Round Up Week 19: Classes and Lecture

 This past week was really nice and full of quilting inspiration and action!

Thursday was the first of 6 weeks of classes on hand stitching: In the Studio with Lauren.  This time we worked on reverse appliqué, the technique that is used in molas.

Here is my 'half hearted' practice piece...  Back and then front just so you can see the half heart.  The actual homework was to do a spiral shape but this was pretty difficult so I changed it just try the technique out.  It was easier and harder to do that I expected.  I'm hoping to connect more with the other techniques to be covered in the classes. But also think I should complete the heart design someday too.  Perhaps adding more detail or putting different colored fabric to show thru too would be fun.

I sandwiched and finished quilting the little quilt I made from the blocks in the previous class.  She called the class, Log Cabins and Power Bars.

I had to piece together some batting left over from an older project.  Did that just by hand basting the pieces together.

I used a table and did spray basting inside by an open screen door.  First I did the backing to the batting, then flipped it over and then did the top to the batting.

When it comes time for me to do a larger quilt, I will get things in place and then have my helper watch part of this video! http://www.aqsblog.com/how-to-spray-baste-a-quilt or https://youtu.be/dBFAiwmPQBc

It is a small quilt so I was able to do it without taping things down or using many pins.  I just put one in each of the corners of the basted backing to be sure the top would be in the right place, and one in the center. 

The backing material has images of flies used in fishing.  I bought it back when I thought I'd be making quilts for everyone I knew.  This fabric was for my husband's cousin who is a fly fisher.  But after I got the fabric I learned how he was really a professional fly fisher and they moved to Lancaster PA so were getting hand made quilts made there...  And most importantly, I got real on how long it would take me to feel like anything I would make could be a gift.  Anyway I'm glad to finally have a use for the fabric.

For the design, I had wanted to do baptist fans, but decided to go ahead with curvy lines from top to bottom, then from side to side - about three inches apart.  The only marking I did was to find the center and pin a piece of fabric so I would see the center and be sort of even when I was going down the piece. I think doing a curvy quilting pattern will make the straight lines of the blocks stand out.

Here you can see the walking foot vertical lines.  Oh I sewed down the edges before I started, and trimmed the extra batting off and squared of the corners.

The batting had been stored without the directions so I am not sure how far apart to do the stitching.  I decided on 4 inches - so sewed so the widest is three inches. My friend said I needed to add cross lines so I did...

  

  

This quilt is not turning out at all the way I thought it would.  I guess I thought putting the red square in would tie the different fabrics together and make it look like it was more planned.  Guess this is what I get for using scraps.

I attended another wonderful online class thru EBHQ:
Eel Grass and Eddies (Long Layered Curves) with Variations by Marge Tucker 

It was a fun class - I was able to get a good grasp of the technique and got several blocks made.  I used fabric I had left over from the quilt shop run that my DH and I did the day before our son asked us to stay at home (because of the pandemic).  I used most of the fabric for masks, but still had three FQs to use in the class - added some white from my stash.

So for two FQ with color, and two of white I ended up with these....  First I had these longer strips, then I cut them into 6.75 inch blocks.  I didn't think I'd be able to get three colored strips in my blocks so I cut the background wider, and ended up with four strips in two of them.  

I'm pretty pleased with these, even though the new mothers I know do not want pink quilts for their little girls...  I have started to make two more longer strips for more blocks.

Again, this project is going to look more scrappy than all together since I need to use different fabrics to finish it up...

I am going to make some more blocks with different fabrics (as I do not have more of the quilt shop run fabrics), so the quilt will be a little larger.... and more useful to someone...

The Marge Tucker Lecture on Improv and Abstractions in Antique Quilts was a trunk show where she showed an antique quilt and then sometimes showed her modern interpretation of it.  They all had improv piecing.  It was really interesting.  I'm not sure if I'm allowed to publish any of the photos I took, but here is link to her online gallery. http://margetuckerquilts.com/gallery and a link to her online class description page http://margetuckerquilts.com/classes  She also presented the Going in Circles Class, but I only made the waiting list for that class (and didn't get in).

So I still need to finish the binding for the Log Cabin and Power Bar quilt, and finish the little pink quilt, and I want to get up to speed on the Lone Robin quilt - hopefully this coming week I will do all that.

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Not quilting...

I'm doing a terrific job of not doing any paperwork.  So that is still waiting for me to work on and finish up.   Story of my life...

This weekend our son heard a bird hit a window and saw that it was wounded on the ground.  He looked up what to do and ended up taking a towel to pick it up and place inside a box with a cover.  At first he left it outside, but when a hawk came snooping around he brought the box inside to the laundry room.  Soon, he then took it to Project Wildlife with hopes that they would be able to help it recover...

He called Project Wildlife the next day and was told the bird he brought in the box did not make it. He was sad - so were we all.

Then jumping ahead to today (Tuesday) he was standing looking out the window at a bird hopping around in the area where the hawk had been, when all of a sudden a snake started coming up the window! And then when he looked again there was another snake on the table on the other side winding its way thru his tools!

So two California King snake sightings in one day.  It's the first time we have ever seen snakes.

So that is the round up of the previous week including the days in this week since I am late with posting.

Round Up Week 18: Nothing to See Here

 I haven't done any sewing since last week.  I did deliver my signed Christmas Swap blocks to the group - but most everyone was late for the sewing day so I only saw the lady to whom I left my blocks.  The tables were all very nicely set up for sewing - there was a microwave and coffee pot set up in the room too.  I should have taken a photo perhaps - but they always do a nice job of set up.  I'm thinking next month I will attend - but instead of sewing will spend the time cutting fabric to make charity quilt kits.  My Singer needs looking at but my heavy Kenmore is working for me at home.

We went to another park with our little dog last Wednesday.  She enjoyed it more (her tail was up the entire time).  

I have a new schedule for exercise with my trainer - only one day a week until I can get the paperwork for the taxes submitted and more boxes gone thru finally.  Jil put me down to do this until August - but I'm hoping to be back to my three days a week before then. 

Round Up Week 17: Went by Quickly

I wrote my name on all the blocks - will drive them by next weekend.  Found out there is one other person who did not turn her blocks in last month.  These blocks are really lovely and now that I have figured out how to make them, think I will make another quilt with this pattern this year!

In the non-sewing department, I decided to cut back on my exercise sessions until I really get all the boxes gone thru and sorted.  So maybe all summer will just meet for one weekly online session. My trainer/coach said she had other jobs she could do and she would save my time spots for me.  I will continue with the morning walks as Buffy will need a walk and meds anyway so I will be up then for her.

The week just went by though very quickly.  Amazingly quick.

Sunday was Mother's Day and I was treated to a grand meal and special time with family.  Felt really nice that my son had planned such a nice day.

The group wedding gift saga continues.  Some decided everyone should contribute the same amount - regardless of job status, life status, etc. and/or they wanted the amounts noted of each contribution somehow.  So those people have peeled off from the group gift and are I believe sending things or more likely money independently.  My family is still going with the group idea and just with those contributions the gift will be over the original anticipated amount.  We decided since it was a wedding and for a new house that more funds would be reasonable to send.  There is a fee for sending money and having converted to Euros - better to get it in one transaction so more goes to the young couple.  I told the cousin who was looking to sending the funds that we only needed to know if we should send in more, he said we already were putting more in the pot than they were - so all okay with me.  I think it's great to be part of a group gift - and since the wedding is in another country it's better to send cash instead of mailing an item, although that would be nice too...

Round Up Week 16: Pineapple Swap Blocks Done - Except for the Signature!

Time is going either very fast, or very slow.  It can't make up its mind.  Or I can't make up my mind!

I finished sewing and trimming the 20 Christmas Swap blocks.  As the title says, I just need to sign them - and then deliver them.  I hope the group will like the blocks I made for the exchange.

Here they are in my storage box.  Never so full of blocks before!

The corner triangles make a large green square on point when put together.

The block is easy to press so the seams are all flat.

I only need 20 for the swap, but when I cut the center pieces I got 24 of them so decided to make them all into blocks.  The four blocks together actually would be a perfect size for our little dog!

I started putting together my Log Cabin and Power Bar quilt.  It is as I suspected going to be larger than I had wanted it to be.  The class ended this week - we discussed how to do an envelope finish for the quilt, and the next series of classes that will start later in May.  It will be about applique - mostly by hand I think.

Here was the first draft of the layout for my Log Cabin and Power Bar quilt. 

And a more final layout.  I still need to add some strips to make the blocks fit together...

Buffy only needs a quarter of this quilt, and it will be too small to cover us people...  Hmm...

I attended another really nice EBHQ lecture last Monday. Fern Royce's lecture was entitled Making It Up As I Go Along. I wish I had attended her workshops too. Curved Flying Geese, and Working Small.  From the lecture and comments from students who did attend the classes, they sounded right up my alley.

That's it for sewing.

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Not sewing.  Did exercise, walked and chatted.  

Looking forward to zoom wedding in Ireland of cousin's daughter.  Originally we were going to go there to attend the wedding and have fun - but now it's all virtual.  One of my husband's cousin's is organizing a group gift.  She had thought perhaps everyday silverware, I thought perhaps we could go in and pay for a door or front step for the new house they are having built.  But it turns out according to Google a front step would end up being around $6K!  I should have looked that up before making the suggestion.  Tomorrow will call to get things straightened back to the original idea - it was a good one.  Should have kept my fingers quiet and not typed any ideas...  The American cousin organizer is going to have shoulder surgery in the next two weeks (May 17), so I shouldn't have said anything to cost her more time.  I'm planning on making a quilt as a gift just from me - but might be a few years before I get that done...  Also, I'm remembering, need to make an over the shoulder bag in denim for the grandmother.

Added Mon May 3:  Our cousin spoke with the mother of the bride who thought the gift of cash toward something they wanted for the house would be terrific and more preferred than an actual gift.  So we are set to send just about $1000!

Last week, made the meals.  Nothing stands out from last week in that department.  

Cleaned a bit.  Started a new box for Goodwill.

Finished reading Orphan of Asia. Sad ending.  Very sad story actually.  Lots to think about...  I bought the book from a store in the bottom floor of Taipai 101 when we were there for a Mother's Day luncheon with my good friend and her husband.  A day or so before the May 12th earthquake!  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYSgd1XSZXc Even though the damper protects the building, I am sure glad I wasn't there on the day of the earthquake!  Article about Taipai 101.

Listening to The Wedding Quilt - one of the last Elm Street Quilt books.  I thought there would be even more than there are.  Never scrolled down when I went to the page with the list of books in order.  Oh well.  Will find another either long book, or series to listen too next.  It's great now that I'm set up to actually be able to hear books while I work on the house or sew.

Chatting with friend who I went to Italy with in 2009 - a memory photo came up on my phone so I sent to her as way of saying hi.  She wrote back that she had fallen last week and now needed surgery on her wrist.  Happening next Tuesday.

Discovered Masterpieces new series, Atlantic Crossing.  We are starting at episode 6...  Then also found these two series to watch too!  World on Fire and Line of Separation.  All about different time periods and points of view on WWII.  I think I clicked to save future episodes...

Taking next week off from exercise sessions so I can hopefully finish the paperwork and get more things cleared out.

Still feeling tired almost all the time.  

Round Up 15: More progress on pineapple blocks

Writing this on Monday - last week seems a year ago.

Sewing - I've made more progress on the pineapples for the block swap - but not done with them all yet.  For the last block I tried a different way to make the center and I like it alot better.  Instead surrounding the center block with strips and then trying to figure the stitching lines for the next addition, I cut two squares slightly larger than the center square, and cut them in half from point to point - then I pressed in so I could see the center of the triangle and the center of the square - then placed them on top of each other and sewed.  I trimmed the first two sewn down before putting the last two down.  It was they very easy to sew and trim and mark the next sewing line.

For the class I made some half log cabins - and for this week I'm supposed to have the top done.  I doubt that will happen though as I'm still working on the pineapples.

I haven't started on my new Lone Robin.  Want to do that.  So far clues have been points, strips, and curves!

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Not sewing stuff

I made a good chicken pot pie, curried chick pea dish and bought prepared food from Costco.

Very tired - so busy too - but have not finished the bookkeeping for the taxes yet so still have that hanging over me.

Am listening to the Elm Street quilters series.  Now on the Union Quilt - she mentions how the ladies had to do lists.  Could that really be?  Hard to imagine people making lists back then.  I need to check with cousins to see what regiment his relative was in the civil war.

I've made my way thru Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and no Enterprise.  I thought I had seen most of these before, but watching in order I understand things more - and enjoy them more too.

Exercised three times, walked and chatted three times - rest of the time was sewing or thinking about sewing and cooking.

Round Up Week 14: Pineapples!

I spent a bunch of time making pineapple blocks for the Christmas Block Swap.  I wasn't finished in time for the swap, but sent word that I was making progress.  (Didn't promise I'd be done in time for next month, but intend to be done this coming week.)

I made a few test blocks to be sure I could do it, and then set about cutting lots of 2.5 inch strips.  For my block I only needed 2 inch strips, but I thought I needed the extra wiggle room.

I decided to use the focus fabric in the center, cutting that 3.5 inches square.

For the dark color, I decided to use the dark green I had acquired at the quilt shop fire sale years ago.

For the light colors, I used the white on whites I collected on the cross country driving trip.  All purchased at different quilt shops along the way, with most of them I think from Lancaster PA shops. My plan is to use a different fabric for each round, but to use the same fabric within the round.

I sewed strips to surround the center block, then used the rulers to end up markings (using a pencil) to show me where to place the next color down to sew.

Lauren had suggested we first draw a square around the center block that was 1/4 inch, then use that to draw the fabric placement lines, but I didn't want to give the blocks with a pencil mark showing so I use the 45 degree line.  I placed a mark on the ruler so I would be consistent with where I placed the ruler to draw the line.

I used the ruler to double check that I had a square.

So then it's just a matter of sewing the next color around, trimming so the log is one inch, and continuing.  Lauren had suggested just trimming the fabric as you go, but I thought it was better to cut the strips up ahead of time.  I made another test block and wrote down measurements for the subcuttig. After the first row, can line up with the bottom line and the previous row seams.

I cut some of my white strips so they were 3 inches long, (I wrote down the wrong amount when doing the test block!) so they were put aside to be used for another project, as I needed them to be at minimum the same length as the center block.

I was making great progress and then my iron stopped working.  So unreasonable!  I had purchased the iron at my Godsister's garage sale around 1975 - so it had served me very well.  My son remembered that CVS carried irons so he went to pick one up for me.  What a difference! Heats up so quickly!  It is a good addition to my sewing tools.  It was less that $30 - a Silhouette.  However, the on and off switch and temperature gauges are made by letter indents in the white plastic.  So once I got it on, I decided to keep it at the same temperature, and to plug it on and off instead of messing with the pretty much invisible to me markings.  Anyway, I like it.  And it was so nice of my son to pick it up for me.

After pressing a round down, I set about sewing some logs down - but then saw that the last pieces might end up being less that the 1.25 inch that I had planned.  I realized I had been measuring from the seam of the log, but I needed to change to the tip of the center piece.  (That's when I realized I couldn't make the deadline.)  Luckily it meant only redoing about ten blocks - two seams each.  The next morning I sewed each piece down again 1/8 inch nearer, removed the original stitching and trimmed the seams down to 1/4 inch.

Then the machine really started squeaking.  So I had to put that aside and pulled out the Kenmore I had had serviced fall 2019 - but never used as I like the bobbin in the Singer and it's so much lighter.  But my Mom's Kenmore is sewing like a dream so I'm happy to use it now.  Very quiet.  I am using the filled bobbins that I found for now - when needed will refill with the thread I had been using.  My son gave me some pieces of wood to put under the machine - works much better than the magazines and things I had been using.

So here is my progress now:

In the front are the sample and test blocks that I made, then you can see the blocks I'm working on next. It will feel so good to have these done and distributed to the group. I'm guessing the group leader will just tell me to drop them off to her so she can give out next month. I'm not sure. I don't think I will feel like I can sew with them until after our son has his second vaccine and at least two weeks have passed.

I had wanted to make the wreath blocks, but it is a 16 grid block, where it was just easier for this swap to do something in a 9 grid design - or by changing the center to 3 inches, this pineapple became easy to end up with 9.5 inches unfinished. I think this group prefers more traditional designs anyway. So I hope the blocks turn out as expected and will be received well.
Had my math a-ha moment on this after watching Tiny Orchard Quilts:
How to Change the Size of a Quilt Block! Make A Block Any Size with These Tips!
https://youtu.be/sffeszovP98

I'm supposed to have some half log cabins prepared for Lauren's class this Thursday, but I haven't even really thought about that!

So that's it for sewing this week.

Sewing Inspiration:

In Lauren's class, one of the ladies shared another variation of a log cabin - we found a site with directions here:

https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/manx-quilting-from-the-isle-of-man/

https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/how-to-piece-a-manx-quilt-block/

The people on the Isle of Man have their reasons for using the folds, but I think it would be good to included a few folds in the quilt I'm making for our little dog - would be good places to hide treats for her to find!

This site gives permission for having different widths of logs - and trims before the next log is added on:

http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-to-make-pineapple-block-without.html

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I did two days of walking while chatting on the phone and of exercise.  I cancelled with intent to reschedule my Friday session as I was dreaming I'd be able to get the blocks done in time on Saturday...

Made some nice meals and had nice times chatting and cooking with our son and my husband.

: )

Round Up Week 13: Another Log Cabin Variation (Pineapple Blocks) and Log Cabin Sampler Quilt from Elizabeth DeCroos at Epida Studios

 Time is passing so quickly.  It seems like it was just yesterday that I wrote the last update!

Sewing:

I made a second courthouse step block:

This time I really tried to be aware of the value instead of looking at the color - but the light blue in the center, compared to the other light strips in that direction is very dark. Ah well, back to the drawing board...

So at the beginning of last week I had these blocks in my log cabin exploration stack - from the free online eventbrite class "More Quilts - Log Cabins and Power Strips". 

This week we were on to pineapple blocks. I made a few variations of this block for the Block Lotto in 2011 - Sophie always had a great way of describing the colors to use to make the blocks look so lovely together.  I wish she were continuing with her block ideas.  

By making the logs so they are one inch after three rounds the block for my online class was supposed to be 10.5 inches. (Center block is 2.5 inches.) My block was 10 inches.

I added another round, and not trimming the outer addition, now it is 12 inches square.  According to the tutorial I found (Bella SKILLBuilder) I should add one more one inch log to finish at 10.5.

Again, I started with a light blue that is much darker than the rest of the fabrics in that location...  I have one more block to make.  Hopefully the block will look okay in the group of blocks I have already made. 

I found an online tutorial for making a 10.5 inch pineapple block with the same 2.5 inch center and 1 inch logs at:  https://youtu.be/jhDurpvOn9o

The printed directions are at: 

https://blog.fatquartershop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BSB-Block3-Pineapple-Pattern-2.pdf

The entire quilt along info here:  https://blog.fatquartershop.com/bella-skill-builder/

This method makes use of the speciality ruler for making pineapple blocks.  Pretty neat, but I don't think I'll be making many pineapples...  The directions are very nice as they include what the measurements should be after a round is added.  Also, the cutting instructions make it easy to figure out what to do! 

Here sort of is the cutting information:

Center 2.5 inch

First round make with 4-2 x 4.5 and trim to 3.25

Second round make with 4-2 x 4.5 and trim to 4.5

Third round make with 2-2 x 4.5 and 2-2 x 6.5 and trim to 5.25

Fourth round make with 4-2 x 6.5 and trim to 6.5

Fifth round make with 4-2 x 6.5 and trim to 7.5

Sixth round make with 4- 2 x 4.5 and trim to 8.5

Seventh round make with 4-2 x 6.5 and trim to 9.25

Eighth round make with 4- 2 x 4.5 and trim to 10.5

Oops I forgot for each round also have to add the corners or maybe the information I typed includes the corners.  I'm not sure. 

So also at the end add 4-2 x 4.5 to the corners and trim to 10.5

Need to watch the video again to count things up correctly.

This site does a good job of explaining the dark and light corners using paper piecing patterns - https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/pineapple-quilt-patterns.html

This pineapple has the same color for the center and the outer corners and stresses the need for contrasting values:

https://www.instructables.com/Pineapple-Quilt-Pattern/ 

She also shows a different way for the first round than I have seen before. 

Added 4-13-2021: I'm thinking perhaps of making a pineapple instead of the wreath block for the block exchange I mistakenly signed up for.  I need to make 20 blocks that measure at least 9 1/2 inches - unfinished.  They must include some of the focus fabric.  (I have a half yard of the focus fabric.)  I thought the math for the Bella SKILLBuilder would save me, but it ends with a round at 9.25.  Perhaps if I started with a larger center block I would be okay?  Doing this block I could just use the fabric I have for different greens and whites and just have the red for the center and corner...  Perhaps I will know for the next Round Up post here....  : )

New-to-me Blog to Follow:

I did find a beautiful Log Cabin Sampler Quilt (doesn't look like a sampler!) from Elizabeth DeCroos at Epida Studio:

https://www.epidastudio.com/log-s-sampler-quilt-directory/

https://www.epidastudio.com/blue-and-white-log-cabin-sampler/

This sampler quilt has these Log Cabin block variations (click to go to her site):

1. Getting Ready for the Log Cabin Sampler.  The blocks are 9″ square,  49 blocks total square.  Quilt will be 63" square.
2. Corner Block  Make 11 blocks (five with a light square and six with a dark square)
3. Bento Block Make 3 blocks
4. Court House Steps Make 3 blocks
5. Traditional Log Cabin Make 9 blocks
6. Greek Keys Make 3 blocks
7. Off Set Cabin Make 7 blocks
8. Star Cabin Make 6 blocks
9. Cornerstone Log Cabin Make 7 blocks
10. Finishing it up
11. Sampler Quilting Options

The directions for each block and information for the quilt are all generously available for free on the Epida Studios website.  

Elizabeth DeCroos's directions are very clear - so nicely arranged, I really like the way this quilt shows off the different styles of log cabin in a non-symmetrical way.  She also made the quilt with red and white and red, white and green.

 

So that's it for the sewing part of this entry.

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As I mentioned at the start, this week went by very quickly.  I did my three times a week phone chat walk with my friend, and I did five hours of exercise with my personal trainer.  Beyond that I think it was spent taking care of our little dog, planning and preparing meals.  Some reading.  I found a book I had purchased years ago - a novel about life in Taiwan "An Orphan of Asia".  

Hopefully, next week I will have more to write about.

And have the energy required to write!

My son and I made cookies and brownies this week!

Ah, I'm reminded of an article, I think in the Washington Post, about behaviors that we should continue with even after everyone is vaccinated and the threat from Covid is over.  I can't find the article again now...  But one of the behaviors was Cooking WITH YOUR FAMILY.  That sounded wonderful.  I guess my family does cook with me, but not on a consistent basis...

Too tired to write more now.

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4-13-21  I add the links to the sites with information on how to make the log cabin sampler quilt, another photo of the log cabin sampler, and more information about the Bella SKILLBuilder pineapple quilt.  And a note added about the Christmas block exchange....

Round Up Week 12: Courthouse Steps Block and Easter!

For sewing this week I made one court house step block for the In the Studio with Lauren Thursday quilting class. This time I really looked at the value of the colors and think the secondary pattern shows up a lot better.  Still have one more block to make before class.

That's it for sewing.

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I made a grand Easter feast - well received.  Recipes in Dodge Eats blog under Easter.

Worked in the front yard pulling weeds.  About four hours.  Still more to do, but looks a lot better.  Pictures could be better.  I didn't realize I didn't stand in the same place for the before and after shots.  When I finish will take more.  

While I was doing it I did a lot of walking!  Chatted on the phone while I was working on a very cloudy morning - so very productive time indeed!