Betsy's Best .....quilts and more: July 2017

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Moda BlockHeads Week 21 Flying Geese Variation by Jo Morton

Another week, another block! How are your blocks coming along? This week Jo has brought us a fun block called Flying Geese Variation...you know I do love geese
...thanks Jo!

What a difference in color! Photos were taken only seconds apart! I'll never be a good photographer. Pretend I tea dyed the top image.

Enjoyed making this block and used a 1" x 2" block loc flying geese ruler to trim the geese to a perfect 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" unit. I also used it to trim the center square in a square unit. Fabrics are from Rachel Remembered, but the red plaid is from Hope's Journey.

CLICK HERE

for the link to Jo's blog and the pattern page and Jo's tips.

The 3" Mini Penny block this time is the very same only reduced with dark corners and center.

Geese units are 1/2" x 1" finished. Make this with your favorite method . I found the no waste method to be the best for this size geese, but you could easily cut the green squares diagonally in an X and the cream squares in half diagonally.

Cut 2 green squares 2 3/8" and 8 cream squares 1 5/8". These measurements are oversized so that once sewn, you can trim to 1" x 2" using the 1/2" x 1" bloc loc if you have it. A regular ruler works too.

Please visit my friends to see what they have made this week. Links below.

and if you need to catch up, the following link is always available.

http://blog.modafabrics.com/blockheads/

Block should measure 3 1/2" for a 3" finished block.

Remember, these penny blocks are my own thing, created originally from leftover fabric when trimming a block. No formal pattern is provided and are not part of the blockhead setting. This is something I wanted to do, to see what I could make from leftovers and now, miscuts, and whatever happens to be on the cutting or sewing table, to share and inspire. As the weeks have progressed, I've collected a lot of tiny scraps...nothing goes to waste.

Sew....Enjoy!

Question of the Week....Do you put labels on your quilts?

Can you picture my head hanging low in shame???? No, sad to say I rarely make a label. I do however make them when a quilt goes to Market, or is in a quilt show, or for a photo shoot to be in a book...don't want them to get lost! I know, they should all have a label and all tell details of their birth, lol. But I have this time issue thing...not enough to go around. I'm doing well to get the binding done! Sshh, there are several quilts from Diva exchanges that are quilted and not bound....I said sshh, don't tell. ;-)

Reed and Wrigley are bonding. She is the sweetest kitty, and as big as Reed!

Reed is 2 months old.

Until next time,

~ Betsy

Lynne -
Blog - http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KansasTroublesQuilters/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lynnektq/

Betsy -
Blog - http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betsy.chutchian
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betsy_chutchian/

Lisa B -
Blog - https://lisabongean.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/primitivegatherings.quiltshop/ or https://www.facebook.com/lisa.bongean
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisabongean/ or https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_quiltshop/ or https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_ca/

Jan -
Blog - http://janpatek.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jan.patek.79?fref=nf
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jan_patek_quilts/

Jo -
Blog - http://jomortonquilts.com/jos_journal/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jomortonquilts/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joquilts/

Moda -
Blog - http://blog.modafabrics.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/modafabrics/

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Moda Blockheads Week 20 is my week, 'Devil's Claws'

Wasn't it my turn, like yesterday??? How are you all doing with your blocks? Staying caught up, I hope. So far so good for me. I've needed to do some advance prep for blocks when going out of town and to my surprise, I'm getting them done and scheduling a post that actually appears when it should. I'll be preparing early and scheduling posts for publication during a few other adventures this summer.

Question of the week...

Do you wash - clean your quilts?

I have cats, cats do bad things on occasion. Besides a daily removal of cat hair from the quilt on the bed, the table, or the couch, I've come home to cat gak on a quilt which necessitates washing, pronto. I wash with a delicate cycle using color catchers, these cloth like sheets, that are made by Shout and found with laundry supplies in the grocery store. Here's the good thing though, that is just a precaution, because I pre wash my fabric which takes care of any color running issues and leaves shrinkage from the batting the only issue in the dryer. I wash in cold water and dry on low, or an air dry cycle with towels added to keep everything moving and dry quicker. I don't have carpenting or an extra big bed to lay the quilt flat to dry so I mostly rely on the dryer.

I have had to wash a quilt after a program, or if its dirty from a variety of sources and a variety of reasons, not just bad cats. Mostly, however, I tumble my quilts in the dryer on an air dry cycle to remove dust and to freshen. The closeline is long gone, or I would 'air' my quilts on the line.

Devil's Claws from Fredericksburg, Texas and Lubbock, Texas

These dried okra/alien creature looking things are native to arid parts of the country. As pioneers traveled so did these claws, hitchhiking on shoes and boots, pants legs, skirt and dress hems which they shredded. The plant is pretty and has pretty blooms, and ugly, painfully sharp fruit.

Aptly named!

My antique Devil's Claws quilt, also known as Brown Goose.

This quilt is featured in my book, Lizzie's Legacy.

BlockHeads Week 20

This block, Devil's Claws, is one of my favorite blocks. I have had no problem making this block, but you may find it challenging, so I'm going to give you tips and a couple of alternate ways to piece in case you have trouble. Please don't be discouraged by this preemptive statement. I'm here to help, it's my block. You will find the 'click here' for the pattern after my examples.

Welcome to my classroom....

Following the pattern, cut as indicated. Measurements are exact. (I made some blocks with starched fabrics and some blocks without...this is the one time I think I prefered a very lightly starched or no starch fabric)

Step 1. Make the hourglass center from A and B triangles.

Unit should measure 3 1/2" when trimmed.

Step 2. Make 2 Flying geese units. Instructions are for cutting triangles, so carefully match points on the right and have a dog ear visible. Put your needle down at the the V and sew 1/4" seam.

Press to the dark. Repeat process on other side.

Using a 1.5" x 3" Bloc_Loc ruler or other small ruler, measure unit. It should measure 2" x 3 1/2". Trim or correct with a scant seam (one or two thread widths) as needed.

Step 3. Sew B dark triangles to A light triangle. Pin triangle points at 1/4", careful not to stretch bias when sewing or pressing. Press to dark triangles.

Add C light triangles to corners last, again careful not to stretch bias. Press to light triangle.

Unit should measure 2" x 6 1/2"

Step 4. Sew flying geese units to hourglass. Press to hourglass.

Pin Step 3 unit to center unit at center and corners. Corners should nest together. Stitch and press away from center.

Click Here for the pattern

and look below for 2 other sewing options.

Option 1: Make hourglass center the same as in pattern, using 1 dark square and 1 light square. Trim same as directed above. Make 2 flying geese units with light geese and 4 flying geese units with dark geese. I used the connector method from last week's block. Rectangles are 2 x 3 1/2", squares are 2" Sew diagonally across square, press to corner and trim away excess. Save the excess triangles you trim away for use i the 3" mini block. Press to sky and trim to
2" x 3 1/2". Make one to test. If too small, cut rectangles 2 1/8" x 3 5/8" and squares 2 1/8". Measure and trim to 2" x 3 1/2".

Join center section as is pattern, press to hourglass. Section should measure 3 1/2" x 6 1/2".

Press seam open when joining geese in top and bottom row. Outer rows should measure 2 x 6 1/2"

then sew rows together,

Option 2: Make hourglass unit and 12 - 1 1/2" finished half square triangles. Use your leftover triangles from the 6" block, or Use 1 1/2"" triangle paper or, cut 6 light squares and 6 dark squares 2 1/2". Make HSTs and trim each unit to 1 1/4". Arrange as shown, sewing units together in pairs, press some HST seams to light and others to the dark so that seam will nest together.

To make a Mimi Penny 3" block as above or one with rearranged triangles, Make hourglass unit from one light and one dark 2 7/8" squares. Trim finished unit to 2". Make 12 - 3/4" finished half square triangles. Use 3/4" triangle paper or cut 6 light squares and 6 dark squares 1 3/4" , make HSTs and trim each unit to 1 1/4". Arrange as shown, sewing units together in pairs, press some HST seams to light and others to the dark so that seam will nest together.

This double pink is on the back of the antique. I could not resist working in a few chocolate and tobacco prints from Grace's Garden, my line that will arrive in October.

The red print is from Lizzie's Legacy, and the gold from Rachel Remembered.

As with most blocks, take your time and go slow, cut accurately, pin, and press well.

If you need to catch up of past blocks you can find them here, http://blog.modafabrics.com/blockheads/
or in the Files on the Moda BlockHeads Facebook page

Now, go see what the rest of the blockhead designers have made. Links to their sites are below.

Until next time

~ Betsy

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Week 19 Moda BlockHeads by Lynne Hagmeier

Summer....it's hot in Texas and time for a retreat! I'm writing this post before I leave and when BlockHead Wednesday arrives I'll still be at retreat. I've got more projects planned than I can possibly do, but that's OK, better than not enough!

For this week's block, the geese are flying...Night Flight that is. As I'm typing, I'm thinking now why didn't I do a dark backround! You may wish to try that. I LOVE flying geese. Thanks Lynne!

Lynne has a really nifty method for making her blocks and it's called layered patchwork...if you are new be sure to check it out. For Lynne's pattern CLICK HERE and it will take you to her block and tips.

I make flying geese one of two ways, no waste or, connector method. For today's 6" block, I cut rectangles and squares. For each goose, I cut 2 - 2 1/8" squares for background and 1 - 2 1/8" x 3 5/8" rectangle. Place on square on rectangle and sew a diagonal line from corner to corner, fold back, press and trim excess away. Repeat with other corner, fold back, press and trim away excess. NOTE this goose unit is oversized so you can trim to 2" x 3 1/2"

Each goose unit is 1 1/2" x 3" finished.

I love using Bloc_Loc Flying geese rulers for trimming geese!!!

Use 1 1/2" x 3" for the 6" block.

I decided on a very scrappy 6" block using prints but went with a more coordinated look for the Mini Penny 3" block

For the 3" block I used the no waste method because you get 4 geese quickly,

but connector method works also.

For the Mini Penny block, cut 2 dark squares 2 7/8" and 8 - 1 3/4" background squares. Again these are oversized for trimming after geese are completed.

Trim each goose unit to 1 1/4" by 2". I used 3/4" x 1 1/2" Bloc_Loc ruler.

Aren't they cute???

Question of the Week....Do you display your quilts in your home?

Short answer, yes I do!

You can see most of my set shots around the home on Instagram.

I have stacks. and more stacks. I have quilts in cupboards. and more cupboards.

I drape quilts over cupboard doors and backs of chairs, sofas or primitive church pews.

I hang quilts on the wall and spread across the foot of the bed.

My quilts are made to be used.

My antique quilts come out and play, but gently.

Quilts should be seen, touched and admired; used and loved.

Their display brings me joy and comfort.

A Rachel Remembered quilt and some Mini Penny blocks, antique clothe covered school books and a little folk art.

Both of these are the patriotic shots, red, white, and blue

for Memorial Day, 4th Of July and Labor Day

Freedom, found in Treasury of Quilts

If you are a follower, you know I show my vignettes on occasion.

Stay tuned for more photos as I have time to re-decorate as time permits and the seasons change.

Be sure to visit my friends blogs and social media sites to see what they are making and styling.

Until next time ~

Betsy

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Week 18 Moda BlockHeads Rocky Mountain Puzzle

Hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July! And a wonderful week of sewing or other fun summer activities. LOL as I write, I'm thinking of all my friends across the world...not a holiday for you, and for many it is winter! Regardless dear friends, hope your day today is a good one!!!

After a really rough week, my daughter is back home and recuperating. Little Reed is getting along great and Maddie is a funny and busy 3 1/2 year old. Mimi, here, is pooped. Getting back to the routine of sewing and posting....Not much of a celebration here, a quiet 4th for us.

Question of the week..... Do you sew or stitch every single day? Do you plan it? Or is it a habit? How much time do you spend stitching? Wow, super question!

First of all I LOVE TO SEW...at the machine, or with a needle in my hand. I sew nearly everyday. and I miss it when I don't. I plan nothing, which you would guess if you have been reading my responses to past questions. LOL. I don't have a set time of day to sew or stitch. Depends on my mood and what is pressing at the moment. Deadlines? Pleasure? Early morning, or late into the night?I guess sewing is a habit...I WANT TO SEW. But, like with any activity, we all need a break...vacations, Market, even an illness, but once recovered from these, I can't wait to get back to the humming of the machine and even the annoying clicking of the most recent iron, ugh. I'm working on a long term hand project and thoroughly enjoying it...good TV time.

This week's pattern, Rocky Mountain Puzzle is designed by Carrie Nelson aka @modafabrics

I selected a blue and brown color scheme. from the center out: Eliza's Indigo, Rachel Remembered, Lizzie's Legacy and Rachel Remembered. I love blues and browns together.

CLICK HERE for Carrie's pattern

Be sure to visit the other designer's blogs, Jo, Jan, Lisa, and Lynne.
Links to all their social media sites below.

Love this block, not one I've made before. Really fun in the 3" Mini Penny version. Couldn't stop with just one Penny block, so I made a Log Cabin variation based on Carrie's center...as always, I'm having a ball with these mini's!!!

I picked up scraps that were in a basket ironing board and sewed without much of a plan.

Follow the directions for the 6" block, cut squares for HSTs 1 3/4" square. You will trim the finished triangle units to 1 1/4". Cut 2 light squares 1 1/4" for 2 corners. Center is cut 1 1/4".

Logs are cut 1 - 7/8" x 1 1/4", 2 - 7/8" x 1 5/8" and 1 - 7/8" x 2"

Finished block should measure 3 1/2" for 3" finished block

For this little Log Cabin variation, cut center 1 1/2"

1 - 1" x 1 1/2", 2 - 1" x 2", 2 - 1" x 2 1/2" , 2 - 1" x 3" and 1 - 1" x 3 1/2"

block should measure 3 1/2" for 3" finished block.

If you are new and need to catch up, go to http://blog.modafabrics.com/blockheads/

This is a permanent file and and updated weekly.

Don't forget to visit Moda Blockheads group on Facebook. over 15,000 members!

and post your blocks, if you like on Facebook or Instagram. Use the hashtag #modablockheads to see all the blocks posted. Such color variety and creativity...wonderful to see!

Looking forward to seeing yours!!!

Reed, visiting his mommy in the hospital.

Until next time, be safe and sew!

~ Betsy