Sewing Scraps

Friday, November 4, 2016

Granny Square Quilt (#58)

This granny square quilt block is reminiscent of the crocheted squares many of us made with yarn. My focus fabric is 3.5" x 3.5" - larger than most tutorials which use a 2" or 2.5" square.  I love this bigger size. 
Each Block: 
13 colored fabric squares 3.5"x 3.5"
12 squares background: 3.5" x 4" (rectangles) 

Sew all small squares & background rectangles together in rows except for the top & bottom rectangles. 
Iron seams open (top right picture).
Next - sew all the rows together.  (don't iron yet)
Now sew on the top & bottom rectangles so they can be centered over that middle square (middle left pix).

It's almost time to iron the horizontal seams but here is a tip: finger press the seams in the proper direction from the FRONT before ironing.  These seams are NOT pressed open.
Finger press 3 seams towards the top square and iron from the front.  
Finger press 3 seams towards the bottom and iron from the front.  
Now feel free to flip your block every which way and give it a good iron since all your seam directions are perfect!
There are many ways to make this block - most vary in how big to cut the background fabric pieces.  You can cut all squares the same size - or even use half square triangles for the sides -  I tried those methods and while ragged edges will probably get 'trapped' in the 1/4" seam I opted to use more fabric with waste for piece of mind. My background rectangles  are 3.5" x 4" ... 1/2" bigger than my colored fabric. I found this tip on Wombat Quilts.
Each block was trimmed to 13.25". A little awkward but since I didn't have a pattern and need to keep everything within 60" wide - this math worked best. 
Kona white sashing between blocks was cut 2" and the top/bottom and sides sashing cut 2.5".
Everything trimmed nicely after quilting with wavy lines in Aurifil #50wt. white - and of course, beautiful soft minky on the back. 
This is "Teen Quilt No. 3" for my daughter's friends.
Materials:
Feather Flock by Tina Givens
Kona White & Pansy (binding)
Dimple dot minky / vanilla from Fabric.com
Aurifil 50wt. white #2024
Warm & White batting
Size: 60" x 74"
November 2016

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Eclectic Elements Half Square Triangle Quilt (#57)

Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements Quilt from Ye Olde  Sweatshop
Tim Holt's Eclectic Elements was the perfect choice for this teen quilt.  Having used Eclectic Elements twice before, I knew that the colors would look good without sashing and harmonize with denim. 
Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements Quilt from Ye Olde  Sweatshop
Moda Love Layer Cake was my starting pattern so I cut 6" finished half square triangles using an Accuquilt die. But, as it sometimes happens - the pattern I thought would work didn't ... being flexible is key if you are like me & don't map out your quilt in detail or with sketches. 
Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements Quilt from Ye Olde  Sweatshop
 The important thing I like to share is this: do what feels right with what fabric you use and the final result will make you happy - evolve your quilt design.  I spent many years at an art desk doing old school advertising paste up and there is always a way to make your shapes & colors work.
Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements Quilt from Ye Olde  Sweatshop
This lap quilt has a minky back and my usual simple quilting method of a wavy line following the seams - it is fast, effective and makes a nice pattern on the back as well.
Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements Quilt from Ye Olde  Sweatshop
I used Aurifil 50wt. Muslin (#2311) which is a wonderful alternative to the ever popular Light Sand (#2000).  It glided through all the different fabric weights with a #14 needle - not one thread break or jam up ... love that. 
This is "Teen Quilt No. 2" for my daughter's friends.
Materials:
Eclectic Elements
Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed Linen / Denim
Dimple dot minky / beige
Aurifil 50wt. Muslin #2311, Beige #2314, Chocolate #2360
Accuquilt HST 6" finished
Warm & White batting 
Size: 59" x 75.5"
November 2016