Bella Skill Builder: Block 5

Hey y'all! So, I'm a bit of a dolt - I made my blocks for the Bella Skill Builder two weeks ago and then completely forgot to post. Forgive me, it's been a long couple of weeks and I had friends over on the weekend for crafty time!

This block uses another new to me technique - making half square triangles with Triangles on a Roll!

Triangles on a Roll are fun and super-easy! It takes a little patience to get the paper pinned down in such a way that it is flat and not bunchy, but once it's all down, it makes the process much faster. I neglected to shorten my stitch length (again, I am a dolt) so I had a little bit more trouble ripping the paper off but still easy-easy!

For these blocks I used Moda Bella Solids in Off White, Spearmint, and Clementine. At the end of each post for this Quilt Along, I'll be posting links to my previous posts, so check them out if you so decide:

Introductory Post

Blocks 1A & 1B

Blocks 2A & 2B

Blocks 3A & 3B
Block 4

We are at the halfway point now! Woot woot!

Bella Skill Builder: Block 4

Hey y'all! It's that time again - more blocks for the Bella Skill Builder quilt along. Woot!

The blocks for this month were three easy and quick sets of flying geese! After last month's very time consuming pineapple blocks, this was a nice change of pace (especially since I had a bunch of other quilting I wanted to get done).

The method used for constructing these geese was new to me. I generally utilize the no-waste method, but these were made using the Small Flying Geese Ruler from Quilt in a Day. Right now it's a bit of a toss up as to which method I like more - using the method for this ruler was much faster, but it generates more waste then the other (i.e. some versus none). The waste amount really wasn't a lot, so...

For these blocks I used Moda Bella Solids in Off White and Flamingo (which I've realized going back through pictures is a really hard colour to get a decent shot of - the tone always seems different). At the end of each post for this Quilt Along, I'll be posting links to my previous posts, so check them out if you so decide:

Introductory Post

Blocks 1A & 1B

Blocks 2A & 2B

Blocks 3A & 3B

Next month, we'll be at the halfway point in the quilt along, so I'm going to try and get a picture of the blocks I have so far all laid out together. I'm excited to see how it's all coming together!

Bella Skill Builder: Blocks 3A & 3B

Hey y'all! It's time again for another round of blocks from the Bella Skill Builder hosted by Fat Quarter Shop.

This month's blocks (7 individual blocks in all) were pineapples and it was my first time making them. I love the look and how the colours seem to overlap, but wow (!!) so time-consuming! I'm also not enamoured with the amount of fabric waste these blocks generate; it's a good thing they look so neat!

I used the super-fancy Creative Grids Pineapple Trim Tool which made the process relatively easy and pain-free. For these blocks I used Moda Bella Solids in Turquoise, Clementine, and Flamingo. At the end of each post for this Quilt Along, I'll be posting links to my previous posts, so check them out if you so decide:

Introductory Post

Blocks 1A & 1B

Blocks 2A & 2B

Bella Skill Builder: Blocks 2A & 2B

Hey y'all! So, it's the beginning of a new month and that means some new blocks for the Bella Skill Builder!

This month's blocks feature Orange Peels - which is something I have never attempted before! So, since I've never tussled with these blocks, I decided to test out two different methods. Why not, right?

The first set I did utilizing the larger of the Orange Peel templates. For these ones, I decided to use the fusible interfacing method outlined in this tutorial. While I liked the turned under edges you get with this method, I found that I had a hard time getting nice sharp points. It was also a bit more time consuming because there are more steps involved. This method also gives a slightly puffier look because the fabric itself isn't fused to the background.

For both blocks that utilized the smaller Orange Peel templates, I used fusible adhesive. I don't have any tutorials to point to since I love fusible for sketchy applique and have used it a bunch! This method is definitely faster and everything is nice and sharp because the peels are simply cut out and fused. A lot of people don't like the look of this type of fused applique because they think it looks "unfinished" but I adore it actually!

As I mentioned before, I'm switching up the colours for this quilt. So for these three blocks I used Moda Bella Solids in Boysenberry, Marigold, and Clementine. At the end of each post for this Quilt Along, I'll be posting links to my previous posts, so check them out if you so decide:

Introductory Post

Blocks 1A & 1B

Bella Skill Builder: Blocks 1A & 1B

Hey y'all! Welcome back for the first blocks for the Bella Skill Builder. In case you missed the introductory post, this quilt along runs from February to September this year and will feature new blocks at the beginning of each month.

The first set of blocks are kaleidoscope blocks that can be made using either a spiderweb ruler or the template included in the free pattern. I totally messed up the trimming on the B block (the one featuring four kaleidoscopes) which is why it looks a bit wonky, but oh well, I'm okay with it! The Bella Solids used this time around include Turquoise, Marigold, and Off White.

You can find the main Bella Skill Builder page on the FQS blog. This page will be updated each month with the new block patterns and video tutorials, you can also find links for all of the other bloggers hosting posts for the quilt along. I'm really excited to see how this one tuns out since I switched up all of the colours - it will be like a little surprise every month!

Bella Skill Builder: Introduction

Hey y'all! So, this week kicks off the Bella Skill Builder Quilt Along hosted by Fat Quarter Shop. I've been asked to quilt along with everyone and I'm pretty excited! There are nine block sets, and each block set will be released as a free pattern through FQS on the first of the month for the next nine months; you can also buy a kit to make yourself a quilt in the original colours.

Because it's how I roll I decided to change up the colours I'm using...

Ohhhh, pretty! In order to keep my colour swap outs clear, I used my Lori Holt Scrappy Project Planner to keep some swatches handy.

All of the colours I've selected are Bella solids from Moda, and they include Boysenberry, Marigold, Clementine, Flamingo, Turquoise, Spearmint, Bluebell and Off White.

I'll be posting my first set of blocks this weekend, so come on back then to see them! I haven't participated in a quilt along in a very long time and I'm happy to get in on this one - I love learning new skills and using new tools.

Desperate Housewife's Quilt - Chevron Fly

Hey all! Thanks so much for joining me for my stop on Jane's Desperate Housewife's Quilt and in case you missed it (or this is your first time here) my giveaway for Heather's Blogger's Choice Bundle is still open here (until June 7th)!

So, what is going on here you might be wondering? Well, Jane of QuiltJane is posting one tutorial a week for 50 weeks for an 8" finished block, as well she's invited other bloggers to contribute a tutorial for a block for each of those 50 weeks for a grand total of 100 blocks! It's pretty fun!

So this is my week - week 48 - and I've got an original block tutorial for you! I'm calling this little baby Chevron Fly and I really hope you like it!

Alright, you ready? Let's go!!!

Materials:

- 8 print squares, two of each print, measuring 2x2"
- 8 solid squares (I used Kona Charcoal), measuring 2x2"
- 1.5x8.5" solid strip
- 5.5x8.5" solid rectangle

Notes: All seams are 1/4" unless otherwise specified. Press seams in between each step.

 Making the HSTs:


-Draw a line diagonally from point to point on the wrong side of two matching printed squares.

-Pin a print square, right sides together, with a solid square and sew 1/4" away on either side of the diagonal line. Repeat with other matching print square and a solid square.

-Using your rotary cutter or a pair of scissors cut each square into two triangular pieces using the original line that you drew as your guide.

-Open up each HST and press the centre seam open. Trim each block if necessary to 1.5x1.5" square and cut off the little nubbins that are jutting out.

-Line up your four matching HSTs as shown in the picture above.

-Sew the top two blocks and bottom two blocks together as shown above. Join together to form the finished chevron.

-Repeat the above steps with your remaining printed and solid squares.

Finishing:

-Sew the four chevron units together to form a long strip.

-Line up your solid strip, chevron strip, and solid rectangle as shown above and sew together.

And you're done! I hope you like my Chevron Fly block and be sure to check out the rest of the block's over at Jane's blog!

If you're on Flickr please be sure to add a picture of your completed block to the Desperate Housewife's Quilt group, and also to my own Tutorials and Patterns group over there!

Block Title: Chevron Fly

Desperate Housewife's Quilt Week 48

Finished Size: 8"

Ruby Winner!

Hey all! Sorry I wasn't able to do this post yesterday as promised but I spent most of the day in bed with a migraine - boo!!! I still have a little bit of it today but it is definitely much better! I was going to do a little recap of Creativ Festival but that will have to wait until another day when I have strength enough to take pictures of all the little goodies I got. For now though I will announce the winner of Bonnie and Camille's Designer Select fat quarter bundle from Fat Quarter Shop... drum roll please!

Amy Gibson of Stitchery Dickory Dock

Woohoo, go Amy! You guys Should all check out Amy's blog, Stitchery Dickory Dock, it is super-cute, she has some great tutorials, and I am super-jealous that she was able to make it to Sewing Summit! Amy, please send me an email with your mailing address and FQS will get your prize out right away!

It seems like people are really interested in doing a quilt along for my Colour Block Cross quilt so I think we'll get going on that! I need to work out some logistics and then I'll announce all of the dates, etc here on the blog - this is going to be so fun guys!

Quilt Uber-Fest Block 2: Flying North

Welcome everyone to the second day of the Quilt Uber-Fest quilt along! I'm really glad that you're all joining me here today and I can not wait to see the blocks that y'all come up with over the next little bit. I've called my block design "Flying North" because the flying geese and log cabin motif reminded me of Canadian geese flying over sections of farmland.

Fabrics I Used:
Three prints from Nel Whatmore's Sleeping Beauty for Free Spirit
Woven Haze Stripe in Denim Blue by Kaffe Fassett
Bonus Fabric: Kona Cotton in Ash

*Note: All seams are 1/4" and please remember to press in between each step. The block will end up being 12.5x12.5" square with a finished size of 12x12" square.

Cutting Directions:

-Cut two squares measuring 4x4" from each the Kona Ash solid and one Sleeping Beauty print (I used print #PWNW013Purple) for a total of four squares.
-Cut one 2.5x6.5" strip and one 2.5x10.5" strip from one Sleeping Beauty print (I used print #PWNW017Brown).
-Cut one 2.5x8.5" strip and one 2.5x12.5" strip from the last Sleeping Beauty print (I used print #PWNW015Purple).
-Cut one 2.5x8.5" strip and one 2.5x10.5" strip from the Kaffe Fassett woven.

  Making HSTs:

-Draw a line diagonally from point to point on the wrong side of your two solid squares.

-Pin a solid block, right sides together, with a print block and sew 1/4" away on either side of the diagonal line.

-Using your rotary cutter or a pair of scissors cut the square into two triangular pieces using the original line that you drew as your guide.

-Open up each triangle and press the centre seam open. Trim each block if necessary to 3.5x3.5" square and cut off the little nubbins that are jutting out.

-Repeat the above steps with your remaining solid and print blocks until you are left with four half-square triangles.

Constructing the Geese:

-Layout your HSTs as shown above.

-Take each of your sets of matching HSTs and sew, right sides together, along the joining edge.

-Now that your two geese are constructed place them rights together and sew along the centre joining edge.

The Log Cabin:

-Sew your 2.5x6.5" strip, right sides together, to the bottom of the flying geese.

-Sew the first of your 2.5"x8.5" strips, right sides together, to the right side of the flying geese.

-Sew the second of your 2.5x8.5" strips, right sides together, to the bottom of the block.

-Sew the first of your 2.5x10.5" strips, right sides together, to the right side of the block.

-Sew the second of your 2.5x10.5" strips, right sides together, to the bottom of the block.

-And finally, sew your 2.5x12.5" strip, right sides together, to the right side of the block. Look at that - you're done!

I hope that you all enjoyed being here and that you've also enjoyed making "Flying North" with me. I've turned this tutorial into a PDF too which you can find here! Remember to add photos of your completed blocks to the Uber-Fest Flickr group and please come back and visit anytime you'd like! Also, add your block to the Miss Print Tutorials and Patterns Flickr group if you'd like too!

Next up with block three tomorrow, we have: Karen Linton who, since she does not have a blog, will be guest posting the tutorial on Scott's blog!

Quilt Uber-Fest Sneaky-Peek!

Hey all! As you know my block design for the Quilt Uber-Fest quilt along will debut here on the blog tomorrow but I wanted to give you all a little sneak peek at what I have in store for you!

I've named the block "Flying North" but y'all will have to come back tomorrow to find out why! Don't forget to visit John's blog today for his tutorial for the first block of the quilt along!

Quilt Uber-Fest Comin' Atcha!

Remember back in February when I was one of the designers for the Bloggers Block-a-Palooza Quilt Along? Well, I'll be doing it again but this time it's Quilt Uber-Fest organized by the super-talented Scott of Blue Nickel Studios!

Y'all know I love Fall right? It is my favourite season and this quilt along is not only taking place in my favourite season, it is also taking place in my favourite month - October! Not only is my birthday in October, we've also got Thanksgiving (Canadian, of course!), Halloween, temperatures chilly enough for layers and chunky knit accessories, gorgeous colours, apple cider everywhere, and pumpkin everything (Pumpkin Spice Lattes anyone?) - really, it's just the perfect time for quilting!

There are sixteen of us taking part in the quilt along running from October 1st to October 16th (i.e. one block a day for 16 days); we'll be using the not-yet-released-collection Sleeping Beauty by Nel Whatmore for Free Spirit (you can see some of the prints in this post from True Up) and some Kaffe Fasset woven stripes and shot cottons. Each designer is also allowed to add one print or solid from their own stash if they wish. At the end there will be an auction for the finished quilt (made from our tutorial blocks) for charity - we'll keep y'all updated on that!

Are y'all ready for Quiltober? Blocktober? Blocktober Fest? Here's the line-up:


Oct 1 John Adams

Oct 2 Kaye Prince <--- That would be me!

Oct 3 Karen Linton

Oct 4 Konda Luckau

Oct 5 Amy Lobsiger <--- This would be my birthday... in case anyone is interested ;)

Oct 6 Ryan Walsh

Oct 7 Scott Hansen

Oct 8 April Rosenthal

Oct 9 Cara Wilson

Oct 10 Amanda Jennings <--- This would be Thanksgiving... if you feel like eating along with us.

Oct 11 Susan Sobon

Oct 12 Jan Peoples

Oct 13 Erin Singleton

Oct 14 Charlie Scott

Oct 15 Emily Cier

Oct 16 Rachel Locke

Hope to see y'all playing along with us! Oh, and there will be a Flickr group for sharing blocks and such once the time draws closer!