Thursday, February 19, 2015

A Little of This, A Little of That

I have a question for you. You met the quilt on my bed a few weeks ago. Several folks have sent a note asking for the pattern. There technically isn't a pattern for the quilt, because it was made from a collection of swapped 'ribbon star' blocks.


ribbon star quilt blocks


Here's the question: if I were to organize a block swap featuring this particular block pattern, would you be interested to participate? You see, I have a new interfacing product in the works, a lot like the Mini Scrap Grid you've heard me go on and on about. The new stuff is bigger, uses scrap sizes I like to use, and would fit very nicely into the production of this block--very, very fun. Of course, there'd be a set of guidelines and rules, fabric needs, and a pattern for the block, costs, and some fun surprises--all yet to be compiled if this is a 'go.' By the way, the new interfacing isn't even available yet (but it's coming soon!) First I wanted to get a 'temperature read' to see if there is enough interest to run with the idea. Are you interested? (this isn't a commitment, more like a survey.) If you are, write a comment to this post. And watch for more details here or in the Good Migrations ezine.


Done with the hearts, on to Shamrocks. Thought I'd try to see if I couldn't turn a mini 9-patch block into a St. Patty's day treat. Start with the Mini Scrap Grid, and some low-contrast 9-patch blocks.


mini 9-patch quilt blocks


Add some borders, bigger ones this time. Side borders 2" square. Top and bottom borders 2x5" rectangles.


quilted shamrock pin


Sew the borders to the 9-patch, fuse the 5" square top to a 5" square backing with the fusible foam batting in between. Rather than the Nectar Pin Packs, I substituted the 5" foam batting from the Mini Mug Mat Refill Pack. Quilted around the 9-patch. Roughed in the clover shape for the cutting guide.


quilted shamrock pin


Add the pin to the back. And done. Three- and four-leaf variations.


quilted shamrock pin


Or maybe, just stick with a Mini Mug Mat for a place to rest your beer mug!


Mini Mug Mats




I had another question from one of the participants in an upcoming workshop. At Cafe Sewciety Quilts in Webster, New York, I'm scheduled to lead a workshop in mid-March. We're making the T-shirt quilt featured in When Bad Things Happen to Good Quilters. Michele asked if sweatshirt material would work as well as the T-shirts.


T-shirt quilt


Since my process to make the Warm Memories Quilt is a bit different from many T-shirt quilts--I use single sided fusible batting rather than interfacing, I wasn't sure if this would translate well to sweatshirt material. Off to the sewing room with a couple of sweatshirts to give it a try.


T-shirt quilt


Sure enough, worked fine! Michele, it's a go!


T-shirt quilt




Hey Material Girls, here's a little hint of what's coming to your store in late March! I've been sew-sew-sewing away at it. Here's another hint. . . it's absolutely amazing!!


mini scrap grid quilt



With temperatures below freezing for most of the month of February, I haven't ventured out past the sewing room very much. Earlier this week, glorious sunshine combined with bitter cold temperatures allowing me to capture the prettier side of all this snow.


snow


A lone stalk of grass, braving the cold.


snow


The snow accumulated on the top of a deck railing. The angle of the sun creates another dimension.


snow


Top-to-bottom ice offers an interesting view from an upstairs window. When the ice turns to water, let's hope it stays outside.


snow



On that note. . . Spring . . . bring it on!


daffodil



Happy Stitching!

No comments:

Post a Comment