QM Shorts; Giveaway!

Last week’s QM Shorts post about using batting scraps generated some comments on opposite ends of the opinion spectrum. Here are two.

From Regina: “As someone who…uses batting scraps for purse handles and other small crafties—I am cringing at the size of the scrap in your trash can.”

batting8 QM Shorts; Giveaway!

And from Cindy: “I can’t keep every bit of quilting leftovers so I draw the line at batting scraps. In the trash they go.”

Do you see the humor? One person is cringing because she feels I’m throwing away scraps that are too large—they might still be useful. The other is saying there’s no way she would save scraps of batting—way too much trouble.

I can see both sides but the point I want to make here is that there is room in the quilting world for both ways of thinking!

 QM Shorts; Giveaway!This is not the Marine Corps (thank goodness!), it’s Quilting! There is space for each person to hold his or her own opinion on a variety of quilty topics. We can all respect each other and learn from each other.

Aren’t we lucky to be part of the world of quilting?! To celebrate, let’s have a giveaway. Leave a comment by midnight, Tuesday, Jan. 24 answering this question: How open are you to seeing both sides of a quilting idea? The most thoughtful answer wins a quilty prize package of cool stuff! The winner is Marti Parsons with her spirited comment about doing whatever makes you bloom!!! Thanks for all the great and thoughtful comments. QM readers are the best!

Posted in Diane Harris, Giveaways, Uncategorized | Tagged | 154 Comments

QM Shorts: Batting Repurposed

QM Shorts: Thoughts, Tips or Tricks in just a few paragraphs!

*     *     *     *     *

When I finish quilting a project, I trim the backing and batting even with the quilt top and am left with a pile that looks like this.

batting1 QM Shorts: Batting RepurposedI separate the fabric from the batting, like so:

batting2 QM Shorts: Batting RepurposedThe fabric goes into my scrap basket.

batting3 QM Shorts: Batting RepurposedThe batting goes (eventually) to where my cleaning supplies are kept.

batting6 QM Shorts: Batting RepurposedHmm, guess I should get a bin of some type to hold it.

batting72 QM Shorts: Batting RepurposedWhen it’s time to dust (which can be seldom at my house, but still), I pull out the batting and use it to wipe down any horizontal surface.

batting8 QM Shorts: Batting RepurposedThen it goes straight into the trash. It’s easy, it’s inexpensive and it’s green!

 

Posted in Diane Harris, How-to, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

QM Scrap Squad: Carol’s Hip to be Square

QM scrap squadB3 QM Scrap Squad: Carols Hip to be SquareThe QM Scrap Squad is eight select readers who make scrappy versions from one pattern in each regular issue of Quiltmaker. In the Jan/Feb issue, the featured pattern is Hip to be Square, a design by Elizabeth Dackson. The original quilt is shown below.

hipdownsized QM Scrap Squad: Carols Hip to be Square

Hip to Be Square designed by Elizabeth Dackson. Fabrics are Delighted! by The Quilted Fish and designer solids for Riley Blake Designs.

Today’s scrappy version is by Carol Vickers. Carol lives in Ohio and has a quilt page here. I loved the honesty in the comments Carol sent me about her project!

Okay, this is the brightest quilt I’ve ever made.

carol2 QM Scrap Squad: Carols Hip to be Square

Carol's Hip to be Square quilt top

I had a tough time choosing fabrics, probably because it was already scrappy in the original version. In my stash I found that bright floral,  and wondered why in the world I bought it in the first place. It is so “not me.”  But when I tried a few blocks using it with brights and the black, I was pleased with the results.

carol1 QM Scrap Squad: Carols Hip to be SquareI needed a buffer between the blocks and the border but did not want to add any length or width to the quilt, so I used a folded insert to accent the division.

I cut 1-inch strips, folded them in half with right sides out and stitched them on all four sides of the quilt center. (The cut edges line up with the edge of the quilt and the fold is toward the center of the quilt.)

I used a scant 1/4″ seam to “baste” the insert so that those stitches would be hidden when I attached the border. I really like how it came out.

I plan to quilt it with multicolored thread so that it will show on the black backing. I’m still experimenting with my free motion so my fingers are crossed that not too many rough spots appear in the quilting!

I wouldn’t be surprised if my granddaughter lays claim to it when it’s finished. Hope the glow doesn’t keep her up at night!

Another great job by Carol! Hasn’t this Scrap Squad been amazing?!

*     *     *     *     *

You’ll find the pattern for Hip to be Square in the Jan/Feb issue of Quiltmaker.

Visit designer Elizabeth Dackson’s blog, Don’t Call Me Betsy.

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

QM Scrap Squad: Ruth’s Hip to be Square

QM scrap squadB3 QM Scrap Squad: Ruths Hip to be SquareQM’s Scrap Squad is a group of eight select readers. They make scrappy versions from one pattern in each regular issue. We reveal their quilts one by one on Quilty Pleasures. Today we hear from Ruth Wasmuth. Ruth lives in Indiana and blogs here.

*     *     *     *     *

This is my last Scrap Squad quilt and I must admit that makes me a bit sad. It’s been wonderful getting to know the other members and Diane via email. I completed six new Scrap Squad quilts this year and have gifted three of them.

ruth1 QM Scrap Squad: Ruths Hip to be Square

I used Electric Quilt to draw out some ideas and settled on a dark background for this Christmas quilt. I used four reds, two greens, many blacks and Kona white from Robert Kaufman. It’s probably the least scrappy of all my Scrap Squad quilts.

 QM Scrap Squad: Ruths Hip to be Square

I made 24 blocks and every other block is turned a quarter turn, which makes a secondary star pattern and Four Patches. In order to have the seams nest when assembling, I pressed the outer block segments towards the black in both blocks.

ruth3parts QM Scrap Squad: Ruths Hip to be Square

Not wanting to waste those 96 bonus triangles, I trimmed them down to 2.25″ to use in one of the borders. I made an additional 40+ half square triangle blocks.

ruth4border QM Scrap Squad: Ruths Hip to be Square

I used both greens in the inner border and just the mottled in the outer border. The binding uses all four red fabrics.

ruth2quilting QM Scrap Squad: Ruths Hip to be Square

It’s quilted with holly and poinsettias using gold Glide thread.

ruth5finish QM Scrap Squad: Ruths Hip to be Square

Ruth's finished Hip to be Square

This one will go on the twin bed in the spare bedroom next Christmas along with a little tree on the cedar chest.

To the new Scrap Squad members: ENJOY! You’ll have a great time!

*     *     *     *     *

In case you’re just joining us, here’s the original quilt made by Elizabeth Dackson.

 

hipdownsized QM Scrap Squad: Ruths Hip to be Square

Hip to Be Square designed by Elizabeth Dackson. Fabrics are Delighted! by The Quilted Fish and designer solids for Riley Blake Designs.

Just one more Hip to be Square left on the list, and then we’ll introduce you to the 2012 Scrap Squad! Stay tuned.

Posted in Scrap Squad, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

It’s a Block Party! You’re Invited

BlockParty Wmsbg Its a Block Party! Youre InvitedWe’ve been so excited to share with you our big news for 2012. Quiltmaker will host its first-ever “Block Party” and you’re invited! This three-day event is based on the popular 100 Blocks issues and features well-known teachers, fun classes, a block exchange, goody bags and prizes.

You’ll also hear from Jennifer Chiaverini, author of the popular Elm Creek Quilts books and have an all-around enjoyable quilty adventure and getaway! Won’t you join us in Historic Williamsburg August 2-4, 2012 for the best Block Party ever?!

Registration opens this evening at 6 pm Eastern at quiltmaker.com.

Block Party Teachers

smithfieldva2010profile1 Its a Block Party! Youre Invited

Bonnie Hunter

Bonnie Hunter: Widely known and universally loved for her amazing scrappy quilts, spellbinding classes and entertaining presentation, Bonnie brings an energy like no other! You’ll be inspired by the fun approach in her workshops. Bonnie will also be a keynote speaker at the Block Party.

designer photo24 Its a Block Party! Youre Invited

Nancy Mahoney

Nancy Mahoney: This author, teacher, fabric designer and award-winning quiltmaker has enjoyed making quilts for more than 20 years. Her work has been featured in publications around the world (including Quiltmaker!). She has created more than 75 quilt patterns and has authored 11 books. You may own some of the six fabric collections she has designed for P&B Textiles.

 

debbie caffrey Its a Block Party! Youre Invited

Debbie Caffrey

Debbie Caffrey: A self-published author of 13 books and dozens of patterns, Debbie has designed and published more than 150 patterns in an ever-changing line of mystery quilts. Debbie has taught many energy-filled workshops nationwide for guilds and shops nationally and internationally. She has appeared on Simply Quilts and on QNNTV.com’s Quilter’s Coffee.

jennifer Its a Block Party! Youre Invited

Jennifer Chiaverini

Jennifer Chiaverini: You’ve no doubt heard of the Elm Creek Quilts series of novels by Jennifer Chiaverini, who will be a keynote speaker at QM’s Block Party. Come and meet Jennifer and hear “Patchwork Stories: Jennifer Chiaverini and
the World of Elm Creek Quilts.”

And that’s just the beginning of what we have planned! There will also be classes with Lynda Howell, Monique Dillard and Carolyn McCormick. Carolyn Beam and I will be teaching, too. More on all of that later…there’s so much to look forward to!

We’ll be talking about the Block Party often in the months to come. We’d sure love to have you join us August 2–4 in Historic Williamsburg!

Registration opens this evening at 6 pm Eastern at quiltmaker.com.

 

Posted in 100 Blocks, Carolyn Beam, Diane Harris, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

QM Scrap Squad: Jane’s Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!

QM scrap squadB3 QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!Today’s Scrap Squad quilt is by Forest Jane who lives in Memphis. You can peek at Jane’s blog here.

hipdownsized QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!

Here again is the original Hip to Be Square quilt, designed by Elizabeth Dackson. Fabrics are Delighted! by The Quilted Fish and designer solids for Riley Blake Designs.

And here are Jane’s thoughts:

I made my blocks just a little bit bigger to be able to use the AccuQuilt shape die cutters I already had. My chisel shapes finished at 3” x 6”, which meant my corner squares finished at
3” x 3”. I didn’t change the size of the center of the block at all.

jane11 QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!Here’s a single block I drew in Electric Quilt. My blocks all finished at 12.5 inches. I made 36 blocks.

jane22 QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!I sewed them together in groups of nine, like you see above, rather than doing six rows of six. This way the middle of the quilt only had one long seam to sew. (Great idea, Jane!)

jane33 QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!And here’s the EQ drawing I did where I added an inner 3-inch olive green border, and figured out how many chisels I’d need for the 6-inch chisel picket fence border.

I used a square-in-a-square block to connect my picket fences at the corners, and that inner square (4.75 inches cut size) is also available in the AccuQuilt dies, but I don’t have it yet. The square-in-a-square uses the identical finish-at-3-inch half-square triangles that I cut to finish the chisels, only instead of the beige and tan and khaki, I decided it’d look better with some of the dark fabrics I’d used.

jane44 QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!Cutting the triangles and the chisels on the AccuQuilt made the whole process for this king-size quilt go so smoothly! I would never have planned a quilt with this many chisel shapes without the cutter. It made the half-square triangle cutting a breeze too, and having all the dog-ears cut off before I sew—what a timesaver! Put the fabric on the die (I was using right and left sided chisels, so the fabric could be upside down or rightside up) and crank it through.

jane55 QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!

When I flip the mat over, some of the triangles usually stick to the mat, and some stay on the dark gray foam that surrounds the blades. Some people say they use dryer sheets to eliminate this static cling, but it doesn’t bother me that much. I don’t care if I pick them up off the mat or off the foam.

You can see above that I’ve marked the foam with a white sharpie. This makes it easier to see exactly where the blade is, and also allows me to put even tiny fabric scraps on the foam and see if they’re big enough to cut a half-square triangle.

jane66 QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!Here’s a closeup of some of the fabrics I’ve used.

toby QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!Here’s my top being pressed. Toby volunteers to press everything especially if I’ve already ironed it all warm.

jane77 QM Scrap Squad: Janes Hip to Be Square, Giveaway!And here’s the whole thing, hanging on the library shelves.  The quilt is too big to hang on the fence!

*     *     *     *     *

Another beauty—I tell you, these Scrap Squad gals are the best! We haven’t had a giveaway lately so let’s send some fat quarters to someone who wants to make a scrappy quilt. Leave a comment here by midnight Friday, Jan. 13 and we’ll choose two random winners. The winners are Becky, Diane and Kathy. Congratulations, and thanks for all the great comments!

Posted in Diane Harris, Giveaways, inspiration, Scrap Squad | Tagged , , , | 93 Comments

QM Scrap Squad: Pat’s Hip to Be Square

QM scrap squadB3 QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareToday we have another Scrap Squad project, this time from Pat St-Onge who lives in St-Jacques, New Brunswick. It’s been great to have Pat on the Scrap Squad—she represents our many Canadian readers! You’ll find Pat’s blog here.

hipdownsized QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareHere again is the original quilt, designed by Elizabeth Dackson. Fabrics are Delighted! by The Quilted Fish and designer solids for Riley Blake Designs.

Pat shared some thoughts about her project.

I am a great fan of Bonnie Hunter. I try to follow her example by using the Lumberyard System for managing my scraps.

pat3 QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareSo when I saw Hip to Be Square, I thought it was the perfect pattern for using up some of my scrappy 2 1/2’’ squares. I have half a drawer full of these.

pat2 QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareAs I read the pattern, I saw an alternate way to stitch it up. I saw this pattern as three different squares put together. I thought it would be even simpler to make these squares separately and then sew them together.

pat4 QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareI used yardage of shirting from my stash for the background and some tone-on-tone black to set it all together.

patquilting QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareI quilted it free motion, doing my own version of funky, droopy petals in an allover design.

pat5 QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareI bound the quilt with a “no hand sewing accent binding.’’

pat6 QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareThe stitching line on the back of the quilt becomes part of the quilting.

pat1 QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareI love how everything came together in this organized scrappy rendition of Hip To Be Square. It was really quick to sew and very easy.

pat7 QM Scrap Squad: Pats Hip to Be SquareI love the outcome and I received quite a few compliments on the finished quilt at my guild’s show and tell. By the way, those are not actual wrapped gifts on my wall behind the railing. At Christmastime, I wrap up picture frames as if they were gifts and put them back up on the wall, just for decoration. The grandkids get a kick out of that!

Posted in Diane Harris, inspiration, Scrap Squad | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

QM’s Annual Staff Challenge

We recently completed our annual staff challenge. Six of us each used the same block to create a quilt but we all used different fabrics.

51 QMs Annual Staff Challenge

The block for this challenge came from Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Volume 2. It’s called Infinity and it was designed by Vickie Eapen who blogs at Spun Sugar Quilts.

This was a perfect challenge block. By putting light, medium or dark values in different places and by rotating blocks, we caused the design to take on multiple personalities. It was easy to do using EQ7—the possibilities were quite literally endless!

staffchallengelayout 300x300 QMs Annual Staff Challenge

We all used the setting shown above.

deniseresized QMs Annual Staff Challenge

Graphic Designer Denise Starck created this version. Fabric: Sienna by Kensington Studio for Quilting Treasures; quiltingtreasures.com.

 

eileenresized1 QMs Annual Staff Challenge

This version is by Associate Editor Eileen Fowler. Fabric: Lark by Amy Butler for Rowan Fabrics; westminsterfabrics.com.

 

dianeresized1 QMs Annual Staff Challenge

This is the quilt I made. Fabric: Reunion by Sweetwater for Moda Fabrics; unitednotions.com.

 

juneresized1 QMs Annual Staff Challenge

Editor-in-Chief June Dudley made the version above. Fabric: St. Remy de Provence by Robyn Pandolph for RJR Fabrics; rjrfabrics.com.

 

carolynresized QMs Annual Staff Challenge

This version is by Creative Editor Carolyn Beam. Fabric: Mums the Word Metallic-Sunkissed from Northcott Studio; northcott.net.

 

paularesized1 QMs Annual Staff Challenge

Associate Editor Paula Stoddard made this version. Fabric: Stitch by Betz White for Robert Kaufman; robertkaufman.com.

We’d like to thank our generous fabric sponsors:
Quilting Treasures
Rowan Fabrics
Moda Fabrics
RJR Fabrics
Northcott Studio
Robert Kaufman

Grab the Jan/Feb ’12 issue of Quiltmaker where you’ll find the block pattern, materials and cutting lists for each quilt, block piecing diagrams (they vary from quilt to quilt) and the sku for every fabric. Enjoy!

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Sewing for a New Baby

I wrote this post a few weeks ago but didn’t have enough photos then to post it. The baby arrived January 4. All is well!

———–

My first grandbaby is due in a few weeks. My daughter asked if I would use Little Apples fabrics by Aneela Hoey for Moda to make a few things for the baby’s room. So in my spare time that’s what I’ve been working on lately.

Amy Butler s Little Stitches for Little Ones Autographed Copy Sewing for a New Baby

My daughter sent me her copy of Amy Butler’s Little Stitches for Little Ones and I used those patterns for a crib skirt and a bumper pad. Everything went together perfectly.

skirt1 Sewing for a New Baby

The crib skirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here the crib skirt is pinned up on my design wall. Since we know it’s a boy, I didn’t want a lot of gathers or ruffles and this sleek skirt design was perfect.

 

51SRWJ5HKKL. SL500 AA300  Sewing for a New Baby

The red plaid from Moda is printed on the bias, which is great. You get a bias effect but everything is on the straight of grain.

skirt2 Sewing for a New Baby

Detail of crib skirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above you can see that there is an opening, and behind the opening is fabric. It’s a little like a fake pleat but it was simple and it hangs nicely.

IMG 6823 Sewing for a New Baby

The bumper pad has different fabrics for its exterior and interior, an idea I like a lot. I altered the pattern to have only one small pocket. It’s inside the crib now but the actual pads haven’t been put inside it yet.

I wanted to make something to wrap the baby in, but a quilt seemed too bulky for a newborn. I opted to make a couple of receiving blankets, which was an experiment. They’re cute and can always be displayed elsewhere in the room if they don’t work well as blankets.

skirt3 Sewing for a New Baby

Receiving blanket #1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I knew my daughter would appreciate a clean, modern aesthetic, so I kept the piecing simple and added white. The one above is 4.5″ squares with 1.75″ sashing in white. (Those are the cut dimensions; the squares finish at 4″ and the sashing at 1.25″.) Once the piecing was complete, I laid the top RST with a pre-washed piece of white all-cotton flannel. I used just a few pins to hold them together. The gray you see around the outside above is the design wall.

Walking foot 1 cropped Sewing for a New Baby

With my walking foot (also called an even-feed foot) I sewed around the edges with a 3/8″ seam, leaving an opening for turning of about 6″. I clipped the corners to reduce bulk and turned it right sides out.

IMG 6834 Sewing for a New Baby

After pressing nice and flat, I stitched the opening shut by sewing right next to the edge with matching thread. Then I topstitched all the way around about 3/8″ from the edge.

IMG 6833 Sewing for a New Baby

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I only quilted around the center aqua-colored block, just to keep the layers from shifting around.

I like the weight of the pieced top with just a flannel backing and no batting. Because my iron spit up on the blanket, I had to wash it. If I make these again, I will prewash both the fabrics and the flannel. I think that will work a little better.

skirt4 Sewing for a New Baby

Receiving blanket #2

The second receiving blanket is strips in various widths, really just a down-and-dirty finished-quick project. If I’d had more time, I would have fussed more over the placement of the fabrics and the balance of the white with the prints. I layered it with white flannel in the same way as the other blanket.

The baby is due the first few days of January. I might have time to make one more receiving blanket, in between all the Christmas company. When he’s born, you’ll hear me shout “woohoo”!

IMG 9835 300x200 Sewing for a New Baby

Added later: here he is in all his glory! Big smiles all around!

Posted in Diane Harris, Uncategorized | Tagged | 4 Comments

Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

My first grandbaby was born this week in Seattle. The halls of the birthing center in the hospital were lined with a variety of baby quilts!

IMG 20120104 215834 822x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

Clowns perform antics to create an alphabet in this machine embroidered baby quilt.

There was so much to see in these little gems. My impression was that they were made by many different quilters at different levels, but each one was unique and filled with love!

There were no placards with quilt names and no credit was given for any of the quilts. Perhaps the donors just wanted to spread some baby love and were not interested in being recognized as the makers. I’m sure I have seen the clown alphabet above, but can’t find it online. If you know the source, please let me know in the comments.

IMG 20120104 215906 751x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

A vintage Sunbonnet Sue quilt provides a touch of folk art.

 

It was a nice warm touch to this hospital—sometimes hospitals feel cold and sterile, but not this area! There was baby sweetness on every wall. The vintage Sunbonnet Sue above shows how each quilt is on a mat, nicely framed under glass. Such a great idea for this environment—the quilts will never get dusty.

IMG 20120104 215917 1 819x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

One of my favorite quilts at the birthing center! Simple squares around a hand embroidered block. Pink floss outlines a stork with a bundle of baby.

I’m sorry the pictures are mediocre. I had only my phone available, the lighting wasn’t good and the glass was reflecting the fixtures.

 

IMG 20120104 215852 803x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

Machine embroidered Raggedy Ann blocks are featured in this crib quilt.

 

IMG 20120104 2159321 1024x819 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

This quilt reminds me of "My Little Pony."

 

IMG 20120104 215953 776x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

A cute litte Irish Chain with animals.

 

 

IMG 20120104 2200111 750x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

Three-dimensional Pinwheels are great for little fingers to explore.

 

 

IMG 20120104 2201041 845x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

Another alphabet quilt with applique and embroidery. It's bright and happy!

 

 

IMG 20120104 2202241 1024x971 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

This was a cute little transportation quilt.

 

 

IMG 20120104 220116 801x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

Who doesn't love a Teddy Bear quilt?

These quilts were a good reminder that a baby quilt need not be fancy to be well loved. Whatever your skills (or lack of), go ahead and make one and gift it with your best wishes to the next little person in your life.

 

IMG 20120104 2202523 764x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

And perhaps my favorite quilt of all, Sues and Bills with oversized heads—folk art at its best.

And the best part of the whole thing, of course, was the new baby my daughter and her husband brought home. I’m enjoying this tremendously!
photo 848x1024 Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

My new grandson!

If you need a quick baby quilt, how about Quiltmaker‘s Super Sized Nine Patch, a design by Anita Grossman Solomon? Quick, easy, fun!
184 pattern img Baby Quilts Adorn Birthing Center

Super Sized Nine Patch from Quiltmaker and Anita Grossman Solomon is a free pattern online. Enjoy!

Posted in Diane Harris, Uncategorized | Tagged | 10 Comments