A few years ago I saw a collection of quilts that set vintage blocks in a modern setting. The quilter took blocks of unfinished projects and appliquéd them on solid backgrounds. The combination of the antique blocks set with modern quilting in the negative space sparked my imagination. Of course I wanted to try it! … Continue reading Orphan blocks
Tag: quilt
My applique dilemma
It would be cliche to say I have a love hate relationship with applique. I'm not even sure I really love it. There is a part of me that enjoys the rhythmic tuck and stitch of needle turn. Then there is the part of me that wants to be finished and move on to the … Continue reading My applique dilemma
Homespun Center Unit
The last unit! Compared to 110 three inch 9-patches twenty center units seem like a piece of cake. While the units have various sized pieces this is still a 9-patch using the same strip piecing technique. Making the center unit cut 6 red strips at 2 1/2" x WOF (width of fabric)cut 3 white strips … Continue reading Homespun Center Unit
Homespun: Cross Arm Unit
Now that the corner units are done I do a little happy dance because I feel the most tedious part of this quilt is over and everything else is downhill. Part of the work for these units are already done since the 1 1/2" red and white strips are sewn, it is simply a matter … Continue reading Homespun: Cross Arm Unit
Homespun Corner Units: Making the 4-patch
If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first.Mark Twain For me, the frog in making the Homespun quilt is all those little one inch squares. I cannot begin … Continue reading Homespun Corner Units: Making the 4-patch
Pins are my friend. Star and Crescent
"But it is so beautiful." My grandmother used those words to describe the block patterns she admired the most; a six-pointed star made of diamonds, and hexagons used to construct the Grandmother's Flower Garden. She said this to me when I first started quilting and looked up at her. "Yes, they are," I said, "but … Continue reading Pins are my friend. Star and Crescent
Another word for patience? Applique
By some rights, I should be a knitter. I remember sitting with a hank of yarn hung from both hands while my mother wrapped it in balls. Next to my grandmother's Lazy-Boy sat her knitting workbasket with another pair of mittens for the grandchildren. I sat at her feet many times while she taught me how to cast … Continue reading Another word for patience? Applique