Using Thangles

I continue to stitch on my Drunkard's Wife Quilt Along blocks.  Here are two that I made using Thangles.

This first block, block 11 of Felice's Drunkard's Wife QAL - Long Island Iced Tea, is made entirely using 2.5" strips of fabric.  That is the glory of using Thangles to piece half-square triangle blocks -- there is no need to cut odd sizes of fabric strips.

block 11 -  Long Island Iced Tea

This lively block uses 2" Thangles (my favorite size - just sayin').  Like Felice did in her version of this block, I elected to make a scrappy version.  My block uses 5 different pink prints and 3 different background prints (including a dark and a light print from Emma's Garden).  In fact, the fabrics were all leftovers from the other blocks in this quilt-along.

To make the block, gather your scraps and slice them into 2.5" strips.  You need an equal number of light and dark prints (well, actually 11" more of the dark strips).  Cut eight 2.5" squares from the dark prints.  Cut four 2.5" squares from the light.  Set these 12 squares aside and with the remaining strips make 24 half-square triangle blocks using Thangles as follows:

Mix and match your dark and light strips.  Place them right sides together, pin the Thangle paper pattern on top of the light print and stitch on the indicated stitching lines (click here for detailed step-by-step photos).  Each 2" Thangle strip will yield 6 half-square triangle blocks, 2.5" unfinished.  Cut the stitched Thangles papers apart, press the block open, then remove the paper.

TAKE:  two dark 2.5" squares,

      one light 2.5" square and 

six of the half-square triangle blocks...

and 

ARRANGE them to match the nine-patch pattern below. 

one quarter of my Long Island Iced Tea

Mix and match your scrappy fabrics in any order that tickles you.  Make four of these nine-patch quilt squares.  To piece the finished block, I angled three blocks in one direction and the fourth in a different orientation (see the first photo).

This pattern is called the Single T or the T-Quartet in the traditional quilt world.  Here are different sites with images and/or directions in making this block (here and here and here).  Note: none of these versions are as scrappy as mine!  Felice's directions can be found here.


I used Thangles again when piecing this block #9, the Pina Colada block.

block #9 -  Pina Colada

It took me a bit longer to find the intentional mistake in this block, but I did.  It is another easy block to make using Thangles,  although you do need to cut two 4.5" squares of the light-background-print fabric and one 4.5" square of the dark print before cutting the 2.5" strips of both dark and light prints needed for the Thangles (note: you can go scrappy if you wish).

Using the 2.5" strips of fabric, pin one light and one dark strip right sides together with the Thangle paper pattern on top of the light.  Stitch on the indicated stitching lines (click here for detailed step-by-step photos), cut apart, and press the block open before removing the paper.

Do you notice how the seam is automatically pressed to the dark fabric?  Mini-lesson:  Pressing the seams to one side (instead of pressing them open) adds strength to the seam and longevity to your quilt's life.  

Using the three 4.5" squares and 24 half-square triangle blocks, lay out your block, keeping the light 4.5" squares in opposite corners and the dark square in the center.  Remember to add your mistake (wherever it pleases you or use my photo as a guide).  Stitch together and press. 

The traditional version of this block is known as Cut Glass Dish and also as Winged Square.   Click here for another set of directions on how to make this block.  Cut Glass Dish is a free pattern offered by The Quilter's Cache, and is also sold on Craftsy and other sites.  Googling Winged Square reveals this site, Quilting Assistant (click here) with free directions.  Several images of this block used to make full-size quilts are easily found on the internet as well.  The internet is a wonderful tool to refer to when looking for guidance in how to make quilt blocks, and to see images of lovely quilts, and best of all - to share what you make or discover with others!

I hope you are enjoying this intentional oops series of quilt block patterns as much as I enjoy stitching the blocks together.

Oops, my progress report...

Ive been stitching away and posting photos on Instagram, but need to catch my blog readers up on where I am with my Drunkard's Wife QAL.

block #4 - Mint Julep

Here is block #4 Mint Julep of the quilt-along.  This is an "oops" of the classic Ohio Star.  My block looks to me as if it is standing up on its tippy toes.  The center pink daisies are from Patty's line "Emma's Garden" with Michael Miller fabrics.com.  Click here for the directions to make this block from the Generations Quilt Patterns website.  They have directions for several quilt blocks, so it's a great site to know about and have bookmarked.

block #6 - Mai Tai

This is the sixth block in the "Drunkard's Wife QAL", nicknamed Mai Tai.  It is a spoof or oops of the traditioal Mosaic or Connecticut block.  Or perhaps you know another name for the traditional version of this block (if so, please tell me too what it is).  I used 3" Thangles to make this block. Emma's Garden 'Happy Go Luck' Pink Daisies make a large part of this block.  This print brings back memories of my younger days, and the simple joys of plucking petals from a daisy "he loves me, he loves me not....".  Daisies also remind me of the sweet little saying "oopsie daisy" or is it "whoopsie daisy"?  (I think I have just named my quilt!).

block #10 -- Sake Bomb

The tenth block is called Sake Bomb.  This one is also a fun goof (or oops), and I am not positive what the name of the traditional version is called.  Could it be Rolling Stone or Wheel or Single Wedding Ring or is it possibly named something different.  I was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was to piece too.  Click here for Felice's directions.  Directions for all of the blocks of this funky quilt-along are on Felice's website, click here for the full set (Drunkard's Wife QAL label).  Felice has posts other tutorials and insights and great stuff as well as this fun quilt along.  Her website is Sew Scattered.  Stay tuned as I continue to stitch up more of my blocks for this quilt along.

Progress report on my Drunkard's Wife

I have three more blocks pieced and ready to share.  

The very first block, the Happy Hour Star, is an oops version based on the traditional pattern known as the Sawtooth Star.  It is currently lacking the embroidery in the center square at the moment, which will personalize the block and the entire quilt.  

block #1 -  Happy Hour Star

I love the two fabrics in this block.  One is a lovely background of a line-drawn floral from Emma's Garden by Patty Sloniger (with Michael Miller Fabrics).  The other is a hand-dyed pink by my friend Laurel Cull.  Click here for directions to make an 8" finished version the Sawtooth Star or click here for Felice's directions for the 12" Happy Hour Star block.  Or use your own method, like I did.  I used 3" Thangles to piece the eight half-square triangle blocks which make the star points.

block #5 -  Mimosa

Since I am racing to catch up, I am not stitching the blocks in the order that Felice released them.  I stitched this one, Mimosa, next as it has a similar format to the first block.  Both blocks are a basic a four-patch made with 6" square units.  The dark burgundy print is from the Emma's Garden line, the pink is a recent calico print while the light background fabric is a more ancient calico print that has been aging in my stash for many years, possibly since the last century.  You will see more of it in this quilt, as I am working hard to Sew My Stash during 2016.  Click here for Felice's directions to make this 12" block.  While I almost opted out of her method thinking to use my trusty Thangles again, I decided to try this new fabric-saving method to piece the Flying Geese units 'discovered' by Patti R. Anderson of Patch Pieces.  Click here for directions on this original "No Waste Method for Making Flying Geese".  I do enjoy trying out new techniques such as this one.

block #8 -  Amaretto Sour

This is Amaretto Sour, the eighth block in the series and another four-patch. It is one of my favorites.  It uses the same Emma's Garden light print as seen in the first block above and a remnant from Brother Sister Design Studio that I found in my bag of pink scraps.  Click here for Felice's directions, use your own method, or try using 3" Thangles (which is what I did).

Three more blocks are complete. 

Stay tuned for more ....

Love a challenge

The most recent challenge that I've signed up for is the 2015 Michael Miller Glitz Challenge offered to members of the Modern Quilt Guild.

This is the packet that I received,

2 fat eighths of the four prints shown.  

Now I must dream up a quilt to make using these fabrics or others from the Michael Miller Glitz line.  I can use any Michael Miller Cotton Couture solids on the front of the quilt and any Michael Miller fabrics for the binding and back. 

I learned ages ago that I tend to finish challenges -- especially when there are external deadlines set.  This quilt must be finished and entered in the QuiltCon by November 30, 2015.

Oh how I do love a challenge.

Joy of Quilts show - a few favorites

 The Quilt Guild of Greater Houston held their bi-annual quiltshow "Joy of Quilts" recently.  Here are some of my favorite award-winners ... not all of them, just a few of my favorites.  Let's start with this view of the Winner's Circle:

These are some of the first place ribbon winning quilts on display at the front of the gallery, as one enters the show!

The quilts are (left to right):  Welsh Beauty by Carolyn Butler, Best in Hand Quilting category;   
Tuscan Dream by Jackie Hillman, quilted by Mary Jo Yackley, Best in Pieced Wall Hanging Large;
B'nai Mitzvah by yours truly - me!, quilted by Pam Biswas, Best in Modern Quilt;
Passing Fancy by Fran Urquhart, quilted by Mary Jo Yackley, Best in Mixed Technique; and
Red Delight by the Golden Triangle Quilt Guild (it is their 2016 raffle quilt), submitted by Dot Collins and quilted by Martha Vincent, Best in Group Quilt category.

Dannemiller B'nai Mitzvah by Cathy Winter, quilted by Pam Biswas (pictured above)

Imagine receiving an email while on a cross-country summer road trip with family that states you are in the Winner's Circle and can you be at the show at 9:00 am before it opens on Friday?  This is how I learned that I had at least one award winning quilt in the show and sadly my family and I were far away on the east coast.  Since I could not attend, I sent my friend Pam Biswas to stand in my place! After all she quilted all of my entries in the show and I had no idea which quilt won nor did I realize that the Winner's Circle specifically included only the first place ribbon winners.  Here is Pam standing by our quilt Dannemiller B'nai Mitzvah wearing her blue ribbon.  It is almost as if I were there too, standing beside her.

Passing Fancy by Fran Urquhart, quilted by Mary Jo Yackley

In the Winner's Circle, hanging next to my quilt, is this lovely quilt, Passing Fancy, made by my friend Fran Urquhart.  It won first place in the Mixed Technique category.  Examine this close-up to see the quilting, piecing and applique, as well as the award-ribbon.  The pattern can be found in Kim Diehl's book Simple Techniques.

Let it Snow! by Rhonda Dort

This fun quilt earned a 2nd place ribbon in the Machine Embroidery category.  It is one of many made by Rhonda Dort, who won four separate 1st place ribbons as well as the Best in Show.

Aunt Bea's Parlor by Rhonda Dort

Aunt Bea's Parlor features machine embroidered blocks, a pattern by Black Cat Creations and is also made by Rhonda Dort.  I must make a blue-n-white quilt this year, for they are as striking as the classic red-n-white quilts.

Little Red School Houses by Carolyn Hurst

Carolyn Hurst was inspired to make Little Red School Houses, after her bee made a school house quilt for an auction.  I love how she has used fabrics that "read" as a "red fabric" even if they have sprinklings of other colors in the prints.  These bits of other 'non-red' colors add a special sparkle to this traditional red-n-white school house quilt.  I have a new passion for red-n-white quilts that continues to grow.

Red, White and Beautiful by Members of the Late Bloomers Bee, quilted by Marilyn Boismier

The Late Bloomers Bee of QGGH made this quilt, Red, White and Beautiful, for the auction that happened at the end of the show.  It is simple, classic and beautiful.  I must make one of my own to add to my personal quilt collection. 

Fields of Blue by Cathy Winter, quilted by Pam Biswas

Since I am showcasing red quilts, blue quilts and red-n-blue quilts, here is another one by yours truly, me.  Fields of Blue is another award winning quilt, it won an Honorable Mention in the Modern Quilts category (where I won first place also).  It was made for my son after he selected the pattern and the blue fabrics (I only overruled a few - needing more light-lights).  This quilt stitches together quickly which is good as I must make a second one for my older son....one of these days.

American Pie by Jo Sweet

While looking at red, white and blue quilts that were in the show, I must include this one by my friend Jo Sweet.  So classically American, Jo states: "This quilt reminds her of old-fashioned summers: Fourth of July parades, church picnics, family reunions with potluck suppers.  It brings to mind simpler times and small town joys."  Don't you agree?  Such a sweet quilt featuring slices of apple pie in patriotic colors.

Dannemiller B'nai Mitzvah by Cathy Winter, quilted by Pam Biswas

This is my first quilt to win a First Place ribbon - ever - so please forgive me for showing it again.  Click here to learn a little more about the making of this quilt.  I hope to win more ribbons at other shows .... or at least to defend my title at the next quilt show put on by my traditional guild, the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston.

Spring Cotton Couture Fabric Challenge

I love entering challenges, and one of these days I aim to win one ... perhaps.  My Mmm PotPie quilt was one of the many QuiltCon rejects this year.  Naturally when I arrived at QuiltCon last week, I had to check out the quilts that were accepted to display in the Spring Cotton Couture Fabric Challenge that Michael Miller held earlier in the year. 

Aren't these solid pastels lovely?   The challenge was to use these pastels and any other solids in the Cotton Couture line by Michael Miller fabrics.  I must confess - Some marvelous quilts were chosen (over mine) for this challenge exhibit.  Here are some of my favorites:

Fractured Churndash by Erin Davis

Evanston, Illinois

Chicago MQG

I love this colorful quilt that is a spin-off of the classic Churn Dash block (one of my favorites).  Erin put a modern spin on the classic block by piecing the center in an improvisational manner.  She actually posted on social media that she was looking for any solid scraps in any color from the Michael Miller Cotton Couture line (as the challenge rules mandated that the quilt top must be made entirely from the Cotton Couture solids). 

detail view of Fractured Churndash

This quilt uses modern techniques in a new fashion and also keeps the iconic look of the classic Churn Dash block.  I love the wash of color across the quilt as well as the randomly set-in darker strips in the setting/framing sashes.  As Erin states, she has "put an effective modern spin on a traditional block with pastels as the primary focus, making this quilt a vibrant example that pastels CAN be modern.  This quilt is an original design by Erin Davis.  Erin writes a blog called Sew at Home Mummy; check it out here: http://www.sewathomemummy.com/

Totally Spring by Dora Cary

Paso Robles, California

Dora explains that her inspiration came from the dandelion blossom.  Her idea was to have smaller dandelions create a larger one and to use gradations of color and size to suggest the spherical shape, slightly drawing inspiration from the style of Romanian quilter Geta Grama. 

detail of Totally Spring by Dora Cary

Dora fused the dandelion petals on the quilt, then slightly stitched them.  Her variety of circular and spiral quilting also enhance the finished look.  This quilt feels like Spring, totally!  In searching for Dora on the web, I discovered that she is the 2015-16 President of the Almond County Quilt Guild (ACQG) in California!

 detail of Pastels Aren't My Favorite by Janet McWorkman

Starting with a peak of the quilting in this lively little quilt.  The name of the quilt lets us know that Janet is not a big fan of pastels.  Perhaps the success of this sweet quilt will change her mind?  

Pastels Aren't My Favorite by Janet McWorkman

Anchorage, Alaska

Janet states"I never sew with pastels.  But this challenge was so much fun and I am happy with the result.  The quilt looks fresh, clean and interesting." [she's exactly right on that!] "I was inspired by the personality the pastels have with the simplicity of the square.  Little shots of dark gray emphasize the coolness of the pastels."  Janet used Electric Quilt software to design her quilt top which is machine pieced and machine quilted.

 Retro Dots and Dashes by Kay Simard

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver MQG

Kay states that her quilt was "inspired by 'Retro lines of black and white' by artist Wen Wen".  Her personal challenge was "to maximize what was provided in order to fulfill the design inspiration".  Her techniques included applique, paper piecing, machine piecing and machine quilting.

detail of Retro Dots and Dashes by Kay Simard

Kay quilted long fluid lines to contrast with the non-organic face design.  These long curved lines provide contrast and yet also adds balance to the overall quilt.

A few more favorites:

Lucky Day by Cynthia Frenette

Mission, British Columbia, Canada

Fraser Valley MQG

Cynthia was inspired by candy colored rainbows, happy rain and or course, candy!  It looks like a fun new board game to me. Let's play.... Fun to discover that Cynthia is a designer for Robert Kaufman fabrics, among other amazing talents!  Click here for her website or here for her blog.

Slashed by Dana Szucs Hayden

Burleson, Texas

Fort Worth MQG

Dana says this is an original design inspired by the Twisted Spokes carpet squares from FLOR.  Click here or here to see a few images of the carpet squares.  Lovely quilt, even more so after seeing the inspiration blocks of carpet.  Dana also has a blog, http://sea-sew.blogspot.com/, with links to her Pinterest and InstaGram.

 Swan in the Water (Justin Nozuka) by Kristyn McCoy

Ilderton, Ontario, Canada

London (Canada) MQG

Listening to Swan in the Water provided the inspiration for this colorful quilt.  Kristyn arranged her colors to resemble the rainbow reflection as the setting sun hits the water, with the tiny white swan caught in the midst of it all.  Be sure to check out Kristyn's blog, Melon Patch Quilts, at http://melonpatchquilts.com/.

The Light of May by Krista Hennebury

North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver MQG

Krista explains that "in Vancouver, the May sun rises with a warm pink and yellow glow.  In the evening it sets over Vancouver Island, casting a grey light over my spring garden.  This quilt represents that morning and evening light."  She pieced this quilt using her "Improv Under the Influence" technique.  It is an original design.  Be sure to check out her blog PoppyPrint at  http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.com/ and she's a published author, too.  Her book Make it, Take it is available here.

The New New by Amy Anderson

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville MQG

Amy says "What always strikes me most about spring are the vivid and varying greens from the new leaves, grass, and plants emerging.  Sky, sun, leaves, flowers, and a chance for new beginnings.  Semi-improvisational piecing stitched into this original design."

***     ***     ***     ***     ***

Third place winner of the Spring Cotton Couture Fabric Challenge is:

Passages by Patty Simmons  

Lee's Summit, Missouri

Kansas City MQG

Patty says her inspiration for her quilt is both the beauty of the Gee's Bend quilts and the work of Lisa Call.  "Passages reflects the soft movement throughout a structure and the boundaries that we oftentimes self-impose" states Patty, who "enjoyed the improvisational piecing and quilting, moving through and running into boundaries."  This is her original design.

* * *    * * *    * * *    * * *    * * *

Second place winner of the Spring Cotton Couture Fabric Challenge is:

 After Dinner Mints by Paige Alexander

Picken, South Carolina

This is an original design that Paige created while working within the size restraints of the Spring Couture charm squares and jelly roll strips.  She used the Quick Curve Ruler by Sew Kind of Wonderful.  The curved squares and pastel colors reminded Paige of after-dinner mints, hence the name. 

First place winner of the Spring Cotton Couture Fabric Challenge is:

7 Up by Debra Jalbert

Clermont, Florida

Orlando MQG

This quilt won the honor of First Place in the Michael Miller Spring Cotton Couture Fabric Challenge for the Modern Quilt Guild.  It is an original design created by Debra using her own pattern which she calls "2 of 2".  The diagonal curve of the quilting is a lovely addition to this quilt.  Be sure to check out Debra's blog Made of Honor Quilts at http://www.madeofhonorquilts.com/

Reflecting over my 2014 ALYoF work

This is my year in review of the lovely finishes I achieved, thanks to the motivational challenge set by Shanna of Fiber of All Sorts and Melissa of Sew Bittersweet Designs with their "A Lovely Year of Finishes" monthly challenge.

My first month to join was February 2014.  I am linky # 148.

My goal was to make blocks to swap with my Block Builders Bee in March, and I did get my blocks made in time to swap and now have a lovely selection of scrappy red-n-white blocks sitting - wait a minute!  I've met a goal but also have a new UFO added to my pile of growing projects. I am certain these blocks may reappear in a future ALYoF goal.  Meanwhile, I did not finish these blocks before the end of February, so I did not have a finishing post ... sigh.  My first goal was not completed by the deadline.  I must admit, this set me back and months passed before I set a new goal in ALYoF.

July came and so did my renewed effort to set goals of finishing projects, or at least finishing steps in projects.  This month my goal linky was # 105.

My blog post about this quilt is here.  "Fields of Blue" is a quilt made for my son Isaac.  He selected the pattern and the fabrics that I used (I may have slipped in a few blue variations to enhance the variety...).  My goal was to finish this quilt.  My friend Pam Biswas quilted it (the photo shows her work in progress), but I am slow to add bindings.  Since the goal is to finish things, what can top the actual finishing of a quilt? 

I met this goal, and am linky #64  in the finishes post for July 2015 (no photo appears in the linky as I was stumbling with how to do linkys still).  Above is Isaac holding up "Fields of Blue" for the photo that I had planned to use.  Eli, his brother, has decided he would like a quilt like this too!  I need to get that started one of these days ... Click here for my blog post about finishing this goal.

It is exciting to finish your goal!  I immediately selected a new goal for the month of August where I am goal linky # 32.  This month's goal was focused on finishing two redwork embroidery projects.  I have been working on both of these for some time, rather sporadically too.

I had taken to bringing them to my Teacher Inservice meetings (I teach two-year-olds how to enjoy attending at preschool), but still had not completed either one.

As you can see, both now have the embroidery completed and I am linky #72  in the finishes linky party for August 2014 (I have the honor of being the very last linky that month!).  Click here to see my blog post about finishing or here for my original goal blog post.

For September, my goal is to finish a sweet baby quilt for a dear friend's first grandson.  I am goal linky # 52, or click here for my original blog post.

I had found this fabulous fabric at one of my favorite local quilt shops, Quilt 'n Sew in Katy, Texas, and wanted to make a quilt from the 'cloth book preprinted pages'.  Sweet Baby James clearly loves his new quilt (as do his English Professor parents!)  Best of all, I finished it and James is enjoying it while he is still a little baby!  There are other baby quilts actually lingering in my UFO pile (believe it or not, that is very true -- maybe I will finish one in time for the intended receiver's Bar Mitzvah ... I still have a few more years ...)

I am linky #65 in the September Finishes Linky Party, or click here for my nice blog post (which is one of my favorites).

I am on such a grand roll now.  I am loving meeting my goals and better, finishing projects!  Onto October where my goal linky is # 25.  This month I took a different direction with a goal of upcycling a pair of denim shorts, turning them into a tote bag.  Click here for more details on my blog post.

Andy, our dog, was wanting to play, as he is wanting as I write this -- so here is a short puppy break.

Andy approves of the finished tote, which is linky #28 in the October Finishes Linky Party and you can also click here for more details on my blog, where you can see photos of the funky cat-print lining and interior pockets (sshhh, don't tell Andy).

November's goal was to finish my piece for the Michael Miller challenge featuring eight pastel solids in their Spring Cotton Couture line.

I am linky # 38 in the goals linky party or click here for my blog post about this goal.

I was thrilled to finish this month's goal and I love the quilt and the quilting by Pam Biswas.  The pattern is Pot Pie by Thangles and is quite fun to sew together.

For November, I am linky #52 in the finishes party, and more information and photos is available on my blog post here.  I am sad to report that my "Mmm Pot Pie" quilt was rejected from the Quilt Con show in Austin, Texas this February.  I look forward to seeing the quilts that were selected from the over 1,000 quilts entered in this show, especially the ones in the Michael Miller challenge exhibit.  I now have a new challenge -- to get a quilt made and entered into a juried quilt show!  I have no idea how many rejections I may receive before reaching that goal, but I am ready for this challenge.

Meanwhile, my last goal of the year was to bind more quilts. This month I am goal linky # 58, or click here for my blog post.

I haven't figured out how to take a good photo showing that the quilt needs binding.  If you have suggestions, please share.

These bargello quilts are made by a brand new quilter.  Can you believe they are her first and second quilts ever?  The magnificent quilting is by my friend Pam Biswas too.  My claim to fame: I added the binding, that's all.

 
 I am linky #41 in the December Finishes Linky Party and you can also click here for my blog post.

That's all!  These are my seven goals that I set with my six finishes.  I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the "A Lovely Year of Finishes (ALYoF)" this year and plan to participate again in 2015.  My first goal - to add bindings to another quilt!

Thank you to Melissa (of http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com/) and Shanna (of http://www.fiberofallsorts.blogspot.com/) for hosting this monthly year long challenge!  Did I mention that there are door prizes each month for the some of the lucky ones who achieved their goals?  I was lucky to win!  This post will qualify me for a chance to win one of the grand prizes for finishing a minimum of six goals (I barely got my 6 finishes completed!) and I am linky #32 in the final year-end linky party.  Join the fun for 2015.

Another great side benefit of "A Lovely Year of Finishes" is that I am blogging regularly again.  There are so many positives that I benefit from by challenging myself to set a goal each month and to reach it.....granted I do seem to start new projects just a quickly as I finish old ones ..... but that's a story for another blog post.