Moda Blockheads 3

Hello Everyone,

 

When I saw the start of the Moda Block Heads 3, I knew I had to make one.  I have a half yard bundle of Sarah's Story by Betsy Chutchian just begging to be used.....so I did.  I'm going to make my blocks using only Betsy's fabrics and call it Betsy's Medley since I'll be combining several different lines that Betsy has designed..

 

I had to join in on the fun because I've made this block literally hundreds of times.  I've made four Country Charmer quilts with this block.  This is my most popular pattern of all time and it has been in Keepsake Quilting catalog.

My second most popular pattern is Heritage.....and there is that same block again, this time turned on point.  This quilt has also been in Keepsake Quilting.

I helped my guild make their scholarship quilt, also using this same block and my Heritage pattern.

I include block layout sheets in all of my patterns when there are a lot of pieces.  This will keep you organized.

 

I cut out my fabrics and placed them on the sheet.  I always say, if the piece doesn't fit, you cannot commit to using that piece.  The success of the block begins with exact cutting.

I work my way around the block and stitch as many pieces as I can in one pass around the layout sheet.

When it comes to sewing those little, pesky triangles to the square, I use a corner trimmer and trim the corners at a 90 degree angle.  Then the triangle is ready for stitching.  Also, I turn the unit over, with the triangle against the feed dogs on my machine and stitch.  The stretchy, bias part is then fed in by the feed dogs and not by my fingers that may stretch the unit.

I cut the corners off the next triangle at a 45 degree angle.

When I turn it over and place it on the unit, there's absolutely no guesswork involved.  It fits perfectly.

After I have all of the sections stitched together, I then put the rows together.

Click HERE for a more comprehensive tutorial on my blog that will walk you through the construction of this block.  It's a tutorial I put together several years ago when Country Charmer was a worldwide quilt along.

By clicking HERE you will be directed to the Moda website and find out how you can download the free directions in three different sizes. 

This is one of the fabric lines that I will be using.  It is so gorgeous, and is available in shops now.

So wish me luck keeping up with this program.  It's one more thing on my plate, but it is a delicious part of the plate.

Soon,
Lynn
 

Ribbon Border

Hello Everyone,

 

Today I'm going to show you how to make this ribbon border which will be framing my Peek-a-Boo Pumpkins.

 

I started by making 32 (HST) half-square triangles.  I make my HST eight at a time using an easy method.  You can watch this method by clicking HERE and viewing my video on The Quilt Show. There is a lot of information in my Patchwork Math videos.  To soak it all in, you can watch them over and over again for free!

Now that I've trimmed my HST to the correct size using a Bloc-Loc ruler, I then add another square on top.  This is the process that I use to make Y-squares.  This process is also documented in a video of The Quilt Show.  Click HERE to see how to make Y-squares.  The Y-square is such a versatile quilting component.

I now have 64 Y-squares all trimmed and ready to be turned into a ribbon border.

Ta Da!  The border is coming together nicely, and quickly too.

All of this information is also in my Patchwork Math book which is a wonderful reference to keep by your sewing machine.  The book is available HERE on my Etsy site.  I think I'm going to rename it Quilters Survival Math.  That's all it is, basic math that quilters use on a daily basis.  My book is dog-eared and well used.

All of the fabrics used are called Best of Days from Henry Glass & Co.  I was really looking at the fabrics and saw the words Magical Memories running throughout several of the fabrics.  Some quilting days are magical.  We get to apply our creativity to an empty canvas and make it come alive, and create magical memories.

Mr. Joe stacked a lot of wood by the fire last night so we don't have to go outside in the rain, wind and snow today.  We are going to hunker down and stay cozy while the weather outside is frightful!  I have no place to go, except to my sewing machine, so let it snow!

I love, love, LOVE the fact that I cut down on my lecture, show and workshop schedule.  Now I can spend more time quilting and sharing my ideas with all of you.  An added bonus is that I get to stay home and annoy Mr. Joe on a 24/7 basis!

Soon,
Lynn

#HenryGlassFabrics
#BestofDays
 

Creature Features

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick post this morning to show you my little creature who lives in the pumpkin.  She will soon have eyes and whiskers.

I now have the three pumpkins done.  I'm working on borders that incorporate more of this wonderful Best of Days fabric line by Henry Glass Fabrics.  I'm turning to my Patchwork Math book for border ideas and calculations.

 

My plan is to machine applique the table runner.  I will hand applique the little mice in place.  All of the seams are turned under and ready to go.  I'm not a fan at all of raw edge applique.  My pumpkins are finished, but I do need to add another little mouse or three. 

 

Tonight we are expected to receive 8-12" of snow and more during the day on Thursday.  If the power goes out, our generator will be working overtime to keep me quilting. 

 

Maybe some of you noticed that I am replying directly to your comments in the comment area.  So many comments come from quilters that are "no-reply" status.  If I reply directly to your comment, then I can keep in touch with all of you, and everyone can see my response.  Throughout the day, I will be checking the comment area to see the activity and I'll try to keep up with it.  I don't always receive a notification when comments are posted, so I do not know when comments are left.  This way I can have a running dialog about each post.  Let's give it a try!

 

If you don't hear from me for a few days, just know that I'm probably snowed in.  Our Internet provider usually goes out the minute the flakes start falling.  Those pesky, overhead lines!

 

Soon,

Madam Ambassador

 

#henryglassfabrics

#janetraenesbitt

 #bestofdays