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

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Moda BlockHeads Block 8 Basket of Triangles

Hello everyone! Another week, another block! and this week is MY week.

I'm so happy to bring you...

Basket of Triangles

Pattern link is below.

For this block, I chose a background from Lizzie's Legacy, a red print from Hope's Journey and the brown and gold prints are from Rachel Remembered which is shipping to shops this week! Yay!!!

Be sure to starch your fabrics before cutting...it makes all the difference with these small blocks.

I could have used 1" triangle paper, but cut 2" squares for HSTs instead. I then trimmed each triangle unit to 1 1/2". I like that method for small amounts of triangles most of the time. You will notice in the pattern, cutting instructions are given for 1 7/8" squares, so I've only added 1/8". Note the brown triangles at the top of the basket? Those must be cut from 1 7/8" squares.

I always layout my pieces, sew in groups and replace in the layout before proceeding. Makes it easier to catch a mistake.

I love baskets! Take your time, cutting and sewing accurately. Pressing of the triangles can be tricky as you sew units together for the brown and gold triangles. You might try pressing seams open, or pressing to the side with the least resistance. I press to the side. That's me, my preference. Do what works for you. I like my seams to stagger. I pin next to the side of the seam and I do stitch over my pins. Bad girl, but I do. I showed you last week how I press seams...I un-sew the stitching, twisting (flipping) the connecting seam so the seams go in the opposite direction. This gives me a very flat intersection. Then after I join rows, I may need to clip 1/4" away from the seam to continue

staggered seams and flat intersections.

Here's the back of my basket. Note the intersections, the flipping of seams makes cute 4 patches.

What a coincidence...the question of the week concerns pins! Didn't I just confess that I sew over pins? It's not a great habit, and I do hit some occasionally.

I do a lot of finger pinning as well as straight pinning.

When I pin long sashes or borders, I like the long Clover pins, but for pinning block parts, I prefer 2507 Clover Patchwork pins, super thin and sharp. For the traveling sewing kit, I like the Little House pins in the cute little tin. And, talk about sharp!!! No wonder they are contained in that tin!

I pinned a lot on these blocks! And please press carefully. Tiny 3" blocks are so easily distorted.

Last week Lynne gave us a Penny Basket, and you saw the Mini Penny Basket that I made. If you missed, go to last week's blog. But, since I know not all of you like applique, I posted, while at Jury Duty, to Facebook and Instagram, the little basket block I made to show this week. Yes, I made the block with the intention of showing it for my mini this week, but scheduled the blog post without it.

I blame nerves over Jury Duty.

Monday night I decided to try making Basket of Triangles in a 3" block and ....

oh my, it is so cute...they both are! The other little basket is actually known as Cake Stand.

The block on the right is what I made last week, for this week. The HST units are 3/4" finished.

I made the one on the left, this week, for today, and it has 1/2" finished HSTs.

I strongly recommend 1/2" triangle paper or cutting squares 1 1/2" for HSTs and trimming to 1" after stitching and pressing. I used Lisa's 1/2" papers for the brown and green triangles and then cut squares for the rest. Rectangles are cut 1" x 2 1/2", squares 1" and for large cream triangle, cut a

2 7/8" square in half diagonally.

If you like making these 3" cuties, please sign up to receive my blog post delivered to your email.

I'm loving these 3" blocks.

to download the pattern for Basket of Triangles,

CLICK HERE.

Happy Sewing!

Tuesday, I made Lisa's bonus block...I actually found leftover geese units just the right size for the star points and whipped up some triangles using 1" triangle papers. Fabrics are Eliza's Indigo and Rachel Remembered.

Another awesome alternate block! Thanks Lisa!!!

Hope you are all enjoying making our blocks! The creativity of those shown on social media is wonderful to see. This is just month 8! 40 blocks to go.

Be sure to visit my friends' blogs to see their blocks. Their links are below.

Last thing on today's list... the long awaited Rachel Remembered is shipping to your local quilt shop this week. To those who missed the starter bundles, here's your chance to pick up some of my pretty fabric...I'm a little biased, I love this line! This photo was from last October when it was shown at Quilt Market. My big Ohio star quilt I call Rachel's Garden is hanging now, in Hancock's of Paducah for Quilt Week...anyone going to Paducah? I've never been.

and this was posted by Moda....

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time ~

Betsy

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Penny Basket Week 7 Moda BlockHeads

Time for another block! The week absolutely flew by.
Easter holiday even surprised me...I just was not ready.
You may be reading this while I'm at Jury Duty! Wish me luck and pray I don't get chosen. Is there ever a GOOD time for Jury Duty??? OH MY! Book deadlines and Quilts to make for Spring Market....Big Sigh....Here's to hoping I'm home Thursday and back to sewing!!!

Just look where we have been! Aren't they wonderful? And really we have just begun!

Question of the Week....What is your favorite ruler?
I love Olfa Frosted rulers. Clean uncluttered and thin lines. My most favorite is the size Olfa calls 1" x 12" but it is really 1 1/4" x 12 1/2", go figure!
Most used is probably the 4 1/2", but I have them all from the 2 1/2" to the 16 1/2".

My other favorite ruler for trimming...I'm a BIG fan of making HSTs and geese larger and trimming to correct size and Bloc_Loc is the best! In my opinion, of course.
There are many, many great products on the market. But I do think we become a fan of a brand. The brand that suits our needs. I can do everything I need with these brands.
I have almost all Bloc_Loc rulers too.
Olfa do you make a 60 degree triangle ruler? I'll be checking at Market. In the meantime, I've got lots of 60 degree diamonds and triangles to cut...with the 6" x 12".

Hard to photograph, hope you can see.

Speaking of photos....

Hudson: MOLLY! MOM is trying to get photos.

No, I'm her assistant today.
MOVE, Molly!
Minor skirmish ensued.

Ha Ha Molly, I've taken your place.

I'm in every photo!

even if it is just my whiskers!

Here's the Penny Basket designed by Lynne Hagmeier.

It's sooo cute!

Please don't stop reading....link is below.

and here is my Mini Penny Basket! Mine, not Hudson's!

Still not moving.

Finally!

For Betsy's 3" Penny Basket

Trace around a penny for your berries. Applique as you choose. Cut background strips 1" wide,

cutting again at 3", 3 1/2", and 2 @ 2".

Basket and background triangles are a 2" finished HST and for basket feet, cut 1 square 1 3/8", cutting once diagonally. Construction is similar to Lynne's basket, except for the triangle under the basket, cut a 2" square in half diagonally.

(the last triangle is oversized for trimming after applique is finished.

If you don't enjoy applique, try sewing buttons for the pennies. I've made another 3" basket for another time, without applique. Only a basket would do for me this time...I simply could not pass up a Mini Penny basket!

For Lynne's pattern Penny Basket, CLICK HERE

Be sure to visit my BlockHead friends to see their blocks and tips.

All the links for the designers are below.

Thank you Lynne! and Hudson....

Hope you all had a lovely Easter. The weather cooperated!

And Madison enjoyed the day, and that made the day for me!

It was a two basket kind of day...Uncle Matt played Easter Bunny.

Madison, use a basket!

Evaluating her lot...Precious.

Still hoping I'm not on a jury....

I'll post to Facebook and Instagram when I can.

Until next time ~

Betsy

Lynne -

Blog - http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/Click Here

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/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modafabrics/

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Moda BlockHeads Week 6 Sunflower

Here we go... Week 6, designed for you by Carrie Nelson...a sweet and fun to sew Sunflower block.

Before I show my blocks and talk blockheads, did you know Carol Staehle and I were on American Patchwork and Quilting's podcast with Pat Sloan yesterday? We were dishing DIVAS! lol Talking with Pat about our Treasury of Quilts book and our 19th Century Patchwork Diva group. The podcast will be available to listen to this week and also on Pat's website, now, if you like. Click on the underlined words and the link will take you where you need to go.

Okay...now for the block!

Block 6 Sunflower

Some tips, and a glimpse as to how I work....

Step 1, after selecting fabrics...and cutting, I arrange all my pieces.

Fabrics are from Rachel Remembered and Lizzie's Legacy and the green is from Hope's Journey.

Close up of my center. It is machine basted, using the paper template provided in the pattern. I traced the circle on freezer paper, pressed to the wrong side of fabric, and then stitched slowly on the circle. Easy breezy. Of course I forgot to take a picture of the paper side! After stitching, I pulled the excess paper away leaving the circle in tact.

Stitch parts, and return to layout

All stitched together and circle is basted to center square.

Finished. Center is appliqued last.
I used the edge of the freezer paper template as a guide for needle turning. Basting stitches were removed as I stitched, giving another guide as I turned the edges underneath. I loved making this block and you will too.

CLICK HERE for Carrie's pattern, Sunflower.

My Mini Penny 3" block

I saved the tiny triangles cut away (leaving a scant seam allowance) from Carrie's block and stitched them using 1/8" seams. I sewed them together to make hourglasses which I trimmed to 1 1/4". The 4 hourglass blocks measure 2" (1 1/2" finished) when sewn together.

Geese units finish at 3/4" x 1 1/2" and HST corners are 3/4" finished.

Want to try it? I think you better starch those pieces before you cut for the 6" block!

Question of the week....

Pressing, to open seams or press to one side?

I'm a press to the side sort of girl.
FOREVER, I have flipped the seam intersections open to make seams stagger.
Flipping, which really means breaking open the threads in the seam allowance in a twisting motion. (you can pick out the threads too) The result usually makes a little 4 patch or a pinwheel. I then clip next to the seam allowance ONLY when necessary.
Press intersection and seams on the back, then front.

I generally press to the side with the least resistance.

Here is another example. NOT a blockhead project.

Every intersection is flipped, not clipped. Flat as can be.

See all the tiny 4 patches?

A parting shot, very spring like.

Thank You Carrie! for such a fun block!

Now go see what my friends have made......

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/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modafabrics/

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Week 5 Moda BlockHeads BOW

I cannot believe it. The week flew by and here we are for Block 5, designed by Lisa Bongean. It's fabulous, but I want to prepare you for tiny pieces and lots of them. Starch! Do you hear me? Starch! LOL.

Below is my version of this week's block.

Keep reading for tips and the 3" Mini Penny block.

Coronation by Lisa Bongean

Click HERE to find the pattern on Lisa's blog.

Lisa may have an alternate piecing technique on her blog which will include tips I'm sure. Take care with pressing. Stagger seams where you can, flipping open the intersections and clipping as needed. Pressing seams open is also an option and I did press open the tiny HSTs. My fabrics are from Hope's Journey and Rachel Remembered.

Below, are links to all the designers, don't forget to visit their blogs for

their fabric choices and their tips. Each week one of us posts the pattern we designed.

Our facebook group has 3768 members at this writing Tuesday evening.

BlockHeads are posting pictures there and on Instagram....and they are so cool! What variety and creativity! Follow the #modablockheads

Did you finish your bee skep? I thought that was great fun,

and such a nice break from piecing. Break's over!!!

Look for 7 more appliques from Jan, applique is her speciality...her super power! Last week,

Lisa offered an alternative to applique and my 3" pieced block from last week, could easily make a 6". So keep the 3" blocks in mind, 4 of them make a 6" and alone they are easily upsized for piecing. So no worries, ok? There are options for those who don't care for the 'A' word.

Before I show the 3" mini, here is the question of the week....Needles...

How often do you change them?

Guess my answer....

Some of are cheating and know me...

I count 8 or 9 machine needles on this side of the pincushion.

Now, guess how long they have been there...No prize involved.

Answer....I change needles when they break. I dispose of those. If I've hit too many pins, yes I sew over them, and I notice a thread popping sound, I might replace, hence the needles in the pincushion. On rare occasions, stitches start skipping as I piece, and I'll replace. Full disclosure, Needles in this pincushion have been there for years. I bought the pear pincushion in Missouri, in 2009, when Gone to Texas was published. FYI, pins on this side of the pincushion are bent...Yes, I know, I could clean this up. r i g h t .

The mini this week...1/2 size Coronation? No.

The HSTs in the 6" are the same size as the little HSTs I've been using in my 3" blocks...3/4" finished.

I saved the extra triangles cut away from the flying geese/starpoint units, for another time.

Here is what I made...

It's the center of Lisa's Coronation block but a darker center. I have a couple of starpoint backgrounds improperly placed which I didn't see until I was pressing and no way was I unsewing! This dark version looks quite different to me. Corners and center parts are 3/4" finished. Flying geese units are 3/4" x 1 1/2" finished.

There are a LOT of seams in this block and in the 6" block..

Then I tried sewing with HSTs instead of flying geese.

And left the center square plain. Center is 1 1/2" finished. corners and HSTs are 3/4" finished.

In case your corners come up a little short after stitching, try upsizing your corners a little, then trim excess away when you finish. Trim to 3 1/2" finished.

Slightly bigger than needed! LOL

The back.

Hope you are enjoying the blocks of the week!

I love hearing from you and seeing your blocks.

Until next time ~

Betsy