I have stitched many half-square triangles together and have joined them into units, rows, and more rows of twos and threes. There is a nice pile still to go but I had to see what one completed Color Crystals block would look like. The piecing and joining of those dreaded points has been going well and I am in a nice rhythm of pinning and sewing. The points aren't perfect but are acceptable enough and I am just thankful it is working out as well as it has, given a bit of a frustrating start!
I am very pleased with the first block and think the colours are beautiful. As I said, the main part of the quilt top is made up of two alternating blocks. This is just the first of Block A with 31 more to do and I have the entire piecing from the start for Block B still to begin. Once all these components (block A, block B, and HST pieced borders) are done, the top will be finished.
My impatient and curious side got the better of me but I am rewarded with this resulting block and motivated to keep going (not that there was any doubt!). Sometimes you need a quick glance at the finish line to keep on running!
I have been avoiding the next step in the Color Crystals quilt. I enjoyed piecing the half-square triangles and even joining the units into rows. However, I knew that sewing those rows together was going to be a challenge. There are points to match and that always requires special pinning to achieve an acceptable-to-me result.
Fortunately, almost six years ago now, I participated in the Connecting Threads Perfect Points Quilt-along and I learned how to use a positioning pin to help sew seams for accurate points. I shared the progress in a series of posts, starting with THIS ONE and I did end up finishing the quilt project (you can find it HERE). It wasn't a perfect job but it was done and that was good enough for me. That was many quilts ago at this point so I had to revisit the instructions and practice my points once again.
Here is the PDF instructions for using a positioning pin which was extremely helpful for refreshing my memory. I stitched the first set of rows using the pinning technique as I had recalled it with ok results. I thought I'd sew the next pair with no pinning to see how it compared (not great, not good enough for my liking), so then I read the instructions and switched how I pinned - adding the side pins in at a straight angle rather than at a diagonal - and had much better results.
This pinning will make the piecing a much longer process but I am trying to remind myself that I went into this project saying it was not a race and I wanted to keep it fun and not stressful. I may only get a couple rows sewn each day but that is still progress. I am satisfied with the points - far from perfect but not too bad. Once the quilt is finished they will hardly be noticeable. Angela Walters appears to sew her units together without any pinning at all so that is all the permission I need to keep things relaxed!
It's so much fun to be back at the sewing machine...but unfortunately, there isn't much stitching going on right now. Before I can start assembling the blocks for the Color Crystals quilt there is the task of trimming up the units I have made so far. 512 half-square triangles need to have their dog ears cut off. It isn't exactly exciting work but using the Bloc Loc ruler is making it go pretty quickly. It is a lot of standing and I'm so thankful to have my Wellness Mat - eases all my lower back ache.
***UPDATE!!!*** I found the video! lol! It took a lot of scrolling in my YouTube history but I found it! I have included it at the bottom of this post...
I recently got back from a short getaway where I picked up this adorable Blue Q bag. I had seen this exact one, with a vintage sewing machine on it, in an Instagram post or YouTube video and loved it. I couldn't find the video again but I never forgot about this bag design since I collect old machine models and in fact, have one that looks very similar to the one on the bag.
I was familiar with the company that makes it because I bought my girls and myself small, pencil case sized Blue Q pouches around Christmas time. They are incredibly durable and handy zip bags to have, and come in beautiful designs, but sadly I couldn't find the sewing machine one. The store where I purchased them only had the 3 I bought and it was a fluke to even find those as they aren't regular stock. I keep my mini bag in my English Paper Piecing kit to hold my hexie-sewing supplies. It's funky and useful and I never have to worry about it tearing!
While I was away I spotted a small display rack of Blue Qs through a shop window (husband is amazed and incredulous at this weird skill of 'shopping radar' I have), and while there was no sewing machine one showing, I went in to check anyway. And obviously, guess what I found!!!!???? I was soooo excited and snatched it up. This pouch is much larger and will be so perfect in my sewing room. I can't wait to load it up with tools and notions and will certainly have to display it somewhere prominently.
Our trip was short and sweet but also included a visit to Pandora so I was super, super excited. I found so many older charms that I've had on my wishlist so discovering those, AND this fantastic sewing machine bag, satisfied my ISO (in search of) mission. Of course, as soon as one shopping hunting excursion is over there are plenty of other items to keep an eye open for while away. The new Spring 2018 Pandora release is coming up in a couple of weeks so that is also definitely on my list for March.
In the meantime, I'm still working away on the Color Crystals quilt units and am almost ready to start assembling Block A...
There are hundreds of half-square triangles (HST) needed for the Color Crystals quilt and I am more than happy making them. Things are going along well so far, slowly but without incident. The pattern calls for cutting squares of fabric diagonally into triangles, pairing them with another colour and then sewing them together. This is not the method I have used in the past, having previously taken advantage of the two-at-once way to make HST. However, that involves marking a line from corner to corner and stitching 1/4" on either side. While some commenters have suggested this method, I for one did not want to mark a zillion squares and I think it would actually take longer to sew them. I, like Angela Walters demonstrates, am following the pattern designer's written instructions.
I have been very careful not to stretch the bias edge of the cut triangles and am stitching slowly and carefully for accuracy of the final HST size. The actual time at the sewing machine is very little since chain stitching makes the process very speedy. I am layering the squares of appropriate fabric, cutting them in half, and delicately moving the paired triangles onto my portable cutting mat to move to the sewing area. That, and the pressing, are the lengthiest parts of the procedure and still I have stacked up quite a few HSTs so far. I remember now how much fun piecing a quilt is and the time flies by.
One other part of getting the HST units ready to incorporate into the blocks is trimming. There are dog ears on either side and they need to be snipped off as part of the squaring up of each HST. I remembered that I had a special ruler tucked away in my tool drawer, the bloc-loc ruler. Even though I bought it years ago, I never had the opportunity to need it for so many HSTs. In fact, it still had the cellophane on it so I was excited to try out the 'new' ruler! I watched a YouTube video first to learn how to use it (see below) and I must say, it worked like a charm! Once I got the hang of it the ruler perfectly 'locks' onto the middle seam of the pieced unit. The ruler is moved first to one side to trim and then can be easily moved to turn the fabric to clean up the other side. It is very accurate and easy to use - I find it so fast and efficient! Having so many HSTs to square up I am very appreciative of this ruler and so happy I already had it ready to go!
Although it would be even more efficient to 'assembly line' each portion of the piecing (i.e. all the cutting, all the sewing, then all the pressing and all the trimming), I have decided to do a batch at a time to avoid strain on my neck, or legs, or hands (depending on which task I'm doing) and boredom. There is a sense of accomplishment to see the stack of completed HSTs and I was able to test out the pattern and method of construction before committing fully to the plan. Now that I know everything is turning out just right I can increase the the quantity of each batch. I am in no rush and simply enjoying the time in my workshop and at the machine. I've missed it!!
I have a couple hours before the crew comes home for our Valentine's dinner and dessert so I'd better get over to the machine. Happy Valentine's Day (or Gal-entines, or Ash Wednesday or just Wednesday) to you all!
I love this FREE offering from one of my favourite quilters, Angela Walters. She has created The Free Motion Challenge Quilting Along. From February to April, Angela will encourage and inspire us to learn and PRACTICE our free motion quilting. Every week a new tutorial video will be released on her YouTube channel with a new quilting design or technique to follow. Angela has graciously provided a free pattern for a simple quilt on which to stitch the designs, or we can simply quilt along on a scrap practice sandwich (fabric top and bottom, batting in the middle) or UFO quilt top from your stash.
It has been so long since I actually quilted that I am looking forward to this nudge to get going again. Even though I'm pretty experienced, there is nothing like the comfort at the machine and muscle memory that come along with time spent quilting. I hope to even pick up some new ideas from Angela and at the very least, it will be fun to share the challenge with others and see everyone's progress.
The videos will be available on YouTube to watch at your convenience or you can sign up to the quilt along and receive a newsletter in your email in-box. That's what I did so I won't forget to make the time to quilt and also have the quilt designs right there ready to print. As I said, this whole experience is completely free and participation comes with no strings attached and nothing to purchase. The first newsletter was just sent out but the actual stitching doesn't begin until next week so there is still time to get ready if you'd like to play along.
You can get all the details on Angela's website HERE, including the free quilt pattern, links to the Facebook group, and supplies if you need them. There are even prizes to be won, not that I ever seem to win any! I hope you'll quilt along too...
The Color Crystals Quilt, the king sized beauty from Angela Walters and the Midnight Quilt Show (see video below), is a daunting project to begin especially after a long hiatus from the sewing machine. However, I know that this beast is made from many, many half-square triangles so I decided to tackle just one set of colours at a time. It might take a minute to refresh my memory on how to do all these steps but for sure I still know how to iron...so I'm starting there!
I've had this kit in my stash for years(?!) so the fabric has been folded ever since it was bundled by Craftsy. There are some pretty good creases and wrinkles and since I haven't taken a road trip to the States in forever, I am all out of my favourite Faultless spray starch. :( I did find an alternative in my ironing caddy, Flatter, from the Soak company. It is in the lovely Celebration scent, my go-to choice when I stock up on Soak wash for gentle laundering of my quilts, bicycle shorts, and bathing suit. It smells so fresh and contains no harsh chemicals so I can spray away with no worry. It also works amazingly well and my first two lengths of fabric are perfectly pressed and ready to cut.
I need to cut 512 triangles of the dark blue and 384 of the jade so that in itself will take more than a few sessions in the workshop. I will sew and square up the first 384 half-square triangles before moving on to the next set of two colours. Those sets, along with some solid coloured squares, will eventually make up 32 A blocks. I can't even think past these steps let alone to the assembly of Block B or the pieced border!
Making a quilt is not usually a speedy endeavour and I think this Color Crystals quilt is going to take me longer than any other I've attempted. The Downton Abbey double wedding ring quilt is the only other king size quilt I've made and it was challenging! The actual construction of this one should be pretty straight forward but I find I'm simply busier now than I was 2014 so I know I am going to take it slowly and really just enjoy the process. I was always anxious in the past to get one quilt project finished so I could start the next but now I'm definitely more calm about letting this one last. I'm looking forward to simply hearing the sewing machine stitch as I chain-sew the squares. I won't rush and just get done what I can, when I can. I can't wait to get cutting in the morning!
Here's the Midnight Quilt Show episode featuring the Color Crystals quilt...
I like a nice 'n tidy house but as I walked downstairs this morning I couldn't help but feel proud of the 'mess'. These photos show exactly what I found...quilts everywhere! Not nicely folded or hanging on the quilt rack, but heaped in a cozy, nested lump where the user left them. Obviously they have been cuddled and snuggled under while my loved ones were either watching tv, reading, or working on a laptop.
I love that my quilts are functional but I also know, eventually, they will be cherished because I made them especially for the recipient. My days have been so full and I am well aware that I haven't sewn since early summer. I think the fall should be less busy with more time to spend on crafting. I am really close to clearing off my table and starting a new project. I think it has to be the Color Crystals quilt from the Midnight Quilt Show. I bought the fabric in April and have yet to even open the package. It's a king size quilt so it will take me all winter (and beyond) to get that top sewn. I'm getting excited just writing this and thinking about getting back to making the quilts I love for the people I love!
Heck, even the dog has several of his own quilts on his various pillows and he loves them too! Seriously, he doesn't get 'into' his bed at night until I straighten out his cat quilt. After he lies down we then have to tuck him in under another baby quilt! It's pretty cute (sad, but cute).
It has been a while since I stitched up a hexie for my hand-pieced Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt project...so long in fact, when I picked it up the other night while baseball was on, I couldn't quite remember what order I used to join those darn shapes in the most efficient manner. I got the flower done but it really bugged me that I had become that rusty in such a short amount of time! I've been waiting to cut more fabric for the petals AND I need more paper templates (on order) so once I get those two tasks checked off, I'll be able to get back to my daily hand-sewing.
That frustration led me to pull out my two new English Paper Piecing books. The first is Happy Hexies which is a fine little book of 12 hand pieced hexagon projects. There are some "basics" on tools, hexie sewing, and finishing techniques. The projects include a tote, tea cozy and mats, table topper, mini quilt and a couple of pillows (you can see a few on the cover). They are all really cute and fast ways to incorporate a taste of hexies into sewing and certainly less intensive than a full-size hand sewn quilt! I might just pick one or two of them to do while plugging away at my 175 florets and I can use up some of my practice flowers from last year. I had originally started with a sort of 1930s vibe stash of fabric so they just might be really cute in a tea cozy or placemat.
When I placed the order I added in Mollie Makes Patchwork. While the reviews weren't stellar with this one, it was so inexpensive I figured it would get me free shipping while costing less than a magazine at the drug store. When it arrived I was actually quite pleased! It is a hardcover book with 158 pages of sweet projects and techniques instruction. Many different quilt blocks are featured, like a nine-patch, rail fence, dresden, pinwheels, log cabin, etc. so there is a lot to experiment with. I could envision using this book with my grandchildren (when that day might come???) as the diagrams are good and the designs aren't too complicated. There are indeed a couple of hexagon items including a quilt (on the cover!) and a fun apron. For a few dollars, I think this book was a great deal (and it just may remind me in what order I need to sew!).
Now that my daughter has received her gift I can share it! It's an adorable Dogs In Glasses pillow made using Elizabeth Hartman's design. I bought the pattern from her on-line shop HERE, fully intending to make a quilt. However, once I got start cutting the zillion pieces of fabric I knew I would run out of time before DD's birthday and decided to start with a pillow.
It was fun to piece and not difficult, but a little time consuming and fussy given all the units that needed to be joined from the small pieces of fabric. Once it was all put together I added the glasses with fusible web and used a zigzag stitch to finish the edges. I was able to make the whole project using scraps and the sweater and backing are flannel blocks pieced from leftovers of my hubby's quilt. The flannel makes for a soft side to cuddle and I tried to achieve an "Outlander" tartan look for my Jamie Fraser fan.
I did have to fudge the size of the pillow because I just could not find a form that matched the pattern. I ended up using a small bed pillow and just added extra pieces of background fabric to make it fit. I quilted the front with a small stipple to keep it quick and simple and didn't quilt the back at all. The flannel was difficult for me to work with as it was and I'd had enough by the time I got to making the envelope-style pillow back.
Anyway, I watched her open the present remotely on the phone and I think she is very happy with it. She loves Daschunds and she wears similar glasses so it went over pretty well! He's not perfect but still pretty cute!
