Happy 4th of July!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

This week bas been crazy busy and to be honest I didn't think I would have anything to show today. I did manage to rephotograph some quilts and get up to date on my Etsy account. At least one thing got crossed off my summer to do list!

My poor patriotic quilt didn't become so patriotic this year. I cut the fabric on Monday then frantically found time to get at least the blocks done. Here are the cut stacks ready to make their way through the sewing machine.

Needless to say I got the blocks finished, not so bad for a weeks work. Maybe by next week I can show you a Happy 14th of July this quilt? Maybe ... 

I love everything red, white, and blue and this quilt might become one of my favorites! What is everyone else up to on this day off (for my American friends!)?  I am off to order some backing for this one :) 

Sew long for now, 

Patch & Chels

  

Road to ... Oh Damn!

First week of summer vacation!! Although, in my head I had grand plans of being a couch potato that wasn't the case.  For some reason, it's just not in me to sit around all day. I didn't make any progress on my modern maples quilt, those blocks are still laid out on the floor awaiting their turn.

Today I finished a project from forever ago (ok, forever as in 2 months ago).  The pattern is really called, Road to ... Oh Damn the link to the pattern is included if you would like to see how it's done :)  I didn't make any mistakes (that I know of!) This was all part of my de-scrap goal from April.  After the Jelly Roll Race quilt, I pulled material for 2 more quilts, one is still just a flimsy finish.  Here are some images of the top so far.

A little confession time: now I am up to 7 quilts that need to be basted, and 20 projects going on simultaneously! Guess we already know what my summer plans will include, getting these WIPs finished and/or under control!  All these projects are making my head spin.

Anyone else have plans this summer? Quilt plans? Vacation plans? Let's hear them! 

Sew long for now, 

Patch & Chels

Traveling Chalkboard

Many people have commented on how I photographed all my Farmer's Wife blocks using a little chalkboard.  I completed my blocks a couple of weeks ago, and decided to pass along the chalkboard for some inspiration/motivation to others who are working on, or starting their FWQB.

Here is the concept, each person will get the chalkboard for a month before sending it along to another blogger.  We will all be linking to one another so you can follow the chalkboard's journey.  How cool, I think my chalkboard might get to more states than me!  You can also follow the chalkboard through our flickr group, named the Traveling Chalkboard.

First stop is Stephanie at Late Night Quilter.  She is working on some beautiful FWQB using many of my favorite prints from Happy - Go - Lucky, just wait until you see them!  They are so great, makes me rethink my color palette.  Stephanie is also coordinating the Supernova Friendship Block Swap.  There is a link to the flickr group.  This block is fascinating.  I have been snooping to see the color combinations people have chosen.  If only I could take on one more project! 

Stephanie also has started the Late Night Quilters Club.  (I hope you're in awe right now of how much she is doing!)   Not sure if any of my readers tend to find themselves at the sewing machine late at night trying to finish up a project this is the group for us.  Yes us, I did join because let's face it, working a full time job leaves me no other option!  The best part is, the group is on Facebook.  You don't even have to be a blogger to join!  Plus, isn't this banner super cute?  

As for now, the chalkboard is in the custody of the United States Postal Office headed to it's new destination.  Stephanie should be receiving the package shortly or already!  Follow along at Late Night Quilter to see what happens next!  (The suspense is already killing me!)

As for progress on my own FWQB not much is happening.   All the blocks did get squared to the correct size, but that is about it. Right now all I can show is this pile of trimmings.  Hopefully, soon I will have a second to sew the sashing and blocks together.  Although, I am in no rush either.

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts and Fort Worth Fabric Studio. 

Sew long for now, 

PATCH & CHELS

True Blue ... and A Lot of Pink

A while ago I pulled a bunch of pink charm squares out my scrap bin to start working on a couple projects.  The goal here was to deplete my growing scrap box.  Not sure I really made that big of dent, or one at all after pulling fabric for two different quilts.  So far I have only been able to get the True Blue top completed, although it's more like True Pink!

Once the blocks were laid out I decided that order doesn't matter.  Usually I  control everything about the quilts layout.  I just divided everything into piles and went to town.  The only time I changed things around when sewing was if two of the same pattern touched.  This definitely sped up the process!  Each block finishes at 12 inches square, and the quilt is 5 blocks by 5 blocks or 60 inches by 60 inches, approximately.

Top finished.  Just waiting to get basted.  So far so good :).

The folded fabric will be the backing, and strips will become binding.  I also pieced three too many blocks, so there will also be some orphan blocks on the back side.  I really dislike having orphan blocks laying around.  After the work to put them together, I can never bring myself to toss them out. Then I have these guilt quilt blocks with no project.  Personally I like a pieced background, I can put in any extra blocks or use up fabric I purchased for a specific quilt, and can never picture myself using again.  For me it's a win win.  What are your preferences on backing?  Orphan blocks?

Public Service Announcement: tomorrow is Mother's Day!!  Love you MOM.

Sew long for now, 

PATCH & CHELS

Happy Easter!

Finally spring has sprung around here!  Its been so crummy out that I have been unable to get these tops photographed for weeks now!  Yard work is getting done and the sun is shinning, totally enjoying this beautiful Easter day.  

Two of these quilts are to help cut back on my scraps.  They are the same pattern just different size blocks.  I used the Swell pattern from the book Simply Retro by Camille Roskelley.  The first time, I followed the pattern using 2.5 inch squares from my scrap bin. 

The quilt came together super easy, as the pattern is just a 9 patch of squares.  I had to modify the pattern as I wanted to use up a bunch of 2.5 inch squares that were already cut.  

The second time, I used some some 4 inch squares that I had cut up long ago to make a larger block.  For the background I used a large piece of white print.  I think I liked the scrappy variety of white in the smaller block, but it still came out nice.

My Spell it with Moda also came together.  This one has been laying around for some time waiting to be photographed.  I am happy with my choice to use a wider sashing, although I am still debating if I should put a border or two on the edge?

Spring is in bloom.  After this long winter, it's nice to see flowers and know summer is coming soon.  Just a week until spring vacation!  Now I need to survive so I can sit on the front porch, enjoy a book, and get some sewing done before the end of the year gets crazy.

Sew long for now, 

CHELS

Weathervane Top Done

Yesterday, I was really in the mood for spring.  So I pulled out my Weathervane quilt.  These colors scream spring and everything bright and sunny :)  My goal was to get the top completed.

I ended up going with a little plus sign in the sashing to break up all the white.  It just became too white for my liking.  The border on the outside also helps complete the plus signs.  As a math teacher how could I resist?

Overall it came out just as I had imagined it in my head, I love when that happens!  Now I just need a plan to top quit.  Probably going to go with some simple straight line stitches for this one.

Oh the happiness of this quilt just makes me smile!

Sew long for now, 

CHELS 

Big Block Quilt

A few weeks ago, one of my followers made the comment to create a big block quilt that could be completed in a weekend or a day. How genius is that?  Well I had to chew on the idea for a while as I wanted it be something realistic, but fun.  The easy way out would make a quilt using squares and do some simple straight stitching.  My goal was to create something visually appealing and simple.  This cute little baby quilt finished at 37 inches by 37 inches. 

As I was working through the farmer's wife sampler quilt, I kept thinking how great the 'four winds'  block would look blown up baby quilt size.  The design uses half square triangles and squares, so it is manageable for people of all quilting abilities.  I hope you will join me in this quilt in a day challenge.

Here is the timeline for my day ... 

8:00 am. - Color selection. 

I decided on a white print for the background first then decided on everything from that starting point.  Then I paired a deep purple, an orange, and a green color together to complete my colors.  Here is what you will need for yardage (please don't feel limited to using my color selection, be bold and be daring, try something new).

Materials List: 

Orange - Color A - 0.5 yds

Purple - Color B (Center Print + Backing)- 1.5 yds 

Green - Color C - 0.5 yds

White - Color D (Background + Binding) - 0.75 yds 

2 - DMC # 3801

8:15 am - Cutting.  

Once the colors are selected it's time to cut.  Below is the quantity and size of each block and color.

Cutting Directions:

Orange - Color A - (12) 7 inch squares

Purple - Color B - (4) 7 inch by 7 inch squares 

Green - Color C - (4) 7 inch squares, (4) 6.5 inch squares

White - Color D - (8) 7 inch squares, (4) 6.5 inch squares, (4) 2.5 inch by wof

9:00 am - Set-up.

Start by matching the 7 inch squares into pairs.  These blocks will all become half square triangles.

6 pairs - Color A (Orange) & Color D (White)

4 pairs - Color A (Orange) & Color B (Purple)

2 pairs - Color C (Green) & Color D (White)

2 pairs - Color A (Orange) & Color C (Green)

**You can place the 6.5 inch squares to the side.

Begin by marking each with a pencil line, diagonally from one corner to the other.  This creates a guide line to sew a quarter inch from either side.  

9:15 am - Go time!

First thing, sew along either side of the guide lines for the half square triangles.  Cut the squares diagonally along the guide line.  Press open, for half square triangles I usually press the seam open, but pressing to one side also works.  

Next, trim all the squares to 6.5 inches.  Use the diagonal sew line to help you square the blocks.  

10:00 am  - Assembly + Snack.  

The image below is to help layout your quilt.  Start by putting the rows together. 

Once the rows are together, press the seams in alternating directions.  This will allow them to 'nest' making the next step easier. 

Sew the rows together.  Press the whole quilt.  Once the top is completed, it's time for a snack!  

11:00 am - Basting. 

This is my least favorite part of the process.  Although this quilt is small so it was painless.  

11:30 am - Hand-quilting.

If you would like to use the same method to hand-quilt, check out my tutorial.  I have to admit I am not the fastest at hand-quilting so these times could vary.  Another alternative is to machine quilt and it would also be much faster.  

12:30 pm - Lunch.  

1:00 pm - Back to hand-quilting.

I really like how the back is turning out.  This is an unplanned pleasant surprise!

3:00 pm - Binding.

Start by sewing each of the 2.5 inch strips together.  Press the strip in half.  I use a walking foot to bind on my quilts, but I'm not sure it matters.  

Time to hand stitch the binding.  I usually put on a good show and just relax.  

5:30 pm - Celebrate.

Ta da, this quilt is done!  In total, it took 8.5 hours.  I happened to complete the whole thing in one day, plus time I spent photographing.  This little project could easily be broken into multiple days. 

Phew, this is a long post.  Hope you enjoyed my quilt in a day.  If you also decide to join me, please send along pictures.  I would love to see them!  

Sew long for now, 

CHELS

Churn Dash

Just finished all my churn dash blocks.  These blocks started as 6 inch blocks that were cut into quarters and paired with a solid color.  

I used the tutorial from the Missouri Star Quilt Company.  She used a 10 inch block to start so my scale is smaller.  The directions are very clear and easy to follow.  

More blocks .... 

More blocks ... 

And more blocks ... 

Here is the lot of them finished!

Now I just have to decide how I am going to pair the 7 inch churn dash blocks and the 6 inch original blocks.  

For the backing I decided to use Geekly Chic's yellow glasses.  I used squares of the cream with glasses on the front.  I love the idea of the bold yellow paired with all the colors in the fabric.

Decisions, decisions.

Sew long for now, 

CHELS