A Summer Sampler Finish!

Well this one's been a process that's for sure! Begun last spring, it was a block a week for months, a break before the blocks came together into a top, and then several apprehensive weeks before I finally got to the finishing details.

There was a pieced back, which I'll share in a future post, and then the big dilemma of quilting design. At 80" x 92", it was large enough to make me nervous, so I finally settled on a simple freehand curve and then echo-quilted from there at 1" intervals. Using Aurifil 50wt #2600 (light gray) was perfect over all the pieced blocks and provided a pretty subtle contrast on the dark blue. Unfortunately the quilting lines don't show that great in my photos, but the golden curve shown below is a decent approximation of my first pass across the quilt, done freehand with my hera marker prior to quilting. 

To keep it as unnoticeable as possible, I bound the quilt in Kona Storm to match the background and let the circles be the focus.

So I can't tell you how fantastic it feels to have this third long-term project completed! Having finished two others since 2020 began, I'm finally feeling like I'm close to being free to do some random sewing. Yay!

Summer Sampler Sequel

So it's taken me a while to pick up my Summer Sampler blocks and continue on to the setting blocks. The quiltalong had a stunning layout included in the pattern and it's part of what drew me in.






For those blocks, I continued with Kona Shadow, which I'd used in many of my blocks, along with Kona Storm, a really deep blue. And honestly, it took alot of hours to get to this point. Templates and curves and pressing, oh my. I wish I could say I was 100% happy with my work, and in this photo it doesn't look half bad! But up close, those points and circles leave alot to be desired.

But! I've gotten this far, and now it's on to making a big ole quilt back. Even though a wide-back sounds easy(!), I think I'll use all of my extra fabric and start in on piecing one. I sure hope to be quilting before long!

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Summertide Star

The Summertide Star designed by Faith/Fresh Lemons Quilts was the perfect final block for the Summer Sampler, especially since I actually enjoy sewing y-seams. I kinda think y-seams cause more angst than they need to. Or the thought of y-seams causes more angst, because they really aren't that tricky.

If you're not sure, check out Faith’s tutorials on the technique: Y-Seams Journal Photo Tutorial and Y-Seams Tutorial Video, and I'm sure you'll be a convert.

So now that all my blocks are done, I've chosen fabric for my setting blocks [Kona Storm + Kona Shadow] and need to start in on those soon. Wish me luck!

Week 20: Summer Kites [half-rectangle triangles]

Week 19: Heat Wave [flying geese]      Week 18: Mission Beach [hourglass blocks]

Week 17: Scattered [half-hexagons]     Week 16: Twist and Turn [equilateral triangles]

Week 15: Circle Gets the Square [color and fabric placement]

Week 14: Dandelion Clock [freehand foundation piecing/improvisational curves]

Week 13: Altitude [diamonds]     Week 12: Fussy Love [fussy-cutting]

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Summer Kites

Half-rectangle triangles have always been a bit of an enigma for me. I mean I've done them, but trimming has always held some uncertainty. Things became alot clearer thanks to Katie/swim bike quilt's Summer Sampler block, Summer Kites.



AFTER finishing the block, taking photos, and putting the block up on the design wall to admire.... I realized I had inadvertently flipped the smaller kite strips so the center background 'star' design didn't come through. There's a slim chance I may 'fix' it, but chances are I won't, but rather consider it an unintentional design decision. Besides, just one more block to go!

Week 19: Heat Wave [flying geese]      Week 18: Mission Beach [hourglass blocks]

Week 17: Scattered [half-hexagons]     Week 16: Twist and Turn [equilateral triangles]

Week 15: Circle Gets the Square [color and fabric placement]

Week 14: Dandelion Clock [freehand foundation piecing/improvisational curves]

Week 13: Altitude [diamonds]     Week 12: Fussy Love [fussy-cutting]

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Heat Wave

So I'm back! Still adjusting to reality after a great time away, but looking forward to catching up. After all the fun of the Summer Sampler sewalong these last months, it wasn't easy leaving as the final blocks were rolling out, so I'm starting there.



Lee/Freshly Pieced designed block 19, which focuses on flying geese. You may remember that early in the sewalong, we made a block using Lee's Perfect HSTs. Well for her Heat Wave block, we were given the option of using her new Perfect Geese templates as opposed to a more traditional method. Since accuracy is always an issue for me with flying geese, I went ahead and used the templates, with good results. I feel my fabric combination is in question on this one, but I'm running low on some of my original fabric pull and choosing some neighboring fabrics from my swatch cards. Let's trust all is well as it fits in with the other blocks.

Week 18: Mission Beach [hourglass blocks]

Week 17: Scattered [half-hexagons]     Week 16: Twist and Turn [equilateral triangles]

Week 15: Circle Gets the Square [color and fabric placement]

Week 14: Dandelion Clock [freehand foundation piecing/improvisational curves]

Week 13: Altitude [diamonds]     Week 12: Fussy Love [fussy-cutting]

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Mission Beach

Oh yay. This week in the Summer Sampler, we're sewing two kinds of hourglass units, something I'm always happy to face. Katie/swim bike quilt designed the block, and honestly, it was a bit of a relief  after the last couple of weeks.

So the countdown is truly on. Just three more blocks before it'll be time to piece them all together with a pretty cool setting plan. Kinda looking forward to that.

Week 17: Scattered [half-hexagons]     Week 16: Twist and Turn [equilateral triangles]

Week 15: Circle Gets the Square [color and fabric placement]

Week 14: Dandelion Clock [freehand foundation piecing/improvisational curves]

Week 13: Altitude [diamonds]     Week 12: Fussy Love [fussy-cutting]

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Scattered

I'll confess that I took one look at this week's Summer Sampler block, saw that it was made of half-hexagons, and audibly sighed, "oh no." I mean I'm ok with the hexies, but there were SO many pieces (80 to be exact!), that I kind of dreaded it all. Designed by Faith/Fresh Lemons Quilts, Scattered is an awesome looking block though, so I started in, happy that I could use my Hex N More ruler instead of a printed template and that I could cut my hexies 95% out of project scraps. All that helped alot!

And as for piecing, half-hexagons are a breeze. With all the pieces, careful and consistent pressing was required, but even that went well enough. Gotta say, I think Scattered is my new favorite block!

Week 16: Twist and Turn [equilateral triangles]

Week 15: Circle Gets the Square [color and fabric placement]

Week 14: Dandelion Clock [freehand foundation piecing/improvisational curves]

Week 13: Altitude [diamonds]     Week 12: Fussy Love [fussy-cutting]

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Twist and Turn

When this week's Summer Sampler pattern came through in my email and I saw the design up close, I was totally surprised to find that it was composed of equilateral triangles. Designed by Jemima Flendt of Tied With a Ribbon, I found it more finicky to sew rows together than I did the actual triangles. Go figure. But all is well enough, and I really like how the 'white' fabric is a key player in this one.

SO, we're 16 blocks in, and I'm feeling good about how all my blocks are playing together.

Week 15: Circle Gets the Square [color and fabric placement]

Week 14: Dandelion Clock [freehand foundation piecing/improvisational curves]

Week 13: Altitude [diamonds]     Week 12: Fussy Love [fussy-cutting]

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Circle Gets the Square

This week's Summer Sampler block is all about using color and fabric placement. Designed by Krystina Hopkins/KH Quilts, you can see the piecing is simple enough - you know - just a few little curves, all pieced the same way. But what really makes the design shine is playing with the fabric placement. It's not something I've explored much, but I love how the use of the 'white' fabric gives the illusion of a square in the center of the block. Kind of remarkable.

Week 14: Dandelion Clock [freehand foundation piecing/improvisational curves]

Week 13: Altitude [diamonds]     Week 12: Fussy Love [fussy-cutting]

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Dandelion Clock

This week's Summer Sampler block was designed by Jo Avery/My Bear Paw, and was an engaging combination of freehand(!) foundation piecing and improvisational curves. I actually struggled the most with drawing my wedges, which surprised me. It was a matter of fitting the right number in while making them in interesting and somewhat cohesive sizes and shapes. But I managed, obviously, and headed on in to the piecing.

Unfortunately, the sew-in interfacing that was suggested for the technique, and which I'd ordered a week ago, made it (briefly) within 30 miles of my mailbox, but then got lost in a state it shouldn't have gone to. So I used paper and that actually worked well enough.



Surprisingly, those curves were the easiest part! I'm so smitten with the method using the Sewline Glue Stick that Jen Carlton-Bailly/@bettycrockerass taught us on the Cul de Sac block early on. It's made all the difference.

If you'd like to have a look at Jo's freehand foundation piecing technique, she has a tutorial!

Week 13: Altitude [diamonds]     Week 12: Fussy Love [fussy-cutting]

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Altitude

Andrea Tsang Jackson/3rd Story Workshop's "Altitude" block was another one I'd had my eye on from the very beginning of this year's Summer Sampler Piecing Bootcamp. If you're new to diamonds, do check out Andrea's video on Cutting Fabric Diamonds. Easy peasy!

That said, I'm bummed I didn't use my scant quarter-inch foot for the piecing, as my block turned out a little narrow. No worries though. I'll deal with that later. Meanwhile, I'm quite fond of it, and pleased we got to incorporate like 12 of our fabrics! Couldn't resist working up a collage to see it in repeat!

Week 12: Fussy Love [fussy-cutting]

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Fussy Love

Considering the overarching theme of this year's Summer Sampler is "Piecing Bootcamp," I was a tad dubious when I saw the skill for the week was fussy cutting. Only because the fabrics I'm using aren't really that fussy-cut-able. But I wanted to go with the flow on my block, designed by Justin/Keaton Quilts.



So I took a close look at my fabrics and realized one of my background fabrics, even though not your typical feature fabric, was indeed fussy-cut-able if I focused on the darkest orange in the print. AND. I like it! Like ALOT! With the lines of the dark orange sections all running vertically, it added some interesting movement to the block. I'll take it!



One little item of note, and it was just how the pattern happened to assign my fabrics, but none of the four surrounding the background squares are typical quilting cotton, rather woven cotton, thick woven yarn dyed, and Essex Yarn Dye Homespun. I like the texture those add to the design.

Week 11: Bird's Eye Weave [stripes+curves]     Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Bird's Eye Weave

Ya know, when I first saw the Summer Sampler announced, this block was one of the ones that I was really anxious to make. Designed by Heather/Quilt-achusetts, the Bird's Eye Weave block is a lesson in pairing stripes and curves. It was definitely one where basting the seams over the intersections to check placement was a lifesaver. That and using a Sewline Glue Stick (check it out!) on those curves made the block go together quite smoothly. It's one of my favorites so far. Funny thing is, those of us in the quiltalong keep saying that after every block we make. Definitely a sign of a great group of designers. And with the Bird's Eye, we're over halfway through the summer's sewing!

Week 10: Off Kilter [partial seams]

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Off Kilter

This week's Summer Sampler technique is Partial Seams, and they were definitely the easiest part of this block for me. It seems the larger the piece of paper-piecing, the harder time I have, and I had to get out my seam ripper twice on those big HRTs.

But they were fixed easily enough and I was on my way. The block was designed by Faith/Fresh Lemons Quilts (you really should click on over to see her own block!), and it's a favorite. I really like that we got to use so many of our fabrics in this one, and I was able to include that larger-scale plaid. Fun times!

Week 9: Oasis [inset pieced circle]     Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019

Summer Sampler 2019 :: Oasis

OH. my. goodness! This week's Summer Sampler theme is Inset Pieced Circle, and it's a doozy. In the best way possible, that is! I've done a single inset circle once or twice with moderate success, but anything with glue kind of gives me pause. At any rate, I survived, and am happy to tell about it.

The block design is by Stephanie Ruyle of Spontaneous Threads, actually one of my Bee Sewcial mates. And I've long admired Stephanie's knack for inset shapes. I wavered from her block instructions just a tiny bit by using my circle rotary cutter instead of a paper template when it made sense, and I'm glad I did.

My 'ring' turned out imperfectly perfect (my choice of outlook), and I think it would have been even more wobbly if I'd done otherwise. But overall, the technique is great, Stephanie's instructions spot-on, and imperfect or not, the block design is impressive, I think. Definitely worth the effort. And that diagonal? Totally makes the block.

So.... we're nine blocks in - not quite halfway - and I'm loving where this is going.

Week 8: Fierce [tiny piecing]

Week 7: Sparkler [transparency]     Week 6: Cul de Sac [curves]

Week 5: Rope Twist [paper-piecing]     Week 4: Victorian Tile [nested seams]

Week 3: Curious Crossing [improvisational piecing]

 Week 2: Pixelations [half-square triangles]     Week 1: Spring Fever [precision piecing]

#summersampler2019 #aqtsummersampler2019