Monday, March 29, 2021

Harmony Hand Pieced QAL - the Corner Unit and a Link-up



Let's make some Corner Units!  Each Harmony block needs 4 Corner Units which means you'll need 16 if you are making the throw sized quilt.   My guess is you will both enjoy joining together all the units you've created so far and be excited to see the design start to appear!

We've got our first check-in link-up and a chance to win prizes - scroll down to enter!

Still need the pattern for Harmony?  Grab yours now!  


Stitching Tips

You've tackled so many units like a pro - go you!  Here are a few tips to help smooth Corner Unit assembly.   (I learned all of these the hard way!)  

Three pro tips:
  •  Carefully mark your stitching lines.  If you've got a unit that doesn't quite measure 4 1/2'' (looking at you Twisted Triangle in a Square), cut a 4'' square from template plastic and trace it on the wrong side of the unit to place your stitching line.  Pin units together along stitching lines to make sure your unit with the 'scant' seams lines up with the unit with the true 1/4'' seam
  • The unit with the most seams goes on top.   This allows you to stitch through all those seam allowances.

  • Carefully lay out the units and double check against the pattern illustration.  It is easy to get a block misplaced.  Removing stitches is never fun but somehow removing handwork - while easier than stitches from a machine - is more painful!


Check out Kristin's Corner Unit tips - she has a great tip on how to get the best looking point of your twisted triangle.

Corner Unit Link-up!

It is time to share your Corner Units!  Whether you’ve got one Corner Unit sewn, all four for a wall hanging or sixteen for a throw quilt, gather them up and share a photo!   If you’ve already sewn the Corner Units into a Harmony block, share a photo of the block.


This link-up will be open until midnight, Sunday, April 11.  Not quite done with a Corner Unit?  No worries - our second check-in link-up will open on April 26!   The Grand Prize link-up for your final quilt top link-up (quilted or just a flimsy) opens May 17 and closes at the end of June.





Our fabulous sponsors have provided wonderful, useful prizes that you are going to love! Kristin and I use all of these great products regularly!

  • Aurifil is the most popular thread in the quilting industry. Available in many different thread weights and dozens of colors, the superior, long staple cotton thread boasts high tensile strength and a wonderful silky touch. They are providing an 80 weight thread pack called Calm, in beautiful neutral colors to one lucky winner.
  • The Daylight Company brings daylight indoors with their innovative and functional lamps in the art, needlework, craft, low vision, and beauty markets. They are generously offering a MAGnificent magnifying lamp and a Smart Travel Lamp to two lucky winners. 
  • Fat Quarter Shop offers a tremendous selection of fabric, notions, books and just about anything you will need for your project.  Fat Quarter Shop is offering a $30 gift certificate to one lucky winner.
  • Oliso reinvents products that surprise, delight and simplify life including the Oliso Mini Project Iron™ which brings you the power of a full size iron in a compact design for home and away.   Oliso is offering a Mini Project Ironto two lucky winners.  

Photos can be shared from a blog, Flickr, or Pinterest and must 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 and/or #harmonyhpqal 


Don't have a way to share?  You can also email them to handpiecedqal@gmail.com.  Need instructions on how to link-up?  See the tutorial!


Units 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.


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
Guidelines:
  • Units must be entirely hand-pieced.  

  • Units must visually match the Corner Unit in the Harmony Hand Pieced QAL pattern.  (If you’ve already assembled the Harmony block and don’t have a photo of just the corner unit, share a photo of your Harmony block.)

  • Units can be made a different size.

  • Multiple corner units created by one quilter should be shared in a single photo. 

  • 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 names.


The Basics 

Still need the pattern for Harmony?  Grab yours now!  

Harmony is a large single block - make one and you've got a lovely wall hanging (28'' x 28'') or join 4 Harmony blocks together for a lovely throw sized quilt (56'' x 56'').  Did you miss the QAL announcement?  You can find more information here!  If you have any trouble ordering the pattern, please don't hesitate to email us at handpiecedqal@gmail.com - we'll be happy to help!

Whether you are making the wall hanging or the throw sized quilt, we recommend you cut just the pieces you need to make a single Harmony block.  Once you've sewn a few units and have some experience cutting with templates, you can go back and cut the rest of the pieces for all the Harmony blocks you need.

Please consult the tutorials for Using TemplatesMarking Stitching Linesand the Running Stitch if you need some tips.





Stay in touch and join our community so you don't miss a thing!  


Have a wonderful day! Patty

Thursday, March 25, 2021

One Monthly Goal March Finish Link-up

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



My goal for March was to assemble my postage stamp scrap quilt top!  You can read more about this quilt on this post.


Now it's your turn to link-up!  There will be 2 winners - Fat Quarter Shop is offering a $25 gift certificate and Oliso is offering a Mini Project Iron .

Congratulations to Carol & Sharon - our lucky winners for March!  (They've been notified by email - updated 4/5.)



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. (March 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:  



You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Memory Pillows and Quilts


Over the last 6 months, we've emptied my parents home and then sold it.  Contents were divided amongst family members or donated.  I offered to make Mom a pillow using one of Dad's shirts - Dad passed away in 2019.

Cutting into the shirt was (emotionally) harder than I expected and it took me several months to actually tackle the task.  Actual pillow assembly didn't take much time at all.  I wanted to include the button packet (stitched closed) and the shirt pocket.  The pillow has an envelope fold on the back.

I've now got scraps from this first shirt and several other shirts and plan to tackle a memory quilt.  

Have you ever made one?  

I will end up mixing shirt fabric and quilting cotton.  I've got  scraps left over from a quilt I made for Dad (see it here) which I intend to use.  Beyond that, I don't have a plan and I've not yet calculated the amount of fabric each shirt will yield.

I'll share more when I do.  For now, I need to mail Mom her pillow!

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Monday, March 22, 2021

Harmony Hand Pieced QAL - Twisted Triangle in Square (Unit 5)



Since our QAL is following the units in the order they are found in the pattern , today it is time to make some Twisted Triangle in a Square units!  Each Harmony block needs 4 Twisted Triangle in a Square    units which means you'll need 16 if you are making the throw sized quilt. We've got lots of basic tutorials - Using TemplatesMarking Stitching Linesand the Running Stitch - if you need some tips.

Still need the pattern for Harmony?  Grab yours now!  

Harmony is a large single block - make one and you've got a lovely wall hanging (28'' x 28'') or join 4 Harmony blocks together for a lovely throw sized quilt (56'' x 56'').  Did you miss the QAL announcement?  You can find more information here!  If you have any trouble ordering the pattern, please don't hesitate to email us at handpiecedqal@gmail.com - we'll be happy to help!

Whether you are making the wall hanging or the throw sized quilt, we recommend you cut just the pieces you need to make a single Harmony block.  Once you've sewn a few units and have some experience cutting with templates, you can go back and cut the rest of the pieces for all the Harmony blocks you need.


Stitching Tips

The Twisted Triangle in Square unit is the toughest block of the Harmony quilt.  I made and remade several of these before I got it right!   This block is assembled completely with templates.

Three 'pro' tips:
  • Make sure the square on your template sheet truly measures 1''.  If not, this block will not be sized correctly
  • Cut and make a single unit and then adjust cutting or piecing as needed to improve accuracy
  • Layout your pieces in front on you and then check and double check the diagram in the pattern.
The order in which you sew the white (background) units to the center triangle does not matter but I found predictable success by starting with the small triangle A.



Instead of marking a 1/4'' stitching line around the whole triangle, try marking just where you are about to stitch plus a little bit more so you know where to start and stop your needle.  (Please note that my lines are not usually that dark - a bit a computer magic made the lines visible in this photo!)

Once the small triangle is sewn, finger press or use your iron and then place it back down to make sure everything is oriented correctly for the next step.


When you start or end your stitching against a unit already sewn, feel for the fold and start place your needle right up against it.  Once your final piece is sewn, press and then pat yourself on the back - you made it through the first tricky unit and have 3 more (or 15 more for the throw!) to go. 


Not all of my blocks came out perfect - or even close to perfect.  The 'not quite square' block was dealt with by making sure my stitching lines were straight even those the block might not be.

Kristin is sharing some tips on her blog today as well - check it out!

The Basics

Please consult the tutorials for Using TemplatesMarking Stitching Linesand the Running Stitch if you need some tips.


We will be sewing the units in the order of the pattern which means our next unit will be our corner unit where you assemble together everything you've sewn so far.  We'll share tips next Monday, March 29. Our first check-in link-up will be March 29!

Stay in touch and join our community so you don't miss a thing!  





Have a wonderful day! Patty

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Solid Scrappy Postage Stamp Quilt


My quilt (60'' x 60'') has 3600 1'' squares (finished size) of  fabric - half are color and half are shades of white.  

In the 100 days leading up to QuiltCon Together, I gave myself the challenge to create a 6 1/2'' x 6 1/2'' block made from scraps.


I started by making 4 patches and then joined nine 4 patches together to make the 6 1/2'' square.  Once I had 100 of those, I joined them into groups of 4 (12 1/2'' square) and then continued to join them together.  All seams were pressed open which both slowed down the process but also made joining blocks easier because I didn't need to think about which directions seams should be pressed!

In the final layout, I tried real hard to make sure no duplicate colors were touching diagonally and then didn't worry about it beyond that.

I've got a quilting plan in mind using my walking foot and am thinking I will try to spray baste this one - it will be my first spray basting attempt on anything beyond a small mini.  


Still deciding whether or not I should set this inside a border of white to gives ones eyes a bit of a rest!

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Monday, March 15, 2021

Harmony Hand Pieced QAL - Partial Square in a Square (Unit 4)


Since our QAL is following the units in the order they are found in the pattern , today it is time to make some Partial Square in a Square units!  Each Harmony block needs 8 Partial Square in a Square units which means you'll need 32 if you are making the throw sized quilt. We've got lots of basic tutorials - Using TemplatesMarking Stitching Linesand the Running Stitch - if you need some tips.


Still need the pattern for Harmony?  Grab yours now!  

Harmony is a large single block - make one and you've got a lovely wall hanging (28'' x 28'') or join 4 Harmony blocks together for a lovely throw sized quilt (56'' x 56'').  Did you miss the QAL announcement?  You can find more information here!  If you have any trouble ordering the pattern, please don't hesitate to email us at handpiecedqal@gmail.com - we'll be happy to help!

Whether you are making the wall hanging or the throw sized quilt, we recommend you cut just the pieces you need to make a single Harmony block.  Once you've sewn a few units and have some experience cutting with templates, you can go back and cut the rest of the pieces for all the Harmony blocks you need.

Stitching Tips

The Partial Square in a Square block is assembled in the same way as the Square in the square (unit 1).  You will need to made 8 of these blocks - 4 of each color layout.   The block can be made using units cut with a rotary cutter or using templates.

Do pay attention to color placement - it is very easy to sew a whole bunch of these (they go so fast) only to find out you've put the blue color on the left side for all the units instead of half of them.  (And, yes, speaking from experience here!)

If you've not yet sewn a block with templates, give it a try with this block for at least a few of them.  Our next block can ONLY be cut out with templates so our Partial Square in a Square is a good one to practice with.



For the rotary cutter version (below left), sew using the stitch and flip technique.  For the template version (below right), marking just where you are about to stitch plus a little bit more so you know where to start and stop your needle.  (Please note that my lines are not usually that dark - a bit a computer magic made the lines visible in this photo!)



Once the first side is sewn, press.  Remember to align your need right against the fold of the first corner as you get ready to sew the second.



If needed, sliver trim your block and then go ahead and mark the stitching lines around the outside so you will be ready when it is time to sew your units together.



Kristin is sharing tips on her blog today - check it out!

The Basics 

Please consult the tutorials for Using TemplatesMarking Stitching Linesand the Running Stitch if you need some tips.


We will be sewing the units in the order of the pattern which means our next unit is the Twisted Triangle in a Square.  We'll share tips next Monday, March 22. Our first check-in link-up will be March 29!

Stay in touch and join our community so you don't miss a thing!  

Have a wonderful day! Patty


Monday, March 8, 2021

Harmony Hand Pieced QAL - Fancy HST (unit 3)


It was fun seeing all the Half Square Triangle and the Square in the Square units pop up last week.   

Since our QAL is following the units in the order they are found in the pattern , today it is time to make some Fancy Half Square Triangles (Fancy HSTs)!  Each Harmony block needs 4 Fancy HST units which means you'll need 16 if you are making the throw sized quilt. We've got lots of basic tutorials - Using TemplatesMarking Stitching Linesand the Running Stitch - if you need some tips.


Still need the pattern for Harmony?  Grab yours now!  

Harmony is a large single block - make one and you've got a lovely wall hanging (28'' x 28'') or join 4 Harmony blocks together for a lovely throw sized quilt (56'' x 56'').  Did you miss the QAL announcement?  You can find more information here!  If you have any trouble ordering the pattern, please don't hesitate to email us at handpiecedqal@gmail.com - we'll be happy to help!

Whether you are making the wall hanging or the throw sized quilt, we recommend you cut just the pieces you need to make a single Harmony block.  Once you've sewn a few units and have some experience cutting with templates, you can go back and cut the rest of the pieces for all the Harmony blocks you need.

So what is a Fancy HST?  Visually, it is a HST unit with a snowballed corner!

If you are making a throw sized quilt, those snowball corners will join together to form a secondary design at the center and edges of the quilt!

Stitching Tips

The Fancy HST can be pieced with either templates or by cutting the pieces with a rotary cutter. or a bit of both!  For the block examples below, the green triangle was cut with a rotary cutter while the white triangle was cut with templates. 


Regardless of whether you are using templates or pieces cut with a rotary cutter, your first step is to sew together the green and background white piece in the same manner as you made a HST.

Instead of marking a 1/4'' stitching line around the whole triangle, try marking just where you are about to stitch plus a little bit more so you know where to start and stop your needle.  (Please note that my lines are not usually that dark - a bit a computer magic made the lines visible in this photo!)

For the rotary cutter version (below right), sew using the stitch and flip technique by sewing on the diagonal line and trimming excess.  (See a tutorial.)  Mark both triangles and align a pin through the intersection point on each block so you are certain everything is aligned.



Then stitch away!  Although you will be sewing through the seams when attaching units together, I still am pressing my seams open where possible to help the overall quilt lay flat.


If needed, sliver trim your block and then go ahead and mark the stitching lines around the outside so you will be ready when it is time to sew your units together.

Kristin is sharing some tips on her blog today as well - check it out!


The Basics

Please consult the tutorials for Using TemplatesMarking Stitching Linesand the Running Stitch if you need some tips.


We will be sewing the units in the order of the pattern which means our next unit will be a HST variation that we are calling a Fancy HST.  We'll share tips next Monday, March 8. Our first check-in link-up will be March 29!

Stay in touch and join our community so you don't miss a thing!  


Have a wonderful day! Patty

Friday, March 5, 2021

Temperature Quilt 2021

I've started to assemble the backing and am getting ready to baste my 2020 temperature quilt.  This quilt currently measures 48'' x 48'' although I am debating switching out the light gray filler blocks for a darker gray and then framing the quilt in that darker gray,


Since I really enjoyed making a temperature quilt last year (and in 2019 and 2018), I've decided to do it again using the exact same color palette as last year.  My very first step for 2021's quilt was to seam rip all my strip sets! 


My new design will also document both the high and low temperature but my new design uses a smaller block (1 1/2 '' x 2'' finished) and has a bit more of an improv nature to it.  

Here is a comparison of the first two months of 2020 and 2021  -


Ignore the fact that 2021 is pressed better and is actually all sewn together!  By this point in 2020, I wasn't quite sure where I was headed.  

Do notice how 2021 was much colder  - all that blue and purple - than 2020 was?

Every month takes 2 columns - the 1 through 15 in first column and then 16 through end of month in the second column.  Filler blocks are added to square off the quilt.  The thin strips - 1/4'' wide - are randomly inserted and run 'vertically' for odd days and 'horizontally' for even days.

I've written up my basic temperature quilt process in my tutorial including where I source the high and low information.

I'm looking forward to sharing the progress!


Have a wonderful day! Patty

Monday, March 1, 2021

Harmony Hand Pieced QAL - HST (unit 2)



It was fun seeing all the Square in the Square units pop up last week.   

Since our QAL is following the units in the order they are found in the pattern , today it is time to make some Half Square Triangles (HSTs)!  Each Harmony block needs 4 HST units which means you'll need 16 if you are making the throw sized quilt. We've got lots of basic tutorials - Using TemplatesMarking Stitching Linesand the Running Stitch - if you need some tips.


Still need the pattern for Harmony?  Grab yours now!  

Harmony is a large single block - make one and you've got a lovely wall hanging (28'' x 28'') or join 4 Harmony blocks together for a lovely throw sized quilt (56'' x 56'').  Did you miss the QAL announcement?  You can find more information here!  If you have any trouble ordering the pattern, please don't hesitate to email us at handpiecedqal@gmail.com - we'll be happy to help!

Whether you are making the wall hanging or the throw sized quilt, we recommend you cut just the pieces you need to make a single Harmony block.  Once you've sewn a few units and have some experience cutting with templates, you can go back and cut the rest of the pieces for all the Harmony blocks you need.



Stitching Tips

The HST can be pieced with either templates or by cutting the pieces with your rotary cutter.  The only difference will be the version made templates (top one in photo below) will have no dog ears!


Instead of marking a 1/4'' stitching line around the whole triangle, try marking just where you are about to stitch plus a little bit more so you know where to start and stop your needle.  (Please note that my lines are not usually that dark - a bit a computer magic made the lines visible in this photo!)


Mark both triangles and align a pin through the intersection point on each block so you are certain everything is aligned.


Then stitch away!  Remember to make a backstitch every few stitches to help with overall tension.  Although you will be sewing through the seams when attaching units together, I still am pressing my seams flat where possible to help the overall quilt lay flat.


If needed, sliver trim your block and then go ahead and mark the stitching lines around the outside so you will be ready when it is time to sew your units together.

Kristin is sharing some tips on her blog today as well - check it out!


The Basics

Please consult the tutorials for Using TemplatesMarking Stitching Linesand the Running Stitch if you need some tips.


We will be sewing the units in the order of the pattern which means our next block will be a HST vairation that we are calling a Fancy HST.  We'll share tips next Monday, March 8. Our first check-in link-up will be March 29!

Stay in touch and join our community so you don't miss a thing!  






Have a wonderful day! Patty