Great Paper Piecing Project RESTARTED!!!

Last year I had ambitions of creating an ongoing paper piecing project where I share some of my favorite paper-pieced blocks with other quilters.  Those ambitions were overshadowed by life in general but now I'm ready to start anew.

Go to my website www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com and you'll see the image above there as well.  Clicking on the image will take you to a free pattern and some pretty darn good directions on basic paper-piecing technique (if I do say so myself!).  I include LOTS of pictures and step-by-step instructions to get you started on your own paper-piecing project.

Going forward, I'll be sharing more of my favorite blocks.  We'll start out pretty simple and who knows exactly where my project will take us?  I plan to progress to more complex and detailed blocks and maybe by the end of my project, I'll be ready to design a whole paper-pieced quilt to share with everyone.  So get clicking and find your way to my website.  Come back here and share your input and progress with your own project.

Waste Not... Want Not... Quilt MN 2012

My determination to use every scrap of the Quilt MN this year has led me down a path I've never taken in my quiltmaking years... absolutely NO PATTERN!!!  I seldom actually follow a pattern from beginning to end.  My general belief is that patterns are guidelines, not gospel.  As a result, my quilts are always a bit different than the pattern maker intended.  Even my own patterns evolve as I make a project.  I start with the basic concept and change things as I go along.  The final result is always different than my original idea.

So -- trying to figure out how I was going to use all these printed panels was a challenge.  I dived in with the star blocks that I demonstrated earlier but when those were finished, I just didn't know what to do.  After giving myself a headache, I decided that I am just going to piece fabrics together with no concept of what the finished product will be.

These 11" x 15" printed panels have posed an unusual challenge.  I didn't want to just put the small printed pictures right up alongside the large ones so I had to find some way to separate them.  I finally decided to just start sewing and I ended up with a row of fabric.

 

I started with the large printed panel and added blocks and fabrics to build out the row.  I will have to do some trimming and squaring up before it can actually be placed in a quilt, but it's a good start.  I found it to be a bit boring though so I decided that the next row should have more piecing involved.  What you see below is the second row constructed.

 

This row has more interest (in my opinion anyway) and if you look closely, you will see that I used some scraps to create fill in fabrics.

 

I purchased two charm packs on my shop hop and as I started putting this row together, I decided to incorporate some of them.  The block shown above started with the 5" charm square in the center.  Because I had already trimmed the small printed pictures, I had to enlarge the charm square to be the same size.  I used some scraps to to this as shown.  It looks pretty good just laying on my mat but the little strips on the border of the block are too narrow.  They get lost in the design when it is sewn into the row.  I won't do this again.  If I decide to use this block again, I will trim the charm square down some so the borders show up better.

 

So -- progress.  Two rows done but I need to come up with some ideas for separating these rows. 

 

Time to put my thinking cap on!

 

Quilt Minnesota 2012

The fabric for Quilt Minnesota 2012 is all about the outdoors -- obviously.  We love our little piece of the world up here and with 10,000 lakes, boats are a given.  Our state bird, the loon, is also a featured player.  I really like the woodsy feel that these fabrics bring every year and I faithfully purchase some of these Northwoods themed fabrics every year.  Since they are outdoorsy all the way, the quilts I make with these fabrics tend to go to the men in my family. 

Because fabric costs have risen quite a bit this year, I didn't purchase as much fabric as I have in years past on my annual Shop Hop.  This means I have to be a bit more frugal when it comes to actually making my blocks.  I want to get at least a full-size quilt out of the yardage.  I know I have enough to do this, but there can be absolutely no waste.

So, here's my challenge to myself.  I am going to create this quilt with as little throw away as possible.  Since I'm working with printed panels with 11"x15" and 5"x5" pictures, I may be biting off more than I can chew...

Great Paper Piecing Project Part One...

This very simple block is going to be the first step in creating beautiful blocks with incredible detail and points.  My first installment in the Great Paper-Piecing Project has been posted. 

The pinwheel block can be made easily without paper piecing.  I chose this block for it's sheer simplicity so we can focus on the technique rather than the design.  The step-by-step instructions are clear, concise and illustrated with LOADS of pictures!

And what happens when we make a mistake while paper piecing?  Well, the tutorial includes great instructions that will get you past your mistake while saving your pattern with no muss, no fuss.

Last, but not least, a foundation pattern for a 6" finished pinwheel block will get you started.

So come on over to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com and download the first block in the Great Paper-Piecing Project.  Sew along and before long you will be a paper piecing princess!

Different Layout for Four Block Wonder

Everything has been posted for the Four Block Wonder quilt now and they are available at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.  I have had a few people ask for a suggested layout that would make the quilt smaller but still utilize the four blocks.  What you see here is my suggestion.  The blocks are still 12" finished but there are obviously fewer of them.  This quilt measures 66" x 66" and will make a great lap quilt.  Hope this helps!

Four Block Wonder Sashing, Cornerstones and Borders

The Sashing and Cornerstones instructions have been posted today.  So have the Border instructions.  We're getting close to finishing our Four Block Wonder!

When I first started quilting, I absolutely hated doing sashings because working with long strips of pieced fabric and trying to get everything to line up was next to impossible for me.  As a result, almost all of my early quilts have no sashings.  This is a shame because I think sashing really makes a quilt sometimes. 

And then I watched an episode of Fons and Porter Love of Quilting on PBS.  They demonstrated a technique that I call "Sash As You Go" -- because it's kinda like quilt as you go.  I sat with my mouth hanging open thinking, "Why didn't I think of this?"

The directions for the Four Block Wonder sashings is based on the sash as you go technique.  No more looooong sashing/cornerstone strips with seams to match. 

Download all of the pdf files for this project at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.

Block 4 will have you seeing stars!

This is the fourth block in my Four Block Wonder quilt.  It consists of variable stars set in alternate corners so I've named it Slanted Variable Stars.  Like the Dutchman's Puzzle block, you will make flying geese units -- but nowhere near as many as before!  This is the final block needed to create our design, but you will be making twelve of these instead of four.  Keep going -- we're almost there -- and the next step is the sashing and cornerstones.  I have a slick little trick coming up to deal with those! 

Four Block Wonder is on Block 3... Get the pattern for free!

The Bear Paws block is the next installment for our Four Block Wonder quilt.  This block is truly impressive to look at but is constructed completely with squares and half square triangle units.  The pattern is available at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.

Oh, by the way, I am still making good progress on my Bali Wedding Star quilt as well.  I finished another block yesterday.  Now that I've mastered the techniques, this went together quickly.  This will is going to get finished for sure now that I've got it!

Block 2 of Four Block Wonder is HERE!

The Dutchman's Puzzle is the next block in our Four Block Wonder Block of the Week.  This block comprised of 16 flying geese units.  This is a great time to check out the No Waste Flying Geese method by Patti R. Anderson.  This is my favorite method because you can create 4 PERFECT flying geese units with absolutely no waste of fabric.  Here is the link to Patti's fantastic method -- http://www.patchpieces.com/files/flyinggeese.pdf.  The pattern for this block includes the cutting directions for this method but you will need to download these directions to actually create the flying geese.  You will then be able to construct your perfect Dutchman's Puzzle blocks.  Go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com to download the pattern now!

Here is the first installment of the Four Block Wonder quilt.  This block is called Crossroads.  It works up quickly and is a lot of fun.  You can find it for free download at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.  You will also find the fabric requirements there as well.  Hop on over and check it out.  Click around... you may find some other things you like there too!

Changed the size but this will be a good one...

 I actually designed this quilt last week and decided to write up the pattern for it.  I am calling it my Four Block Wonder Quilt because there are four different blocks used to create the design.  When I started writing the pattern, I did some slight changes and tweaks to make things easier to cut and piece.  The original design was 85" square and now it is 95" square but I think that is a great size for either a full or queen size bed.  If you use lighter batting, it could make a spectacular bedspread for a twin bed as well.  I will be releasing this pattern as a Block of the Week.  As each block pattern comes along, I will show some different colorways as well, just to give you an idea of the possibilities.  So keep tuning in to catch the installments!

Sewing & Designing

I spent this past weekend at my sewing machine... so relaxing and fun... haven't done that for awhile and I'm getting back into the groove.  I worked on my Bali Wedding Star by Judy Niemeyer.  I am so excited!  I decided to make the queen size quilt and it will measure 104" x 104" when it's finished.  I took a class at This is Sew Broadway in Crookston, MN.  Catherine Erickson, a Judy Niemeyer certified instructor taught the class.  I'm certain that my success with this project lies in the help and support provided there.

This quilt is not for the faint of heart, although once you master the technique, it isn't as complicated as it looks.  It is paper-pieced so the points are all perfect and it comes down to finishing the elements and then assembling the parts.

I am so excited!!!  I only have 72 more melon points left to paper piece and then I can start assembling my blocks.  I'll take a few pics of the different parts and post them tomorrow so you have an idea of what I'm talking about.

I also spent some time with my EQ7 software this weekend.  Virtual quilting is so much fun.  The quilt pictured above measures 81 inches square and took me just about an hour to make -- on my computer that it is.  I picked out four of my favorite blocks -- Bear Paws, Old Maid's Puzzle, Crossroads and Variable Stars.  I personally like the symmetrical look but you could actually arrange the blocks any which way.  I used Jo Morton's Civil War Reproduction fabrics to color the blocks and here is the result.  I know it will take more than an hour to actually make the quilt... it will take me much more than an hour to write the pattern, but I think that will be my next project.  I call this quilt Four Block Wonder because it looks a lot more complex than it really is.

Valentines Day is right around the corner...

Since I've just about run out of snowman inspiration, I decided to try my hand at a little valentine block.  My granddaughter, Izzy, is a monkey fanatic so I think I am going to put this applique on a t-shirt for her.  The  free pattern is available at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.  The pattern is based on a "little quilt" (12" x 12" finished size) but you can always use a xerox to resize your templates to whatever size you want.  If you would like me to email templates of a specific size to you, please email me at georgia@crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.  I can resize the pattern for you in my EQ7 software and email a pdf of the proper size templates directly to you.  I hope you enjoy my little Monkey Love design.

Snow = Snowman + Sled

After the snow has been around a few days, you always see kids out on their sleds.  This little snowman is gonna have some fun too!  Go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com to download the pattern!

Snow in Minnesota -- Finally! -- and Inspiration Follows...

The holidays are officially over and my Scrooge attitude is out the door with them.  Maybe the fact that we finally got some snow up here in the great white north had something to do with that.  I would never have believed that before -- not particularly fond of snow -- but who knows?

Anyway the snowflakes fell and brought some inspiration for some more snowmen!  I have sketches for six right now and the patterns are for 12" x 12" blocks so you can create a quilt with several or make one and hang it somewhere.  I hope you enjoy my Skating Snowman.  I sure enjoyed creating him.  Watch for more snow guys in the near future!

Download the pattern at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com... See ya there!

No New Years Resolutions here, BUT...

I don't believe in New Year's resolutions... mainly because they just set me up to fail... but I think I've come up with a goal for 2012 instead of a resolution.  I've told all of you about the stacks of UFO projects that I have stacked in my sewing room.  I seriously considered making myself complete all of my UFOs before starting any new projects this year.  The hair on the back of my neck stood up as soon as this thought entered my mind.  Not start ANY new projects???? That's just crazy!!!  So I compromised -- with myself.

I have decided that I will start the new year out by finishing one of my UFOs before starting anything new.  When I finish that project (or, heaven forbid, it joins the UFO pile) I will complete another UFO before starting anything new.

Is this gonna work?  Who knows... I can only do my best.  I am going to select the UFO to start with this afternoon.  I'll post pics and keep you posted on my progress.

Messy, disorganized, UFOs -- Oh My!

Well, I got through the Christmas holiday -- barely.  Tough one for me this year.  I'm looking forward now and we have a new year coming in just a few days.  I was in my sewing room this morning and it's in a bit of a mess.  I did some straightening and organizing which led me to my stack of UFOs.  Wow -- do I have UFOs!!!  I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions but I'm going to make one this year.  I am going to finish all of my UFOs.  I haven't counted yet but I think this is going to mean completing at least 2 each month. 

Snaz up your borders...

I am putting a border on a quilt and as I was getting ready to sew it on, I decided it was going to be a really boring addition.  I needed the border to make the quilt the right size for the bed though so I went in search of a solution.  I wanted something to snaz it up without creating a lot of work.  Of course, where does one go when in search of a solution and some inspiration?  You got it... the internet.  I found a really good video tutorial on adding a fabric flange.  This was just what my quilt needed.  Check it out... there are lots of other good video tutorials here as well.
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-add-flange-accent-your-quilt-232936/

Sha-Zam!!! The Pillow Sham!

The Create-a-Bed by Christmas is progressing well despite an awful round of flu and an unexpected but delightful weekend trip with some of my grandchildren.  I'm making two of these and I have one quilt completed -- well, I'm sewing on the binding... the second is ready for quilting.  Since I'm quilting using a simple allover design, that takes almost no time. 

I decided to take a binding break today and get ready to make the pillow shams.  As I wrote the pattern, I decided that these are gonna be "easier-than-pillowcase" shams.  There's really nothing to it!  Check it out at http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/createabed/

Can't wait to post pictures of these quilts on my beautiful granddaughters beds!

Create-a-Bed SewAlong moving right along!

Bed Skirts are on their way.  Gotta love Amazon.com.  I have moments though when I think I really should make them even though the cost to make them will be about triple (or more) than to make them.  It must be something about actually writing a pattern and then not getting to use it.  Oh well -- no time for regrets now.  I have quilts to get mede!

I have finished the pattern for my Twin Size Fat Quarter Quick Quilt.  It is made with 30 very simple blocks.  You will get two blocks from each fat quarter so gather 15 quarters and a little yardage for your borders and let's get started.  Here is the link to get to the pattern -- http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/createabed/
I think I can get the center of one quilt finished this afternoon.  Since I am making two, I plan to do all of my cutting at the same time so the second quilt will be a breeze.

The cutting and sewing are fast and simple.  The totally random placement of fabrics and blocks makes this a quilt top a no-brainer.

Join me and SewAlong!