diluting the glue to 70% glue and 30% water.  I added too much water but even so it still worked.

I taped my backing to the floor, squeezed the glue all over the backing, smoothed the batting, glue again on the batting and smoothed the top to finish it up.  It was pins and needles...fingers crossed the entire time!

My thoughts on this method:

• Don't dilute the glue too much! 
• Be sure you apply the glue all over leaving spaces of 3" to 5" like you would with pins.
• Using this method requires waiting for the glue to dry which takes 10-12 hours.  Or you can use your iron to dry the glue.  If you aren't in a hurry, this is a good method.  
• The glue soaks through the fabric and will get all over your floor!  I had to scrub the floor to remove the glue.  Next time I'll tape plastic on the floor to avoid the mess.
• Using this method requires that you was your quilt afterwards to remove the glue.  This would not be good for show quilts!

I was pleasantly surprised that the layers stayed together throughout the quilting process, but will most certainly add a little more when I'm applying it next time.  Nothing shifted, moved or puckered while I was quilting.  Which could happen when adding diagonal straight lines. 

The quilting is a combination of 1" and 1/2" lines using Aurifil 'Baby Blue Eyes' 40wt variegated thread.  I like the subtle color it added to the entire quilt and especially love the center quilting.   

This quilt was an adventure in so many ways!  Would I have enough HST blocks, am I going to have enough background fabric, will Elmer's glue basting really work???  In the end it all worked out perfectly.  I even bought a couple more bottles of glue to use on future quilts!

Have you ever used washable glue for basting an entire quilt together?  It makes sense that it would work since it works great for matching points and bindings.  

The inspiration to use HST's didn't end here...you know how I am!  One inspiration leads to another and another and so on...

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY

'SPARKLE' PDF :: Pattern Release!

It's been a long time in the making, but the day has finally come!  There has been a lot of indecision, rethinking, tweaking going on behind the scenes, but I think...I think I have all the details and kinks worked out!

'SPARKLE' is ready for release and I couldn't be happier for this day to have finally arrived

  SPARKLE PDF PATTERN 

‘SPARKLE’ is 52" x 65" bold, bright and graphic lap quilt that features half-square triangles with a little bit of attitude!  

This design has been floating around in my head and I’ve made numerous variations throughout the years.  I seem to ‘follow the rainbow’ when picking my colors, but there are unlimited options if you choose to change it up.   

When making HST’s I prefer to use the Two-at-a-Time method which allows me to use a variety of colors.  I also make my HST’s larger than required, and trim each one to the size required.  The measurement given in the cutting instructions allows for trimming without being overly wasteful. 

You will also use the Flip & Stitch method and nesting seams for the accent squares.  To add to the pattern, all instructions are illustrated.

Half Square triangle magic, flip and stitch and nested seams are some of the highlights of this design.  Simple techniques that make precision easier to achieve.

I just about exclusively use solids my most of my designs, but there are so many options available!  

Check out what these ladies did with their quilts!  They not only make beautiful versions of my design, but their attention to detail, feedback and suggestions are invaluable.  I couldn't do it without them! 

CASSIE @sewshequilts4love

ELLYN @ellynz

JEANINE @milesoffabric

MONIKA @monikahaefeli

KIM @quirkykim

The pattern is a PDF download, full of color diagrams, step-by-step directions and is now available for purchase through my Etsy shop:

  SPARKLE PDF PATTERN 

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY

First Project of 2021 :: Rainbow

I'm always itching to start a new project and with the new year upon us I couldn't wait.  I usually have my first (whatever that may be) ready to share practically before the sunrises on January 1st.  I missed that traditional first this year!

I decided that this year should start with a rainbow!  I'm optimistic this year will get back on track in many ways...fingers crossed and bring on color!

There are so many things I love about this project.  Rainbow, circles, scraps and improv!  Not to mention it's a table runner which means a quick finish.  Total satisfaction!

I pulled all my scrap bins out and began with one color at a time.  Before long I had my eight (8) rainbow squares (purple somehow didn't make it into this photo!) that varied in size and shape from 5-6".  

I almost always use the six-minute circle method which means pull out the freezer paper!  The tutorial for this method shows how to make perfectly round circles, I on the other hand wanted something a little more organic for this project.  

After cutting eight (8) freezer paper pieces, I placed the improv block on the the square and traced around the outside.  This became my guide to how big I should make my shapes and insured that I'd have enough seam allowance to pull it off.  I drew the shapes and cut out the centers.

I choose to use Kona black for my background and cut eight (8) 17" x 7" rectangle strips for that.  Once I centered the template I ironed the freezer paper to the background. 

Leaving plenty of wiggle room for the background seam, I cut the center out, clipped the curves and with a washable glue stick I adhered the seam to the freezer paper.  

Once that is finished I glued the improv block to the back.  Once all my blocks were prepped in this way it was then that I removed the freezer paper and started sewing each section.  Reducing stitch length a little and using a zipper foot is a must with smaller circles for me.  That and taking your time! 

 

Pink starts the progression.  Maybe not the typical ROYGBIV standard, but my rainbows require there is pink included!

I can't decided if these shapes are raw precious gems...

...or maybe an Amoeba that has the ability to change its shape?  

Yellow could be an egg.  My son thinks they look like Yoshi eggs!  You have to know your video games to get that reference!

There is a little bit of a challenge when making inset circles using improv.  Inevitably there are thick seams you have to contend with.  It can be done though!

I know in the standard ROYGBIV model the BIV = blue, indigo and violet.  I can't help but switch the blue with aqua/teal, indigo with blue and violet with purple.  

Mine is: PROYGABP!  Pink, red, orange, yellow, green, aqua, blue and purple.  Not as catchy as ROYGBIV is it?! 

I think creative license or artistic freedom is essential.  I use it in my rainbows, much of my quilting and sometimes...in everyday life!

I'm going to ask...are you a rainbow fan?  I know there are some people who aren't and that's okay.  Diversity is always a good thing!

Now I'm off to finish quilting this runner.  Can you say Matchstick?!  It takes a while, it's worth it and thankfully this is only a runner!

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY

Stash Busting :: HRT

I've been enjoying stash busting this year!  I finally got to the point where I need to unload some fabric and the easiest way to do that was to make as many quilts as I can.  Scraps, Feed Sack, Polka Dots, and now I'm getting in the cream of the crop fabric.  Fabric that I still love.  There really isn't any reason it should sit on a shelf for months or even years.  If you love it...why not use it?  That's the million dollar question!

I don't know when exactly it was, but last year I won a bundle of Alison Glass Handcrafted on Instagram.  It's exciting to win a giveaway and even better when it's a fabric line you love.  I knew I'd eventually get around to making a quilt with it in due time.  That time finally came and I couldn't be more excited about it!

A good old Half Rectangle Triangle quilt (HRT)!!  I have made HRT's before, but it was always labor intensive and frankly too much work!  I'm not ashamed to say it... the 'old fashioned' way made me have to think too hard!  Cutting, angles, piecing and trimming, it was too much!   

So, when I saw a post from Cynthia at Quilting is more fun than Housework, where she had made a HRT quilt using the Creative Grids Perfect Rectangle Ruler, I pounced!  Could it be that easy?  The answer is a resounding yes!  

I was able to cut both pieces needed at the same time, choose the size I wanted my block, sew it together with ease and not have to trim or square up my block.  It couldn't be easier!

 

I wanted to get the most out of each print so I made my blocks 3 3/4" x 7" (3 1/4" x 6 1/2" finished).  The background is Moda Pewter.  At first I was a bit hesitant about using grey, but it didn't take long for me to come to terms with the decision and ever so happy that I did!  

Did I mention I didn't have to trim my HST's?!  That's probably part of what made this such a rewarding quilt to make!  

Some of the fabric in the Handcrafted line are large prints like the triangles.  After a little strategic cutting to get the most out of the print part, I also cut HRT's that were just solids.  It gave me more variety and when it came time to layout the blocks it ended up being a good idea. 

As for the layout...when I downsized my space I also had to go with one design wall instead of two.  Thankfully with a little painters tape I could stick the blocks on the sides while I was placing the blocks.  Not ideal, but it works.  

This quilt top ended up having 187 Half Rectangle blocks in it.  17 blocks x 11 blocks, which ended up being roughly 55" x 71".  A good sized for a lap quilt.  

As strategic as I was with cutting, I still had good sized pieces of fabric leftover.  And if you know me...I didn't waste a second on using them up!  I love to use every scrap until they are gone!

  LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY  

Welcome!

I've done very little sewing once again!  I'm itching to get into a large project but the opportunity has yet to present itself!  Instead I decided to built another home...a larger home!  After this one I promise I will not share another one for a long time!

HOME
16" X 16"

I hadn't actually made an 8" block from this pattern, so I decided it was time.  (Heart of the Home Pattern)  After I choose my fabrics and paper pieced the block together I decided to keep going by adding the white and peach borders around the center.

Far be it for me to stop there!!  I considered my options and eventually came up with a few ideas!



Rummaging through my scraps, I came up with enough prints and solids to make 13 hearts.  The hearts are 2 1/4" unfinished and 1 3/4" finished.  They went together very quick! 

I wanted to add the word 'HOME' on the bottom and ended up using a pattern by Quiet Play.  It's Kristy's Geometric Alphabet pattern, except I opted to modify it by using just solids and reducing the letters to fit my vision.

When I made the 8" block I used this bird fabric for the chimney.  Thankfully when I was considering what to add on either side of 'HOME', I discovered I had two birds left that ended up being perfect for the square-in-a-square blocks.



I love when a 'not well' made plan feels like it was a well made plan in the end!



The banner 'Greet the day with a song' came from fabric I've had for ions!  There were several amazing quotes throughout the yardage.  This was the only one I had left that was intact.



It's no secret that one of the perks of making these houses is you get to add special details in the windows.  Because the center block was 8" instead of my usual 4" block,  I could finally use fabric with larger prints!

I mean...the bunny tail...



And who doesn't love a puppy dog who is a chef?!  

In the end quilting is about having fun and I certainly had fun with this quilt!  I should get to quilting it in a day or two!

Unless of course I decide to do more pressure washing!  I love pressure washing and feel it's a perk of being a homeowner!  I'm weird that way!

Our deck was looking pretty disgusting as you can see from this photo.  The deck is huge and I knew it would bring on some aches and pains after it was all said and done.  Even so, I was excited!

 

It's so satisfying to see the end results!  Now if I had deck furniture!  In another couple days when I'm no longer sore I'll pressure wash the driveway!  

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY  

New Year :: New Adventures!

Here we are again!  A New Year,  a new decade and new old ideas!  My goal for the end of 2019 was to finish all of my WIPS.  I am here to say...I did just that!  

While I accomplished that goal I will say that that is about the only goal I manage to complete with ease.  Which is why I don't often burden myself with goals, nor do I make New Year resolutions.  Do you?  More often than not I hear people say they started with a bang and ended soon after!  That's me and I accept that!  That being said, I'm ecstatic that I get to start the new year with new projects! 

One of those is my Stacked Wiggles baby quilt.  It's a total scrap-tastic quilt!  Scraps of prints and neutrals that seem to accumulate year after year.   

BABY STACKED WIGGLES
34" x 45"

This quilt is the baby version of a lap quilt (Stacked Wiggles Lap Quilt) I made just about a year ago.  I was looking for a way to use my stash and create my own design in the process.  Its no secret that quilters have stacks of fabrics, some we love and some we don't.  Scrappy quilts come to the rescue time and time again!  They let us use every print, every color and every size, but mostly they let us do what we love to do...sew!

STACKED WIGGLES LAP QUILT

You might be surprised to learn there are 64 different prints in this small package!   I'm not even kidding!  

The basic idea of this design was to use three different widths of prints and solids.  Basic, without a doubt.  If I can manage to cut my scraps to these three sizes throughout the year. I'd be able to use my scraps and make a lovely quilt at the end of the year.



Everything and the kitchen sink!  After I finished this baby version, I caught my daughter looking at it.  It was so much fun to see her go print by print and say 'that was mine' or 'I remember that one'!  

Which made me think that it could also be documentation of all the prints you used during the year (or two).  Not that I use prints very often!  But if I did, and if I had enough discipline I'd cut a rectangle of every print I used and by years end I could assemble a lovely quilt!



I quilted simple straight lines from top to bottom using a neutral thread.  After that task was done, I thought next time I'm going to use all my 'scrap' thread.  We all have partial spools of thread, right?  May as well use them!

 

What would a scrappy quilt be without a scrappy backing?!  At this point I'll use just about any prints I have on hand and you know what?!  It feels so good!

Welcome 2020!  

I hope all of you have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
LETS BEE SOCIAL ● MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY