I put the blocks for the teal project back up on the wall. This is where I'm at now:
Only three more blocks needed! They're all the 8-pointed star block (second row on the left) which uses hourglass units. I don't like making hourglass units - I have trouble getting them to come out even. I guess that's why these blocks are the last ones I still need to make.
Maybe I can get them done this month? We'll see.
Link up: Alycia Quilts 6/13, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts 6/16
Wow, I kind of got carried away with Scrappy Serendipity in May! What started out as blocks inspired by something on Pinterest became a big disappointment, until I tried a half-drop layout. Problem solved, and I liked it so much I made another!
After teaching a Dancing Plus class, I quilted up my teaching sample top, so that's another finish for May.
With all those finishes, a lot of fabric was used this month! The stash report is looking good for the year.
May Stash Report:
IN this month: 6 yards (3 yards Kona Snow; 3 yards wide backing)
OUT this month: 25-1/4 yards (Scrappy Serendipity 1 top (multi), estimated 7-1/2 yards. Dancing Plus top, 2-1/4 yards, class samples & step-outs, 1/2 yard. Dancing Plus backing, 1-3/8 yards; binding, 3/8 yard. Scrappy Serendipity 2 top (blue/green), 7-1/2 yards. Backings for both SS tops, 3 yards wide back plus 1-1/2 yards regular width. Bindings for both SS quilts, 1-1/4 yards)
IN YTD: 38-1/4 yards
OUT YTD: 54-5/8 yards
YTD Net Change: 16-3/8 yards out
That's a lot for one month!
I may not have as much to show for June. A couple of the things I'm working on are design requests from friends: help to figure out layouts for BOM blocks and panel squares. Also, I have some non-quilty things going on that will take some time. And prepping for retreat in July needs to happen, also. So if I don't accomplish much in June that's picture-worthy, or I don't post much, that's why.
Goals Update:
May Recap:
1. Prep for and Teach a Dancing Plus class. DONE.
2. Finish Scrappy Serendipity (formerly the Scrappy 5-Patch Plus) top. DONE.
3. Prep a backing for Cherry Jubilee. DONE
4, Work on piecing the Leftover Strata project. No, not touched.
5. Prep a backing for Scrappy Serendipity. DONE x 2
6. Book time and quilt something on the club's new long arm. Double DONE! Both the original multi and Blue/Green SS quilts have been quilted due to a bonus time slot on the long arm.
Other: - Prepped backing, layered, pin-basted, and quilted the Dancing Plus top on my domestic machine. Bound it.
- Pieced, quilted, and finished another Scrappy Serenade top in blues and greens.
- Bound and labeled both SS quilts.
June Goals:
1. Piece a top for pattern testing an enlarged version of the Irish Chain pattern for Community Service. Edit pattern. Turn in top and pattern on 6/6.
2. Work on the teal value study blocks.
3. Work on the Leftover Strata project.
4. Quilt Cherry Jubilee on 6/29.
5. Work on design requests from two friends in EQ.
6. Play with color combos for Scrappy Serendipity in EQ and start another fabric version.
7. Prep for retreat in July.
Link up: Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
I got lucky and scored an open time slot on the long arm this week! I quilted the original multi color Scrappy Serendipity on Saturday during my original reserved time. Just an all-over free motion meander, with light taupe thread. It came out great, and no hiccups with the new machine.
I might have been a little obsessed with the block I was making for the top shown in my previous post.
The block is satisfying to make because each block's palette is designed individually, so it doesn't get boring. My scrappy version was fine, once I landed on the half-drop layout, but it would probably look even better if I used an analogous palette. I might have gotten carried away and I started another version. Cutting ensued.
I had pretty much depleted my low volumes and nicer scraps, so pulling from stash was needed. I cut a 2-1/2" WOF strip of 40+ different blues, greens, teals and purples. I also cut strips from an unknown number of pale low volumes, probably at least as many. I cut the strips into the small pieces needed and made up packets for 43 blocks. I was so involved I forgot to take photos.
After cutting, these blocks are quick to make, and sewing them in pairs helps for chain piecing. Within a few days I had another whole top's worth of blocks on the design wall. After a bit of tweaking the layout, I ended up with this finished top.
Is it beautiful, wonderful? No, not at all. But it's certainly acceptable.
Would I make it again? Absolutely! But there are a few things I would do differently, mostly having to do with Value and value placement. I would only use the very lightest low volume prints, avoiding the ones that read darker, like the piece below the red motif at the center. I would also make sure there's enough contrast between the four small patches and both the background and the arms. I might try a more controlled scrappy palette also, such as all cool colors.
These blocks are fun to make because each one is designed as its own palette, so it's not boring to make multiples of the same block. Want to make your own version? Here's the block plan, but avoid busy, high-contrast background fabrics like in this EQ image:
For a half drop layout like mine you need 45 blocks and 6 end fillers. The end filler blocks finish at 5" by 10" (5-1/2 by 10-1/2" unfinished). They're made of 2-1/2" by 5-1/2" low volume pieces, 5 per block. The finished top measures 60" by 80", a good size for an adult or teen throw.
The scrappy blocks I wrote about last week are fun to make because each one is designed individually. From a selection of cut pieces, I can lay out two blocks, chain piece them, and have them finished in a half hour. It didn't take very long to make most of the blocks I need for a 6 x 8 block layout. Here they are on the design wall:
How disappointing! Disjointed. Boring. And no matter how I move them around, they don't look any better.
I was shooting for a 60 x 80" throw size for a donation quilt, so I still need two rows of blocks. Not a problem to make the blocks, but the resulting quilt will not be one that I'm proud of. So I played with layout options in EQ and landed on Half Drop Blocks.
After changing the layout on the wall, I need 45 blocks, not 48, and 6 end fillers. Here they are laid out on the wall in the Half Drop configuration, still a 60 by 80" quilt:
Much better. Still not the most beautiful quilt, but much improved from the first version. I have time booked on the long arm at the end of the month, so I'll get this quilted and send it on its way to the local family services agency PCQ supports. While not a beauty, it can still bring comfort to an abused teen.
Link up: Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
A lot of sewing happened this month, using a lot of fabric. On the other hand, a lot of fabric was added to the stash. Surprisingly, more fabric went out than came in.
A four day retreat resulted in the completion of two tops. I have given them, along with backing fabric and binding, to two of the quilter friends who were at the retreat.
At the retreat I also got all the blocks finished for my Almost Postage Stamp quilt. They were already started.
I saw something intriguing on Pinterest and I thought it would be a good project for my Scrappy Celebration friends to make next. Here is a link to the Pinterest post.
I sent the girls the image, and one was interested. So I figured out the block:
Another project I worked on at retreat was this Postage Stamp type quilt. The squares finish at 1-1/2" so it's not a true Postage Stamp, but this is as small as I care to work. Here are 32 blocks on the design wall, plus border strips.
Months ago I started this project to use up some of my yellow-green stash. I used my die cutter to cut 2" strips of nearly every fabric in my yellow-green basket, and some true greens. Then I selected some other warm colors and purples for more variety.
The strips were sewn into strata. Then the strata were carefully cross-cut, again using the 2" die. I laid out the strips in a checkerboard, and wrapped them up in blocks. I need 35 blocks for a 5 x 7 layout, and I ended up with enough strips for 36 blocks. Each block has 64 little squares. I didn't count the individual fabrics used, but it's a lot.
I made one sample block and packed the rest up for retreat. With all seams pressed toward the dark fabrics, the seams nested nicely. They'll nest when I sew the blocks into rows and sew the rows together, too.
I was pleased that I was able to get all the blocks made at retreat. I'll lay them out on my design wall at home and make sure the same fabric isn't adjacent to itself, then label them, and pack them up for a future retreat.
This quilt will be twin size when finished. Did it make a dent in my yellow-green stash? A bit, but there's still plenty left. At least I can jam the basket into the shelf where it belongs now.
The outer border fabric in the top photo will also be the backing fabric. It's a tiny olive-on-cream paisley. I bought 9 yards of it back in 2009 but it wasn't the right shade of green for the top it was intended for, so it's been languishing ever since. I'm glad to eventually have a use for it.
Some people don't care for yellow-green and olive shades, but I like the way this is turning out. And it's gender neutral. It will eventually be a donation quilt.
Link ups: Alycia Quilts 4/18, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts 4/21
Retreat was a lot of fun, and I got a lot accomplished. Today' post is about two tops that were partially started and are now finished flimsies. I'll write more about the rest of the retreat another time.
First up, this LCT Variation top. (sorry for the moire effect in the photo; the navy and white print is a small geometric.)
A couple of big changes in direction occurred this month. One was a request to teach Dancing Plus in May, which required a demo sample to present at the PCQ meeting in April. The other was a need for a teenage boy donation quilt. Both of those items were accomplished. And they helped my stash report, although shopping and an estate sale canceled out any stash reduction.
Another accomplishment - if you could call it that? - was a failed test block to use up some leftover strata in a future project. It's good to try out test blocks; I learned that that pattern's method of making that particular block is not for me. Instead, I've been thinking of alternative plans to use the leftover strata.
One of my goals for March was to be trained on the club's new long arm. Training went well and I'm now certified to use it. In even better news, they opened up registration for time slots on the new long arm today and I was able to get a time slot for late next week. Whoo-hoo!
Goals Update:
March recap:
1. Prep for and teach color classes 5 and 6. DONE.
2. Prep several projects to work on at retreat in early April. Yes, I have the Postage Stamp project, the navy and pink LCT project that was kitted up months ago, and the Kaffe flying geese project. More than enough to keep me busy for four days!
3. Attend hands-on long arm training. Yes! I'm certified to use the new Innova long arm, and I was lucky enough to get an early time slot when registration opened up.
4. Continue piecing blocks for the teal project. Yes, made a lot of progress.
5. Prep a backing for the red Cherry Jubilee top. Not done.
6. Continue working on the scrappy project at social sewing. Yes, although I was only able to go to social sewing once this month.
7. Participate in Sewing Club's charity project at first Wednesday social sewing. Yes, I made three pairs of little boys' shorts for inclusion in Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes.
Other: Made a small Dancing Plus flimsy for a teaching sample.
Made a Stacked Slabs top and a backing for it.
My teal project doesn't have a deadline, but I did make significant progress on it in March. Since I have a lot of other projects planned for April, it may go into time out for a month. Or if time permits, maybe I'll make another block or two.
April Goals:
1. Finish packing for retreat and have a good time there.
2. Make progress on the Postage Stamp project.
3. Make progress on the Kaffe flying geese project.
4. Assemble the navy and pink LCT blocks. If possible, add the borders.
5. Quilt the Urban Jungle stacked slabs quilt on April 11.
6. Prep for teaching Dancing Plus in May
7. Prep backing for Cherry Jubilee top
8. Develop new project using leftover strata.
Looks like I'm planning for a busy month in April!
It's been a while since I last reported on the teal project. The most recent progress photo is in this post. Since then I've been occasionally making blocks. Now my design wall looks like this:
Last fall the PCQ community service chair received a large donation of fabrics. Among them were a lot of black and white prints. She handed me a big tote bag full of them and asked me to do something with them. We discovered that among them were two colors of a Marcia Derse print, and there was a dark red colorway of the same print in the donation as well.
I played around in EQ but I was never happy with anything I came up with.
Recently I was reminded that the local family services agency that PCQ supports occasionally has a need for comfort quilts for teenage boys. In years past, we've seen that there seems to be an uptick in need at the end of the school year.
So I pulled out the Marcia Derse prints and some others that read masculine and have colors that go together. Rather than fuss with a complex pattern, I let the fabrics do all the work with my Stacked Slabs pattern. (The fabric that looks pink here is actually red but if I try to darken it in the photo, everything else goes too dark.)
The result has kind of an urban vibe, but the featured prints had something about trees on the selvage, so for my own records I'm calling this Urban Jungle.
There was enough of the featured fabrics plus the other black and grey print left over to piece together a back. I'm certified on PCQ's new long arm, so as soon as registrations open up and I can book a time slot, I'll quilt this up.
Link Up: Alycia Quilts
A quick little finish, a teaching sample (top only) for my upcoming Dancing Plus class.
I'll be teaching the blocks at a PCQ class in May but I needed a sample to display at the April meeting to promote the class. This was a quick finish, 42 blocks for a baby quilt top that measures 36 by 45 inches.
Scroll down to the post below for more info, and find the tutorial for the blocks here.
Link up: Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
Alycia Quilts 3/28/25
Quilting is more fun than housework 3/30/25
Recently in one of my color classes we were discussing the use of whites and creams together in the same project, and I showed my students this photo.
In the color class, there was quite a bit of interest in having a Dancing Plus class, and since PCQ's education chair was one of my students, we booked the class for May. I've long since gifted the quilt in the photo above, so I need to make a new teaching sample.
This Plus motif can be made with one 5" charm* square or a 10" remnant of a 2-1/2" strip. When the trimmed blocks are set in a half drop layout, the dancing effect is enhanced.
I need to make a teaching sample so I'll make a small top and some step-outs. Time to raid the scrap drawers! Bright, medium to dark colors work best to contrast with low volume backgrounds. I have 42 different prints here for the Plus motifs.
I'll use a variety of backgrounds including whites, creams, ivories, and pale greys. I can see in this photo that the khaki background fabric is much too dark, so that one has to go. I still need to find about six more low volumes. No worries, I have plenty.
I'm using each background fabric in two blocks so I can scatter them around the quilt. Tip: Use the same background for two colors that are very similar. You won't want those almost-same colors next to each other in the top, so your background fabric will likewise be separated from itself.
These little blocks go together quickly, especially when paired up and chain pieced. Here are all 42 blocks.
I want to lay out the colors on my design wall before I trim the blocks. Then I'll number them and identify which direction each one should tilt. I'll probably trim them, kit them up, and assemble the top at retreat the first weekend in April. I need to show the sample at the PCQ meeting on April 14 to introduce the class, so If I get the top done at retreat it'll be ready in time.
My sample will be six columns wide by seven blocks high, plus half blocks at the tops or bottoms of the columns for a half drop layout. It will measure 36 by 45", easily do-able at retreat. This is a great project for beginners or for a group because it's so forgiving. And the result is a fun little quilt.
I have a much larger version that I kept for myself. It started with one charm pack, then I added fabrics from my stash that harmonized with the charm prints. This one is 143 blocks, 66" wide by 81" long, and lives draped over the quilt ladder in my family room. I'll share this one when I introduce the class at the PCQ meeting, too.
Linking up with Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
*Charm packs usually come with 42 pieces which will yield a 6 by 7 block layout, 36" by 45", perfect for a baby quilt.
I cannot stress enough the importance of making a test block of an unfamiliar pattern or construction method.
I had previously cut a lot - a lot!!! - of 2" strips for a postage stamp project. I sewed them into strata and cross cut them to make checkerboards. This is what's left over after I cut all I needed for the blocks.
1. It was hard to cut through one strata with the ruler, awkward and didn't cut through in places. I tried several different rotary cutters. The pattern says to stack several strata and cut through multiple layers. Impossible for me.
2. I followed the pattern instructions exactly. They were somewhat confusing, so I reread them until I understood exactly how to place the ruler and make the cuts. I don't like the result. The points of the football shape are cut off, and the corner triangles extend inconsistently more than 1/4" into the seam allowances at the edges of the block. Upon close examination of the pattern, this is actually illustrated in the graphics. If I'm going to put all this work into something, I want it to look like it was made with skill. I want accurate points that meet where they're supposed to. It's just me, but I'm fussy that way.
3. My strata alternate dark and light stripes and I don't like how the light stripes disappear into the background. I don't think my strata are suitable for a ring design after all.
So, this ruler method is not for me, and this design concept is not working for my strata. I'll have to come up with a Plan B....
The original postage stamp project is kitted up for retreat in April. I have a few other projects I can take along to keep me busy. Plan B and the box of leftover strata can wait.
Linking up with Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
