Photo finish!

There is still time for a photo finish!

You have two weeks from today 

to get back on track to finishing your block.

Quilty Train - April 2015 - Jumpin' the Tracks!

Jumpin' the Tracks!

(a.k.a. Disappearing Hourglass Block)

Sometimes it is better to jump ship in mid course than to continue on.  I think this is one of those times.

For the past several months we have been playing with paper pieced blocks.  My friends at the guild have been very patient with me, indulging my fascination with the process.  However, it is drawing close to the end of the year, and they deserve a treat.

I've been toting this project around with me for a little over a year.  Each time I drag it out of the box at a retreat people swarm the design wall and ooooh and ahhh over the blocks.  Each time I tell them how easy the block is to make, and they refuse to believe me....until I show them.  Now it is time for me to show you!

General Description:

The Quilt:

• Measures 52 1/2"x 59 1/4" as described
• Is made from 42, 6 3/4" finished blocks arranged in a 6 x 7 grid.
• Has 2 borders
• Inner border is 1" finished
• Outer border is 5" finished

The Block:

• Measures 6 3/4" finished (is actually 7 1/4" x 7 1/4" before incorporation into the quilt
• This is a disappearing block! It starts out as a four patch and ends up as a nine patch.
• This block is addicting!  You will love making them (at least I do) but be warned, you have to keep your wits about you while you are trimming.

FQG: Angie will be providing half of the fabric, you need to supply the contrasting fabric.  Please make it a pale solid that coordinates with the kit fabric. Think high contrast!

Are you ready for some fun!!  Let's get started.

Cutting directions:

• Color 1 - 1, 10" x 10" square
• Color 2 - 1, 10" x 10" square

Oh that was hard - maybe you need a break?  No?!  I didn't think so.

This block doesn't start out with many pieces; however trimming as you go is paramount.  Don't skip these steps or it will not work.

Sewing Directions:

• Gather 2, 10" x 10" squares
• Draw an X from corner to corner on the wrong side of one of the squares.

• Sew 1/4" on both sides of both lines of the X.....like you are making half square triangles in both directions.
• Iron flat.
• Cut into 4, 5" x 5" squares. (along red lines)

• Cut squares in half along lines to make 8 half square triangles.
• Iron seams open
• Trim resulting blocks to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" 
• Make two hour glass blocks - follow the picture.

• Pop seam allowances and twirl.
• Iron flat.
• Trim hour glass blocks
• The blocks should measure 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" before you trim them.
• We need it to be 8 1/4" x 8 1/4"  BUT it needs to be centered.  BE SURE to trim 1/8" from each side of the block to get the desired size, else it won't work right in the end.
• Yes, you are cutting away the seam allowance. It will be okay.
• Cut each hour glass block in to 9, 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" pieces.

• Rearrange pieces.

• Keeping the pieces oriented as is, swap corners along the diagonals. You should now have tiny triangles on the outside corners.
• Keeping the pieces oriented as is, swap edge pieces along the center axis.  You two colored angle should now point towards the center instead of away from it.
• Being careful to keep the pieces arranged this way, sew them together to make your blocks. You will have two identical blocks.

FQG - Return your finished blocks to Angie by May 26th, 2015 or bring them to the meeting on that night to be eligible to win all of the blocks.

Same blocks, alternate arrangement.

I'm not lion....

We need your block to finish the FQG block of the month project for March.

You have two weeks from today to get it done!

Don't make me send Dad to pick it up.

Quilty Train - March 2015 - In Like a Lion

In Like a Lion

It took a long time to come up with a name for this block that I was happy with.  I see pinwheels.  I see chevrons.  I see a Greek cross.  I feel the wind moving - that is probably the pinwheels tugging at me again. "In Like a Lion" seems to touch on all of those thoughts. This little guy agrees with me....

especially when I changed the colors to reflect the season.

March in North Texas is all wind and rain and sunshine as the winds fight to figure out who will win and we wait for the seasons to sort themselves out. The warm south winds always win, but it takes a little convincing on their part.

General Description:
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
• Paper pieced - if you have been following along, paper piecing should no longer be a big deal to you.  Just in case it still scares you please refer to 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 will be supplying fabric for the patterned green (outer pinwheel) in this quilt.  You need to supply White (solid or tone on tone is acceptable), Light grey (solid or tone on tone is acceptable), and a rainbow hued solid of your choice (not green).

Kit fabric

The guild version of the block will look something like this....

Cutting Directions:

• Paper
• You need 1 copy of this file to make the block.
• The link will print all four patches of the block - all identical other than their labels - and will require 4 pieces of paper. (One for each patch)
• There are four sections to each patch.  These will print together on the same page.
• Make sure that the pattern measures 4 1/2" along the dotted lines of the square.  You should see the dotted lines 1/4" beyond the last solid line outlining the square. If the pattern you print does not measure 4 1/2" you will need to fiddle with the shrink/enlarge feature of your printer to get it to the correct size.
• Trim excess paper from the pattern.  I leave 1/4" beyond the dotted lines to make sure there is enough excess to trim the units squarely once it is all pieced.
• White (20 pieces)
• Outer pinwheel
• pieces #A1, E1, I1, and M1
• cut 4, 4 3/4" x 2 3/4"
• Lone triangle
• pieces #A3, E3, I3 and M3
• cut 4, 6" x 3 1/2"
• Outer chevron
• pieces #B1, C1, F1, G1, J1, K1, N1, and O1
• cut 8, 3 1/2" x 2 1/4"
• Inner pinwheel
• pieces #D2, H2, L2, and P2
• cut 4, 4 3/4" x 2 3/4"
• Grey (8 pieces)
• Inner chevron
• pieces #B2, C2, F2, G2, J2, K2, N2, and O2
• cut 8, 5" x 2 1/4"
• Patterned Green (4 pieces)
• Outer pinwheel
• pieces #A2, E2, I2, and M2
• cut 4, 4 3/4" x 2 3/4"
• Bright solid (4 pieces)
• Inner pinwheel
• pieces #D1, H1, L1, and P1
• cut 4, 4 3/4" x 2 3/4"

Sewing Directions:

• Follow the paper pattern and piece as directed.
• Use my tutorial for a refresher if you need one.
• Combine pieces to make patches
• A+B+C+D = upper left patch
• E+F+G+H = upper right patch
• I+J+K+L = lower right patch
• M+N+O+P = lower left patch
• Arrange patches in a 2 x 2 grid so that you have a bright pinwheel on point in the center of your block.
• Sew patches together to make block.
• Pop seams and iron in a spiral.
• Remove papers.

FQG  - Return your finished blocks to Angie by March 24th, 2015 or bring it to the meeting on that night to be eligible to win all of the blocks.

A moment of refreshment....

Take a moment to share

 an ice cold Coke with your sweet heart.

  (Valentines day is on Saturday, February 14)

Then get to work on your block of the month. 

 You have two weeks from today to get it done.

And the winner is.....

Tami Beltran!

Congratulations to Tami on her win of 

7 finished blocks

12 kits & 5 outstanding kits

Quilty Train - February 2015 - Breezy

As we face a brand new year, unblemished and filled with possibilities, the blocks in our series become simpler.  This month's offering, Breezy, takes a step back from the hustle and bustle that was the holiday season and simplifies.

I imagine that the block could be made without paper piecing, but now that you have learned a new skill I can't for the life of me figure out why we shouldn't go right on using it.

General Description:

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.
• Paper pieced - if you have been following along, paper piecing should no longer be a big deal to you.  Just in case it still 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 will be supplying fabric for the white of the pinwheels.  Check it out!

This is going to be a fun and breezy...er bubbly... new project for the new year. You add "Coca Cola" red, and coke brown for the other half of the pinwheels, and pale blue (to match the background of the kit fabric) for the lattice bars.

FQG blocks will look like this...

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 lables.
• 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.
• Red - (FQG - red)
• piece #A, B, C, and  D 1 - cut 4, 4 3/4"  X  2 3/4"
• Blue - (FQG - brown)
• piece # E, F, G, and H 2 - cut 4, 4 3/4" X  2 3/4"
• White - 
• for pinwheels (FQG kit fabric)
• piece #A, B, C, and D 2 - cut 4, 4 3/4" X  2 3/4"
• piece #E, F, G, and H 1 - cut 4, 4 3/4" X  2 3/4"
• for lattice bars (FQG pale blue/matching background of kit fabric)
• piece #E, F, G, and H 3 - cut 4, 9 1/2" X  3 3/4"

Sewing Directions:

• Follow the paper pattern and piece as directed.
• Use my tutorial for a refresher if you need one.
• Make each paper section.
• Attach sections  to make 4 identical patches
• A to E
• B to F
• C to G
• D to H
• As you make each patch of notice that the dark triangles are parallel to each other, with lattice bars between them.
• Arrange the patches in a 2 x 2 grid, with sections A, B, C, and D towards the center.  This will create a red pinwheel in the center.  You should have a pinwheel on point in the enter of your block.
• Sew the patches together.
• Pop seams and iron in a spiral
• Remove papers.

FQG - Return your finished blocks to Angie by February 24th, 2015, 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....

And the winner is...

Mary Jo Ferril

Congratulations to Mary Jo on winning

10 finished blocks, and 6 unfinished kits.

If you are still in possession of a block/kit please be sure to send it on to Mary Jo.

Quilty Train - December 2014 - Pinata

Pinata

It is hard to imagine a child's party in Texas without the ever present Pinata.  Hopefully, this block will not have you spinning and swinging at the air.

 May there be nothing but sweet, sweet treats as you construct it.

General Description:
The Quilt:

• Measures 62"x 86" as described.
• Is made of 24, 12" finished blocks arranged ina  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.
• Paper Pieced - if you have been following along, paper piecing should no longer be a big deal to you.  Just in case it still 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 will be supplying fabric for the red portion of this quilt. You need to supply, a dark (like the tree limbs in the upper right corner of the picture) a medium (like the fir tree in the center of the picture) and a light (like the snow dots) to coordinate.

The guild version of the block will look something like this....

....perfect for a long winter's nap.

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.
• Red (FQG kit fabric - blue winter)
• piece #2 - cut 4, 3" x 5" rectangles
• piece #5 - cut 4, 4 3/4" x 2 1/2" rectangles
• White (FQG snow)
• piece #1 - cut 4, 3" x 5" rectangles
• piece #4 - cut 4, 5" x 3" rectangles
• Medium Blue (FQG medium)
• piece #3 - cut 4, 6 1/2" x 3"
• Dark Blue (FQG dark)
• piece #6 - cut 4, 2 3/4" x 5 1/2"
• piece #7 - cut 4, 2 3/4" x 5 1/2"

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 sections #1 & #2 creating a pinwheel in the center.  You should have a pinwheel 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 January 27th, 2015, 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....

And the winner is.....

Theresa Detrie

Congratulations to Theresa on winning 12 finished blocks.

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.

Quilty Train - October 2014 - Candy Corn

Can you see the beacons from last month?  They have gone all stripy on us...becoming that favorite seasonal sweet known as candy corn.  I believe it is already in the stores.  (Does it ever leave?)

Just for the fun of it...did you know that if you combine a bag of candy corn and a jar of roasted peanuts in a bowl you have the makings of a sweet treat that tastes just like a Payday bar?  Add some milk chocolate M&M's and you have a Baby Ruth.  Both options are delicious.  

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 (actually measures 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" before incorporation into the quilt)
• 4 patch construction - all 4 patches are the same.
• Is paper pieced.  Please do not let this be a deal breaker.  Follow my tutorial I promise this is not that hard.  If you would like additional help let me know.  I'd be glad to host a workshop.

FQG: Angie has provided the paper patterns as well as orange.  You will need to add white, yellow, and black.

Cutting Directions:

• Black
• 8, 2 1/2" x 4" rectangle  (pieces #1 and 7)
• 8, 3" x 5 1/2" rectangle  (pieces #4 and 5)
• White
• 4, 3" x 5" rectangle (piece #2)
• Gold
• 4, 2 3/4" x 6 1/2" rectangle (piece #3)
• Orange
• 4, 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangle (piece #6)
• Paper pattern
• 4, 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" patterns  Measure the pattern along the dotted lines...you should see them 1/4" beyond the last solid line outlining the big squares.  If the pattern you printed 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.  This link will print all four quadrants of the block - each is the same, other than it is labeled A, B, C, or D.  You need one printed copy of this for each block you plan to make.

• Follow the paper pattern and piece as directed.  Use my tutorial for a refresher.
• When you have completed all 4 sections of the block, sew them together into a 2 x 2 grid.  Make sure that the Orange stripes are the closest to the center of the block.
• Pop seams and iron in a spiral.
• Remove papers.

FQG - Return your finished block to Angie by October 28, 2014, or bring it to the meeting on that night to be eligible to win all of the blocks.  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.