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

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

BlockHeads Week 39 Framed Star by Jo Morton

November 29. Wednesday. Thanksgiving is over and it's time for Christmas decorating, shopping and baking to begin. WOW. I'm tired just writing the last sentence. Time flies by every week and we are again. This leads me to our

Question of the Week...Have you started your Christmas preparations? NO. Baking? NO. Shopping? No. Made a gift-wish list for yourself? No.

Really boring but truthful answers. Shortly after Thanksgiving I flew to Chicago for a wonderful teaching and speaking trip for the Prairie Star Quilters Guild.

I am ready to decorate and bake...the older I get the less I like to shop. Shopping for the grandkids can be fun and they certainly put the magic in the season.

Lots of sewing and writing to do, designing and more, to do along with Christmas prep, so the most wished for item on my gift-wish list is TIME. I wish for this every Christmas season. Time to do all the fun Christmas things and keep up with deadlines too. Big sigh, and fingers crossed.

Jo has an interesting block for us this week. I made it twice. After making it the first time, I kept looking at it, even slept on it and something just wasn't clicking for me. I'm not showing it to you. I am happy, however with the second one which I will show you.

Framed Star by Jo Morton

Click here for Jo's blog and her pattern.

My tips for making this block is starch first before cutting and

Bloc_loc flying geese ruler, size 1" x 2". And, layout your parts before sewing to make sure you like the value placement. That is what I didn't like with the first block I made, the values of my chosen fabrics didn't work for me.

Enjoy making Framed Star!

Thanks Jo!

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

3" mini Penny block

Starch fabrics before cutting.

Ok, don't shoot me...1/2" HSTs. I suggest triangle paper and

Bloc_loc flying geese ruler, size 1/2" x 1".

To make this without triangle paper you need, 9 - 1" light squares and 9 - 1" dark squares for the HSTs. Trim 18 HSTs to 1". Press open if you choose, mine are pressed to the dark triangle.

1- 1 1/2" square light print for the center of the star

4 - 1 1/2" squares light print cut again once diagonally for the star points

1 - 2 7/8" dark square cut again twice diagonally for the background to the star points

6 - 1" dark squares for the corners

I've oversized triangles and geese units for trimming. Use a regular 1/4" seam.

Trim geese units (star points) to 1" x 1 1/2"

Center Star should measure 2 1/2", for a 2" finished star.

Follow my block for placement of HSTs.

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

Hope you enjoy making this block!

Don't forget to check out the Moda BlockHeads Facebook group...lots of followers are beginning to set their blocks together. Look for a setting from each of us in the coming weeks.

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/

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Winnesr announced for All in a Row Again

Happy to announce 2 winners of All in a Row Again!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every comment!

While you are all winners in my book, only 2 win today.

The winner of the ebook from Martingale is Karen in Breezy Point!

Karen, please email me bchutchian@hotmail.com to confirm your email address for me to send to Martingale. Congratulations!!!

and the lucky winner from me is amdezo5@gmail.com

Please email me at bchutchian@hotmail.com with your address for mailing your copy.

Congratulations!!!

Thank you to all who participated!

Hope you all enjoy making our rows.

Until next time ~

Betsy

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Week 38 is Peace and Plenty by ME

Gobble Gobble! tomorrow is Turkey Day...Happy Thanksgiving to you all. While Thanksgiving is an American tradition, the spirit of the day transcends all nations. Be thankful tomorrow for what you have and share your bounty with others. Blessings abound. Enjoy your day with family and friends, and if you must, then enjoy the football games. It is a day of traditions, and that is the Question of the week Traditions? Ours have changed a lot of the years. One thing we have to have is Chocolate Icebox Pie. I don't make pumpkin, but do make a Lemon Pecan Pie. Have a wonderful day.

So was it a coincidence or planned that the day before Thanksgiving would be my Peace and Plenty block?? Very appropriate, I think!

Click Here

for the pattern Peace and Plenty, one of my favorite blocks to make.

YOu will notice the cutting of quarter square triangles. No worries, they go together and fit beautifully.

I do suggest you starch your fabrics before cutting. It makes construction easy!

I cut a square each of 4 blues for the hourglasses, then cut in an X but used only 2 of each blue print. Only one blue print for the outside triangles, and only one light print were used. You decide if you want a scrappy monochromatic look or, if you want just one blue print throughout the block.

I also suggest pressing the hourglass units to the dark prints, flipping the intersection and making clips to press 4 seams to the dark triangles. The units then nest perfectly.

Hourglasses should measure 2 5/8" I did not need to trim.

The center unit of 4 hourglasses should measure 4 3/4", then add your outer pieced corners.

Block should measure 6 1/2"

Mini Penny

I modified the 6" block a little for the 3" Mini Penny block this week. Starch before cutting. Assembly is the same principle as the 6" block with a pieced center and pieced corners.

From one light cut 1 - 2 3/4" square cut again in an X. and 2 - 1 5/8" squares, cut once diagonally.

From Paisley, cut 1 - 2 3/4" square cut again in an X and 1 - 2" square.

From a second blue, cut 2 - 1 5/8" squares, cut once diagonally.

Press to the dark prints.

Block should measure 3 1/2", trim if needed. 3" finished block.

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

Again, Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time ~

Betsy

Friday, November 17, 2017

All in a Row Again with Moda All Stars Blog Hop

Hi there! Have you seen or heard of our very cute and fun new book, Moda All Stars All in a Row Again? If you are familiar with book one, you know the book is full of really cute, creative and fun to make rows, rows that can stand alone as table runners or wall quilts, or combine your favorites into a wonderful quilt of a creative collection of designs by 23 Moda designers.

Please peruse this post and at the end you will find instructions for a chance to win an ebook from Martingale. And, a book from me!

You will want to follow Martingale closely as they have a number of chances at giveaways. The blog schedule can be found at the bottom of this post.

Here is our cover, a professional photo!

My row, another pro shot from the book.

3 of my favorite rows. What a hard decision, all are great rows!

Be sure to join the Facebook group

https://www.facebook.com/allinarowquiltalong/

GIVEWAY!

Here is what you need to do....

Leave me a comment with a fun plan for the holidays or, a fun tradition, and include your email address. Without your email address, Martingale will have no way of sending the winner an ebook. And, I cannot select you for my prize without an email address.

So let's review, a happy, festive comment on your holiday plans or a fun holiday tradition and your email address. Easy! 2 winners...one ebook and one book-book.

I look forward to hearing from you. NOTE: You have until midnight Friday, Texas time, November 24 when comments close. I'll pick 2 winners, one from Martingale and one from me.

Royalties from the sale of this book will go to this organization.

Enjoy the blog hop, awesome designers, and super cute, fun and creative rows!

And just because I can't get ready for a set shot without her help...

....Molly on my row.

You don't need me in a photo when we have Molly!

Gotta love her!

Don't forget my fellow designers, their blogs and their rows!!!

Until next time ~

Betsy

November 17

Lynne Hagmeier: http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/

Betsy Chutchian: http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/

November 18

Deb Strain: https://www.instagram.com/debstrain/

Kathy Schmitz: http://kathyschmitzstudio.blogspot.com/

November 19Sandy Klop: https://www.instagram.com/sandyklop/

Sandy Gervais: http://piecesfrommyheart-sgervais.blogspot.com/

November 20

Brenda Riddle: http://brendariddle.blogspot.com/

Barbara Groves and Mary Jacobson: https://www.meandmysisterdesigns.com/blog/page/2/

November 21

Karla Eisenach: https://www.thesweetwaterco.com/the-sweetwater-blog/

Camille Roskelley: http://www.camilleroskelley.typepad.com/

November 22

Sherri McConnell: http://www.aquiltinglife.com/

Kate Spain: https://www.instagram.com/katespain/

November 24

Lissa Alexander: http://modalissa.com/

Lisa Bongean: https://lisabongean.com/

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Week 37 Moda BlockHeads Double Delight Star by Lynne Hagmeier

Another busy week another block...This week we have Double Delight Star by Lynne Hagmeier, and it is so pretty!

Before we get to the patterns this week, here is the Question of the week...

Do you remember your first Quilt Market as an exhibitor? When was it? Was it exciting? Terrifying? Both?

My first Quilt Market, as an exhibitor, was in the Spring of 2015, in Minneapolis. First time to Minneapolis, first line of fabric with Moda. It was exciting and just a little terrifying. I had been attending Quilt Market for quite a number of years as a buyer for the local quilt shop where I worked and taught, so I was well acquainted with the proceedings from a customer's view. Totally different being the one to show and promote my fabric! The entire experience was daunting only in that it was my first, and with each market that has followed I've learn more of the things I didn't know I needed to know, and I file those ideas away for the next Market. It gets easier. Talking to shop owners is one of my favorite aspects. It takes me back the time in the shop, greeting and helping customers pick fabrics. Loved it. I truly enjoy attending and exhibiting.

Here is something else I love...

I love chocolate. Milk chocolate, semi sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate with caramel, and hot chocolate. I was in a chocolate mood when making this block and
I think it is good enough to eat!

Fabrics are from Grace's Garden, on the outside; Hope's Journey, the hot chocolate looking fabric in the middle; and Rachel Remembered in the center.

Did you know that brown is not just brown? How blah is that word when you say you love a brown quilt. BUT, if you will think of browns as chocolates, you begin to see, and feel the warmth and richness you can add to a quilt. How about a warm, rich Chocolate Lava Cake right now? Who is with me?

Yummy!

Here you go....

Click here

for Lynne's blog and pattern in layered patchwork and traditional piecing.

Thanks Lynne!

Please check on my friends' blogs to see what they made this week.

Still in the chocolatey mood, the 3" mini Penny block has a touch of strawberry, raspberry or cherry added. Same lines of fabrics used.

To make the Mini, from light print cut 1 - 1 1/2" square for the center and

8 - 1" squares for the little corners.

From red paisley, cut 4 - 1' x 1 1/2" rectangles

From Chocolate print cut 4 - 1" x 2 1/2" rectangles.

Sew from the center out, flipping and clipping intersection so seams with lay flat.

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

Enjoy!

It is time to start preparing for Thanksgiving and the Holiday season....can you believe it?

I'll be the day before Thanksgiving BlockHead so don't forget me, or my friends, even if you just print the patterns during this busy time. Please know, I wish you all, time to enjoy the season. And, I'll try to remember that wish, too.

Until next time ~

Betsy

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Week 36 ModaBlockHeads "Shoo Dat by Carrie Nelson

A few weeks have passed since I last wrote you all. Posting in advance is a challenge, but doable, I'm happy to say. Remembering to post on Instagram and facebook, is a whole different challenge! Again I'm happy to have remembered. Which brings me to today....I made blocks Monday. Started cutting some special orders for Grace's Garden Tuesday and at 8:15, started to write this post....almost forgot. My mind is full of 'stuff', it is never really empty, but this Market was exhausting in a good way, but still exhausting. I hear my mother's voice saying how she couldn't make dinner for the family anymore...that she couldn't keep a time schedule so everything arrived at the dinner table on time and hot! I hear you Mama!!! Having the same issue with quilting projects, and a few dinners, too. LOL

Like I said Market was great, exhausting in a totally fun way. I love talking to shop owners! and colleagues! and new friends from Europe! and Moda parties! Market is a wonderful time to connect and meet and renew business relationships and friendships. The new line for March delivery seemed to do well and we had this really fun giveaway that involved the bundle and selfies with shop owners. Watch for giveways, I'm sure they are coming but when???

Here are photos of my booth. I had a flat wall space with a door, lol, a curtain actually, to the snack and storage room.

Question of the week...How many fabric collections have you created? Do you have a favorite? If so, which one and why is it your favorite?

I have designed 7 lines including Evelyn's Homestead which you see above. All are my favorites! and each for a different reason. Since my lines come from my antique quilts and fabrics, each line is personal and a reflection of me. Can you see ME in my lines? Eliza's Indigo was the first, and so special as we recreated the antique quilt with 1700's entrepreneur Eliza Lucas Pickney's story. Indigo has been a constant in my lines thus far. Second, was Lizzie's Legacy based on an antique quilt of my great great grandmother's time, though sadly not one she made. That line inspired the book Classic and Heirloom Quilts honoring Lizzie and the fabric. The third line was Bramblewood, which I love for the fall and Halloween colors. as you know Halloween things make me smile. Fourth, was Hope's Journey, bold colors including cheddar and poison green and wonderful prints from one of my antique quilts. Do you see me as bold??? It's there. :) Bold prints and colors for a bold, courageous woman's journey anchored by HOPE. Fifth, was Rachel Remembered. aah Rachel, a favorite name for a favorite lady in American History. The line is simply gorgeous, with big floral chintz and small prints. Even though it was not something we would print, a portrait of Rachel's husband, Andrew Jackson, is pieced into the star blocks of the antique quilt inspiration. The sixth line, shipping to shops now, is Grace's Garden, a totally romantic and graceful line of early floral chintz, French paisley and coordinating prints, from antique textiles in my collection and one from the archive books at Moda. And now to date, the seventh line, Evelyn's Homestead, is a magical combination of colors and prints, well suited to the fascinating story of Evelyn Cameron, Englishwoman, Montana rancher and photographer. A real woman of character!

So how do I pick a favorite? My lines tell a story as do my quilts. These stories cover strength, courage, common sense, humor, faith, hope, enduring grace, beauty, romance, passion for all things. Hmm as I typed, I thought just how many of these traits are in me?

Carrie's block Shoo Dat, makes mes want to kick up my heels, no never mind, I'd find myself on the floor..

Block 36 (12 to go)

Click here for Carrie's pattern

My version

Red plaid is from Hope's Journey, the other 2 prints are from Rachel Remembered

I enjoyed making this block! Thank you Carrie!!!

Please check on my blockhead friends to see what they have made and their answers to this week's question. Links below.

3" Mini Penny, a cute, simplified version of the 6" block

To make this cutie, cut:

4 light squares 1 3/4" x 1 3/4"

4 medium rectangles 1" x 1 3/4"

4 dark squares 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" for connectors

1 dark 1" square for center.

Sew connector squares on one corner of each light square. Press to dark and trim away excess. Add rectangles and center square. Block should measure 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" for a 3" finished block.

Enjoy!

Lastly, here are some photos from Market...

Ghostly women hanging in the the trees, blowing gracefully by day, but kinda spooky in the evening. These women were fashioned from plastic tablecloths...very cool idea!

Fun at Fiesta! our Moda party theme and super tall guests. Author and designer Gail Pan of Australia joined Annette and me. and Julia (not pictured) for a really fun evening. Note our costumes...red flowers in our hair and I'm wearing a fiesta worthy top, not great, but an attempt. Lots of other friends were there too. I think we all had photos made with the tall ones in Day of the Dead attire.

And my Moda Japan friends who make my beautiful fabric SO beautiful at the mill. I was thrilled to meet them and show them my appreciation.

It's a wrap. Market is over, now back to work. Remember to keep watching for forthcoming news, you will know as soon as it breaks...here, Instagram, and Facebook. Lots to do in the meantime!!!

Until next time ~

Betsy