Thursday, January 31, 2019

Handpieced QAL - Week 2 Link-up

Welcome to the 2nd link-up for the Hand Pieced QAL!  We are so excited to see what you have made!  Find the tutorial for this week's block here.


This link-up will be open for one week - until Thursday, February 7 (4 am ET/1 am PT).  You are welcome to share any and all of the blocks you completed this week.  When this link-up closes, a new one will open (magic!) so please don't worry if you fall behind.



Perfect Piecer / Famore and Robot Moms sews


This week's prize bundle includes a Jinny Beyer Perfect Piecer, Famore snips, and unicorn thread gloss from Robot Mom Sews. These items are never far from me when I'm hand sewing!




The Jinny Beyer Perfect Piecer is a simple tool designed to help quilters achieve perfect points and even stitching lines. The Famore EZ Stitch Snips are perfect for all sorts of needle arts and allow you to get under those tiny stitches for easy removal. And the Robot Mom Sews Unicorn thread gloss conditions your thread to make it glide easier through fabric and it helps eliminate unwanted knots.

Photos can be shared from a blog, Flickr, or Pinterest and much include a  link to Elm Street Quilts or Simple Handmade Everyday.  Photos can also be shared via a public Instagram and must contain the tag #handpiecedqal.  Don't have a way to share?  You can also email them to handpiecedqal@gmail.com.  Never joined a blog link-up before?  See the tutorial.

Blocks shared must follow the guidelines below to be eligible to win a prize.

We hope you take a few minutes to visit others and make new friends!

Please note - sharing a photo in the link-up gives Elm Street Quilts and Simple Handmade Everyday permission to feature a photo of your block on their sites.  Full attribution will be given.

Congratulations to Ann H.  The lucky winner of this week's prize!  Ann has accepted her prize via email!  (Updated 2/7)






Guidelines:

  • Blocks must be entirely hand-pieced.  
  • Block must visually match a block from the QAL.  The block can be constructed using different units (ex: using two HST to make a flying geese).. Blocks can also be made a different size.
  • Finished blocks can be shared in any link-up but can only be shared once.  Duplicates will be disqualified.
  • Multiple blocks created by one quilter may be shared in the same link-up.
  • Winners will be chosen randomly and notified via email.  Winners have 72 hours to claim their prize - if we don't hear back, we will draw another name.  Once winners have claimed their prize, this post will be updated with the winner's name.
  • This prize is only available to be shipped within the US.
For more information on the QAL including catching up with any tutorials you've missed, please visit the main event page - Hand Pieced QAL.   

You can also join our Hand Pieced Quilt Along Facebook Group and / or subscribe to our newsletter so you'll be among the first to know about new block tutorials.



Have a wonderful day! Patty





Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Selfie



My daughter is a big, big time fan of the Harry Potter books.  She has read the series through cover to cover at least ten times.  When I saw Lorna from Sew Fresh Quilts Harry Potter QAL, I knew I'd be making the Harry block.

It was so much fun, so I had to make Hermione  - Harry needs his BFF!


Don't they look cute together?


(And I am totally giving the Harry block a bit of surgery.  The glasses on the left need to be turned 90 degrees so those patches go the same way.  Didn't notice it until I looked at the photos!)

I'll be linking up at Brag about Your Beauties Freemotion by the River,   WIP Wednesday's,  Let's Bee SocialMidweek Makers.  Needle and Thread Thursdays,  and Finished or Not Friday.

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Hand Pieced QAL - Spinning Seams tutorial


My first set of hand pieced blocks for our QAL were done in beautiful rainbow colors, set in the quilt to show the color washing down.  (See more about the QAL including the quilt reveal.)


I'm making my second version in just two colors - blue and white - and using the blue as the background color.  I'm just loving my first two blocks!


A favorite part of hand piecing is how easy it is to spin your seams since you sew through them and not over them!

A quick tutorial on how to spin!

Pick a corner of your block to start - I always start in the bottom right corner.


If you look carefully, the surrounding seams are going clockwise - gently nudged there by me.  Once all spun, you end up with a tiny 4 patch block.

Now work to top right corner of your block.  This time, your spin will go counter-clockwise and you'll start with that blue seam the connects these two corners.


Now keep moving around your block and spin #3 and then #4.


I finger press every step of the way and then when all seams are spun, I press using my Precision Quilting Tools Wool Ironing Mat (affiliate link) to get crisp, flat blocks!  (See my wool pressing mat review.)


Ta da!  Its these little victories in life that make me so happy!


(And yes, I really out to clean up all those stray threads!  Its funny what you notice when you edit the photo that you didn't see in real life!)


Have a wonderful day! Patty

Monday, January 28, 2019

Hand Pieced QAL: The Half Square Triangle (Block 2)



Welcome to block 2 of the Hand Pieced QAL!  We are so very happy to have you joining us!

The first four blocks in our quilt feature very basic blocks - ones we will use as building blocks for the other blocks in our quilt.  Last week we learned about the 4-patch.  Today is is all about the Half Square Triangle (HST)!  (Once you've read through the tutorial, stop over and visit Kristen to see her block!)

Pictured: Famore Snips (affiliate link)

The HST is often made two at a time when you construct with a sewing machine.

By hand, however, it is best to just make one at a time.  Although you will be sewing on the bias edge, the pieces are small enough that there isn't much risk to things stretching out of shape.  The formula for cutting HST is very simple - take the finished size of the HST and add 7/8".  For example, a 2'' finished square (like in today's block) starts with a 2 7/8'' square cut on the diagonal.

Your first stitching line should be drawn ¼ '' from the cut edge, starting and stopping ¼'' from the corner.  (See Marking Stitching Lines tutorial for more information.)


The Perfect Piecer is a great tool to mark the start and end points of your stitching line.  Place a pin on those end points to remind yourself not to stitch all the way to the edge.

Pictured: Perfect Piecer and Robot Mom Sews Thread Conditioner (affiliate links)

Once the HST is sewn together, carefully press and sliver trim as needed to correct size and remove the dog ears.

When you are ready to start assembling your block, again mark your stitching lines so they start 1/4'' from either edge and will line up with the stitches you did to create the shape.


Carefully assemble each row paying attention to the block diagram so your HST are oriented correctly!


To sew the rows together, draw your stitching line and nest together the seams, pinning before and after.  Remember to sew through the seam allowance, not over it.  See the Sewing Seam Allowance tutorial for more information.



Now let's make our block!



Block size: 6'’ finished (6 1/2’’ unfinished)

Notes:
  • All seam allowances are ¼".  
  • Stitching lines are drawn on wrong side of fabric and always start and end ¼'' from the edge
  • RST=Right sides together

Materials
  • Print fabric: (3) 2 7/8 " squares, each sub-cut in half on the diagonal to yield (2) triangles
  • Background fabric: (3) 2 7/8 " squares, each sub-cut in half on the diagonal to yield (2) triangles
  • Background fabric: (3) 2 ½ ''  squares

Creating the HST block   
  1. On a background triangle, mark a ¼" from each side of the diagonal and draw your stitching line between these marks. (tutorial).
  2. Place one print triangle on top of one background triangle, RST. Pin at the beginning and end of the stitching lines. 
  3. Stitch along one side, starting ¼" from the edge and stopping ¼" from the end. Finger press open, pressing seam allowance to the print side.  Trim  HST (if necessary) to 2 ½''.  Repeat to make a total of six (6) HST.

Assemble the Block

  1. Following diagram, assemble block into rows after marking the stitching line on the wrong side of each block.  Your stitching will start ¼" from the edge and stopping ¼" from the end.  Fold the HST seam to the side so it is not caught in the stitching.  Each row will measure  2 x 6 ½ ''.
  2. Mark stitching lines on each row.  Place two rows together, RST, as shown in diagram. Pin at the each of the seam intersections, as well as the beginning and ending of the stitching line.
  3. Push your needle through the seam allowance to the other side and backstitch. (See tutorial)
  4. Repeat to add final row.
As needed, refer back to our tutorials (including video) on each of the hand piecing skills:
Fabric requirements are available as well as some suggestions of useful tools and notions and a coloring page.  (See overall QAL page for more information.)

Thanks to Fat Quarter Shop and Famore for sponsoring the block tutorials!



The link-up for the Half Square Triangle (HST) block - block 2 in our QAL - opens on Thursday, January 31!  Finished blocks can be shared in any weekly link-up, however, so don't worry if you get behind.


For more information on the QAL including catching up with any tutorials you've missed, please visit the main event page - Hand Pieced QAL.  

You can also join our Hand Pieced Quilt Along Facebook Group and / or subscribe to our newsletter so you'll be among the first to know about new block tutorials.



Have a wonderful day! Patty

Friday, January 25, 2019

One Monthly Goal January Finish link-up

Looking for the Hand Pieced QAL link-up?  Click here!

Ready to link up your January finishes?
Don't panic - this link-up is open until January 31 at 11:55 pm ET.


My goal for January was to quilt my 2018 temperature quilt.  (Read more about the quilt and see my 2019 version.)



There will be three winners this month - Fat Quarter Shop is offering a $25 gift certificate, Aurifil is offering a Mister Domestic thread box, and Mathew Boudreaux   - aka Mister Domestic - is offering a collection of his patterns!


Visit the One Monthly Goal event page for the specific requirements for links and social tags. 

And remember, to be eligible for the prize(s) by random drawing you must linkup at both the goal setting and the accomplishment linkup in a given month. (
January Goal Setting Link-up.)

Make sure you add a link to this OMG post so others can follow where you are linking.   Let's make that easy -  just paste this into your post:  


Sign up to receive email notifications when the One Monthly Goal linkup is open.  Think of it as a helpful reminder!  Joining the link-up from Instagram -see the tutorial.

Congratulations to Diane, Janice & Chris - our lucky winners for January!
(Winners have been notified and accepted their prizes.  Updated 2/2)





Thanks for linking up!

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Hand Pieced QAL - Week 1 Link-up

Welcome to the first link-up for the Hand Pieced QAL!  We are so excited to see what you have made!  Did you miss the tutorial for the 4-Patch block?  You can find the 4-Patch block tutorial here.


This link-up will be open for one week - until Thursday, January 31 (4 am ET/1 am PT).  You are welcome to share any and all of the blocks you completed this week.  When this link-up closes, a new one will open (magic!) so please don't worry if you fall behind.



Fat Quarter Shop is sponsoring this week's link-up and is offering a gift certificate to one lucky participant.  Fat Quarter Shop features high quality quilting fabric for quilting, sewing, crafters and fabric lovers of all ages. 

Congratulations to Kimberly P - our very first winner!  (updated 1/31)

Photos can be shared from a blog, Flickr, or Pinterest and much include a  link to Elm Street Quilts or Simple Handmade Everyday.  Photos can also be shared via a public Instagram and must contain the tag #handpiecedqal.  Don't have a way to share?  You can also email them to handpiecedqal@gmail.com.  Never joined a blog link-up before?  See the tutorial.

Blocks shared must follow the guidelines below to be eligible to win a prize.

We hope you take a few minutes to visit others and make new friends!

Please note - sharing a photo in the link-up gives Elm Street Quilts and Simple Handmade Everyday permission to feature a photo of your block on their sites.  Full attribution will be given.





Guidelines:

  • Blocks must be entirely hand-pieced.  
  • Block must visually match a block from the QAL.  The block can be constructed using different units (ex: using two HST to make a flying geese).   Blocks can also be made a different size.
  • Finished blocks can be shared in any link-up but can only be shared once.  Duplicates will be disqualified.
  • Multiple blocks created by one quilter may be shared in the same link-up.
  • Winners will be chosen randomly and notified via email.  Winners have 72 hours to claim their prize - if we don't hear back, we will draw another name.  Once winners have claimed their prize, this post will be updated with the winner's name.







For more information on the QAL including catching up with any tutorials you've missed, please visit the main event page - Hand Pieced QAL.   

You can also join our Hand Pieced Quilt Along Facebook Group and / or subscribe to our newsletter so you'll be among the first to know about new block tutorials.



Have a wonderful day! Patty

Monday, January 21, 2019

Hand Pieced QAL : The 4-patch (Block 1)

We are so very excited to share our very first block in the Hand Pieced QAL.  Nine blocks and 2 possible settings with lots of opportunity for learning and quiet sewing for everyone!  (If you missed it, please visit the Hand Pieced QAL kick-off page for the big reveal as well as coloring pages.)  



The wonderful 4-patch block is so very versatile.  It is both fun and quick to make plus it will provide practice for both a beginning and a experienced hand-piecer.

I've chosen to cascade colors down my quilt (set on point) so my prints are purposely set in the block.  Make sure you download the coloring pages so you can plan out your fabric placement.

We can't wait to see your finished blocks - the link-up opens Thursday!  (See the overall QAL post for more information on how to link-up.)


As needed, refer back to our tutorials (including video) on each of the hand piecing skills:
Fabric requirements are available as well as some suggestions of useful tools and notions and a coloring page.  (See overall QAL page for more information.)

Kristin is hosting the tutorial for the 4-Patch block on Simple Handmade Everyday.  Click image below to visit tutorial and enjoy time piecing this week's block!



Thanks to Fat Quarter Shop and Famore for sponsoring the block tutorials!



The link-up for the 4 Patch block - block 1 in our QAL - opens on Thursday, January 24!  Finished blocks can be shared in any weekly link-up, however, so don't worry if you get behind.


For more information on the QAL including catching up with any tutorials you've missed, please visit the main event page - Hand Pieced QAL.   

You can also join our Hand Pieced Quilt Along Facebook Group and / or subscribe to our newsletter so you'll be among the first to know about new block tutorials.

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Friday, January 18, 2019

2018 Temperatures


I had so much fun recording the daily high temperatures in 2018.  I choose hexies because it gave me a chance to both make the pieces ahead of time and to practice my hexie sewing. 

Clearly, as the photo of the back demonstrates, I still have a way to go in my hexie skills - the back is a bit of a hot mess.  (In my defense, this is only my second hexie project - Random was my first.)


As a quilting design, I choose to put several spirals.  I really like the way it looks but it was a bit of a bear to do because I didn't really think things through before starting and found myself in tough corners!


I've started on my temperature quilt for 2019.  I am staying with the same color palette so that I can compare 2018 to 2019.  I decided to drop the hexie and go for simple 2'' squares, hand pieced.  I have managed to keep up daily - only takes a moment.  This photo is through January 9. 


You can see already how different the year is shaping up.  We had a high of 71 degrees on January 1!  I am thinking about recording the low temperatures with big stitch quilting when it is all assembled.


Comparing the two years is going to be fun.  For my 2018 quilt, I am going to bind it with the colors from my temperature scale and will use the hexies (shown in the photo below) as a label on the back.(Want to make your own temperature quilt?  See the tutorial!)

For reference, here is the scale I am using.  I am actually in the process of turning these hexies into the label for the back of the quilt.



Have a wonderful day! Patty

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Large Scale Paper Piecing

I love paper piecing and I had the chance recently to take a class from Nicole Neblett at Mama Love Quilts called Big & Bold Freezer Paper Piecing.  Nicole is a member of our guild and will also be teaching this very same class at QuiltCon.

How lucky for us to get a sneak preview!


My quilt is roughly 20'' square - pillow sized on purpose.   What looks like black in the photo is actually a deep navy color - the same color as the stripes.

I am thinking about whether I should bring a little blue up into that upper left corner - what do you think?


The technique itself was a lot of fun - like putting together a puzzle.

I brought along  Precision Quilting Tools Wool Ironing Mat (affiliate link)   and it worked really well for pressing the freezer paper to the fabric.

Nicole is on an episode of Fresh Quilting demonstrating this technique - check it out!

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Monday, January 14, 2019

Hand Pieced QAL - Frequently Asked Questions

We've been getting lots of great questions about the Hand Pieced QAL and thought it would be helpful to gather them together in one place.  (I'll keep adding to this post as more questions come up.)

Need to get caught up?  Review the Hand Pieced QAL Kickoff and Reveal post.



Is there a charge to participate?
No. This is a completely free quilt along to spread the love of hand piecing.
How do I “join”?
Basically, just start sewing!  Tutorials will be posted each Monday with the instructions for a block. Consider signing up for the QAL newsletter and subscribing to our blogs - Elm Street Quilts and Simple Handmade Everyday - as a way to keep up to date on the QAL.  You can interact with other QAL participants by joining the Hand Pieced QAL Facebook group and visiting others through the weekly link-up.  (More on that later.)
When do we start making blocks?
The first tutorial will be on Monday, January 21, 2019.
Will you give instructions for all the blocks at one time?
We will post instructions for each block, once a week on Mondays, starting on January 21, 2019.  
 I've never hand pieced before. Is it ok to be a beginner?
Yes!  Our primary goal of the QAL is to introduce fellow quilters to the fun of hand piecing.  The basic blocks will come first and the skills used to sew a 4-patch, for example, will be used each week to construct the actual block.   There will be videos along the way too.  We've already published some basic tutorials that you can practice with right now - marking stitching lines, running stitch, and dealing with seams.
Are there tools or notions I should buy? 
You likely have everything you will need.  To see our favorite sewing notions, check out this post of Patty's and of Kristin's.
How much fabric do I need?
Fabric requirements are available as well as coloring pages you can download!


I love each of the quilts you made. Do we have to use the same number of fabrics and colors as one your quilts?
Absolutely not! Color choices are completely your own. Have fun with it!

Do I have to make the blocks the same way as you did?
The blocks need to be “visually” the same as the block posted, but you can use different construction methods to make the sub-units. For instance, if you would rather make a flying geese unit with two half square triangles, that’s fine.  
But does “visually” mean I have to color my blocks the same way?
No, you can vary your fabric placement as way that you would like.  Go completely scrappy. Make the quilt with just 1 color and a background fabric
What kind of changes can I make to my quilt?
It’s your quilt! Do whatever makes you happy! The only requirements to be eligible to win a weekly prize is that the blocks must be the same as a block from the QAL plus the block and the quilt top must be hand pieced. To win be eligible to win the grand prize, you need to have a completed quilt top with at least 5 QAL blocks.
Do I have to make all nine of the blocks?
No. Do as many as you would like and enter them in the link-up as you go. To be eligible to win the grand prize, you need to have a completed quilt top with at least 5 blocks.
 What if I want to substitute your 4 patch block with a 9-patch block in order to better use my fabric?
To enter the weekly giveaway, your block will need to visually match our block - which means no, you can't change it to a 9 patch if you want to enter that block in the giveaway.
However, it is your quilt and we want you to really like your quilt when you are done.  Make the substitution you want and just don't enter that block into a weekly giveaway.  There are 9 weekly giveaways so plenty of other chances to win. Just remember, to enter the grand prize giveaway, you will need to have 5 QAL blocks in your quilt top.


Will you give directions for blocks of different sizes?
No.  The directions and tutorials will be for 6'' finished (6 1/2 '' unfinished) blocks.  You are welcome to make them a different size but will have to do the math yourself.
I'm unsure of which layout I am going to choose.  Any advice?
You don’t need to decide now - just make sure you have ample supply of background fabric so you can play with layout options once your blocks are done. Block assembly is the same and the sashing is the same for both layouts. See fabric requirements for the requirements.
I love each of your quilt layouts but I think I want to do something different.  Is that going to be ok? 
Yes!  This is your quilt so please set the blocks in a layout that you want.  The only requirement for entering the grand prize drawing is that at least 5 of the blocks from the QAL are in a quilt top.  Just make sure you have the additional background fabric for your fantastic layout.  We can't wait to see it! 
What happens if I don't make all the blocks?
You can make as many or as few blocks as you want.  For a chance to win one of the wonderful sponsor prizes, enter the blocks into a weekly link-up.  If you don’t get the quilt top done during the QAL, don’t worry about it. We hope the QAL will spark an interest in hand piecing and you’ll get the quilt done in the future.
What happens if I am away and can’t make a block in a specific week?
Make the block when you can and enter it into the next weekly link-up.  There will always be a link-up open and you can enter any block into any weekly link-up.  For example, the very first block is going to be the 4-patch.  If you don’t get the block done - or maybe lose it in your sewing room - you can enter it into the link-up on week 5 or week 7. We know everyone is busy, so we’ve tried to make this easy as we can for you to catch up and still be in a drawing for prizes.  
Will there be instructions on how to quilt the finished quilt top?
No.  We will be only provide instructions and tutorials on how to make the blocks and assemble the quilt top.  We will certainly share how we are quilting our versions. and we’d encourage everyone to share their ideas for inspiration as well.
Do our quilt tops need to be finished for the grand prize link-up?
You will need to have just a quilt top - i.e. flimsy - with at least 5 blocks sewn together.  You do not need to have created an actual quilt - i.e. with batting, quilting etc.


How do I enter to win prizes?
There will be a weekly link up.
I’ve never done a link-up before.  What do I need to know?
You will need three basic things - a photo of your block a computer, and a place to share your photo - a blog, Instagram, Pinterest or Flickr.  We’ve written a step by step tutorial . 
Can I post my block photo in our facebook group and link-up from there?  
No, you can not.  Photos have to be shared in a place that is publically available to everyone for the link-up to work correctly.  Our Facebook group is private.
Can I just use my phone instead of a computer to join the link-up?
You really need a computer.  While it is possible with a phone, it can be tricky.
I’ve read the tutorial and I am still confused.  How can I enter the weekly link-up?
You can enter via email.   Send an email to handpiecedqal@gmail.com and include your photo.  In the subject line write the block name and number.  Your photo won’t show up in a place that others can see but it will be entered into the drawing.
How will I know whether I won a prize?
We will send you an email!  And we’ll give you 72 hours to get back with us confirming that you are interested in the prize.  If we don’t hear back from you, we will choose someone else.  Our sponsors are awesome so don't miss that email!



For more information on the QAL including catching up with any tutorials you've missed, please visit the main event page - Hand Pieced QAL.   

You can also join our Hand Pieced Quilt Along Facebook Group and / or subscribe to our newsletter so you'll be among the first to know about new block tutorials.





Have a wonderful day! Patty