Sunday, March 5, 2017

Year of The Scrap blocks

Making scrap blocks.



When thinking about my Year or the Scrap project. My first thought was to try to use the smallest scraps I had to make blocks to later turn into a project. I started cutting 1.5" squares 1 by 1 with a Sizzix die that only cut one square. Of course, it will cut 8 thicknesses of fabric in one pass.

I decided on a block with strips of fabric made up of 5 1.5 inch squares, each separated by a 5 inch strip of white, like so... You can see the result above.


I also had a die that cuts 1.5 inch strips. I decided to utilize this to cut squares more quickly. I laid the scraps vertically and ran them through the machine, then folded them and laid them horizontally and made another pass.



Let the chain piecing begin. First pairs, then sew 2 pairs, then add one square onto the strip of 4 squares.




Sew white stripe between the rows of squares and you see the result above.

I had a great thought that I know is not original, I would square up my blocks using my 5" square die.





I now have a stack of 35 blocks. I want to make 72 and use a background square between each. This should yield a quilt that is about 67 x 67. Whew, I have a long way to go.

Saturday, March 4, 2017

The Year of the SCRAP

My first post in a while. Thank you to anyone who stops by. I know the year has been "in progress" for over 2 months now, but, I have declared 2017 the "Year of the Scrap" in my house. 

I had some "Christmas money" and, of course, it would go to quilting tools and/or supplies. I had been thinking about a die cutting machine for some time. So, I did some online research (shopping) and decided on a Sizzix Machine. The hard part was which one. The Big Shot takes 6" wide dies. The larger Big Shot Plus will take up to 12". So, I went Big, or Big Plus I should say. 

This was the start of the "Year of the Scrap". I am a little bit frugal (cheap) so I decided I would use the Sizzix to bust a large portion of my scraps into usable pieces and turn those into quilts. 

This is how I justified the cost in my own head. I wouldn't buy fabric this year. That rule has a few exceptions that include: Background fabric (solid or other), as well as anything Carolyn Friedlander or Kate Spain. There will probably be other exceptions. I just ordered a great solid bundle of modern solids from Craftsy. Another exception will be sale items from my LQSs. 

Now, scrappy is a bit hard for me. I try to make sure the colors blend and that there are not 2 pieces from the same color family next to each other; You get it. Doesn't make much since because I really like scrappy quilts. 

I have read from some of the scrap quilting guru's out there that you should save any scrap that is 1.5 inches square or larger. I made this my rule. I also decided that i would try to get the largest piece possible from each individual scrap up to 5" square. That may change. 

I have discovered a few things since starting this year long project. 
1. Scrap busting is really messy.
2. Quilting is messy but scrap quilting is REALLY messy.
3. Scraps grow.
4. It takes a lot of 1.5" pieces to make a quilt. 





The messy part. 
Be Back Soon!

Monday, October 26, 2015

Dog Gone Cute!! QAL

Dog Gone Cute

It's My Turn 
AND
Here we are! 
With my finish of my project in the Dog Gone Cute QAL. 
Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts designs the cutest patterns, many with animals. 
I just had to do this one 'cause, well, you'll see!

Sew Fresh Quilts


Lorna writes the most amazing patterns with multiple charts and step by step instructions. In this pattern there are 2 block sizes giving you a multitude of options. 
This was so much fun and a bit outside my box. 

My Pups, Zoe and Jade, loved it! I hope you do too. I wanted to do two blocks, one for each. I debated about what to make with those blocks. I remembered these left over blocks from a Shop Hop last summer and I put them together to make a small quilt. 



It now has a place of honor
hanging above one of my machines, LOL.



I appreciate your visit and hope you will leave a comment. Come back, ya'll.

Ellen

Monday, September 7, 2015

Boston "Sew Doggone Cute" UPDATED!

Boston "Sew Doggone Cute"
9/9/15

New Block (bottom) and Revised "Old Block" (top)



I am not sure how Doggone Cute mine are but I am still working on them!
Sharing on:

Sew Fresh Quilts-Finish It Up Friday


Sew Fresh Quilts

This is cool because. This is Lorna's pattern and 

Sew Fresh Quilts

is her AMAZING blog. Check out some of the other projects there. I am.
Check out some of the other participating blogs on their days to be featured!

Tuesday, October 6
Karen of Run Sew Fun
Kris of Kris Loves Fabric
Anja of Anja Quilts
Kelly of Quilting it Out
Tish of Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland

Thursday, October 8
Carol of Just Let Me Quilt
Nina of Inchworming
Doris of The Quilting Queen Online
Brandy of Pampered Pettit
Leena of Creative Instincts

Tuesday, October 13
Ruth of Charly and Ben’s Crafty Corner
Tanya of Tanya Quilts in Colorado
Laurel of Quilts by Laurel
Kathy of Kathy’s Quilting Blog
Deb of New Creative State

Thursday, October 15
Anita of Daydreams of Quilts
Gina of Quilts and Cakes
Beth of Words & Stitches
Rachel of Quiltineering
Julie of Mack and Mable

Tuesday, October 20
Cathy of A Quilting Chick
Selina of Selina Quilts
Shauna of Shauna’s World
Gayle of Pedal Sew Lightly
Kathy of Kayak Quilting 

Thursday, October 22
Sandy of Upstairs Hobby Room
Heide of Heide’s Quilty Hugs
Britt-Inger of Hill Valley Quilter
Judy of How ART You?
Louisa of Sewmotion

Tuesday, October 27
Teje of Nero’s Patch and Post
Stephanie of Jak and Will
Valerie of Val’s Quilting Studio
Ellen of Georgia Florida Studio
Cristina of Pretty Little Quilts 

Thursday, October 29
Abigail of Cut & Alter
Magdalena of iloveneutrals
Jenn of A Quarter Inch from the Edge
Anne of Batiks by the Bay
Susie of Susie's Sunroom
Tracy of Tracy’s Bits N Pieces


Also, shared on WIP Wednesdays at:

Freshly Pieced

This is my first block for the "Sew Doggone Cute" Blog Hop over at Sew Fresh Quilts. Lorna creates wonderful patterns and this one is no exception. 




I am going to make some changes in her but this is a good start. This is Jade, the one on the right. See post Pets on Quilts. 

Zoe is next, then a decision on where to go from there. I may have some surprises in mind.
 Entering in:


See ya'll later. 

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Big Block featured on Sew Can She

Friday Feature on Sew Can She




Update 9/5/15: This piece was the Friday Feature on Sew Can She
This is what the Lovely Caroline wrote about your humble (?) quilt maker.


"Friday Spotlight: A Glorious Sunburst Mini Quilt

September 4, 2015

It's time to announce the winner of this weeks Show Off Saturday linky party!

This Glorious Sunburst Mini Quilt comes from Georgia Florida Studio and is absolutely inspiring..."

http://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2015/9/3/friday-spotlight-a-glorious-sunburst-mini-quilt


This was my comment upon learning of the feature:

Caroline,

Thank you so much for featuring my quilt. I am always stunned and honored to be featured with so many talented sewists and quilt makers out there. I have updated the post and followed you on Bloglovin. 
Thanks again,
ellen
georgiafloridastudio.blogspot.com



Wednesday, September 2, 2015

To Finish or Not to Finish



To Finish or Not to Finish??


 Random blocks placed randomly (hehe) on homespun fabric. About 9 feet long and 20 inches wide. Started out as a table runner, still could end up that way. 

Not necessarily though. Could possibly cut it up into place mats. Maybe cut it up in a different way and have a wall hanging or two. Perhaps tote bags??? 

 Started straight line quilting at random (again) angles. Have now added various free motion patterns in some of the sections. (Not pictured, yet.)


Help me out ya'll. 

Sharing on:

Thursday, August 27, 2015

"Pets On Quilts" Quilt Show 2015

Pets On Quilts
Quilt Show 2015



Coming in August!

This show is always a fun event. What could be better than the combination of pets (dogs) and quilts.

This is my entry. I would love for you to click the link above and vote for me and these sweet girls.
My Zoe (Bear) on my Citrus Sunshine Quilt.
Such a sweet face. She threw up on the quilt about 2 seconds after the photo was taken. Way to go!

 I considered using this one  but Jade (Bubbla) was being pouty.

Old rag quilt in the background.



Sweet Girls!!

O would love to have my quilt made for my Sew Doggone Cute Entry, I have until September 3rd. Maybe?? No, I don't think so. But... you never know.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Big Block FINISH!


Big Block Finish

This will be on my office wall tomorrow!!

Yes, it is an adaptation of the Swoon Block. 
The finished piece measures 36 x 36". 

Update 9/5/15: This piece was the Friday Feature on Sew Can She
This is what the Lovely Caroline wrote about your humble (?) quilt maker.

"Friday Spotlight: A Glorious Sunburst Mini Quilt

September 4, 2015

It's time to announce the winner of this weeks Show Off Saturday linky party!

This Glorious Sunburst Mini Quilt comes from Georgia Florida Studio and is absolutely inspiring..."

http://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2015/9/3/friday-spotlight-a-glorious-sunburst-mini-quilt



I am excited. Like everyone says, "It isn't perfect but it's finished!". I will give it a final pressing in a few minutes; roll it up and put it in my car. 

Some other views. 



 Upper left and lower right are quilted in a radiating pattern. Upper right and lower left are (sorry Jacqui Gehring) "matchstick" quilted in a L pattern. One quarter inch apart. 

If you are into the Modern Quilting Movement, Jacqui of Tallgrass Prarie Studiois one of the founders and Superstars. Matchstick quilting is one of her signature styles. I am taking her Craftsy class on Creative Quilting With A Walking Foot. I highly recommend the class. I am not up to her skill level but it worked out. 


 It has rained so much here that I was sinking to my ankles in the back yard!


Saturday, August 22, 2015

All Things NEW again!!

All Things New Again

New name. What do you think?
Working on changing everything over to the new name. (ugh)
I have done some sewing this week and it fits with the title of this post. It is a gift for a soon to be born baby boy. 



has a wonderful bib tutorial that I have used several times. It always turns out well. The cool thing is that it has some shape built into the pattern.
First you piece whatever you like for the "fabric". cut out the front back and batting, sew, turn then "Quilt as desired". You could also add piping, I didn't this time, 'cause I had procrastinated. 

I am sharing this on:


Finish It Up Friday

This link is to allow me to claim my blog on Bloglovin. :)

Claiming my blog on Bloglovin

Monday, August 17, 2015

Dog Gone Cute Pattern and Blog Hop!!

Dog Gone Cute 

Hey Ya'll,

I am very excited to be participating in the Dog Gone Cute Blog Hop. Lorna McMahon of Sew Fresh Quilts is an amazing pattern designer and quilter from Ontario, Canada. 

Those of you who know me know why I so excited about this pattern. (The rest of you are about to know too.) 

LOOK!!
Zoe (Bear) on the left and Jade (Boobla) on the right. 

YES!!!

How could I resist this pattern?




Isn't this amazing. Check out her other work. It is complex but simple and beautiful. 

This is a link to her ETSY store that has her finished quilts for sale. 

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Bucket Bag


Bucket Bag

I love sewing bags but sometimes they don't turn out as well as I would like. Not "sew" with my new "Bonnie" bag from Swoon Patterns. Alicia Miller is a wonderful designer that makes very user friendly patterns that make sense. There are also tutorials on the blog page on her site. 

There is also a strong, active Facebook group Swoon Patterns Group with over 10,000 members that are always willing to help. A lot of inspiration there also. 

The vinyl is from Joann. The fabric is an outdoor print and a tone on tone green stripe, also from Joann.

You can make the welt pocket with or without a zipper. I chose to make it with. I added a couple of extra pockets to the lining for convenience. 

August 16, 2015 this bag has been featured on:

Threading My Way Features


Threading My Way_Featured





 Shared on 
Threading My Way ongoing Linky Party, bags and purses

Finish it Up Friday on Crazy Mom Quilts

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Big Block Quilt - In Progress


Big Block Quilt

In Progress

I have been trying to decorate my new office. I knew I wanted a quilt as the main piece (of course)! Fabric came first. What would I like to look at every day?
I choose Sphere by Brigitte Heitland for ZEN CHIC for Moda. Wow, that was a mouthful. I have had a charm pack in my stash for a long time, but I came across this modified "Swoon" block on Pinterest.


The block was modified to use HSTs and solid blocks and was enlarged to 36".
The solid blocks were 5" and the HST's were made with 5 1/2 inch squares; so there went the idea of using my Charm Pack. Oh well, one can always buy new fabric. I purchased a fat quarter bundle of this fabric and then I needed a background color. Thought about gray, but no. I knew it had to be navy, just really made the other colors stand out! I modified the pattern even further by including more fabrics, including the yellow-orange center.

Getting it together was a bit (LOL) challenging.
I have it basted and ready to go. I am going to save my plans for the quilting until next time....

Shared on:

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Falling Charms Baby Quilt

Sweet Baby Boy Quilt

The sweet baby boy that received this quilt spends his weekends with his parents, grandparents and cousins on a beautiful cove on the Tennessee River. They Boat, fish, ride jet skis, swim and go trail riding in their Jeep. Nice way to grow up, huh. 

I selected Boat House Fabric by Sweetwater for Moda Fabrics.
The pattern is Falling Charms, you can see the tutorial by Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company here: 



I kinda stretched it too much in this pic. :(
Quilt measures about 40 x 40. 



The quilting is free motion, meandering with stars. I love dense quilting!

 I love the back!

A friend at Tampa Modern Quilt Guild had this fabric to use for our Project Linus Quilts and I "Really Like IT". 


 Blurry pic of label. 

I received a lovely note from his parents and that meant the world to me. Hope it becomes tattered and torn from being dragged around at the River House. 

Aren't quilts just the BEST?
YES!!