Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night!
"Quilters touch the past and the future. "
Greetings Quilter - Last week we hosted an Eavesdrop on a Telephone Conversation with Sue and Mim from Whims Watercolor Quilt Kits. These amazing kits enable you to make beautiful watercolor quilts without all of the confusion of choosing the right fabric and knowing where to place each square in your block or quilt. For those who are new, our Eavesdrop on a Telephone Conversation allows you to listen in on an interview and then ask a question you have of the quilter. You'll find more information below. If you missed the call, you can order a CD recording and listen in whenever you want.
The Fat Quarter Quilt The Fat Quarter Quilt is now completely quilted and ready for binding. There is a significant amount of meandering-type quilting in this quilt, mostly because it ends up looking fairly good. The borders ended up being a little more interesting in that there are two different quilting designs. On the part that is next to the center of the quilt, I did meandering stitches. Then the lavendar pieces have no quilting, and on the darker purple side, I quilted about 1/4 inch away from the lavendar. I am preparing the quilt for the stuffed binding, and will use a double fold bias binding and then trim the batting and backing so it can be folded over inside the binding. Fortunately the quilting on the border leaves enough space to trim each layer of the outside of the quilt separately. That wasn't exactly planned, but has turned out to be quite a benefit. By next week, the quilt will be finished, and I will be ready to start on a new project.
Our new project will be a Stack'n'Whack quilt using Layer Cake fabric squares. I stopped by Rosie's last week and picked up a package of fabric for this project. I will be doing this as a "live" project in www.TheQuiltingCoach.com, and members will get all of the instruction, including video, for free. If you aren't already a member, now is the time to join and get in on this fun project. If you are interested in getting the fabric packages, Rosie has only 6 left in the shop. You can contact her directly and have one shipped to you: rozgonzalez@cox.net Often I will create a challenge for myself as I make a quilt. Sometimes it is the specific block I am using in the quilt. Other times it is a particular technique - like machine quilting. This time, I decided that in addition to doing a Stack'n'Whack quilt, I would use Layer Cake fabric in colors that I normally don't work with. I love the challenge of the Stack'n'Whack, and would encourage you to join me in that endeavor. Regarding the color of the fabrics, if I were you, I'd choose a packet in a color you like, otherwise it may be very difficult to finish, as I have discovered through experience. Rosie has several to choose from, so don't feel like you need to use the same fabric selection that I am using. This project is slated to begin the first week in November, so you certainly have time to get your collection of fabrics together. If you want to use fabric from you stash, that will work as well. Layer Cakes have 40-42 squares of fabric that are 10 inches. Start choosing and cutting! I'll have more information next week. Trust me, this will be a quilt that any level quilter can make - from beginner to more advanced. Should be fun!
Until later - - - Happy Quilting!
For all past newsletters, visit: 2009 How to Quilt Newsletters Sewing Strips of Fabric Together
When I am sewing several strips together to create a "new" fabric, I sew two pieces of fabric together, and then sew the pairs together, continuing to sew the new units together until I get the piece of fabric the size I want. I also alternate sewing from top to bottom and then from bottom to top. It may be a bit tricky if your strips are not all the same length. You can easily trim them to be the same length. Once you have "new" fabric, you can cut it into strips and sew those strips together to create an even more unique look to your fabric.
Eavesdrop on a Telephone Conversation - Whims Watercolor Quilt Kits
I've always been intrigued by watercolor quilts, but haven't ever had the courage to make one. They just look so complicated. There are a gazillion different little pieces, and how do you know where to put each square? I think watercolor quilts always look great when they are someone else's. The thing is that the "someone else" always says "They are so easy and fun!" But, I still think they look like they will take a lot of time and after it is all put together, I am afraid that I will look at it and throw it away because it looks really crummy. But, recently at the San Diego Quilt Show, I passed a booth with watercolor quilt kits. Little did I know how easy making a watercolor quilt could be! If you missed this call, you can order a CD recording of the call. Click here to get more information about Whims Watercolor Quilt Kits.
Quilter Wendy's Watercolor Quilt Last week when I mentioned that Sue and Mim would be interviewed during our Eavesdrop on a Telephone Conversation, Quilter Wendy sent in a picture of a quilt she made using one of their Watercolor Quilt Kits. And she said that they were easy, easy! Quilter Wendy is a kitty-lover, so this quilt is perfect! I made only one block using the Whims Watercolor Quilt Kit, and I can assure you that they are very easy. It took about 2 hours from start to finish to complete my block, and I had no clue what I was donig when I began.
A Quilt Idea – Trick or Treat at the Haunted House
Are you ready for Halloween? This quilt is so easy to make, it can be ready to adorn your house in time for Halloween – easy! I was never one for a sampler quilt. It seemed kind of boring to me to make one of each of a different block, just for the sake of making different blocks to practice or learn a quilting skill. Then along came one Halloween. And this quilt developed. It didn’t start out being a sampler, but simply a quilt with blocks that had a Halloween theme. It tuned into a great quilting lesson – in addition to a fun Halloween quilt. This quilt includes 4 patch and 9 patch blocks, made in the size that was the best for each block. For example, the 4 patch blocks are 8 inches square, and the 9 patch blocks are 9 inches square. Then, of course, there is the difference in size between blocks that is caused just by sewing the blocks. To make all of these blocks fit together, I decided to make it look like an Attic Windows quilt, and all it Trick or Treat at the Haunted House – since each of the windows is a slightly difference size. Then add a candy corn border – easy to make as well – and your Halloween quilt is ready to go. This quilt still needs a backing and quilting, but is still great at a Halloween decoration. You can get the pattern with step-by-step instructions - Trick or Treat at the Haunted House
Postcard Quilts for the Troops – Thanksgiving Roundup!
We are sliding into a season that is busy for everyone, especially quilters. It seems as the holidays wind closer, we have more projects we intend to complete to give as gifts, home décor, or to help share our love for our craft. Please make time during this busy season to quilt a postcard to contribute to Penny’s Postcard Posse this fall. There are many service members who are away from their families, working in our military branches to keep our country safe. They will be away from their families this season so we can enjoy time at home with our own. As they and their families make this sacrifice for our country, let’s join forces to show our appreciation in a special way. Postcards for Thanksgiving are due by October 23. We will send our batch of quilted postcards to reach them in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. If you have never made a quilted postcard before, there isn’t a better time or reason to start! You can find size information and other details, along with quilted postcard ideas at http://www.fabric-postcards.com/. Many traditional quilt patterns can be transferred to a postcard quilt pattern easily. Applique postcards are also a nice touch.Use traditional pattern or design your own. Please write a note to our service members on the back side. They appreciate a word of encouragement and thanks from home and we appreciate your help in our effort. This is a great holiday for fabric postcards. You can create some cards quickly and get them on their way to Diane before the Christmas rush begins. You'll find the Turkey in the Straw fabric postcard pattern along with other free quilt patterns when you visit: www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com Send your cards to: Diane Malaznik Diane will send a box of our postcards to be distributed to soldiers on Halloween. Remember, if you have sent a postcard already, you can see pictures of it at www.Fabric-Postcards.com. And, as always, free postcard patterns are available at www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com. Make your holiday card list to see how many you will need to create, then have fun with the free patterns at www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com. Be sure to make a few extras to send as last minute gifts or just to be a step ahead for next year! Fabric postcards are also a very special way to say “thank you” for the holiday gifts you receive.
Featured Block in Video Moon and Star Quilt Block
This Moon and Star quilt block is pretty easy to sew. I have machine appliqued the circle in the center of the block, and will add some trapunto. Check your newsletter tomorrow for more information about how trapunto works and a nifty tool I found to help put the stuffing in. Get a free download of this quilt block pattern at www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com and check out the other patterns there, too! Our Trick or Treat at the Haunted House quilt pattern includes step-by-step instructions, and is available only during the month of October.
Enjoy!
October Quilt Block Patterns The October selection of free quilt block patterns includes
Click here to download your October FREE quilt block patterns |
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