Miniature Block of the Month October 2015 - The Quilt Room

Miniature Block of the Month October 2015 - The Quilt Room

Yes, I know. It is nearly December and I have only just completed the Quilt Room's October Miniature Block of the Month.  This was due to a bit of a muddle there end and a bit of a muddle my end, so I am willing to share responsibility.  I wanted to get them done before I started this years Quiltville Mystery quilt and get ahead of myself.

This one is called 'Pinwheel Star' and could have had loads of different colour combinations.  The layer cake of 'Snowman Gatherings' which I have been using is coming to the end of its useful life and this is BOM becoming a scrap project.

I don't actually live near to the Quilt Room shop and haven't found many others doing this BOM online which makes me think that I need to update my social media habits - where do you spend most of your time these days to get you quilty fix?

Allietare Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt 2015 - Part 1

Allietare Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt 2015 - Part 1

I am pleased to say that I have started the Allietare Mystery Quilt for 2015!  I wait all year for the details of the annual mystery and it hasn't been until today that I have been able to get hold of my rotary cutter and get going on it!  Here are just some of the half square triangles that I machine pieced today, but I am pleased to say that all the units for Part 1 of Allietare are complete.

Allietare Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt 2015 - Part 1

Last week I shared my alternative Allietare Mystery Quilt fabric selection with you.  Since then there has been a slight change in plan with the original pink being swapped for tan.  As I mentioned, this quilt is going to have a home in the bedroom, matching the checked curtain fabric which you can see behind the bundles.  The pink was nice, but on closer inspection the fleck of colour in the curtain fabric was tan, not pink - no worries, there is plenty of tan in my stash!  Working with just the neutrals and the constant today meant I didn't have to make any final decisions about the combination of the other colours - maybe that will be next week ...

Allietare Mystery Quilt 2015 - Part 1, Neutrals


One of the reasons I enjoy the Bonnie's Mystery Quilt each year is because it is a chance to reacquaint myself with my fabric scraps and my fabric stash.  In this selection of neutrals there is the remainder of the Jo Morton fabric which I used for the Humble Quilts Miniature Doll Quilt Swap back in May, the button fabric which first showed its face in the Celtic Solstice Mystery quilt in 2013, and a fat quarter of feather fabric which I knew I would use 'some day' - it certainly justifies those random purchases.

Allietare Mystery Quilt 2015 - Part 1, Constant

My constant is this two tone green fabric 'Sherwood Fern' (1501) by Henley Studio. I have enjoyed watching the different combinations appear as I pressed them open with the iron and am pleased with my colour combination so far.


Creative Grids 45 / 90 Triangle Ruler

As on previous times, I am using the Creative Grids 45 / 90 Triangle Ruler.  The shape and the lines on this ruler are different to the Easy Angle Ruler which Bonnie recommends, so I had a few trial runs to make sure I came up with the right size half square triangle unit.



Sewing machine maintenance

I also spent some time before I started to do a bit of maintenance I gave my machine a thorough clean with a brush, a blow of my aerosol duster, a new needle, lots of bobbins wound and making sure my single needle plate was in place - this accessory really does make sewing triangles FUN!


Suzi the cat - Allietare Mystery Quilt 2015

Suzi the cat did show her face today.  She learnt to sew whilst making the Easy Street Mystery Quilt in 2012, but has not been as enthusiastic this time around.  To be fair, the weather here is horrendous - wet, windy and not the sort of day you should leave the house.  She has chosen to snooze all day, oblivious to the weather and the launch of the major sewing event of the year. 

I will be linking up on Monday to the Quiltville blog and can't wait to see other fabric combinations.  Thank you Bonnie!

BTW; Bonnie's  quilt works out 7872 sq" - part 1 is just 8.4% of the total!
 

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 13, D12, E5, F11 H11

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 12, C1, D10, M1, M6

I think this set of blocks is my favourite so far.  I will always say that red is my favourite colour, but if you look at my clothes, my home furnishings and accessories, green comes a close second.

Time for the next draw ....

D12 - Crossed Swords
E5 - Rising Sun
F11 - On Target
H11 - Piercing Rays

The excitement continues with yet another NEW colour - BLUE.  If you like blue and you like Dear Jane quilts, head over to see what my sister has achieved. 

Dear Jane Quilt - Block M6 Simplicity

Dear Jane Quilt - Block M6 Simplicity

Whilst I am a keen English Paper Piecing addict, it is very rare that you will see a hexagon on this blog.  No hexagons today, just a big octagon.  Block M6, Simplicity is another opportunity to show off my fancy striped fabric, from the Winter Blessings range by Kim Diehl.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 25

Dear Jane Quilt - Block M1 Dogwood Days

Dear Jane Quilt - Block M1 Dogwood Days

With block M1 Dogwood Days complete, I have just been researching what the term 'Dogwood Days' is all about.  Apparently it is a celebration of the Spring blossoming of the Dogwood trees in the USA.  Further research revealed that loads of US states have fairs to celebrate the event. 

I will admit that is was more luck than judgement that the fussy cut squares in the centre of this block are four leaf flowers, like the Dogwood blossom, but doesn't it look great?  I will admit that I am loving these green blocks and this one is particularly cute.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 29

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D10 Battlefield

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D10 Battlefield

This is Block D10 Battlefield.  I was stitching this at one of my local quilt groups and a lot of concern was raised about the size of those corner triangles (and my mental health).  Whilst my paper templates were floating about I was more concerned if there was a draft or if someone sneezed!  Now they are safely stitched into the completed 4.5" block, they are in control - a bit raggety at the edges, but nothing the sashing won't rein in.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 42

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C1 Trooper Green's Badge

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C1 Trooper Green's Badge

This is my first 'green block'. It certainly makes a refreshing change and I think the fussy cutting with the stripes has added a bit of 'je ne sais quoi', and makes it look more complex than it really is.

With the clocks changing recently it has become a bit of a struggle to get decent photographs.  Oh to see a bit of daylight!

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 13

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 12, C1, D10, M1, M6

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 11 A9, C10, I13, M8

More orange blocks from Draw 11, but all looking good.  Moving on to Draw 12

C1 - Trooper Green's Badge
D10 - Battlefield
M1 - Dogwood Days
M6 - Simplicity

As for the colour selection the next colour is - Green. This is quite exciting as the green Kim Diehl fabric selection I have is lush.

Allietare Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt 2015 - Introduction



Easy Street Mystery Quilt 2012

Welcome to the Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt journey for 2015!  This will be my third Mystery quilt.  The first one I did was Easy Street in 2012.  I managed to keep up and get the top done by January 2013.  Quilting has been another matter, but I am pleased to say that it is now quilted and in use.


Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt 2013

In 2013 I joined in the Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt.  This time my sister joined me and we had great fun getting the tops complete.  This one is not quilted yet, but is pencilled in for Spring 2016.  This time last year I was all set to join in with the Grand Illusion Mystery Quilt, but life took over as it often does. 

Allietare! - Bonnie Hunter Fabric selection


Bonnie has really chosen a pretty selection of colours this year - rich reds, warm golds, a grey to throw forward the colour, black and her usual neutrals.  There are a lot of neutral fabrics required for this quilt and there are rumours going about that there will be lots of strip piecing, similar to her beautiful Orca Bay quilt which you can find in her books.   Her colour inspiration comes from her trip to Italy and you can see the detail of her colour inspiration on her blog.



Allietare! - Fabadashery Fabric selection

To keep up with tradition I will not be using the same colour scheme.  My colour inspiration is not as exotic as an Italian holiday, but the curtains in our bedroom.  I know that the dark green fabric at the top will be my constant, the neutral  will be my neutral, but still deciding on the mix of the other colours.  I have plenty of grey and pink, but I am struggling finding the right shade of pale green.  It is always a risk mixing up the colours, but as long as I keep neutral neutral I am ready for the ride! With the decision made the first job is to restore order to my workroom, the fabric selection process has been traumatic to say the least.

9 days to go!

Dear Jane Update, November 2015 - 3rd Anniverary Edition

Dear Jane Quilt blocks - November 2015

This week marks the 3rd Anniversary of my Fabadashery blog.  It all started when I joined in the Bonnie Hunter's Easy Street Mystery Quilt and three years on I hope to be doing the 2015 Mystery Quilt, Allietare! Thank you to all my Followers who have joined the journey.  I had hoped to do something spectacular to celebrate, but it is a busy time at work for me and so I have opted for a Dear Jane update.  Since starting in 2012, I have also started another quilting blog which shares my longarm quilting adventures.  Please feel free to Follow along on that one too if you are interested.


Dear Jane Quilt blocks - November 2015

So back to Dear Jane. Here are all the blocks I have done so far and you can now see some pops of colour in the sea of orange compared to the last update.

43 blocks (25%)

4 triangles (7%)

 



Dear Jane Quilt - EQ Software - November 2015 update

In the pictures above you might spot some blocks that have yet to have their '15 minutes of fame'.  All I can say is that my stitching is more productive than my blogging - they will have their moment.  Also this update has reminded me that I need to keep up with the sashing, cornerstones and the blank triangles.

All this special blogging activity was encouraged by the monthly 'Help for Hexi- aholics' over at Sarah Did It!  Please visit. If you sew by hand, if you sew with paper, this is a safe haven to visit.  There are no hexagons in the stitching above, but if you look closely there is an octagon.

(PS: Sarah - Suzi says Hi!)

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I13 Sweet Harmony

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I13 Sweet Harmony

I love this sort of block, simple shapes and simple stitching, quick results contributing to the overall progress.

Blogging is hard work now the winter light is here. When it is daylight I am at work and even if I am about the sky is very grey and dark.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 37

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C10 Patriots Lantern

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C10 Patriots Lantern

37 pieces for this little block, C10 Patriots Lantern.  I feel like I have overdosed on orange lately, but I am sure it will look great in the overall scheme of things.

BTW - My sister has just reported in that she has just embroidered her final Dear Jane corner block with her total pieces - 5309. I reached at least 6032 for my Nearly Insane and that figure didn't include the border.  I guess everyone is going to have a different number for the pieces they used in the Dear Jane quilt with all the different approaches to the blocks.  She is currently sewing her borders on.  I can't wait to see it.

Happy Slow Stitching Sunday!

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 37

Dear Jane Quilt - Block M8 Enchanted Square

Dear Jane Quilt - Block M8 Enchanted Square

Here is another pretty Dear Jane block, M8 Enchanted Square.

Dear Jane Quilt - Block M8 Enchanted Square

 You may see in the corner of the centre square a VERY tiny piece.  I am quite sure I encountered pieces this small with the Nearly Insane quilt, but for this I took a new approach, which I hope you can see from the photo.  The seam was a bit bulky, but only for a very tiny bit of the block.

I am off to spend the day sewing on my machine today with my local quilt group.  I am trying to clear the decks of some projects to make way for Bonnie Hunter's 2015 Mystery Quilt, the Italian inspired Allietare.  I have bee trying to get my fabrics together, and yes, I will be changing them again!  Is anyone else thinking of doing the Mystery quilt this year?

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 35

Dear Jane Quilt - Block A9 Cabin Fever

Dear Jane Quilt - Block A9 Cabin Fever

It felt like this had quite a lot of pieces in it - 41 in total.  Pretty standard for a Nearly Insane block, but these Dear Jane quilt blocks are making me a bit of a lightweight these days.  Saying that, I would rather have 41 pieces to EPP than 6 to applique!

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 41

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 11 A9, C10, I13, M8

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 10 F12, G3, G12, I5

Here is my first full set of red blocks.  It was great to have a new colour to work with, but all that applique took its toll on me.  Just a reminder that I have mixed up the placement of my Dear Jane quilt, so these blocks will be placed symmetrically around the quilt.

Now for the next draw ...

A9 - Cabin Fever
C10 - Patriots Lantern
I13 - Sweet Harmony
M8 - Enchanted Square

Before I get too carried away it appears that this Draw brings us back to ORANGE - can there be any more left?

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G12 Gloriae

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G12 Gloriae

Here is G12 Gloriae.   It wasn't a difficult block, but once I had sewn most of it together I decided I wasn't happy with my fabric choice.  I unpicked it all and used the striped fabric for a feature, so it took longer than expected.  I am still not 100% satisfied, it is such a big blob of fabric.


Suzi the Cat on the Butterfly Quilt

You haven't seen much of Suzi lately.  She has been out of sorts and just not interested in quilting or quilts, but since our return from Maastricht she has returned to her usual self and she has spent all day on the Butterfly quilt and is now currently using pester power to get her tea.  Last night she sat on my lap for 2 1/2 hours - a lifetime record.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 25

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I5 Maria's Majesty



Dear Jane Quilt - Block I5 Maria's Majesty

I will confess that this block has taken me quite a long time. 


Dear Jane Quilt - Block I5 Maria's Majesty

It started about 3 weeks ago.  I was getting some of my blocks prepared before I travelled and knew that this one needed a bit more prep than others.  I have realised that applique is not the sort of sewing you can do whilst you are a passenger driving along, unlike my usual stitching, so it relies on being stationary for (in my case) considerable time.


Dear Jane Quilt - Block I5 Maria's Majesty

So whilst other blocks were coming together this one had to wait for its moment.  The first stage got stitched about two weeks ago and after several attempts the last melon got sewn on last Friday.  I am still learning to breath whilst I sew appliqué ....

NO EPP on this one and I am enjoying doing red blocks.  Again, a lot of effort for just 6 pieces.

Techniques: Applique, Reverse Applique
Pieces: 6

 

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G3 Four Leaf Clover

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G3 Four Leaf Clover

I was going to say that I think this is the first block I have done that is totally applique for this project, but I managed to sneak in some EPP.  Initially, I had a few hiccups which meant I had to rethink the centre shape. My first attempt did not have very good inside points, so I split the shape into four, EPPed the shapes and sewed them together, then appliqued the whole shape onto the block, whist removing the papers in a timely manner.  You may be able to see the seams in the centre, but I think my fabric choice has allowed me to get away with this.

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G3 Four Leaf Clover

The outer ring went on quite easily by sewing the inside edge with the cardboard form still inside, removing it and then stitching the outer edge.  It is hard to believe that such a tricky block has only six pieces in it.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing, Applique
Pieces: 6

Dear Jane Quilt - Block F12 Starburst

Dear Jane Quilt - Block F12 Starburst

This is one of the Dear Jane quilt blocks which travelled to Europe with me to the OEQC quilt show in Maastricht.


Dear Jane Quilt - Block F12 Starburst

It looks like a simple block and it was once I decided to slice up the 'arrow' pieces to ensure a nice inside point, which adds to the overall piece count.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 20

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 10 F12, G3, G12, I5

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 9, C2, H2, H8, M2

With these four Dear Jane quilt block done it makes a total of blocks 29 of the centre113 squares, which is 25% of the main quilt.  As you may have guessed these statistics are a great source of motivation to me!  The blocks which have been drawn are
 
F12 - Starburst
G3 - Four Leaf Clover
G12 - Gloriae
I5 - Maria's Majesty

You may be pleased to know (I know that I am) that this quilt will not be entirely orange fabrics as this draw will be in RED.  Looking at the blocks they look a bit tricky ...

Open European Quilt Championship - Maastricht 2015



Open European Quilt Championship (OEQC) - Maastricht 2015

You may have noticed that I was a bit quiet last week - I was on a quilting adventure. 


Belgian cake shop

We took a trip across the channel to France, Belgium and the Netherlands, indulging in fine food and wine, with a diversion to the 2015 OEQC quilt show at Maastricht.

Quilt display by Blanche Vandebroek, Belgium

Obviously there were plenty fabric shopping opportunities and plenty of quilts to look at.  There was a lovely display of quilts by Blanche Vandebroek (Belgium). Even with a mixture of French, German, Flemish, Dutch and English languages being spoken, we all seemed to share the common language of quilts.

Lynn Blevens - Longarm quilting tutor

I also took part in a longarm quilting workshop with Lynn Blevens from the USA, which was amazing, especially when Maastricht TV unexpectedly came into film us. 

Dear Jane quilt blocks, English Paper Piecing

And what about Dear Jane? Time spent travelling has allowed me to keep up my hand sewing and I gathered quite a little pile of blocks (10 to be exact - Catherine).

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H8 Eaton's Crossroad

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H8 Eaton's Crossroad

Here is the final block of this orange draw, H8 Eaton's Crossroads. I looked up Eaton's Crossroads on the internet and it is a real place in the state of Tennessee.  My block doesn't really represent the street map view I found.  Then it made me curious to look up where Tennessee is located in the USA and I was reminded of its music history .. the Dear Jane quilt is a true learning journey.


Dear Jane Quilt - Block H8 Eaton's Crossroad

You will get an insight from this picture of how I approached this block.  I English paper pieced the centre circle cross and then appliqued it on, removing the paper as I went.  I am starting to build up quite a stash of Dear Jane blocks which makes me eager to get more done.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing, Applique
Pieces: 36