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!

 

Thinking through what to do....???

Well as I fondled the fabric from the Quilt Minnesota shop hop, visions of quilt blocks danced in my head.... what to do with these printed panels and coordinating fabrics.  Well, obviously I have to make some blocks!  Remember though, I don't want any waste.   Aha!  Patti Anderson's No-Waste Flying Geese method to the rescue!!!

Here is the link to the most spectacular method of making flying geese EVER!!!

http://www.patchpieces.com/files/flyinggeese.pdf

Keep this sheet handy because the way they are written you can make absolutely any size flying geese you want!

Here are the step-by-step photos of my No-Waste Flying Geese.

This method results in 4 perfect flying geese that are just the right size because the cutting directions begin with the measurements.  I wanted my geese to be 2 1/2" high and 5" wide finished size.  That means at this point they measure 3" x 5 1/2" because of seam allowances.  So I cut 4 corner squares 3"x3" and trimmed my 5" printed panel picture to 5 1/2" and laid them out.

 

TA-DA!!!

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!

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.

Another Snowman pattern... Getting romantic this time~

This cute little snowcouple are taking a stroll on a cold winter's day.  Arm in arm and smiling away... can't you just feel the snowflakes in their little hearts melting for each other.  Download the pattern at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com

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!

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/

Bed Skirts Comin' Up in the Create-a-Bed Sew Along

December 3rd and I have the pattern all worked out for the Bed Skirt. I called my daughter to see if she wanted them to be pink or white and she tells me that she really thinks I should save some money and buy them. You can buy a twin size bed skirt for about $13 at Amazon. Well -- I can't justify spending the money on fabric when the finished product is so reasonably priced! So, I ordered the bed skirts and I'm getting ready to move on to the quilts. Don't panic though... I'm still including the Bed Skirt pattern for those of you who want to make one.  Go to http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/createabed/ to find it.

I've chosen the fabrics for the quilts and shams.  I have a good supply of Beach House by Robyn Pandolph in my stash.  This is a soft, feminine fabric line without going completely pastel.  I think the quilts can be used for years and years with this fabric because it's not juvenile.  Now -- to decide on a quick, easy pattern that will let me get these quilts done in flash!

Create-a-Bed Commences!

The instructions for the Bed Skirt will be posted soon.  I have already shared a tutorial for French Seams which I will be using on my bed skirt just to give it that professional polish.  As I am working through the pattern though, I have encountered another technique that we, as quilters, do not use very often -- gathering.

This is a technique that is used often in garment sewing and I remember the headaches that I used to encounter.  The traditional method of gathering involved two stitched lines of basting that were pulled to gather fabric along the seams.  I can't tell you how many times I had those flimsy basting seams break on me and I had to start all over with the gathering. 

I now use a technique that is easier and much less frustrating.  It involves crochet thread but you can use just about any cording or string.  Here is a super tutorial that illustrates this technique -- www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/createabed/valuableinfo/

You can use your favorite gathering technique when gathering your bed skirt, but this cord method is what I will be using!

Preparing for the Create-a-Bed Sew Along!

As I prepare for the Create-a-Bed Sew Along, I have decided that I want to use French Seams to enclose all of the seams on the Bed Skirts.  My experience with French Seams dates back to my garment sewing days and I know that it is not necessarily a technique that is often used in the quilting world.  I decided to see what kind of information is out there on this particular technique.  I found a wonderful tutorial at the Sew Neau website.  Check it out here -- http://www.sewneau.com/how.to/french.seam.html  -- Thanks Sew Neau for a fantastic resource!

French seams are a fantastic way to put a clean finish on seams and I think it puts a professional touch on a project.  You decide if you want to use it or not...

Don't forget to check in often... Sew Along and Create-a-Bed by Christmas!

www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com

Patriot Dreams Tablerunner

I'm not usually a tablerunner person but I have a friend who loves them.  I completed this one using a panel from the Patriot Dreams fabric line by Henry Glass.  To be quite honest, I wasn't at all impressed with the panel itself.  It looked too much like -- well, a printed fabric panel.  I decided to sew blue rick rack over the "seams" between the blocks.  Now I actually like the darn thing.  When I started this little project -- which took me just over 3 hours to complete including quilting and binding! -- I was thinking of a gift for my tablerunner friend.  Now, I'm thinking I may just keep it!

Here are some pics of some of  the "blocks"

 

 



This simple project consists of the printed panel, batting and backing.  I sandwiched the layers and did some quick meandering on my home machine.  Then I laid the blue rick rack over the "seams" on the panel and stitched it down with matching thread.  I put the binding on and voila! I have a nice tablerunner that measures 22" x 40". 

You can get the panel at This Is Sew Broadway in Crookston, MN for a mere $7.13.  They also have some of the coordinating fabrics if you want to use them for backing and binding.  If you call them at 218-470-0070 they will even mail it out to you!

Let It Snowman Block Two is here!

The Flower Hat Snowgirl pattern for week 3 of Let It Snow-man! has been posted.  Go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com to download it.  While you're there, check out a few more of the free patterns that are available.  I will be working on some of my holiday projects in the days to come and I will be sharing some photos.  If you have any projects that you'd like to share, just send pics to georgia@crazyladyquiltdesigns.com and I'll post them too.  I love to see what others are working on.  It is a major source of inspiration!

New Job in a Quilt Shop!!!

I just started a new job this week.  It is a part time position doing what I love most!  This Is Sew Broadway in Crookston, MN has given me the opportunity to work in a great shop with wonderful people.  I love it, love it, LOVE it!!!

Christmas is right around the corner...

We have a nip in the air up here in northwest Minnesota today.  It has been an unusually mild fall this year and when I looked at the calendar, realizing that half the month of October is done, I was a bit surprised.  By this time I am usually hauling out the winter clothes, getting things ready for snow to cover the ground.  Haven't even thought about it yet this year.

Reality is Christmas is right around the corner... okay, I know we have a couple of months, but if you want to make any Christmas goodies from fabric, you'd better get a move on!  To help you get into the mood, I have posted one of my favorite quilted Christmas projects ever.  I call it Stocking Fun -- a quilt-as-you-go stocking that you can whip up in just a couple of hours.  I made a whole set of them for my daughter and her family last year in the cabin-outdoorsy flannels shown in this picture.  I got several requests for some in other colors from other family members.  So... I'm pawing through my stash to find the fabrics requested so I can make a few more this year.

Check out the FREE pattern for this project at www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/patterns/ and get the spirit going early!  Merry Christmas!!!

Week 2 Snowman with Pipe block is HERE!

I have posted the first actual block of the FREE pattern Let It Snow-Man! on my website www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.  I had every intention of having this posted on Wednesday but life intervenes at the most inconvenient times!  But I finally got it together and posted.  I will posting new blocks on Sundays from now on.  My schedule will have less chance of interrupting my intentions that way.  Please click on this picture to find the pattern!

After being inspired by a quilt I saw somewhere out in cyberland, I started designing this little gem using my EQ7 software.  I've decided to share it as a FREE Block of the Week on my website.  The first installment is available at http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/boms/snowman/.  Cruise around while you're there and see if you can find any other goodies you might like.  It's all FREE!  Drop me a message and let me know what you think at georgia@crazyladyquiltdesigns.com.