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

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Moda BlockHeads week 13 Bowtie Quartet by Lynne Hagmeier

And here we are after another busy week that has absolutely flown by. My little grandson came home from the hospital Monday. This Mimi is pooped, but so happy to have had big sister with us for several nights, while Reed was in NICU. I'll put a photo or two, or four, at the bottom of the post.

This week, block 13 is Bowtie Quartet, which I may rename when you see what I did the first time. LOL. Thank you Lynne for designing this fun block!

Here is Puzzled as it is intended, 4 bow tie units set in a wreath design....

Here is what I made first....Bowtie busted and wrong. I'm blaming this on an overly tired Mimi.

I now have an unintentional alternate block. :-)

It was easier and quicker to make a new block than to unsew!

Since I haven't been making Lynne's blocks by her layered patchwork technique, and I avoid inset seams if at all possible, I used the connector method to turn the 4 patch units into bowties. I also know there is a cool way to sew the knot and it really looks like a knot, but can't remember how to do it. My friend Betty knows. Ask Betty. :-)

I cut 1 1/4" squares and sewed in a diagonal line on one corner of each larger square to mimic the knot. Press to the corner and trim excess away.

When I remade the block, I only sewed connectors onto the light squares. My bowties have fat knots. You might like 1" connector squares better. I'm happy with my knots.

To find the correct instructions for Lynne's layered patchwork technique and tips.

Click Here

Please visit my BlockHeads friends' blogs to see their versions and tips.

Question of the week...

"What is the best tip you ever learned?"

My VERY best tip was given to me by Sue Troyan in the mid 1990's to flip my seam intersections (not the same as clipping) It keeps seams staggered and thereby reduces bulk. I've used this tip/technique for 22 years at least. Thank you Sue!

Second best tip, is from my dear friend Betty Edgell ( the one who knows the bow tie knot trick thingy). Betty presses on a terry cloth towel. A few years ago, I TRIED IT. AND I LOVE IT!!! When pressing applique, I've done so on a towel for years, but not for regular patchwork. Oh my! what a difference it makes, especially when using starch! (Another awesome tip, by the way.) No more hard, slick looking seam lines, and no more icky, stained, stiff, about to crunch and tear, ironing board covers! You will have nicely pressed, crisp seams. Just use an old terry towel, you know the ones that are ruffling? Tear off the ruffles and place on the ironing board. I have a big board and as the towel gets icky and sort of stiff, I pull it off, replace with another, and throw the used towel in the wash. Genius! And, You are welcome. Think of it as recycling and a 'going green' gesture!

Thanks Miss Betty!!!

Gather the tips you hear, see and try, then use the ones that work for you. I can't tell you how many different people have tried to teach me to make a quilter's knot and failed. I've watched all their great tips and I just don't get it. Finger, thumb and a rolling of thread works for me! But, I can do an awesome tie-off to end!

I'm betting our BlockHeads designers will have a few good tips to share!

For the 3" Mini Penny block, I selected a 3rd arrangement of Bowtie blocks.

Squares for the 4 patches are cut 1 1/4". Connector squares are cut 7/8" (for both 6" and 3" blocks, I figured the connector should be 1/2 of the cut size of the larger square. Is this correct? Don't know. Again, I'm happy!) Each bowtie unit should measure 1 1/2" finished, 2" unfinished.

If you need an easier, quicker 3" block....

Again, cut squares 1 1/4" , make 4 patches, sew 4 patch units together and ta - da, you are done! By the way I flipped each intersection, no clipping necessary. And, fabrics were starched, and pressed on a towel! I think we have done this block before, but maybe you didn't make it. I don't mind having 2. Blocks should measure 3 1/2" unfinished. Enjoy sewing this week's blocks!

I can't wait to see your creations for this week! Be sure to post on Instagram or,

ModaBlockheads on Facebook.

Happy sewing!!!

and now a little Mimi bragging....

Madison and baby brother Reed. We are SO glad he is home.

And an introduction to their cat Wrigley.

Looks like Wrigley is giving Reed a kiss!?!

~Until next time,

Happy Mimi, aka Betsy

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Week 12 Moda BlockHeads Block 12...Puzzled

Wow, fast week at Quilt Market! Home Sunday night, pick up granddaughter Monday and Tuesday morning at 10:10 we have a new grandson! Crazy Mimi here, posting just before midnight for BlockHead Wednesday.

I'm SO glad I made the blocks before Market. but I do have to say this will be a short post....I'm worn out, but so very happy Rachel waited for me to get back home before Reed made his debut.

This week's block is Puzzled, by Carrie Nelson aka modafabrics. I love this block!

CLICK HERE for the link to the blog post and the pattern. All half square triangles and connectors...easy breezy and such a fun arrangement!

And here is my version....

Be sure to visit my friends' blogs to see their versions of Puzzled.

For the mini, I had tiny triangles leftover after making the connector pieces in the 6" block. If your leftover triangles are too small, just make 8 - 3/4" HSTs. Really quick and easy with triangle paper (3/4" finished) You will also need 4 - 1 1/4" x 2" rectangles. Sew the triangles together as shown, pressing the seam open if you wish. Add the rectangle. Then, sew the 4 units together like a 4 patch.

This week's question is for a favorite pattern I did not design, or a favorite pattern I wish I had designed. Hmmm! Now, I wish I had written this BEFORE Market, because at this moment, I cannot think! All I can think of is applique, like fellow BlockHead Jan. Jan's applique is beautiful, graceful, primitive. I can design pieced patterns, no problem, and applique, too, but not with the freedom Jan does. Jan was in the booth next to me and Market, so her work is fresh on my mind.

Last few pics before I hit post.....

Market booth. Grace's Garden

Reed

and Reed with me!

Precious. He will be in NICU for a day or 2. Swallowed fluid and needs a little help getting it out of lungs. So glad he is here. Night Night!

Until next time,

~ Betsy

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Week 11 Moda Blockheads Lisa's Star by Lisa Bongean

This week is a short one for me as I'm writing this post early, while frantically preparing it to go to Market! I made Lisa's block quickly and love it. And I made the Mini, also cute as can be. ;-)

If you have followed along on Instagram or Facebook, more on Instagram, will will have seen tiny previews of Market sewing and quilts as well as photos of the quilts from Rachel Remembered. Lots of posting going on. Wish the blogging was as easy from the iPhone as IG and Facebook are! I'll try the NEW phone at Market.

Yes, had to take time and get a new phone. The old one died, again and I could not revive. The sweet young man at the store, did revive, but it was time to replace! No time yet to play with it, but that is ok. I'm so attached to the phone and do all my business from it. It is devastating when there is a problem. I don't like being so dependent on technology but it is a way of life for all of us.

Here is my version of Lisa's pretty block....

a quick tip....I used 3/4" finished half square triangles to make the tiny units. I also oversized the cream squares by 1/8" before cutting in half and was more pleased after sewing to the pieced unit. I then had a tiny bit of trim room if my stitching went a little wonky, and it does happen!

Click Here

to find the pattern on Lisa's blog. Be sure to go to my friends' blogs to see their take on this week block. Links below.

Look how different light has changed the cream background to tan! LOL! The changes in lighting is something to think about when you order online!

I think the block went together easily and is beautiful! Thank YOU Lisa for a lovely block!

Mini Penny 3" block

After making HSTs for the 6" block, I had a few left over. I needed to make one more, but cannot remember if I did because I was short for what I decided to do, of it one was wonky after pressing,
or it went into never-never land on the floor.
Use the cutting instructions Lisa has given for the center of the star, but reverse the colors and the orientation of the 'pinwheel'.

Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day, either with your Mom, or as a MOM.

I had a lovely day with my kids, Rachel and Matthew, and precious Madison who will be getting a baby brother very soon. (not until after I'm home from Market!!! I hope!)

Steve, his mom and son-in-law Craig where also with us.

Question of the Week to the designers...Of the quilts you've created, what is your

favorite quilt pattern ever?

This is a hard question to answer easily. I have a lot of favorites. Favorite mini? Favorite Crib size? Favorite Lap quilt? Favorite large throw, not exactly bed size?

I could just say, 'the one I just finished' and it would be close to the truth! LOL.

If I have to name just one, it would be Hope's Journey that is made with wild goose chase blocks, because Wild Goose Chase is one of my favorite blocks.

Favorite quilt to make that I designed, is hands down Gone to Texas. LOVE everything about it, the scrappy fabrics, the non-symmetrical setting and the mix of block sizes.

Favorite mini is a tiny broken dishes quilt.

Favorite crib quilt, the Indigo and white quilt I showed in the last post, I called So Many Dishes.

Favorite Lap quilt is an old pattern called Captain Carpenter's Soldier Quilt, a 4 patch strippy.

Favorite 'sort of' bed size quilt might be a new one for quilt market.

I've got more favorites, such as favorite seasonal quilts.

Very rarely have I made a quilt I don't like.

How about you? do you have a favorite? Just one, or several?

I'll leave you with Morning Walk mini and Mom's Blue Danube. Thinking of you Mom, everyday, not just not on Mother's Day.

Until next time, happy sewing!

~ 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/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/

Friday, May 12, 2017

And my favorite color is.....

What a great time I have had reading your thought process to figure out my likes and dislikes! Thank you, thank you ALL for taking the time to visit my blog and comment.

It seems to me that blogging is a give and take...and so often, and until BlockHeads, not that often lol, I'm writing but I don't know if I'm connecting...know what I mean? I write in hopes of sharing and teaching, and in turn I hope you are receiving and learning. And now I'm writing every week!

BlockHeads has taught me a lot! And I have received the sweetest notes form so many of you thanking me for this or that. You have no idea what it means to me.

So who won?...well,, I gave Molly (one of my cats) the opportunity to select the winner from a basket full of names that all guessed the same color. She was asleep and failed me. So I asked my husband to draw a name from the basket. but before I reveal the winner of my favorite color I have to tell you that NO ONE guessed both my favorite and least favorite correctly in one vote. Nor did anyone guess the particular type of this color that I have LOVED since I bought my first antique quilt top in 1980. A $10 top started a love affair with this color. But what I'm showing is from a top I purchased in 1982.

INDIGO is my favorite color. When I was a child my favorite Crayola was Midnight Blue. I wanted to collect indigo and white quilts so bad I could taste it! and They were very pricey even in the 1980's

I also love Prussian Blue and Lancaster Blue, but not as much as Indigo. Indigo has its own little cupboard and it is a small collection compared to the other blue colors because I USE IT UP! I try to put indigo in all my quilts, even in fall quilts but not in anything for Halloween and not in Christmas quilts, but love them for Winter and Summer. For me indigo adds a richness and depth to quilts. I collect Flow Blue dishes. and Blue Willow. and cobalt blue vases.

So yes, if you guessed BLUE, your name went in the basket.

If you haven't read all the comments in the last post, you must. One of the best and it made me laugh:

I think that BLUE is your favorite color because it is the messiest of the shelves...like you get into it more often and keep messing up your neat stacks.

Love it! robin. and it is very true...the blues on that shelf are double deep, so an equal amount is behind what you see. Thank goodness you cannot see the rest of the room...not neat!

Indigo and Nine Patch, from History Repeated

Indigos from Hope's Journey and Rachel Remembered in a blockheads block.

Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas It's not indigo but still a beautiful blue.

My dining room, on occasion. (I change with the seasons) The quilt over the pew is one of my most favorite quilts EVER and is in Lizzie's Legacy. So is the little churn dash over the blue cupboard. Notice the brown transferware on the blue cupboard? Love blue and brown together!

Now for all those who know I love brown...I do love it and use it in most quilts too, and for the CHOCOLATE guess, I LOVE that you went to a specific brown and you were spot on with chocolate! I like chocolatey shades, from milk chocolate to dark chocolate to bittersweet, hot chocolate, mocha, and chocolate mousse. Now I like chocolate a lot but it is not my favorite...Can't you hear Johnny Depp murmuring 'yum' as he takes a bite of chocolate in the movie Chocolat? and says , 'but it's not my favorite". ?

For me browns are my neutral...they do not compete with any other color. and NO, they are not the color of mud or dirt...they are chocolate.

I have converted many a 'no brown in my quilt' maker in my 25 years in quilts shops by suggesting they introduce chocolate to their palette.

I also love PINK. and Poison Green, but not the puky green, but it not my most disliked color. I RARELY use that color except in primitives or folk art. Doesn't everyone have a tiny bit of that 'something different' in their stash??? I once worked with a quilter who put puky green in EVERY quilt. hmmm. I love to wear lime green but rarely sew with it.

I use to detest purple and orange, but appreciate them for their time and place, and yellows, when a little dab will do. But a yellow and white or Orange and cream quilt...yummy like Creamsicles. and cheddar, OH MY!

I have an intense dislike for a particular red, claret. It is in that $10 top and while it did not bleed in that case, it has in other tops and quilts. So I avoid it in antiques and very, very little has ever been reproduced. If it is your favorite , I hope I didn't offend. We all have our favorites an I respect your likes regardless! And you know, if it is called burgundy, I like it so much better! though both are wines! Why do we name colors? A name can turn you off, or on, as any emotion might. I love Red and my Moda reds are the yummiest, if I do say so.

I don't dislike blacks, nor do I dislike mourning blacks. Again, in the right time and place, love, love .

Only one person guessed my least favorite.

GRAY

I know it is popular. I know it is in all the magazines from wall colors to fabric, and if the RIGHT GRAY appeared for a project then I wouldn't say no, I just don't have a single piece in my stash. If given the choice between gray or cream, I'll pick cream shades any day. But, I wear LOTS of gray. I have seen and admired quilts with gray so one day I could change my mind, again if the right one came along...mourning blacks do read gray from a distance, hint hint.

I choose rich colors and the colors I love have depth. Even soft shades can be rich. Even a darker pastel can be rich. One of my favorite classes to teach involves the colors that were popular in the 1800's and our repros today, which I teach with antique quilts, tops and blocks.

I have babbled on enough??? I LOVE talking color!!!!

And the winner is...

My husband drew Marie Chat's name, so Marie please email me (addy in profile) or make a comment with your email so I can send you a Rachel Remembered Charm Pack. If I don't hear from you by Sunday, I have a runner up selected.

And because Puppy Paws picked gray as my least favorite, correctly, I'll send you a charm pack too. Please email me or make a comment including your addy.

I'd like to get these mailed before market, fingers crossed.

Again, thank you thank you to all who participated, and read my posts...your visit and your comments are always welcome.

Until Wednesday! Oh My, I'll schedule the post before I leave for Market. Wish me luck.

Bindings are calling!!!

~Betsy

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Week 10, Block 10 by Jan Patek Basket and Flower

Hello fellow BlockHeads! Ready for block 10, it's a sweet applique designed by Jan Patek.

Before we get to Jan's block, or my mini block, let's talk color! Yes, that is the question of the week... Do I have a favorite color?

If you looked in my stash, opened all the doors of every cupboard, would you be able to tell which color is my favorite?

Can one's favorite color not be the one she, or he, has the most?

Interesting, or tricky???

...and what is your favorite?

Ok, this is only one cupboard. All colors in my palette are seen here, but this cupboard by no means holds all my fabrics. Lights, creams and shirtings are elsewhere. Blacks are in the cupboard, but cut off in this photo.

Knowing this isn't all of my fabric and none of my MODA fabrics are included here and my madders are in a different cupboard, what color do you think is my favorite?

A favorite per season? A favorite 'go to' fabric that I include in nearly every project? and even better, which color is my least favorite? It may or may not be in the photo.

Leave me a comment with your guesses, and if you are correct, I'll put your name in a drawing for a Rachel Remembered charm pack!

You have until 12 noon on Thursday Central daylight time to leave a comment. I'll announce the winner Thursday evening.

Basket and Flower, this week's block by Jan Patek, is as sweet as can be. I stitched this gem by hand using the needle turn method. Jan has a wonderful applique tutorial on You Tube! Nice break from the non stop machine sewing I've been doing for a secret project and for Quilt Market, which by the way is a week away! Ok, I'm easily sidetracked!

You will want to visit all the blogs (links below) and see what our BlockHeads designers have made, and I just bet, Lisa has an alternate, for those of you who don't applique.

For Jan's pattern CLICK HERE for her blog, instructions, pattern and tips.

All fabrics in my block are from Rachel Remembered, except the greens,

which are from Hope's Journey.

Better lighting . I have not trimmed to 6 1/2" yet.

Thank Jan, I loved stitching your block!

and now my Mini Penny 3" block for the week...

Mary Ann's Basket, which I designed for my book, Classic and Heirloom Quilts.

I've made these cute, cute baskets in fabrics from all my lines, except Eliza's Indigo, which was introduced just prior to writing this book.

They are fun, and fast. In the book we use the connector method, which I also used for this post. I did however 'up' the squares and rectangles to make the geese units, by 1/8", then trimmed finished units using a 3/4" x 1 1/2" Bloc_Loc flying geese ruler. Tiny geese can be a tad frustrating!

(You may make the geese units with any method you like.)

Super tiny, but awesome tool.

Finished geese are 3/4" x 1 1/2". Trim units to 1 1/4" x 2".

You will also need background pieces: a 1 1/4" square and 2 - 1 1/4" x 2" rectangles and,

1 - 2 3/8" square, cut diagonally.

From dark print, you will need a

2'' square and a 1 5/8" square cut in half diagonally.

Assemble as shown above, adding the light triangle last.

This sweet basket block pincushion was made by the hostesses of a retreat where I taught Mary Ann's Basket in March...they were part of the goody bag for each attendee. How special is that???

Mary Ann's Baskets in Classic and Heirloom Quilts

A Bramblewood version, not in the book. The blocks from Hope's Journey are buried,

somewhere in the sewing room.

For complete instructions and other block sizes, please see Classic and Heirloom Quilts, available at your local quilt shop, Fat Quarter Shop online, or from me.

So much to do and so little time!

Happy sewing!

Back to prepping for Market and the clock is ticking...

Until next time~

Betsy