Spider's Web

For all those doubters, including myself, I managed to finish the Spider's Web quilt before the workshop on the 31st August.  I allocated one whole day to making the extra blocks I needed, and chosing and attaching the borders. Tick!  Then I had to decide if I had time to quilt it before the day.  So that was another day I allocated.  I told my family not to make any plans for me this last week - I was in "lock down".

So here it is - all 12 blocks completed, and borders on. I was thinking I would do the old fashioned kind of binding where you turn the back to the front, as I had used the same fabrics.  However, when I laid it on the floor like this, it looked a bit wobbly about the border.  One way to fix that is to put a proper binding on it.  Gives it a bit more weight, and eliminates to a certain extent the flaring.

 I kept the machine quilting pretty simple - as you have to do when you have one day to do it!!  I quilted "in the ditch" around the borders, and the block shapes, and along the joins of the spiders web.  then I did a star in the centre of block - using yellow thread, so it kind of disappears and any mistakes are not so visible.

Finally I used my all time multi favourite border stencil - a twisted rope.  You can still see the chalk lines, but they will brush off.

I mark my quilts for machine quilting with one of these Quilt Pounce things.  When I first bought it I thought the idea was great, then I used it and thought it was useless!  Turns out there are two different chalk powders you can get, one rubs off and one does not.  I had the wrong one of course.  Secondly - I do not think they are good for hand quilting, as you handle the fabric so much more, and they do rub off.  Finally, there is a bit of a technique in applying it.  You have to pat the box when it is closed to get the powder distributed, then when you put it on, you have to wipe it over the template, not pounce it on. 

I find it great for these borders, it is done in a flash, and stays on while it is quilted.

So, if you have one at home, and think it is a lemon, try it again.

Rose of Sharon

So I got cracking, and made the first block in my new project - Rose Garden.  This block is available as a download on the Legend and Lace website.  Each month about the 5th, there will be a new block.  The first one is free, then a small charge for the other blocks.  Some will be simple, others more complicated.  They are an 8" block finished, and i am suggesting you cut your background to 10" to allow some shrinkage.

I think this photo is a lot better than the digital image I had on the first post back here about it.  It is a mystery, so you will not know what is coming next until you actually go and have a look.

Pieces of the Past - Block 2 - Starburst

I forgot to tell you yesterday, that the next block in the series is now available to download from my website.

This one is called Starburst.  Once again, all templates are included, and instructions on how to make the block.  I know I said it would be there on the 15th of the month, but that was so unachievable.  Sorry if you were looking for it.  I have now decided that the 20th of the month is better for me in the future,

Do you like a bit of a Mystery?

Are you an Agatha Christie fan?  I am, and I love Midsummer Murders too.

How about a mystery quilt?  Not your regular, run of the mill mystery, where you have to have it finished before your know what you have got.

My idea is a mystery Rose Block of the Month.  One of my hand sewing groups were looking for something new and I suggested an applique block each month, but they had to trust me with what I gave them.  They would be all Rose blocks (think of Rose of Sharon) - some simple, and some more complex.

Rose of Sharon - Block 1

So, while I was in the process of producing these blocks for my sewing group, I decided to produce them for the rest of  the world as well.

They are available each month on the Legend and Lace website. The first block, shown above, will be free, and after that there will be a small charge.    I will try to have them done by the 5th of the month.

You will need a 10" piece of background fabric, and the blocks will be 8" finished. 

I will also be making the blocks myself, so as you get the drawing and start making the blocks, so will I. My  plan is to use lots of different shirtings for my backgrounds, and scrappy reds/greens/pinks etc for the floral part.  

Scrap Quilt Day

I have put the "flyer" for the scrap quilt workshop here for you all to see.  We are still taking names - the more the merrier!  Don't be shy - we would love to see - bring along some friends for the day.

playing with UFO's - again

This is another setting for my collection of Ohio Stars.  I used the zig zag setting on a basket quilt years ago, and I really like it.  It just takes a little planning with the corner triangles - make sure they are all on the right grain, or it will pull out of shape.

Another little collection of blocks I found.  These are from my red and while "Botch Handle" or "Devil's Claw".  I made 5 of them and realised that they were the wrong size, and then I found another pattern that was a little easier on the cutting.  I dragged them out and turned them into a cot quilt.

I had been waiting for a chance to use the red and black paisley fabric - this was it.  It turned out about a metre square - not a bad size for 5 blocks.