Black Tie Affair!!!!!

Yippee!  It is finally released to quilt shops near you.  Black Tie Affair by BasicGrey for Moda.

I started this quilt for myself using a fat quarter pack of Black Tie and a couple of metres of an accent fabric from Zen Chic Paper.  Part way through the construction my arm was twisted just a bit, and I agreed to let it go off to a new home.  I'm hoping to make another one for myself.

I kept the quilting fairly simple, so the fabric could really shine through.

A friend asked for a tutorial on making the block, so here goes.

From the main fabric cut a 6 1/2" square, four 4 1/2" x 2 1/2", four 5 1/2" x 2 1/2" and four 7 1/2" x 2 1/2" pieces.  From the accent fabric cut four 3 1/2" x 2 1/2", four 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" and four 5 1/2" x 2 1/2" pieces.  I was using a directional fabric, so I took a little more time cutting my pieces.

Add 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" accent pieces to two 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" main fabric piece using the connector corner method.  Trim out the extra fabric.

Add  5 1/2" x 2 1/2" accent pieces to the other two 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" main fabric pieces using the same method.

Add the 5 1/2" x 2 1/2" main fabric pieces to two of the 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" accent pieces using connector corners as shown.  Add the 7 1/2" x 2 1/2" main fabric pieces to the last two 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" accent pieces.

Lay all the pieces out as show.

Piece your block together and enjoy!

Linking up with Finish it up Friday.

Just Because

On January 1st I decided I needed to make a project, just because I could.  I get so busy making projects for others, I neglect my own sewing.

This Chevron quilt was the result of a little selfish sewing.

Start with forty 2 1/2" strips of "Me + You" batik by Hoffman (or any other fabric you like.)  Set eight aside for the binding.  I found a little over two metres of background that looked like it would work. Cut the background into assorted strips ranging in size from 1 1/2" to 4" wide.  I didn't want to match seams so this was my solution.

Piece a background strip to each of the original 2 1/2" wide strips. Cut half right side up, half right side down, so that mirror image blocks are created.  Line the 60 degree line on the ruler up on the edge of the strip, cut six inch wedges.

Half leaning one way, half leaning the other.  if you don't have enough at the end of the strip for a complete wedge, save it to fit in at the top or bottom of strip segments.

Sew the wedges that are leaning the same way into long sets as shown below.  Overlap the segments at the 1/4" mark when sewing together so that you get a straight edge.

Press the seams however you want.  Remember, nothing has to match.

Fit the partial blocks in at the top of the sets, where they will be trimmed to a straight edge.

Make five pairs of sets, trimming each pair at the top. The length doesn't matter.  Just keep adding to each set till you run out of fabric.  Sew the five pairs together and trim the bottom edge.

I quilted this one with a variegated thread mimicking the chevron with a wavy line.

Linking up with Finish It up Friday!

Dog Gone Cute

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope you are all off to a great start this year.

My last Christmas finish was this pillow.  The resemblance to Blanche was intentional.  Blanche tolerated a quick photo shoot.  You can see the indignation in her eyes.  There is obviously room for only one dog on her bed.

This picture shows the colours a little clearer.  The pattern is from the Free Dog Gone Cute quilt-along.  Click here to check it out.  While you are on the page, check out some of the patterns.  Amazing!  I just might have bought one recently.

I've been keeping busy quilting.  Working my way through the quilts that have been waiting a little too long.

I love Geraldine's colour choice on this one.  A chocolate brown background makes this quilt.

I'm trying something a little new for me today.  I know it looks familiar, but I'm trying to make feathers using the bump method.  I've struggled in the past with this technique.  I'm hoping by the time I finish this quilt I will have the rhythm down.

Linking up with Finish it up Friday!

Countdown to Christmas

Are you on countdown to Christmas?  This is the last quilt I have to finish on my countdown list.  The fabric is New Nordic by Stof.  I love the rubber boots, pigs, ducks and assorted other cute fabrics.  My youngest granddaughter doesn't have a quilt to use at my house, that is all hers.  Last time she spent the night with her sister, she was quite put out that her sister had a quilt, and she didn't.  Well, as any good Grandma should, I'm remedying the situation.

A quick quilting with paisley hearts, and it is ready to go.

I finished quilting this sweet little quilt for Sylvia.

And this adorable little bear quilt for Marilyn.  I have a few more quilts I would like to finish this year, but.....

Linking up with Finish it up Friday!

A Fabulous Week!

And what makes it so fabulous?  Well, family, friends and of course, a little fun!

First up, I did finish a small project this week.

This is a "Necessary Clutch Wallet" by Jangle MacKay of Emma line bag.  The fabric is "Once Upon a Chicken" by MaryJane for Moda.  I love everything about this Clutch!

I quilted this Lone Star quilt for a friend that had taken my class.

I had the perfect King Tut thread colour to use.  Made my day!!!!

Even a little mechanic work on my Longarm couldn't get me down!

Grandkids were the name of the game this week.  Two of them spent a night on the weekend, so Doug and I had lots of time to spoil them.  Then Wednesday was Christmas concert day for two other Grandchildren.  It is so much fun watching their enthusiastic singing.

I even made the Postie walk this week.  The temperature was +8 C and the sun was shining.  I couldn't resist.  We walked along the sandy shore of the river.  Of course on the way back, a tasting of craft beer was in order.  Lots of snacks were eaten by all.  A fabulous day with friends.

My hope is that you had a great week as well!

Linking up with Finish It Up Friday.

Cotton + Steel Fall 2015

The variety of fabrics offered by Cotton + Steel is incredible.  Each release is a tasty treasure.

This quilt is made from the "Bluebird" fat quarter pack that followed me home!

I wanted a simple block that really showed the fabrics.  Circle in a circle quilting was used to soften the squares a little.

Next up was this fun little quilt made from a variety of fabrics from the fall 2015 release.

I forgot to take a picture before it went on the road with the Trend-Tex sales rep, so she graciously sent me a picture.  The pattern is from a quilt that a friend gave me to quilt for her.  A great way to use up larger scraps, or show off fabric.

Linking up with Finish it up Friday!

Jol by Wenche Wolff Hatling for Moda Fabrics

One of the fabrics that came home from market with me was Jol.  Wenche Wolff Hattling is a new designer for Moda and her first line is a christmas line.

Click here for a youtube video introducing the line.

For me, it's all about the quilting.  I had great fun with this one.

My inspiration came from this quilt that a group of us made at retreat as a community quilt.

A great pattern idea for showing off a variety of fabrics.

Last weekend was my Wonky Houses class at Katja's.  Do you think they had enough fabric to pick from?  Donna's Three Dimension chicken coop was adorable.   Everyone had a fabulous time playing in the class.  Thanks to all the ladies who came!

I've even found a little time to work on one of my quilts.  This quilt uses Aria by Kate Spain and Paper and Ink by Zen Chic.  More pics to come when it is bound!

Linking up with Finish it up Friday!