Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Monday, October 27, 2014

Quilty Train - November 2014 - Scherenschnitte



Just so you would know I didn't make the word up - the following definition is complements of Wikipedia
Scherenschnitte (German pronunciation: [ˈʃeːʁənˌʃnɪtə]), which means "scissor cuts" in German, is the art of papercutting design. The art work often has symmetry within the design, and common forms include silhouettes, valentines, and love letters. The art tradition was founded in Switzerland and Germany in the 16th century, and was brought to Colonial America in the 18th century by immigrants who settled primarily in Pennsylvania.



I chose this name because, that is what the block reminds me of when you put a bunch of them together....


I love, love, love the way two colors, with a pinch of a third create an intricate network of circles and squares from such a simple block.

General Descriptions:
  • The Quilt:
    • Measures 62" x  86" as described
    • Is made of 24, 12" finished blocks arranged in a 4 x 6 grid
    • Has 2 borders
      • Inner border is 1" finished
      • Outer border is 6" finished
  • The Block:
    • Measures 12" finished (is actually 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" before incorporation into the quilt.)
    • 4 patch construction - all four patches are the same
    • Is paper pieced - If you have been following along, paper piecing should no longer be a big deal to you.  Just in case the phrase scares you please check out my tutorial.  I promise the process is not that hard.  If you would like additional help let me know.  I'd be glad to host a workshop.
FQG: Angie has chosen to make this quilt in holiday colors.  Her kit includes red fabric to be used where you see black in the picture.  You will  find red fabric for pieces #2 and #3.  You need to supply red fabric for piece #4, and cream for piece #1

Cutting Directions: The colors listed below reference the photo of the finished quilt posted above the General Descriptions.
  • Paper -
    • You will need 1 copy of this file to make the block. This link will print all four quadrants of the block - each is the same, other than it is labled A, B, C, or D.
    • Make sure that the pattern measures 6 1/2" along the dotted lines...you should see them 1/4" beyond the last solid line outlining the big squares.  If the pattern you print is not 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" you will need to fiddle with the shrink/enlarge feature of your printer to get it the correct size. 
    • Trim the excess paper from the pattern - I leave 1/4" beyond the dotted line  to make sure there is enough excess to trim the units squarely once it is all pieced.
  • Black - (FQG red)
    • For the blocks
      • Piece #2 - cut 4, 2 3/4" x 5 1/2" (FQG kit)
      • Piece #3 - cut 4, 2 3/4" x 5 1/2" (FQG kit)
      • Piece #4 - cut 4, 3 3/4" x 6 1/2"
  • White - (FQG cream)
    • For the blocks
      • Piece #1 - cut 4, 6 1/2" x 6 1//2" squares


Sewing Directions:
  • Follow the paper pattern and piece as directed.
  • Use my tutorial for a refresher if you need one.
  • Arrange the sections in a 2 x 2 grid, with section #4 meeting in the center.  You should have a big black (red if your are FQG) square on point in the enter of your block.
  • Sew the sections together.
  • Pop seams and iron in a spiral
  • Remove papers.


FQG - Return your finished blocks to Angie by November 18th, or bring it to the meeting on that night to be eligible to win all of the blocks. Your new quilt might look something like this....


If you have not finished your block by that time, bring the kit to the meeting and no questions will be asked.


If you make this quilt, please send me a picture, or add it to the Tops to Treasures group on Flickr.  I would love to see it.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

In the Spirit of Trick or Treat


If I found this fellow in my bag of goodies I would swear off of the stuff!

You have two weeks from today to finish you blocks for guild.