Scrappy 60 Degree Hexagons

Adding More Blocks

Last week I played with some scrap blocks built around these 60 degree diamonds on Make It Happen Monday. I was curious if the diamond backgrounds were too busy, and how a solid would change the block. I had a teal print that read more like a solid in my scrap box, and gave it a whirl. I added 4 more blocks, and made some observations how they all worked together.

Exploding a Standard Block Setting

Flower Power Prints
 "Hapi"

The print is a past line named Hapi from Amy Butler. It's been on my design wall for a few weeks while I tried to decide what to do with it. I'm glad I waited.

Make It Happen Monday

My work is play.

I need some color play every day--especially those that the sun won't shine. Some 60 degree diamonds cut 2", and some 1" scrap strips made a few interesting tumbling block variations. I really like the look of the weave in the intersection. I'm not sold on whether they would look better with a solid for the block, or some value changes between the block and strips, but they were fun nonetheless.

How to Piece a 6 Pointed Star from Scraps

Harlequin 
Six Pointed Star Hexie

My last post 60 Degree Shapes talked about experimenting with these blocks, and many of you said this was something on your own bucket lists. It's opened the door to another world of quilts to make, and I thought you might want to join me.

This is a picture heavy post for those of you who need to know before continuing, but you'll know all my tricks from cutting to problem shooting by the end. Shall we do this?

*This tutorial assumes basic sewing techniques of a intermediate sewist.

60 Degree Shapes

Cut from 2.5" Strips

A 60 Degree Play Day

Today was a catch up with laundry and ironing. But when the stack of shirts was done, I switched over to some scraps I keep at the house. I've wanted to play with some shapes to make stars based on 60 degrees angles. Though I've made a 60 degree triangle quilt, I've never pieced with diamonds, and was curious how hard it could be. 

The Lone Star is based on 60 degree diamonds as well as many other vintage quilts I've been itching to make. See, I do have a carrot dangling out in front of me! As soon as those PUPs are done, I have big plans. Well, at least one good one.

Doing the Quilting Shuffle

An Embroidered Beauty

One day early this winter I visited my friend, Irene, and we put our heads together on different ways to finish up some of her numerous 'outstanding' projects. I saw this top across the back of her chair, and asked what she was going to do with it. It was headed for a local longarmer that only did pantographs, she said. Hmm. I thought and I wavered. I was not taking any customer quilts at that time, but I positively could not allow someone to quilt over top of that embroidery either. On the way out the door I told her I was taking it, I was quilting it, and that was that.

AMH Loominous Quilt Finish

Anna Marie Horner Loominous 
Quilt Kit from Craftsy

I've written about the charm of quilt kits from Craftsy in the past, and how they're great to have on hand when you need a quick quilt. The fabric is pulled, the pattern is included, and they mail it to you. (It's like pizza delivery.) I think, "A lot of bang for little effort (and buck) on my part." When this kit went on sale, I snapped it up. I had seen the Loominous line in stores, and it was not your run of the mill quilting fabric. This woven draped more like luxurious chambray with light body, and felt so soft! I knew I would love it next to my cheek when snuggling with a quilt.

Saltwater Jelly Roll Quilt

16 Patch Stars & Diamonds
Full/Queen at 76" x 97"

My goodness, am I glad to have this quilt top together! Whew. Talk about a project going on for-ev-er. This is Tula Pink's Saltwater line, and was the first jelly roll I EVER purchased or worked with!

Yesterday was devoted to cleaning off my work table as I have my monthly group coming in this week. With the ironing surface freshly vacuumed, I pressed all my recently laundered fabrics and backings. I sat to rest when this caught my eye from the Pink Doxies' PUPs table...Pile of Unloved Projects. (Big wink!)

QST Scrap Quilt

A Second Chance Quilt: 
Scrap Blocks and Stash Borders

One of my favorite quilts ever is my 'Chicago, 2007' QST Quilt--Entry for Blogger's Quilt Festival 2015. There is such a good story behind it, and it was the first I ever long arm quilted. While combing my shelves for old projects, I came across a box full of extra blocks I'd made for it. These were too good to waste! These dark winter days needed a charge of happy colors so I set right to it.

3D Groovy Wrapped Star Finish

Wrapped Star

I have been buried deep in books about making 8 pointed stars. Construction methods, math, templates, names, and yes, new quilts I want to make this year! I think I'm in love with these versatile blocks! Technically, my 3D Groovy star is a Wrapped star as it has 4 strips to each star point, and perhaps also because of the 4 patches in the corner. I could not tease out if the pattern would still be called 'wrapped' without those, or if there were variations related to how the colors/values were used. It's nitty-gritty, but good to know.

You can see the first post about this project Star Quilt from Strips: 3D Groovy

Tricks, Tips & Common Sense for No Pin Quilt Borders

Black Tie Affair
Bee Blocks 2016

I can't imagine this pretty, little thing was from 2016 already! Alone on a shelf with no finish in her future. I read the note I had stashed with it, the accompanying fabric, and set to pressing out the wrinkles. Each project that comes out has some story behind why it didn't get finished--some problem I encountered that wasn't easily solved. This gal was lacking fabric for the borders, and some finicky seam work. I had searched high and low in stores and online for that fabric, and it had all disappeared. Until...

Two Not-So-Teeny Texas Braids

A Texas Three Step 

There were several tongue-in-cheek titles I had for this quilt. Texas Three Step because there were really only 3 different pieces in it, and 3 sewing steps for the whole quilt. The other was Crazy Quilt because of the repetition. Now that I'm done, I do appreciate the true vintage braids all the better, though. Will I do it again? No way, but don't let me sway you. You may enjoy it, but I'll say I've crossed this one off my bucket list with a marker.

There is good information on cutting and organizing such an array of fabrics on the first post: A Texas Braid Christmas Quilt

Drunkard's Path & High Water

Drunkard's Path
67" x 89.5"

These blocks were found in a little store miles out in the country, tucked into a basket under piles of other vintage textiles. You must dig for buried treasure, you know. They came home with me, were carefully washed and pressed, and sat in another box for about two years. As I systematically pull out unfinished projects, they have been brought to life.

Read A Sweetheart of a Quilt to see the original condition the blocks were in when I started, and how I trimmed them.

Roman Stripe Improv Art Quilt Finish

Roman Stripe: Variation I

I laughed a little when I typed the name above. Variation I. I wrote I because there is already a II in the works. I need this kind of work in my life to balance me. It makes me whole. This play on a traditional pattern that I would call an art quilt. Very traditional scraps spun into something that begged for stitching. Stitching that took on a life of its own. My fingers knew. My head did not. 

A Sweetheart of a Quilt

Vintage Drunkard's Path Blocks 
c. 1930-1940


Happy Valentine's Day to YOU!

Is this a big day at your house? Not for us either, if you said no. Our big event today was lunch out after an optometrist's appointment together. I am having problems seeing in the studio, and wanted to make sure nothing was wrong beside normally ageing eyes. Gratefully, everything is up to par, but I simply need more light. It's become a bit of a joke in our house.

How to Create Quilts with Drama

High Contrast Creates Drama

I have quilter friends who never want their quilts to be the center of attention. They carefully choose a few colors to blend well, and avoid large prints at all costs. Their quilts are calming, and quite beautiful. They look at some of my work, and all they can say is, "I would never do that." Folks, let's not tell them I have happily painted whole rooms both Tupelo green and bubble gum pink. I think you either love dramatic design or it scares the britches off you. 

Give Me a New Name for Hurricane Stars

 Hurricane Stars a.k.a. Insomnia Block

This top is done. I worked steadily on the sashing and connecting 9 patches Wednesday afternoon, and started back early Thursday a.m. Around 2 p.m. I had sewn on the last corner. Big quilts can take a long time to sew together. This was the first time my design wall had been empty since October, and I was reluctant to put it back up even for pictures. 

Busy, Busy Design Wall!

Cutesy Pie: Quilt No. 5

I'm wondering if this post should have a subtitle of, "How Quilters Survive Winter" Do you have time for a brief catch up? I need a cup of coffee, and a little break from these past busy days. I can't believe it's Wednesday already, and more snow is on its way. We are winter weary here in Ohio. Not just from snow, but from flu, colds, and all the miscellaneous viruses we've been fighting. Sewing group was cancelled again for the month because many are recovering, but I still did a good clean up and reorganization in the studio. The tables even got washed down and disinfected. 

3 Baby Quilt Finishes

So Close to the End of this Love Affair

I adored this fabric when I first saw it so I bought enough. I purchased 1/2 to 1 yard of most fabrics in the line knowing there would be enough for twin baby quilts last summer. (Seriously, how well do you estimate yardage when you're not sure what you're doing with it?)

Ice Dyed Mandala Flowers Quilt

"Divinity"

The first theme presented by The Endeavourers  is Nature. For two long months, I let the word roll around my brain. Such a broad topic needed narrowing, and so I asked the question, "What mental image do I see for the word nature?" Weather? Mountains? Animals? No, when I close my eyes I see flowers both wild, cultivated, and magical. Newly opened, allowing these eyes the first glimpse of  seductive blooms--never ceasing to amaze me with spectacular color and detail beyond the imagination of the greatest artist. And no matter how I pose the question, "Who could dream so vividly?," I am brought back to a divine creator. Therefore, I've titled this piece, "Divinity."