Ziggity-Zag

It was last May when I sent off fabric to the Always Bee Learning bee, including the link to Latifah Saafir's tutorial for half rectangle triangles. The print fabric was La Femme by Melissa Crawley for Kaufman from a fat-quarter bundle I'd won a while back. It had been waiting for just the right use, and the simplicity of hrt blocks seemed just the ticket. It's an Essex linen/cotton blend, and for the solid "background", I'd included American Made Brand solid in Light Cream.

The fabric I sent each bee-mate was enough for 2 hrt pairs like those shown below, each block measuring 7x13" unfinished.

My plan back then was simple scrappy rows of half rectangle triangles, like I'd seen others do. I liked the idea then and I like it now. Except that when I finally started putting all the blocks up on my design wall last week, I couldn't resist playing around with them, as I shared a few days ago. As soon as I put up the ziggity-zag layout (thanks to shadowsoftheblueridge for the nudge), I knew that was IT. Though I think of the quilt orientation as being more horizontal, like the first photo in this post, it also looks pretty striking vertical. So you choose. 

For a backing, I used the few blocks that had pink and red in them, which gave me the fine opportunity to try a small sample of another hrt layout, which I like a lot too. Plus I improv-ed in all my leftover bits and bobs. To bring the back up to size, I added a row of Quilter's Linen (parchment?) there along the bottom.

 

For quilting, I began with the somewhat centered blue "Z" as the focus, echoing around it in 2 directions at about 1" intervals. The resultant quilting made for quite the angle variety in different areas of the quilt, including some crosshatching now and then, all of which made me very happy. Though it wasn't till after a wash and dry that I'd realized I'd forgotten to go back and quilt inside the blue Z - so for now, it's left as is.

I had just enough of the Quilter's Linen to use as binding. Well except for the last little print scrap I felt compelled to insert. In the end, Ziggity-Zag measured 52"x60".

So with this finish, I accomplish several notable milestones. Most timely is that this project was on my Q4 Finish-A-Long list, accomplished just in the nick of time. Second, these blocks were made by my bee-mates from the now obsolete Always Bee Learning bee. It was really important to me to honor my time with them by completing a quilt with the blocks we had made together. And lastly, creating these blocks and the resulting quilt was challenging yet satisfying, half rectangle triangles being a new technique in my toolbox, one I definitely hope to use again.

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday.

SO Many Choices

When I walked into the studio this afternoon, I had no idea it would end up being so fulfilling. I thought I'd face some dreaded paper-piecing, but got waylaid on the way to the sewing machine by some blocks I had up on the design wall. Without going into the nitty gritty - that can wait for an upcoming quilt reveal post - the blocks were half-rectangle triangles made by the Always Bee Learning bee back in May. And I had no idea what I wanted to do with them.

Yesterday I placed one layout option up on the design board {upper left photo below} after referring to variations I'd been collecting on a Pinterest board created just for that purpose.  I liked it. I liked it alot. But if I sewed up my blocks into this design, the finished quilt would be 90"+, larger than I feel comfortable quilting right now. So I began to explore different layouts.

That's when I turned to my Instagram buddies, and boy did they encourage me along. I knew #2 {upper right} was pretty ho-hum when I posted it, but it was actually what most influenced my final decision. Well that and Debbie/shadowsoftheblueridge, who suggested I off-set each column. And with that, I made my decision right then and there. {lower right photo above}

So when I asked my bee to make half-rectangle blocks months ago, I had in mind a simple layout such as the one below. 

But that vision has been replaced. And the result pieced into a quilt top that I can't wait to quilt.

Good times.

Bee Boasting

It's always a treat to see finished quilts made from bee blocks, and if you're like me, you search for your own contribution. Do you ever have to go back (like I often do) to be reminded what your block(s) looked like? Well I've got beautiful finishes to share today from every bee I'm in, which I find very cool indeed.

Melissa/Me1issa of FAITH Circle just finished her Shape Shifters quilt, with the most exquisite quilting. You can read all about it here and see the quilting close up, and if you're as smitten with Melissa's Shape Shifters block as we all were, you'll find the tutorial in her post here.

Also for FAITH Circle, Anita/RhubarbPatch asked for Wonky Log Cabin blocks, and made the sweet quilt below. I love that it has three borders, and the diamond grid quilting is unique and fun. Here's Anita's blog post about her quilt.

All quilts made by FAITH Circle are currently being donated to Restore Innocence, an organization devoted to helping young girls rescued from sex trafficking. I just know these 2 new contributions will be a comfort to their recipients.

On to the Always Bee Learning bee where Hettie/hettie k asked for Trip Around the World blocks. Here's the block tutorial we used. Isn't this pattern always a winner?

In That Stash Bee, Cathy/blueberry patch cathy had us make 16-Patch blocks using this tutorial and made this delightful picnic quilt! When I saw the photos in her blog post, I wanted to drop everything and run right over!

Mid-Century Modern Bee's Carla/Carlaf2 gave us choices! First she suggested arrow blocks using her own tutorial, or if we preferred, an Anna Maria Horner feather. As you can see, she got some of each, plus made a few other blocks herself to help create her own quilt design. Love it with the low-volume background, don't you? **Can you believe I got so excited to share this with you, I forgot it wasn't quilted yet! Please forgive and go read Carla's post about this flimsy. I know I'll be watching for the big reveal to come!**

Hope you enjoyed this little show and tell! You can see why it's certainly a pleasure to sew with my talented bee-mates!

One for the Toolbox

May is my month as queen bee for the Always Bee Learning bee. Of course I debated a bit on what to have them do. 'Learning' is in our name after all, and as an underlying goal of the bee, I finally chose a relatively simple block but one I had never tried. Plus it definitely seemed like one my bee-mates could use in future projects of their own. Meet the half-rectangle triangle block. Obviously so similar to the more prevalent half-square triangle block, but construction has it's unique differences.

I found a terrific tutorial by The Quilt Engineer on The Modern Quilt Guild site: Half Rectangle Triangle Tutorial.

A few specific notes for my bee-mates:

• I am sending fat-quarters of 2 fabrics, a solid and a print. Cut your fabrics 7.5x13.5". You should have enough for two pairs of blocks. 
• See step #2 of the tutorial: lay out your fabrics so the solid is on the left and your print is on the right, as shown. 
• Please ignore the instructions for Directions for Opposite HRT (Right-Left HRT’s). I only want Left-Right HRT’s - the first kind shown. 
• Press seams open before trimming. 
• Trim each block carefully following the instructions, checking for the seam allowances as shown in step #5 in the “Squaring” Up Your HRT section. Each of my blocks measured 7x13" unfinished. 
• Please don't sew your finished blocks to each other. I'll mix them up when I get them all back.

So one thing about this block - my bee will be making 4-7x13" blocks, which works out ever so slightly larger than our normal 2-6 1/2x12 1/2", but the calculations for this block (starting size to ending size) aren't that clear cut, so I'm trusting this minor difference is ok. In general, blocks will be 1/4-1/2" smaller than the size of beginning rectangles, but I didn't trust that, so cut my rectangles a little larger. I should have gone with those calculations and I would have ended up closer to my goal.

Anyway, the fabrics I am sending are La Femme by Melissa Crawley for Kaufman, a fat-quarter bundle I won a couple of years ago. It's been waiting for just the right use, and I think the simplicity of these hrt blocks are just the ticket. The fabric is an Essex linen/cotton blend, and I'm pairing them with a new American Made Brand solid in Light Cream.

So there's something new to try - a new technique to add to your quilting toolbox, which I think is always a good thing!

2013 Finish-A-Long: Q3 List

Considering I've just received the last of my blocks in three bees, it's pretty obvious where to start my third quarter FAL list! Top priority is FAITH Circle's June quilt, where we used SewCraftyJess' "Starburst Cross" block tutorial. 

Next up, the Modern Maple blocks made by That Stash Bee.

In May, I sent Always Bee Learning Bee beemates 9 polaroid blocks collected during the *Picture-Perfect* Polaroid Swap, along with several black and white prints, and asked them to frame the blocks. I just put all the blocks up on the design wall to take a photo for this post, so what you see isn't the final layout. I'm thinking that will be a tad tricky!

Not bee blocks, but I decided to go ahead and add the Slice and Insert blocks I made during Katie & Jacquie's class. I'm thinking maybe a wall hanging with these. I hope I can get back into the improv groove, as I'd like to make a few more blocks before putting them all together.

All of these projects are ones I'm really looking forward to, so hoping this can be a successful quarter!

Linking up with Leanne/shecanquilt and the Finish-A-Long Q3 linkup.

June Bee Blocks

I confess when I saw this month's 'assignment' for the Always Bee Learning bee, I was a little worried. I may have even involuntarily exclaimed, "Yikes!" But I shouldn't have worried, as the strip-pieced hexagons were as claimed, "super easy and quick". At least easy and quick enough to be fun and intriguing even. I was really surprised what variations the pieced triangles could be arranged into. Good to know!


For the Mid-Century Modern bee, we made Stacked Brick blocks per Flourishing Palm's adaption of a block by The Sometimes Crafter. It was an interesting twist to use white on one side of the "strawberry" and lime prints, and Kona Ash on the other. Our blocks will actually be used for a quilt border. *Revised to add: just posted a photo of Linda's quilt on facebook/AQuiltersTable.*


By some coincidence, I ended up being bee mama in two of my bees this month. It's always a bit of a dilemma for me when it comes to choosing a block when it's my turn to pick. But I'm really pleased with what I finally settled on.

For Faith Circle, I took inspiration from sewing over pins, who along with the Cheer Circle, made a delightful quilt using the starburst cross block tutorial by SewCraftyJess. I thought the cheery colors of these stars would be perfect for one of our do.Good recipients

Here's the sample block I made for the girls, suggesting warm colors - hot even. Definitely orange and hot pink, with yellow or red additions as they feel inspired. I've gotten a couple of blocks back already and am really excited to work on this one in the next few weeks.


Now for That Stash Bee. I must say, when I saw kelbysews' "Fall in Winter" a while back, I was smitten, and thought it would be a terrific bee quilt.

I was pleased to find the Modern Maples tutorial by Amanda Woodward-Jennings available online, and have asked my bee-mates to consider this small gallery for inspiration as they choose leaf colors. My sample block just made me grin.


I've never finished and posted bee blocks this early in the month, but having to prep as bee-mama put me a step ahead, so I figured I might as well finish them up and move on. Pretty fun.

Polaroid Progress

Once upon a time, I hosted the *Picture-Perfect* Polaroid Block Swap, and by the time it was over, I had amassed 205(!) blocks from all around the world. Why I don't already have a Polaroid quilt all stitched up, I have no idea. But now's the time.

Enlisting the help of the Always Bee Learning bee, a Polaroid quilt is this month's project as I take my turn as hostess. As references, I've shared this Polaroid primer by capitolaQuilter and this gallery full of block layouts.

So the plan? I've sent each bee member 9 Polaroid blocks + 2 1/2" strips of three black or black and white fabrics. I'm asking that they 'frame' each Polaroid block and then create one large block with them all. My primary adaption from the original instructions is to trim each framed block to 6 1/2" rather than the 4 1/2" suggested. Here's my sample block which measures 18 1/2" square:

My bee-mates are being given free reign - to either make a block very similar in layout to mine - or to use a placement inspired by the gallery or their own imagination. Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing a Polaroid quilt finally take shape.

February Bee Blocks

I pushed it a little tight getting my bee blocks done for the month, but they are ready to be mailed! {whew!}

First up - the Always Bee Learning bee, where we were asked to make scrappy Trip Around the World blocks. I can almost do these in my sleep now, especially since Hettie cut the strips 3" wide! I love these blocks big and Loulouthi! (We were asked to make two blocks, but most of us were able to help Hettie out on her king-sized goal and make a couple more - that's why you see four blocks here.)

Next up was Kelli's Road to Fortune blocks for That Stash Bee. I already mentioned that these blocks really challenged me. Still not sure why. Here's the template we used - this quilt is going to be so cool!

And I think my favorite of the bunch this month was Cindy's Winged Square block for the Mid-Century Modern bee. We used the tutorial here. This was a new block to me, and I'm really liking it. You really should peek at all the bee's blocks!

And of course it's my month for FAITH Circle. Here's the original post with our plan. And here's a mosaic with all the blocks I've gotten back so far.

1. 100_5541, 2. February - Do Good Stitches, 3. {Faith} Do. good stitches February Block #1, 4. Sample January FAITH Circle blocks, 5. 100_5543, 6. Faith Circle do. Good Stitches~February Blocks, 7. Faith Circle (February) #2, 8. Sample January FAITH Circle blocks, 9. Sample January FAITH Circle blocks, 10. {Faith} do. Good Stitches Block #2, 11. Faith Circle (February) #1, 12. Sample January FAITH Circle blocks

Of course I'll be mixing them all up once I have them all. I'm really excited to put this quilt together!

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday.

January Bee Blocks

My bee blocks were many and varied this month . . .

Always Bee Learning Bee - Toni asked for a Herringbone block using this tutorial from Holly at Bijou Lovely. I had never made this simple block, and it was straightforward and fun.

With our scraps, we were asked to make an improv block. Mine measures 7 1/2".

 

FAITH Circle of do.Good Stitches - I was really pleased when I saw that RhubarbPatch wanted us to make Sparkle blocks! I had made a quilt with the Sparkle QA last year, and I knew it was one of those blocks that looks innocent enough, but makes for a pretty striking quilt. To make the centers scrappy with solid hsts made them extra fun.

Mid-Century Modern Bee - This is a new bee starting this month, so I am enjoying meeting some new quilters. I admit that when I saw lollyquiltz's request, "Juicy Fruit" Churn Dash blocks, I thought, "wow!" Using Carla's own tutorial, I thoroughly enjoyed making this block, and love how four small blocks made up the one 12 1/2" block. Really can't wait to see this quilt come together.

 

New to me, this bee has decided to include 3 1/2' siggy blocks each month, using this tutorial. 

 

Modern Blocks Bee - Ellebee'squilts asked for "Piece of the Garden" blocks from Modern Blocks. I had never pieced hexagons like this, and was a bit apprehensive, but it went together pretty well. If we were comfortable doing so, we were asked to make different sized blocks, so I did mine at 75% of the template.

That Stash Bee - This is also a brand new bee and Mama Love Quilts started us off with her own tutorial for "Birds in the Air" blocks. Of course, I loved working with these Caribbean colors. Do check out Nicole's blog and see the variety of layouts available with this block.

 

And, this bee is asking for siggy blocks also, this time 5" ones. I used this tutorial.

Whew. As much as I enjoy these bees, it always feels good to get the month's blocks done.

August Bee Blocks

Not quite sure why, but I was really looking forward to bee blocks this month. And with the *Picture-Perfect* Polaroid Block Swap nearing a close (Read: almost time for Deb to sort more-blocks-than-she-ever-could-have-imagined), well it seemed like a good idea to get them stitched up and mailed off!

First on the list was Marci's Stargazer block for the Modern Blocks Bee. The pattern is by Angela Pingel from Modern Blocks and has seen alot of popularity. Though it looks complicated, it really is not, and I thoroughly enjoyed putting it together. All of Marci's Stargazer blocks will have these blue stars, surrounded by a variety of prints. I'm anxious to see this one put together!

I picked what I considered the hardest blocks next - some Improvisational Curves in the form of Pods, technique found in Quilting Modern. Unfortunately, I'd neglected to try these in the workshop I took with Katie a few weeks ago, so was a tad apprehensive about them! I didn't see that the book included one tip that Katie shared that I found very helpful when sewing curves. As you stitch each curve (step 8 on p. 158), hold the pod (underneath) with your right hand, and the background fabric (on top) with your left. Then as you sew, keep bringing the edges together. Kind of hard to explain, but that technique really helped me.

These blocks are for Spontaneous Threads, and she sent such an interesting array of fabrics! We were invited to include some from our stash, so I incorporated a couple of my grays.

Finally, it was time for the Patchwork Chevron blocks for the FAITH circle of do.Good Stitches. We used the block tutorial by Jeni of In Color Order, but with 3 1/2" print squares and a 9 1/2" solid square.  I'm really liking these, and the idea for placement that Des has is terrific!

So it feels good knowing these all are going out in today's mail and I can move on down the to-do list!

Linking up with TNT.

July Bee Blocks

I've been itching to get to this month's bee blocks, but have been holding off while I finished up G.O. Modern. So finally, this weekend, it was time!

First up was Kristina's block for the Always Bee Learning Bee. She sent lovely fabric for each of us to make a Floating Frames block. I really enjoyed making this one, and it ended up at a nice large 17.5".

Next up was for Rachel with the FAITH circle of do.Good Stitches. Using our own fabric, we were asked to make Gemstone blocks that included dark royal blue, medium pink, and medium green. We could use true white as the background or a natural linen. And we were asked to start with squares anywhere from 2 to 6 inches, as Rachel plans to make a quilt with alot of negative space. Using Essex linen in Natural as the background, I started with 3" print squares, which became 6.5" blocks. These blocks were fun in that they are made as pairs. I am really fond of them!

It's MY month in the Modern Blocks Bee, and so far, I have 4 Binary blocks - 3 from bee members + my own. I'm loving how they are looking together!

1. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/betweenquilts/7553283238/in/pool-1793590@N20/">Block for Debbie</a>, 2. <a href="<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52241390@N06/7520377876/" title="Picture 684 by thehistoryquilter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7520377876_2764c98333.jpg" width="500" height="479" alt="Picture 684"></a>">Picture 684</a>, 3. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoosiertoni/7455702184/in/pool-1793590@N20/">Binary Block</a>, 4. <a href="<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27780490@N05/7445758864/" title="Binary - MY block in the Modern Blocks Bee by flickrdeb50, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8153/7445758864_d703e0e58f_o.jpg" width="1979" height="1896" alt="Binary - MY block in the Modern Blocks Bee"></a>">Binary - MY block in the Modern Blocks Bee</a>

So, all caught up with my bees, which is always a very good feeling!

Bee Blocks

Please tell me I'm not the only one that looks for anything to do except what she should be doing! I was kind of guilty last night, but justified it as trying to get Megan's bee blocks back to her quickly so she can sew up her quilt before her baby comes! 

I recently joined the Always Bee Learning Bee, and the first block up was the Tokyo Subway Block, something I'd see before at Oh, Fransson, but never seriously considered doing. I must say, I think it was a stroke of genius on Megan's part, to have her fellow bee members stitch up most of the blocks for her!

They finish at 16" and are not difficult in the least, you just have to pay close attention to keep the rows in order. Very fun fabric Megan sent us, and I'm anxious to see this quilt complete!

While I was in bee mode, I went ahead and finished up my Modern Blocks Bee blocks for Valerie. First was Boxed Up by Angela Yosten.

Second was Little Square, Big Square by Kim Schaefer of Little Quilt Company.

Both were fun to stitch up in Valerie's lovely palette of red, blue, gray, and white.

So I'm caught up on Zakka, have my June bee blocks done, and now really, really better face the project with the deadline!