Say that again?

Recently, I exhibited at two big quilt shows in Houston, Texas: Quilt Market and Quilt Festival. This post isn't about the shows; it's about the things I heard over and over again--frequently asked questions or comments--in the booth.

My objective for both events was to spend a fair amount of time visiting with quilters and introducing them to the ScrapTherapy Mini Scrap Grid. My display prominently included the 99 Bottles quilt from the book ScrapTherapy, Scraps Plus One! And my demonstrations featured the Mini Scrap Grid.

The 99 Bottles quilt has about 500 nine-patches that finish to 1-1/2" square. It's a beautiful quilt; it was fun to make; but no doubt about it, there was a fair amount of work involved in making it.

"Look at those little 9-patch blocks! That was done by sewing strip-sets, then cutting them apart."

Actually, the quilt wasn't made from strips, using the cut-up scrap fabrics from my ScrapTherapy bin, I started with 2" squares to make the miniature 9-patches. When you cut the colorful squares in half twice, the result is four matching 1" squares. To make a 9-patch, I needed five more 1" squares and I chose a cream-colored solid for contrast--those squares were cut from yardage. It was just easier to make the seams one at a time for each miniature block than to try to figure out how to do a strip-piecing routine, one 9-patch at a time.

Working with small fabric squares isn't for everyone. For me, I found that sticking to a small piecing goal each day was rewarding and kept the project moving in a positive direction. As a bonus, my 'regular-sized' piecing became much more accurate as a result of handing the smaller pieces. And it was really gratifying to watch my scrap fabrics being converted into a project, even if it was only one little square of fabric at a time.

"Did you use the Mini Scrap Grid interfacing to make the quilt?"

Actually, no. The interfacing (the Mini Scrap Grid) came after the quilt. I never intended the quilt to be a pattern at all, making the miniature 9-patches as a personal challenge (sick as it may seem!). As the quilt came together with some additional cool techniques in the sashing and borders, it seemed like a good idea to include it as one of the projects in the book.

The interfacing was developed for the quilt and it's job is to make miniature 9-patches that finish to 1-1/2" square. The small squares are fused or stabilized to the interfacing following the printed grid. Once fused to the interfacing, the small squares become easier to handle, plus the sewing lines are printed right onto the interfacing. I have to say, I think I'm addicted to the stuff and have developed a few more patterns for it with more on the way.

"You can use the interfacing to make the larger 9-patch, too!"

Well . . . not so much. For the 99 Bottles quilt, the miniature 9-patches are sewn alternately with 2" scrap squares to make a medium-sized 9-patch. Then medium-sized 9-patches are sewn together to make the block.

It would be a waste of fabric to fuse a larger than necessary solid fabric square on the interfacing between the 9-patch squares (a mock-up with red arrows pointing to the oversized scraps is shown below), then sew seams through everything (the purple-ish dashed line), including the solid fabrics. Trust me, it's sounds like a good idea, but meh.

"Why start with 5" scrap squares to cut 1" fabric squares? Can't you just cut 1" strips from yardage?"

The 99 Bottles quilt isn't the only pattern I've written that uses the ScrapTherapy Mini Scrap Grid. Several additional patterns--Mini Mug Mats, pins, and the Toss Across runner--start with 5" squares. With a few quick cuts, the 5" squares become 25 smaller ones that are 1" grid-ready. Why 5"? The 5" square is one of the three scrap sizes that I recommend to cut and store in the book, ScrapTherapy, Cut the Scraps! And it's a common size for popular pre-cut fabrics. Could you cut 1" strips from yardage? Of course! But I like to use my cut-up scrap fabric in the sizes I use frequently whenever I can!

"Why bother cutting the grid apart to make the mini 9-patches? Just sew between the mini 9-patches before cutting them apart to make a larger mass of 9-patches."

Yes, you could do that, but the grid was designed specifically to be a 9-patch grid, not a 'watercolor,' all-over grid. So the process of cutting apart the nine-patches (where the red-dashed lines are), pressing and trimming them to size works better than sewing the seams (along the red dashed lines), at least in my mind--but then I'm a serious tidy-butt with my piecing!

Is this the only interfacing you have?

Quiltsmart prints my interfacing and they have a whole bunch of different interfacing-intensive projects to make everything from Mondo Bags to full-sized quilts to applique shapes. The ScrapTherapy Small Scrap Grid is used in several of the quilt projects in both books, but is perhaps best known as the vehicle to make the super-scrappy border on Bloomin' Steps. And, besides the Mini Scrap Grid, there just might be another ScrapTherapy interfacing product in the works. You'll just have to stay tuned for more information . . .

If you would like the complete how-to for using the Mini Scrap Grid interfacing, a detailed step-by-step tutorial can be found here.

Happy Stitching!

Local Interests

My husband, Dave, recently joined the Syracuse Musketeers Fencing Club. He's been many years away from the sport, but seems to be enjoying himself as he gets reacquainted with the hobby/sport. (With a few bruises to show for it!)

Last week, one of his fencing partners handed Dave a brochure for the Open Studios and Holiday Sale at the Delavan Center. When he's not wielding a sword, Mark is a painter, and his wife Judi makes jewelry; both artists lease studio space at the Delavan Center on what is known around here as the Near West Side in Downtown Syracuse.

The Delavan Center has a fascinating history. It was originally a plow manufacturer, then it became a John Deere factory, but since 1971, it has been operating as a honeycomb of artists' studios. Once a year, the artists clear away the paints, beads, and laptops, and open the doors to the public for a holiday sale. The building interior is a maze of oddly-shaped studios, and one can easily get lost walking through the expansive site. Each studio has lots of natural light and high ceilings--and plenty of creative neighbors! It seemed to be a perfect soul-nurturing atmosphere!

Tempted by many of the artists and their displays, I settled on these treasures, although Judi's beaded jewelry was tempting and oh-so-unique! Maybe next time.

Then on Sunday, my sisters and I headed to Fly Creek Cider Mill. If you've been reading this newsletter for a while, then you know, this is an annual affair, complete with matching pumpkin-applique sweatshirts.

Feeding the ducks and geese at the pond behind the mill is a must.

 
We used to have to remember to retrieve hoarded quarters for the coin-operated duck-feed dispensers. No more. They've thought of everything at the mill.

The cider mill is full of tasty sauces, dressings, and dips, all available to try before you buy. Apples and cider, too--it's a cider mill after all. And don't forget the fudge!

Sometimes the best experiences are closer to home than you think! And you don't have to travel at all for a local treat.

With the crazy holiday rush approaching swiftly, I think the best of the season is the 'ordinary' stuff you can easily forget to do. Do you have a favorite creative spot or annual open house or event in your local area?  

Do tell! . . . Post a comment below to share a nearby must-do/must-see in your community. Why is it special for you?

Happy Stitching!

Quilty Eye Candy

Quilt Festival celebrated it's 40th anniversary with this year's show--their Ruby Jubilee! Seems appropriate to have a display of red-and-white quilts! The beautiful display is reminiscent of the Infinite Variety display of quilts at the New York City Armory in 2011. 

If you are a new follower to this blog, you may know that anything 'bird' seems to draw me in! This quilt was no exception. The quilt is called Nocturnal Gardens by Ted Storm.

A closer look really shows off the incredible detail.

If you have a parrot, then you know that an occasional bite on the ear is part of the program. The macaw's tail extends below the main part of the rectangular quilt. The quilt: She Loves Me--She Loves Me Not by Holly Altman.

It's hard to believe that this is a quilt at all. Amazing detail! It's painted, and appliqued. Dazzling Dahlia by Andrea Brokenshire.

Something about this wolf drew me in, perhaps it's the reflection of the wolf's body on the surface it rests upon. Heavily thread painted, the wolf is very realistic. Seneca by Ferret.

This whimsical quilt sampler of appliqued pets in all shapes and sizes--fish, bunnies, dogs, cats, and of course, birds--was quite fun to look at! All in the Family by Nancy Brown.

Although the title hints of a different locale, this reminds me of the Alaskan cruise this summer! Maui Gold by Karen Donobedian

Beautiful, right?

Now take a closer look to see scads and scads of mind-boggling detail. Unfortunately, my phone jiggled at an inopportune moment, and I'm not able to credit the title and maker of this exquisite piece. I do know that the quilt maker is from Japan.

The winner of the Robert S. Cohan Master Award for Traditional Artistry sponsored by RJR Fabrics. One of the grand prize winners. Delicate detail and soft colors. Lovely! Breezy Garden by Kayoko Hibino.

It's so inspiring to see the different entries from all over the world. It makes me want to 'step up my game' in my own quilting. If you didn't make it to Houston this year, I highly recommend it for your quilty bucket list.

Happy Stitching!