Galloping Through the Meadow Quilt

I finally finished piecing all of the blocks in my Galloping Through the Meadow quilt. Now I need to square up my blocks and join them.

I started this quilt way back in September at a Lizzy House workshop. I've had it all cut out for well over a month now and it has been on my design wall taunting me to work on it. So this weekend I bit the bullet and pieced all 20 blocks. Once all of the blocks are joined, I will be adding navy panels around the sides to make it large enough for a full sized bed. I've been dreaming of ways to quilt this, maybe some hoof prints will show up!

Today I'm linking up with  A Quilt Story for Fabric Tuesday and Free Motion by the River for Linky Tuesday.

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Block by Block

This is going to sound odd coming from a quilter, but piecing is not my favorite part of quilting. I prefer the design and free-motion quilting parts the best. I piece to see my design and to get something to quilt. This weekend I spent my time piecing guild blocks.

This is my design for a quilt "strip" 9"x 72". Eight others in my guild are also making a "strip". We will put them all together for the MQG/QuiltCon Charity Challenge

Here are some of the elements of my strip

The two blocks below are the last two blocks for my guild's scrap bag/block exchange. Both are enlarged variations from Tula Pink's 100 Modern Quilt Blocks. You can see how to resize a block here.

At this point I'm ready to find something to FMQ! Alas, I have more piecing to do! 

Today I'm linking up with A Quilt Story for Fabric Tuesday and Free Motion by the River for Linky Tuesday.

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Fabric Tuesday

I have been busy the last few weeks, but not much to show for it.

I did get two more guild blocks done. I have been resizing some of Tula Pink's 100 Modern Quilt Blocks from her 6"x 6" to 12"x12". I have to say that so far my resizing tool, that I posted here, has worked like a charm. I showed it to the IMQG yesterday and they seemed to love it. It takes the need to do math away.

I also received the cutest Halloween postcard from my partner at the Rochester Modern Quilt Guild, five little pumpkins. Here is a link to the postcard that I made and sent out.

The Postcard I received

 

Here is a collection of postcards from the IMQG guild meeting.

Today I'm linking up with A Quilt Story for Fabric Tuesday and Free Motion by the River for Linky Tuesday.

Now, I'm off to vote!

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Halloween Postcard

I like a little seasonal fun. The Rochester and Ithaca Modern Quilt Guilds are exchanging quilted postcards for Halloween. I've seen quilted postcards, but I've haven't made one...until now. They're kind of fun to make.

I stitched a spooky Sugar Skull!

I fused a piece of orange fabric on to some Fast2Fuse and then just FMQ the sugar skull. I was just going to fuse a piece of white fabric on the back, but you could see the stitching through it, so I fused a second piece of Fast2Fuse and the white fabric. Then I just stitched around the edge.  I used textile markers to write on the back. I might have to make a few more of these, they are fun and quick.

I will send this little fellow on his way later this week. Gotta make sure he gets there by Halloween.

Today I'm linking up with Anything Goes Monday at Stitch by Stitch and with Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Quilt Block Converter/Resizer

Yesterday I showed the math you need to use to resize a quilt block. Unfortunately, some people (who will remain nameless),don't like math, even if you lay it out with nice formulas. So I put on my thinking cap and came up with a calculator that you just have to enter in the block pieces and it will calculate the new numbers for you. Voila'!



Hopefully this works on all different devices. I got it to work on my android cell phone and on my android tablet (on the tablet I had to switch to full web version, but I didn't have to on my phone). I am interested to know if there are any blocks that this doesn't work, it has worked on the simple ones I have tested, but....there may be exceptions.

Here is a quick look-up to convert fractions to decimals, since my converter needs decimals:
1/8 = .125
1/4 = .25
3/8 = .375
1/2 = .5
5/8 = .625
3/4 = .75
7/8 = .875


Here is another block that I converted from a 6" x 6" finished block to a 12" x 12" block from Tula Pink's 100 Modern Blocks.

Please let me know if this works or doesn't work.

I'm linking up today with Linky Tuesday at Free Motion by the River and Fabric Tuesday at A Quilt Story.

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

How to Resize a Quilt Block

My quilt guild (Ithaca Modern Quilt Guild) is in the middle of a scrap bag/block exchange. Everyone makes up multiple bags of scraps and exchanges it with someone else and they each make the other person a 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" (unfinished) modern block in return. I exchanged with 6 other members, so I have 6 blocks to make. I thought it would be fun to make some of the blocks for Tula Pink's book 100 Modern Quilt Blocks.

This is a wonderful book with lovely modern blocks. The only problem is that they are 6" finished (6 1/2" unfinished) blocks. A bit too small for me. Sew, I needed to resize the blocks to 12 1/2"x 12 1/2" unfinished block (12" x 12" finished).

WARNING: Math ahead!!!!

Block No. 16 from 100 Modern Blocks. The penciled in numbers are the new sizes for each block component to
make it 12" 12"

This is the formula for resizing any block, making it smaller or larger!

Desired Finished Block Size/Current Finished Block Pattern Size =  Block Multiplier

Example to convert the above block:

Desired Finished block size = 12"
Current Finished block pattern size = 6"

12/6 = 2
Block Multiplier = 2

This is the part that stumps most people, you have to remove the seam allowances on each component of the block because the seam allowance never increases or decreases with a pattern. It is always 1/2" (1/4" on each side).

The first component of the block is 1"x 3 1/2" for the 6" block pattern

1"(dimension) - 1/2" (both seams allowances) = 1/2"
1/2" x 2 (block multiplier) = 1"
add back the 1/2" seam allowance = 1 1/2"

3 1/2" (dimension)- 1/2" (both seam allowances in this dimension) = 3"
3" x 2 = 6"
add back the 1/2" seam allowance = 6 1/2"

The new dimensions for the first piece of this block  = 1 1/2" x 6 1/2"

You will need to do that for each of the pieces of the block.

If you want the whole formula:
((block multiplier) x (current component size dimension - 1/2")) + 1/2"

This block now measures 12 1/2" x 12 1/2"

This also works to make a block smaller.

Example: You would like to make a 12" x 12" finished current pattern sized block into a 9" x 9" desired finished block size.

9/12 = .75 would be your block multiplier. Use the same formula above to convert all of the pieces of the block.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions!

Today I'm linking up with Anything Goes Monday at Stitch by Stitch and with Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Cut To Pieces

I do love fall, the start of serious sewing season. I worked on two different quilts this weekend, my MQG/Michael Miller challenge and my Galloping thru the Meadow quilt. I'm not ready to show you my challenge quilt, it needs some serious changes made...time for the seam ripper! But my Meadow quilt, I'm quite pleased. I have all of the pieces cut and the flower centers pieced. Yippee, skippee!!!

The outer edge is navy, not black! Really hard to take great pictures with it still dark in the morning!

Only the first two blocks are pieced and with the curved pieces the rest will take some time. But so far, I am really pleased with how this quilt is turning out. Love the fabrics and the colors.

Today I'm linking up with Anything Goes Monday at Stitch by Stitch. 

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Galloping Through The Meadow

I'm pretty excited to be moving right along on my Meadow quilt. I haven't been this jazzed about a quilt in a long time. Just the first two blocks are actually sewn together, but just getting all of this cut is quite an accomplishment for me. I'm not a huge fan of cutting.

The background is actually navy, although it looks black in the picture.

The "eyeball" flower petals are in progress.

I think the Cotton and Steel "Mustang" fabric is starting to inspire some quilting ideas. I do love horses. I used to ride a long time ago.

Me on my horse Ielenza about 14 years ago.

Hmmm, makes me want to ride again. I guess I will have to settle for quilting some horse motifs.

Well anyway, here are my stats for my every growing WIP list:
In-process: (6)
Express Your Love
Humphrey's New Bed
Mod Ovals Quilt
Pantone Quilt 2014
IMQG Block Swap
VFW Scrap Fabric Quilt
 
New projects: (1) 
Meadow Quilt

Finished (0)



I'm linking up with  Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday!

 

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Lizzy House's Meadow Quilt

What fun, what fun! I got to take Lizzy House's Meadow Quilt class on Friday. If you don't know who Lizzy House is, she is a fabric designer, among many other talented artistic talents. She also designed a very cool quilt she calls the Meadow.

Isn't this a gorgeous quilt!!!!  I had to learn how to make this quilt and the Rochester MQG was sponsoring the class. Yippee, Skippee!!!

 Lizzy is a wonderful teacher. She kept the class on track and explained so many details.

 She gave us the templates for this quilt with the express understanding that we will not share the pattern in any way. This was just for our use. Since she is not going to sell this quilt pattern, the only way to make a Meadow quilt is to take her class. So if you get the chance, you really need to do it.

 She was even kind enough to pose for pictures.

I got two blocks done in class, but have been working on it this weekend. It's kind of addicting.

Once the rest of the navy fabric around the outside of this is on, it will be the size for a double bed. Don't you love the Cotton and Steel "Mustangs".  Hopefully it will be done the next time my friend Kate comes to visit, she's a horse person. I think she will love to sleep under it.

Any how, today I'm linking up with Anything Goes Monday at Stitch by Stitch.  Marelize mentioned that she's in a bit of a funk lately, so be sure to stop by her blog and give her some cheer. :)

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Another Challenge

I must like challenge, because I signed myself up for another one. Yesterday I received my QuiltCon Michael Miller Challenge fabric. Ugh, pastels! Wasn't the last one pastels too???!!!  Not my thing, but I guess that's what makes it a challenge.

The Rules!

• *UPDATED* Only Cotton Couture fabrics are permitted. (The back and binding may include Michael Miller prints.)
• You don't have to get the free fabric to be involved - all you have to do is use the Michael Miller Spring Cotton Couture line in your quilt!  Below are the colors of the fabrics that will be sent.
  • OPAL
  • BREEZE
  • BLOSSOM
  • SPA
  • SPRING
  • CANDLELIGHT
  • CREAMSICLE
  • SOFTWHITE
• Quilts must be entered here to be considered for the challenge at QuiltCon.
• Quilts will need to follow the general rules of the QuiltCon Quilt Show found here.

Since I don't know of a local quilt shop that sells Michael Miller Cotton Couture, I ordered some additional colors from Hawthorne Threads (well at least they're in Albany, NY).

I picked out Lime


and Marine


You know, the usual suspects! ;)  I needed some contrast!

I have a design in mind, but not sure how I'm going to actually piece it. 

Anyhow, I'm linking up with Free Motion by the River for Linky Tuesday and A Quilt Story for Fabric Tuesday.

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

And Now For Something Completely Different

I should have posted this yesterday for really random Thursday, but this is the first chance I've had to breathe.  I'm at an assessment conference at Drexel University in Philadelphia (for work). Philly is such a cool city to visit. The reception, on Wednesday was at Dinosaur Hall. Pretty cool place.

City Hall is pretty impressive too.

Today is my last day here, back home and a chance to get quilting again. It was a great conference, I'll be back next year.

Color Me Quilty

Pat

Sketchy Doodle Potholder

Last week I made a set of potholders, which has inspired me to make a few up for Christmas presents. Oh yeah, it's that time of year again. I talked to my stepdaughter and asked if she wanted to team up. She's a fabulous  baker. I thought that a set of potholders and a loaf of applesauce cake or zucchini bread would make a lovely gift. She can make the sweet treats and I can make the potholders.

I love to doodle, always have, what a perfect way to inspire some new potholders. For the set this week, I thought I would use some of my hand dyed fabric and do a Zentangled inspired FMQ. Are people that do Zentangles all children of the 60's? Sure feels that way to me ;)

 This weeks potholders were stitched with Aurifil 50wt thread. I used a layer of Insul-Bright and Warm & Natural batting.

I'm linking up with TGIFF, Link-A-Finish Friday, Can I Get a Whoop, Whoop, Finish It Up Friday and FMQ Mavericks


Color Me Quilty!

Pat 

FMQ Potholder Set Completed

Front

back

I like to practice free-motion quilting, so I decided to have a little fun and create a set of  potholders. I might as well make something useful while practicing. I used two layers of batting, the bottom layer of Insul-Bright and a top layer of Warm & Natural. The thread was a variegated King-Tut, Aurifil 50wt bobbin and Aurifil Invisible thread for the binding.

The quilted designs were just free-form feathers with a lot of echos. Then I just trimmed each one to 9"x 9". Lucky for me, I had just enough leftover binding from another project to go around each one.

I didn't have enough binding to make traditional potholder loops, so I just stitched on a bit of gold ribbon. I think it works.

I think I might have to make up several sets for Christmas presents.

For today though, I'm linking up with TGIFF, Link-A-Finish Friday, Can I Get a Whoop, Whoop and Finish It Up Friday


Color Me Quilty!

Pat 

A Little of This, A Little of That...WIP Wednesday

August is sometimes a hard month for me to focus on my quilting. Summer is so short here. But, I did accomplish a few things this week.

I was recently talking to a cousin about making potholders to practice free motion quilting. I realized that I hadn't made any in quite a while and I would love something to play with a little FMQ. Here's one I whipped up last night. I even found some left over binding to use.  I used Insul-Bright and Warm & Natural batting. I trimmed it to 9" x 9".

Front

Back

This is similar to some I made a few years back (click here).

I also started and finished a new purse for myself. I designed it around some cool buttons I got from Joyful Adornments. Click here to see my post on this purse.

I still have a list a mile long, but fall is coming! 

I'm linking up with  Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday!

 

Here are this week's stats:
In-process: (6)
Express Your Love
Humphrey's New Bed
Mod Ovals Quilt
Pantone Quilt 2014
IMQG Block Swap
VFW Scrap Fabric Quilt
 
New projects: (1) 
FMQ Potholders

Finished (1)
Quilty Purse

Color Me Quilty!

Pat