Tiny Little 9-Patches

My little crop of 9-patch blocks has grown a bit these last couple of days. I have a nice place to sew (new desk - see last post), and an audio book queued up in my earbuds. This combination always results in something!

I mentioned earlier that I was taking the lead from Taryn at @reproquiltlover on Instagram in making the tiny 9-patches. I'd been planning on this kind of sewing even before I learned of her year-long project, so I'm glad to be sorta' tagging along. When I see some of the work the sewists are doing, I see a lot of them organizing the tiny squares. My initial opinion rather poo-pooed that idea. However, I've since done a 180. Organizing the bits makes sense! Duh. How else can you get a good-looking 9-patch if you don't have some sort of plan for the blocks?

So I have given in to organizing these 1.5" squares. Mostly, they are being grouped by color. If I see a big stack of squares all from the same fabric, they get their own stacks, and all the neutrals are sorta' being handled as a group, regardless of design. It doesn't look like there's a system, but I (mostly) know where I've put certain pieces.

I've used the top drawer for a lot of the neutrals, and the reds are stashed here, too. I stop the organizing every now and then and sew a few blocks, especially if I've found five darks and 4 lights that I like together. 

And that is how I've already made 24 little 9-patches! Yippee! It seems to go faster with the colors separated out, and the neutrals at the ready. The three shown here are indicative of how I'm working through this basket of little squares. If I can find 5 matching darks/4 matching lights then I make them that way; the blue block illustrates this. Sometimes, though, I don't have 5 matching darks, so I make 'almost matches' which you see in the pink block and the burgundy block. When these blocks become part of a big quilt, there will be no issue whatsoever with the 'almost' blocks.

The book I'm listening to is Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman. It is a fun read with a cute storyline - pure entertainment. I love the characters so far, and I am rooting for the happy ending. I learned of it from reading Nicole's frequent book reviews and suggestions on her blog Sister's Choice Quilts. Over the years, I have enjoyed dozens of books gleaned from her recommendations. 

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Polka Dots and Posies

You knew, of course, that I spent three days last week at a retreat with some of the Frankfort Girls. We always go to Nelsonville's Needles 'n Pines Retreat House - it has comfortable bedrooms, plenty of space, and close proximity to a fabric store and restaurants (although we eat in, as often as not).

I really have not detailed very fully what I worked on, so let me correct that in today's post. Way back in August, I began making - surprise! - 9-patch blocks with some beautiful florals. I made several with white background fabric, and and equal number with a light blue polka dot fabric. The resulting blocks are gorgeous.

After making several of each versions, I made an equal number of HSTs for setting purposes. I wasn't sure exactly what my setting would be, but I did decide that something interesting could be done with HSTs.

That link above shows two potential layouts for the blocks. I was entirely uncertain about how to proceed, so I did what any self-respecting quilter would do - I put it away for awhile.

I took the whole business to retreat, and found that I still liked the vertical look of the HSTs - which means that the blocks will be set on point. what I will do for side and corner triangles, I do not yet know, but I will figure out something when I get there.

My first idea was to put the blue 9-patches in the blue columns, and the white 9-patches in the white columns, like you see laid out below.

This creates very strong vertical columns though, and I was not sure that was the look I desired. So I traded out the blocks. I put the white background blocks into the blue columns, and the blue background blocks into the white columns, shown below.

I do think I like this better. It seems more visually interesting. Just for kicks and giggles, I laid the blocks out straight rather than on point to see what diagonal lines would look like.

Meh. Not what I want, so I am going with that previous look. I will calculate how many more of all these blocks I need, then proceed with making them. As I go, I am sure I will be brainstorming the side and corner triangles. I have plenty of each fabric remaining, and I fully intend that the blue polka dot will ultimately serve as those bordering triangles.

I definitely enjoy the challenge of creating a quilt using the fabric I have on hand. The goals are simple for me - make optimal use of the pretty stuff - in this case, the delicate florals - and set it all together so that the quilt on the bed will be as pleasing as possible.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Basic Blocks - 9-Patches

My last two posts dealt with my August plans, yet as the saying goes about the best laid plans, sometimes we don't get to be in charge of our plans. This darn virus has put a serious crimp in my quilting, dangit!

When I last checked in, I was all eager to begin some basic 9-patch sewing on two different quilts. First, the pretty pink floral. There are no major decisions being made on this, except for when will I stop and know I have enough of the lighter pink for making all the setting blocks. 

Terribly lit picture, but it shows a basic idea of how I plan to put this quilt together. My current plan is to use the darker pink to make the side and corner triangles, thus giving it a built-in border. I ought to be able to get this made quickly.

Now this blue polka dot/floral print quilt has required a bit more effort - brain effort, that is. My original idea was to use only the blue dot with the print fabrics. In the photo below, the right half of the picture illustrates that look. I fear that continuing with this plan will result in the blue dot completely over-powering the florals - and I want those pretty fabrics to shine more than they appear to in this small mock-up.

I modified my plan by making a few 9-patches with white, which are on the left half of the photo. The florals do get to do more work, and I am not opposed to this option.

I went one step further, though, and made 4 HSTs of the blue dot and white. Maybe this will be the way I end up going?? I am in no shape to make a decision yet (covid brain), so I will marinate in this for awhile.

Never before have I ever thought I needed to invest in an expensive computer program for quilt designing. I enjoy this "figuring out" stuff, and I usually come out okay. With only X-amount of fabrics, though, maybe actually using a pattern would work for me here. 

Nah. I'm an old dog, and not interested in learning that new trick! Hah!

Catch ya' later, dear readers! Time for another nap. Covid has made me really good at napping.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Progress on Kaffe 9-Patches

I was going great guns making 9-patches upon my return after vacation, then I ran out of my background fabric. I had just 3 or 4 fat quarters, and I knew it was not nearly enough for the quilt I'm making. 

That simply meant I was going to have to go shopping. Such a bummer, right? 

I did the on-line type of shopping, looking for the Kaffe Fassett fabric called Aboriginal Dots in yellow. After an exhaustive search I ended up ordering one that was called ivory, not yellow, in the hopes that it was the same, and I just didn't realize it's true name.

It worked. The neutral I am using is officially considered Ivory. To me it is yellow. (I say potato; they say 'pot-ah-to.') 

I am still going to need more of this background, and will probably be ordering 2-3 more yards. This one yard will get me through all the remaining 9-patches, and into a few setting blocks.

I don't think I have actually shared the quilt I am making, so let's dispense with that now. Back in January, I pulled all my KF books out and identified 6 quilts I would consider making this year. One has already been made; you can see it here. That one was fun, and I still wanted to make at least one more. This one is a basic, traditional pattern made with the exciting, colorful fabrics of Kaffe Fassett. Very appealing.

This quilt is called Spring Double Nine Patch from the book Museum Quilts. 

The book's version of this quilt has a much busier background fabric, and I prefer something a bit more understated. I am glad I had a decent amount of the Aboriginal Dots; I just started cutting and sewing. No overthinking on this.

I pulled a happy variety of fabrics just before we left for vacation. These gorgeous fabrics have the fresh look of springtime, right? I knew I was on the right track. This combination plus several more that aren't seen will be perfect for this quilt. The two fabrics on the top and the bottom of this picture are pieces that are larger cuts; I am considering using them for a pieced backing. That's pretty far down the road, though. I better not get too far ahead of myself. Finishing these 9-patches is my current goal.

Hope you have had a great Tuesday! I generally try to post early in the day, but these past two days, I've been quite late. Maybe I'm still adjusting to being back home. More likely, however, I am spending more time redoing two rooms in my house; sewing and blogging have become afterthoughts of late.

All good! These things need to be done, and I am grateful for the time and ability to do them.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

We're Home!

What a vacation! So many amazing sights. If anyone doubts America's beauty, they simply need to drive - off the interstates! - 6000 miles to have a look around. Our travels took us through 13 states and 6 National Park sites, 5 of which were new to us. My phone's camera roll reached capacity at one point, and I backed off my rampant photo-snapping late in the trip; my memories will have to suffice.

 

 

While we have driven out west twice before, the country is so expansive it would take dozens of trips to see all the sights. I am awestruck by the incredible beauty of snow-topped mountains, vast forests, sparkling rivers and frequent glimpses of waterfalls, wide open prairies, grazing buffalo, elk, and antelope, and the most amazingly blue skies you can imagine. 

We  had hoped  to see more of the west - especially all the National Parks in Utah, but the Pacific Northwest took so much of our time, we decided Utah will wait. A future trip will include Utah's many landmarks. We were not interested in rushing through places; we tried to linger and enjoy the beauty.

 

We arrived back here at home late afternoon yesterday, and before the day was done, I had sewing room time! I sure missed by sewing room! And yesterday was National Sewing Machine Day, so it was necessary to sew in honor of such a day.

 

Is it ever NOT the time to make 9-patch blocks? I think not. These are made chain-piecing style with 2-inch strips. 

My goal is to make a happy, cheerful quilt for DD Erin, our expectant momma! Won't this be a happy quilt for a new mother? Can't go wrong with Kaffe!

So far, 25 are done, and many, many more to come. I need to check my book and the instructions to see how big this will finish and and how many 9-patches are needed.

I will get all those necessary details for a future post; you know you'll be seeing more on this quilt before it is finished.

Hope you are having a great week! 

Happy Quilting, Friends!

May UFO

Last Friday when we met at Sharon O's for quilting, we drew the number for our May UFO. My project this month will be to do something with my little mountain of 9-patch blocks. I have hand pieced over 50 of these little beauties, and it is time to make a decision on getting them into a quilt.

I definitely won't be putting them side by side like this. If I'd thought to make an equal number of opposite 9-patches (switching the placement of the lights and darks), then I'd consider setting them side by side.

Here are a couple of looks I like and am definitely considering.

I made this from a pattern in APQ magazine back in 2012. It was fast and fun to make. I Notice, though that the 9-patches in this are opposite of what I have, so that might alter the look.

I made this in 2013 from a Thimbleberries book. The pattern is called Nine-patch Criss Cross. It, too, was fast and fun, so I could easily see myself doing another one.

I just made this one up. I had made a similar stack of 9-patches with Kaffe Fassett leftovers, so I stitched this up and consider it a free quilt. It's not very big, but that is the beauty of this sort of thing. You make it as big as the number of blocks will allow.

So it's decision-making time. I have all month to get it done. I am definitely mulling over my options.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

New Year; Same Pace

Generally folks have a lot of vim and vigor about things when faced with a brand new year. They get lots of things done; they clean up things; organize things; charge into projects with energy and enthusiasm.

For some reason, this year I am not. I have worked at a snail's pace through these first 12 days of 2015. Instead of having a brand new project going, I am procrastinating about finishing some of the things I was supposed to have finished by now. Ugh. It's just not inspiring.

I took the quilting frame apart, and moved it upstairs to make room for Christmas festivities, and I haven't worked on it since. And I am so close to finally being finished. (shaking my head)

You can read about other projects that are oh-so-close to being finshed, as well. Just click here to read a post in which I provide a bit of a round up of UFOs.

So what to do? Well while we were watching a bit of football yesterday, I grabbed the 2.5" squares left over from the Thursday night meeting (read about it here) and I just made some 9-patch blocks. At least I wasn't wasting my time. These will be added to the little pile of blocks that are already finished. They are so easy and fun to make.

This green and cream block was made while Green Bay was beating the Cowboys. Maybe I was bringing them luck by using green. Nah, probably not.

By later in the evening, I had three more. They will be taken upstairs for pressing, and then plopped into the stack. I am sure I have enough to make a quilt by now. I plan to use a plain alternate block, I think.

So, the quilting for 2015 is sputtering to get started, but at least it's started. I hope my engine will get revved up soon. Tomorrow will help. Sharon P. is coming for a sewing day!! We haven't sewn together since perhaps Thanksgiving! I know I will be more productive with resuming our weekly Tuesday sessions. As I told her, I need the structure!!

Don't think I have forgotten what day it is. Yes, all week we have been so anxious and eager for THE BIG GAME!! And now game day is finally here!

Our beloved Buckeyes will face off against the Oregon Ducks for the National Championship! It is so exciting, and it promises to be a good game. I hope to be back here tomorrow in celebration mode!  

Go Bucks!

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Some Progress

It has been a very quiet day around here. The kids are all gone off to their lives and DH and I are left here with a dog and a cat who don't require much attention. I will say, though, that as deer gun season began today, the dog is quite a basket case, as he is frightened of the sound of gunshots. And since we live in a very rural area where lots of hunters are out, we do hear a lot of gunshots.

So we let him come inside and hang out with us. He IS supposed to be an outdoor dog, though.

Progress on my handstitching blocks has been replaced with some machine sewing.

I grabbed some leftover Park Avenue fabric to make some side triangles. I now have to figure the math for the corner triangles. I am going to consult this tutorial I saw on Pinterest before I cut those.

http://reannalilydesigns.blogspot.com/2008/09/set-on-point-tutorial.html

This tutorial assumes the block in position 1 is a 12.5" block. My blocks are just a bit bigger than 6" square, so I will have to do some math. I think I can handle it.

I was pretty excited to go digging through the Kaffe Fassett tubs this afternoon in search of a fabric to set together my 9-patch blocks. This is what I came up with.

Does everyone consider all Westminster fabrics as Kaffe Fassett fabrics? I do. I know they have various designers, but I call them all KF fabrics, actually. Just my quirk? Maybe.

I also pulled out fabric to make the remaining 4 9-patch blocks. Then I will be on my way to having a nice little KF quilt top completion!

My thanks for November 26:
I am thankful for a forgiving, loving Lord who knows my needs better than I do.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

 

Holiday Hand Stitching

We have been on the road a bit this week. To celebrate Thanksgiving with as much family as possible, we left on Tuesday to pick up DD#2 at OU in Athens. From there we headed north to Coshocton, DH's home town, to visit with his dad. We headed home on Wednesday and turned around on Thanksgiving Thursday to go over to Hillsboro to have dinner with all the fixings at my sister's. We also stopped by Grandma's before leaving town. Today has been very relaxed here at home. No great interest in anything at all resembling Black Friday and retail endeavors. Hopefully, tomorrow will be equally stress free.

With all that time on the road and visiting, I usually carry along some hand stitching. It's nice to be able to keep busy, and you know that stitching hands can't be eating hands, so I stay out of the goodies!

I dug through some piles in my sewing room and came across lots of leftovers from recent projects that hadn't been cleaned up. No big surprise there - I rarely clean up after ANY projects! But I decided that I could make some blocks and decide later what to do with them. Here's what I have done so far.

Just like a good turkey feast will leave lots of leftovers, so too, does a lot of quiltmaking! These were all just "parts" that needed to be pulled together - for exactly what remains to be seen, but at least I've got blocks and not piles of miscellaneous scraps.

I have a nice little stack of Kaffe Fassett 9-patches. These are all leftovers from those Great Granny squares I was making earlier in the fall. I made a whole lot of extra 2.5" squares for the express purpose of making these. I love 'em!

After finishing the Thimbleberries 9-Patch Criss Cross, I had partial 9-patches left over, so I put full blocks together, and now have these 2 lovely blocks. What will I do with them? Here's the original post, if you want to see the 9-Patch Criss Cross.

These 2 blocks are leftovers from leftovers. The first time I used this fabric was when I made this strippy quilt in the summer of 2011. Then I pulled out leftovers to make a Great Granny square. Then I made a block that caught my fancy on Pinterest.  So I guess I've delved into this wonderful Breath of Avignon fabric 4 times, now!

And just when you thought you'd seen the last of this Jacob's Ladder fabric, I up and find these renegade blocks that somehow got buried near my sewing machine. I plopped them into the stack of handwork and stitched up yet another block.  The original Jacob's Ladder post can be found here.

 I do love to do handwork, and even today while here at home, I found myself gravitating to that instead of the sewing machine. Very nice; very relaxing.

My thanks for November 23:
I am so thankful for quiet days at home with few pressing matters beyond cleaning up a turkey carcass.

Happy Quilting, Friends!