Stripey Lonestar Quilt Block Tutorial

Good morning. Here is the latest block for the Series. I’m quite smitten with this one. Click the above photo to be taken to the tutorial document. I think it fits in with the quilt really well–I’m still on the fence about the Dresden Plate Block. I wonder if I should redo it more like this one, to make it mesh better with the “scrappy” feel of the quilt?

Here is the progress so far. What do you think?

Postage Stamp Quilt Block Tutorial.

This week’s block is so easy peasy. I chose to do one inch “stamps” but to save time, you’re welcome to do two inch “stamps.” There is more info in the document.
Next week’s block is going to be a bit more complicated. Think stars and stripes—wait, don’t do that, that’ll make you think of the American flag. Think more stripey star. *wink*

Flying Geese Block Tutorial.

Sorry this took so long to get up again this week. Here it is, the next block: Flying Geese. (If you’re new to the blog, this is part of the Mini Patchwork Sampler Quilt Tutorial Series I’m working on.)

Dresden Plate Quilt Block Tutorial

I guess the third time really is the charm, for the next quilt block for the tutorial series is up! This time it’s for a Dresden Plate block. It’s not technically “mini” but I think it’s small enough and uses up 16 scraps.
It has me thinking though–we might need more block similar to it in the quilt or else it’ll look out of place, don’t you think? Any suggestions? I’m thinking a Mariner’s Compass or some kind of Starburst block.
Here is how the quilt is looking so far:

Mini Log Cabin Block Tutorial.

Sorry this is up so late. I was working on a Dresden Plate block for the next tutorial in the series, but it didn’t turn out right. I tried it again but still with no luck. Third time may be the charm, so maybe you’ll see it next week. As for now: when in doubt, log cabin. Every sampler quilt needs a log cabin, right?
I’ve decided to do my block super-mini*, but I’m aware normal people, unlike me, do things like sleep and have a social life, so I’ve shared measurements for a little less time consuming regular-mini block as well. It’ll be four 6” blocks comprising a 12” block. (Mine—and yours if you are so inclined—will be sixteen 3” blocks making up a 12” block.) There is more info in the tutorial document.
*I’m still trying really hard to use up all those really tiny scraps that I’m overwhelmed with but can’t bear to throw out.

Mini String Block Tutorial

(Click the image above to be taken to the tutorial.)
I originally planned this block for last week, but I figured, after all the really tiny patchworking of the Spider Web Block, you’d probably strangle me for doing another really tiny patchworking block. Don’t worry, next week’s is simple. (Once I decide what it’ll be!)

I won’t be blogging tomorrow. So I’ll see you on Friday with my weekly round-up! Those of you in the States, have a grand holiday!

Mini Patchwork Spider Web Block Tutorial.

The next block in the Mini Patchwork Sampler Quilt Series is the Spider Web Block. It’s a fun block and uses some itty bitty scraps. Instead of making a long post here on my blog I’ve decided to whip up a Google document. And you can easily print it if you need to. Just click the photo above to access it!

Mini Patchwork Fence Rail Block Tutorial

The first block we are going to make for the Mini Patchwork Sampler Quilt Tutorial Series is the Fence Rail block. (I originally was wrong in calling it the Rail Fence—though, but before that I was calling it “Kinda Like Our Sidewalk Block” because that is kind of how we laid out our bricks.) Anyways, let’s start this simple, fun block, shall we?

You could make the left/top strip in each three strip square a solid color, like white, then you’d be able to have a zig zag pattern. I didn’t think of that when I pieced this block though. (What can I say? I was so excited to use up my print scraps!) Here is a photo to show you what I mean.

You can also do the strip method, where you sew three 1 1/2″ strips together, then cut them down to 3 1/2″. I did it one at a time because, like I said, I’m trying to use up all those small scraps.

This tutorial creates a traditional 12” block.

Cut a scrap of paper that is 1 1/2” by 3 1/2″ for your template. I like doing it this way because I can hold the template up to the various scraps to see if they are big enough. Pin it to a scrap of fabric and cut out.

Repeat 11 more times and lay out as seen.

Stitch two of them together, along the long side, with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Press seam allowance open.

Stitch the third piece to the previous pieces.

Repeat for the other three squares as seen.

Stitch the top two together then the bottom two together.

Now, stitch the top and bottom together.

Repeat these steps three more times so you have four squares total, as seen.

Now stitch the top pieces together, then the bottom pieces.

Finally stitch the top and bottom pieces together. And voila, you have your very first block and managed to use up 48 itty bitty scraps.

Any questions? Let me know!

Craft Book Challenge Catch-Up: April and May

Even though I was gone from my blog for over a month in May, I still kept up with the CBC! It’s a BIG project, so I’m counting this as April *and* May’s CBC project. It took me all of April and little of May. It’s the calico quilt I mentioned in passing a while back!

I used the Picnic Quilt pattern in Sewing Bits and Pieces. It was plenty easy-peasy—with a full size template in the back of the book for the scallop shape. I didn’t machine stitch anything but the front of the binding. Instead I pieced and quilted in one go.

I’m excited that all but two of the scallops are secondhand/vintage prints that I had in my stash. (The new/designer print is Denyse Schmidt’s Wallflower print, but even then, it’s been in my stash for a while.)

It’s about 5’ by 7’. I call it my nap quilt. It’s the perfect length to tuck under my feet and wrap around my shoulders when I stretch out my long frame for a quick siesta. The batting is Warm & Natural and the back is a secondhand blue floral print cotton.

(I’m posting this from my brand new laptop–a Sony Vaio for those of you who might be interested in knowing. I’m really excited about it, for obvious reasons, but there is a pang of guilt in me considering the challenge I embarked on starting in June. I’ll be blogging more about the challenge soon, but for the sake of clarification, I’ll sum it up now so you know why I feel the way I do: I challenged myself to try not to buy anything new for a whole year! Again, I’ll go into more detail about it all, maybe tomorrow. I’ve been researching and hunting for a used or refurbished laptop since about January, but in the end it was cheaper for me to just get one new.)

Fourth.

This is the fourth 4′ by 4′ quilt-as-you-go log cabin quilt I’ve made. Hope you folks aren’t sick of seeing them!
I’ve been quilting maniac lately. I have another completed to share in the coming days. And one I’m doing completely by hand. And another machine quilted one. And I have dreams of making one like this. And one like this. And so many more quilt ideas swirling around in my head!