Square in a Square Quilt - Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater

Square in a Square Quilt

I have been busy on the sewing machine this week making a 'Square in a Square' quilt.


'Mama Said Sew' by Sweetwater for MODA

This is where it all started.  A couple of years ago I saw this collection - 'Mama Said Sew' by Sweetwater for Moda in our local quilt shop and fell in love.  If you want specifics, it was the red and cream fabrics which drew me in.  It was the start of my 'Nearly Insane' quilt journey.  (BTW - I can report that the Nearly Insane quilt top is now complete - details to follow in a forthcoming blog.)


5" charm squares - 'Mama Said Sew' by Sweetwater

Having now exhausted all the red fabrics, a collection of mixed grey, black and red fabrics remained from a layer cake and fat quarter bundle I acquired, which I loved just as much, but were not candidates for the Nearly Insane quilt.  Searching around the internet I have never seen a quilt made from this collection which ever disappointed, so I was confident that whatever pattern I choose it would look great.

I settled on a Square in a Square quilt, with a nice bit of white space to contrast against the graphic style of the Mama Said Sew collection.  I cut the layer cake into four 5" squares and sewed them onto a larger 9.5" square. I had decided that during the construction I would make sure I had some generous BONUS half square triangles to make another quilt.


Square in a Square Quilt - 54" x 72"

I made 48 blocks and the final dimensions are 54" x 72". Having hand sewn the Nearly Insane quilt, I am still surprised how quickly a quilt comes together when you use a sewing machine.

Bonus Half Square Triangles - 'Mama Said Sew' by Sweetwater

So here are the bonus half square triangles.  I think they might turn into a chevron quilt - I will keep you posted.

With this quilt top finished I think it deserves to join up with Crazy Mom Quilts and Confessions of a Quilter.
 

Nearly Insane Quilt - Draw 23

Nearly Insane Quilt Blocks - 23, 25, 46

Here are the latest blocks from Draw 22 of my Nearly Insane Quilt.  They always look so pretty lined up in a row.  I also love how they all look so different.  Why do they look so different?  Because of my growing red and white fabric stash!



Red and white fabric stash

Since I started my Nearly Insane Quilt blocks back in February 2013, I will admit that my red and white fabric stash has grown.  Even now as I approach the final stages, my eyes are always on the look out for suitable fabrics.  It certainly justifies future red and white quilt projects, and over at SewCalGal she is continuing her celebration of Red and White Quilt Challenges.  The aim is to get this quilt top together for Part 3 - The Make It! Challenge.  Wish me luck!

The next blocks that have been drawn are

2 - 27 - 51 - 95

 

Joining up with Crazy Mom Quilts

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 23 + Giveaway Info!

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 23

I am really squeezing in every bit of sewing I can at the moment.  A few weeks ago I prepared quite a few Nearly Insane blocks, by cutting out the templates and fabric - it really pays off having them ready to go.  I have come to learn that the actual preparation of each block is quite a time consuming part of the Nearly Insane quilt.  There are no repetitions, there are very few opportunities to cut in bulk, and each block is like doing a mini- quilt on its own.  I have mentioned that I am thinking of doing the Dear Jane quilt in the future, and I can see that that quilt has the same issue.


Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 23

This is another block where I have featured the Mama Said Sew fabric range.  When I first saw it over a year ago, it was the inspiration for the colour scheme of this quilt.  This block also features the red spotty fabric which is in the cornerstones and which make up the zigzag border.

BTW - One of my recent blog visitors who stopped by to comment was Cathy Daniel, an artist who creates patchwork-inspired homewares and handmade ceramics in the UK - she has a GIVEAWAY (closing 22nd March 2014) to get your hands on some of her lovely stuff.

NUMBER OF PIECES:  61
DIFFICULTY: 2/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Square  3/8" (9mm) x 3/8" (9mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Triangle  3" (74mm) x 2" (52mm) x 2" (52mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Red Hoops (5493-31) Mama Said Sew Collection by Sweetwater for Moda
Apple Red on Cream Sewing Guide Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater for Moda  #5490 11
Christmas Past  (14547) by Polly Minick and Lauri Simpson for Moda
Calico
                                                  

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 14

Hand stitching with red thread ...

I really am making progress on this quilt.  Look at that spool of red thread.  There were 500 metres on it when I started, but there can only be about 3-4  metres left.  I always feel that reaching the end of spool of thread is a sign that I really DO do a lot of sewing, and it is justification for buying more fabric!


Block 14 - Nearly Insane Quilt

Moving onto Block 14.  I have used a lot of the 'Mama Said Sew' collection by Sweetwater, which was the collection that really got me going with the whole red and white theme for this quilt.  I originally had a layer cake, and I am near the end of my Red Hoops for that one.

Just 33 pieces, so quick to come together.


Block 14 - Nearly Insane Quilt

  Also working on secret Christmas gifts at the moment ...

NUMBER OF PIECES:  33
DIFFICULTY: 2/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle, 3" (76mm) x 1 7/16" (40mm) x 1 7/16" (40mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Square, 1/2"  (13mm) x 1/2"  (13mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Christmas Past  (14547) by Polly Minick and Lauri Simpson for Moda
Cream Bias Check Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater for Moda  #5495 11
Red Hoops (5493-31) Mama Said Sew Collection, Sweetwater for Moda
Red dot (unidentified)

Nearly Insane Quilt - Edge Block 86

Edge Block 86 - Nearly Insane Quilt

Edge Block 86 for the Nearly Insane Quilt has only got 14 pieces.  I needed to do it, as I felt the need to get some progress on the quilt.  Work on the notorious 'Block 18' is taking its time.   I knew this edge block would be done quite quickly, and as a result I also have something to show you.  I enjoyed doing it, mainly because it came together easily, and the bigger pieces have given me the chance to showcase Red Hoops, a bigger print in the Moda Mama Said Sew Collection.

Progress so far - Block 18 Nearly Insane Quilt

Just so you know that I am not just wimping out of Block 18, here is the progress so far.  Block 18 is not difficult, but it does need your full concentration and therefore it is time consuming. To break it up, I am doing nine HST unit blocks.  Just one of these blocks has 18 pieces in it, which is more that the edge block above. As you can see, I am over half way with this one, with 146 of the 229 pieces together (that 63%!)  I hope to put some time to it this weekend to get it done.


Sparky on 'Easy Street Parking Lot' Cat Mat Quilt

Other quilty stuff going on here at Fabadashery - Sparky is making good use of his 'Easy Street Parking Lot' cat mat.  Good enough reason to join up with Feline Friday over at Sarah Did It, where you can also join in the 60's Batik Blog Hop. 

NUMBER OF PIECES: 14
DIFFICULTY: 1/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle 3/4" (18mm) x 1/2" (77mm) x 1/2 (77mm) 
LARGEST PIECE: Rectangle 3.5"(89mm) x 1 1/4" (32mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS: 
"Red Hoops" (5493-31) Mama Said Sew Collection, Sweetwater for Moda
"Christmas Past" (14547) by Polly Minick and Lauri Simpson for Moda
"Songbird" (C2863) by Carina Gardner for Riley Blake Designs

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 78

Block 78, Nearly Insane Quilt

After my recent 120 piece block, the next one I have chosen to do only has 9 pieces in it.  You would think 9 pieces was easy, but I found that with this particular pattern I spent a lot of time trying to choose fabrics that would show it to its best.  Also I have done a very similar one already, Nearly Insane Block 13, so I wanted to make it look different. 
Originally , I had a plain calico centre square, but once it was together it looked insipid, so I unpicked it, and fussy cut one of the Red Hoops from the Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater collection.  For 9 pieces I can't believe the mental strain it has caused!


Red and Cream quilting fabric.  Do you recognise it?

Also there is a new pretty fabric in this block.  I don't have information on what it was called, but I have a faint memory of it have a school related title in the collection.  Does anyone recognise it?

I picked it up at Patchwork Direct, near Bakewell in Derbyshire, when I was away a few weeks ago.  The shop is housed in an 1928 Wesleyan Reform Methodist Church, and had a great choice of fabrics, particularly the Kona Japanese fabrics.  I thought I was very restrained just to come away with a fat quarter of this fabric.

Linking up with Connie at Freemotion By the River

NUMBER OF PIECES: 9
DIFFICULTY: 2/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Square,1  1/2" (37mm) x 1 1/2" (37mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Rectangle 7/8" (22mm) x 6" (151mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS: 
Red and White Scandinavian Snowflake Fabric
Somerset Shirtings c 1890 by Julie Hendrickson and Nancy Gere, Windham Fabrics # 35205
Red Daisy Fabric (unidentified)
Red Hoops (5493-31) Mama Said Sew Collection by Sweetwater for Moda

Nearly Insane Quilt - Draw 11

Here are the latest contributions to the Nearly Insane Quilt production line, posing for a group photograph, Blocks 37, 63, 67 and 96. 

When they are put next to each other, you can see the variety of reds that I have used - some warm, some cool.  As with most scrappy quilts adventures I have been on, when you focus in and see the blocks like this, their tones can seem quite different and odd, but once the whole thing is put together they tend to blend together.  To help it along, I am increasingly trying to incorporate the cream calico fabric I am using on the sashing, and the reds from the cornerstones, to bring in some unity.


Cream Bias Check, Mama Said Sew, Sweetwater, Moda

You can also see that I have gone a bit crazy on the Mama Said Sew Cream Bias Check, this time around.  As I do each draw there is often a fabric which is flavour of the month, which is why my random draws are working so well.  If I did it in order, the fabrics would show up like strata on a rock face! ... the draws mix them up well.
So here are the latest blocks

6 - 17 - 42 - 97

I have started to design and cut out the fabric for these, and some of them are quite complex, with lots of pieces - not a problem, just more time consuming to do.

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 37

Earlier this month , when I announced Draw 10, I put up a few different design options for Block 37.  With the votes in, the results were pretty evenly spread, and as I had the casting vote, like JoAnn and Lynette, I went for Option 3.
Isn't it pretty?

BTW - if you enjoy voting, don't forget to vote for Suzi, No.71, over at the Pets on Quilts Show before Saturday 24th August 2013. She would love your support!


Block 37, Nearly Insane Quilt

I have just added up the number of pieces in this 6" block and it comes to 97. For 97, this one was not too bad.  Naturally, it takes more time to cut 97 little bits, and sew them together, but now it is complete, it is my latest favourite.

Cutting patchwork pieces for Block 37, Nearly Insane Quilt

It has got some of those teeny weeny triangles in it, and some of those half inch strips, but for this project, I would much rather have a 97 piece block than a 20 piece block.  I don't think I have tipped over 100 yet - ask me how I feel about them when I get there ....


Foundation Piecing - Nearly Insane Quilt, Block 37

For the first time I have used some foundation piecing for the centre of the block.  I am finding that the little pieces in the middle of some of the blocks are bulky, so I thought if I foundation pieced them (by hand!), it would remove some of the bulk, and it has done the trick on this occasion.
As I said, this is my latest favourite.


NUMBER OF PIECES: 97
DIFFICULTY: 5/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle, 1/2" (12.5mm) x 5/16" (9mm) x 5/16" (9mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Triangle, 1 1/2" (38mm) x 1 1/16" (27mm) x 1 1/16" (27mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Calico
Cream Bias Check Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater for Moda  #5495 11
Tangled Threads in Apple Red, Mama Said Sew, by Sweetwater for Moda
"Christmas Past" (14547) by Polly Minick and Lauri Simpson for Moda


 

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 67

Block 67 - Nearly Insane Quilt

Does anyone recognise this block?  This Nearly Insane block looks as if it should have a REAL name, not just a number.  As with all the blocks, I have done this one with English Paper Piecing, and because of the size and shapes of the pieces, it is an ideal candidate.  Just a reminder - EPP can be used for any shapes, not just Hexagons!


Block 67 - Nearly Insane Quilt , English Paper Piecing

This block only has 29 pieces.  They are all easy to handle sizes, and it goes together without a fuss.  In fact Draw 10, has been quite an easy ride so far, which is good, because I have been keen to get a move on with this project.  I need to do a few more blocks before I give you all a full update photo, but we are not too far off.

NUMBER OF PIECES: 29
DIFFICULTY: /10
SMALLEST PIECE: Square, 2" (50mm) x 2" (50 mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Triangle, 1 7/8" (36mm) x 1" (25 mm) x 1" (25mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS: 
Check The Bias Apple Red #5495-11 Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater for Moda
"Lazy Daisy Red" by "Mama Said Sew" Collection by Sweetwater for Moda (M 5494 21)
"Quilter's Memory" Stof Quilter's Basics #4517-118

 

Joining up with Connie at Freemotion By the River!

 

 

Fabric Stash Additions - The Sewing Studio, Redruth, Cornwall

It is over 6 weeks since I have set foot in a fabric shop, so luckily whilst I was in Cornwall last week, I was introduced to a new quilt shop, where I could get my fix. The shop was on Chapel Street in Redruth, called The Sewing Studio.  As well as a large selection of sewing machines, it stocks lots of the MODA pre-cuts, such as Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes and Charm Packs, at competitive prices, and other lovely fabric yardage too, so do take a look.

'Snowman Gatherings', Primitive Gatherings for MODA

To start with, I have had my eye on the 'Snowman Gatherings' by Primitive Gatherings for MODA for a long time, and with the 10" layer cake sitting there, it just had to come home with me.  I justified it because one of the purchases I made in America was one of the Schnibbles books, which focuses on using pre-cuts in its designs, so once my current hand quilting project is done and dusted, I am planning on making a few smaller projects.


Holiday Treats Red Packed Peppermints, Timeless Treasures

The purchase of red and white / cream fabrics is winding down now, but I am always on the look out for interesting novelty prints, and a fat quarter of 'Holiday Treats Red Packed Peppermints' by Timeless Treasures, also made it into my bag. 

Throughout the Nearly Insane journey, one fabric which I have fallen in love with is the Bias Check from the Mama Said Sew range by Sweetwater, for Moda. I looks really good in the blocks I have incorporated in so far, Block 11,  13, and 96, and I when I saw yardage in black and grey, I thought it would be a great addition to my stash.

The shop also had a good selection of quilting rulers, including my favourite Creative Grids rulers.  As you will see from my Pinterest board, a Star quilt of some sort is going to feature in the future, and I had identified that this ruler would be tool to get it done.


Creative Grids Non-Slip 2 Peaks in 1 Ruler

So as you can see, a good haul.

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 60

Block 60, Nearly Insane Quilt

These Nearly Insane Quilt blocks are only 6 inches square, which is not a particularly large block, but naturally, the more pieces, the more complex - for me, the more interesting.  Block 60 only has 17 pieces in it, so it went together easily.  With less pieces, it usually means there are larger pieces, and I always try to showcase some of the larger prints in my stash for these blocks. This time I have used the "Apple Snaps" Mama Said Sew Collection by Sweetwater.


Somerset Shirtings c 1890 by Windham Fabrics

One of the other fabrics I have used in this block is a traditional design from the 1890s, Somerset  Shirtings by Windham Fabrics, which I picked up from the Cotton and Chocolate Quilt Company in California, USA.  It is a  tiny little red motif on a cream background - perfect for my Nearly Insane quilt, and I think you might be seeing it a lot more in the forthcoming blocks as it goes so well with everything.

NUMBER OF PIECES: 17
DIFFICULTY: 2/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Square, 7/8" (23mm) x 7/8" (3mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Triangle 4 1/4" (108mm) x 3" (75mm)  x 3 (75mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS: 
Cream Pinking Shears (5498-22) "Mama Said Sew" Collection by Sweetwater for Moda
Quilters Basics Red and White, StofSomerset Shirtings c 1890 by Julie Hendrickson and Nancy Gere, Windham Fabrics # 35205
Cream on Apple Red Snaps (5497-11)  "Mama Said Sew" Collection by Sweetwater for Moda


 

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 13

After the challenges of Block 43 , it was a relief to knock Block 13 off in a short time, with just nine pieces.  They were lovely BIG pieces, they were also lovely and SQUARE. I guess the variety in this quilt is what makes it so interesting!


Block 13 Nearly Insane Quilt

Another Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater (Moda) showcase.  The red and cream cross hatch fabric is slowly becoming a favourite, having featured in quite a few of the blocks. 

I have made a start on the next block, which is Block 80, but have already made the next random draw, which I will let you know about in my next post, as I needed to get ahead with some cutting out.  It takes a bit of time to decide on the colour schemes, to cut out the paper templates, and fabric pieces for each block, and I tend to have more time to do this at the weekend.  Its great knowing that there is a good stream of hand piecing ready to do for when I am travelling about.

NUMBER OF PIECES: 9
DIFFICULTY: 1/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Square, 1 1/2" (38mm) x 1 1/2" (38mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Rectangle 6" (152mm) x 3/4" (19mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS: 
Apple Red on Cream Sewing Guide Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater for Moda  #5490 11
Cream Bias Check Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater for Moda  #5495 11
Lazy Daisy Red by "Mama Said Sew" Collection by Sweetwater for Moda  #5494 21

Joining Up with Finish Up Friday!

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 71 Chimney Sweep / Album Block

The spring flowers are starting to show their faces, especially with the first few days of warm spring weather, so I thought I would capture the moment with Block 71 against some 'Tête-à-tête' in the garden.


Block 71 Nearly Insane Quilt, Spring 2013

For Block 71 of the Nearly Insane Quilt, I have used just two fabric colourways, both spots, to build up this block which is constructed similar to using bricks to build a wall. With the right colour choice, this cross pattern emerges, but I guess you could equally use different scraps for each piece, for a really scrappy looking quilt block, which would be fun.

This block has already escaped a few dodgy moments during its early life. Its little 'travel' bag slipped during a car journey and all the pieces fell out across the car. It was only when the block was together that I breathed a sign of relief, knowing I had not lost any. 


Suzi the Cat inspects Block 71, Nearly Insane Quilt

Then I took the block for Suzi to inspect.  She took particular interest in this one and was keen to test how robust it was.  Unfortunately, I had to step in before she was able to complete her quality control process.  She loves the crunch of the paper used in the English Paper Piecing method - perhaps a little too much. 

Suzi the Cat inspects Block 71

So far I don't seem to have reached the 'insanity' of this quilt - YET.  I know it is still to come, but this block was easy.

PS: Surely, THIS block must have a name!
( Edit: Sandie at has identified this block as an Album Block, which could be added to a quilt with space for signature.  A little further research has uncovered that it is also called 'Chimney Sweep' block. Thanks for your contribution)

NUMBER OF PIECES: 29
DIFFICULTY: 1/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle, 1" (25mm) x 1 11/16" (17mm) x 1 11/16" (17mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Rectangle 3 1/8" (77mm) x 1" (25mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:  Apple Red Snaps #5497 Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater for Moda
"Polka Party Petite" (Buttercream) "Lakehouse Dayz" Collection by Holly Holderman, Lakehouse Drygoods (LH05037)

Joining up with Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times and Connie over at Freemotion By the River to share my progress on my Nearly Insane Quilt.

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 21

With the quick win of Block 91, I was eager to move on to the next Nearly Insane Quilt block, so made sure a few of my pre-prepared kits were packed in my bag before I left for work this week.  Block 21 was the next choice from my latest Nearly Insane Lucky Draw. During my lunch hours I was able to tack all the fabric around the paper pieces that I had cut out, and piece them together.  No problems with this block, as the construction was very straightforward, with just 25 pieces.  It felt like it came together in no time at all.  These fabrics are from the 'Mama Said Sew' Collection by Sweetwater for Moda.  This is the second block complete, and on my side bar I have added a picture of the whole quilt, so you can see my progress as I go along.

Block 21 Nearly Insane Quilt - English Paper Pieced

When I am at the early stages of a scrappy project, I am always keen to make sure I have a wide selection of fabrics, so you can imagine how excited I was when visiting Freemotion By the River today, to see that Connie is hosting a Giveaway, which is a charm pack, 'Ruby' by Bonnie and Camille for Moda.  This pretty fabric collection has a lovely fresh colour scheme, which includes some RED and WHITE fabrics ... I think I could give a good home to them.  Well, enough of that, or you all might enter.  To quickly change the subject, like all the others, this block does not have an official name, does anyone recognise it? 

Block 21 Nearly Insane Quilt - English Paper Pieced

NUMBER OF PIECES: 25
SMALLEST PIECE: Square, 1/2" (12.5mm) x 1/2" (12.5mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Triangle, 2" (50mm) x 2" (50mm) x 2 13/16" (71mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
"Red Hoops" (5493-31), "Cream Hoops" (5493-12), "Apple Red on Cream Pinking Shears" (5498-31), "Cream on Apple Red Snaps" (5497-11) all the "Mama Said Sew" Collection by Sweetwater for Moda

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 91

Nearly Insane Quilt Block 91, English Paper Piecing

With all the preparation to do the Nearly Insane Quilt, the anticipation for starting had built up into quite a big thing. I thought I would break myself in easily with attempting one of the edge half blocks, Block 91. Overall it did not take too much time.  The tacking can be done quite quickly, and this block came together really easily, in total just a couple of hours of hand sewing at most.

Block 91, Nearly Insane Quilt, Paper Templates

As a half block, it only had 18 pieces, and I was only using two different contrasting fabrics.  The little pieces seem very little, with the seams taking up more fabric than the actual piece on some.  It is tempting to have the seams in proportion to the piece, but you do need the full 1/4" to make the seams more secure. I believe there are much smaller pieces to come.

Nearly Insane Quilt Block 91, English Paper Piecing (Reverse)

As I am English Paper Piecing it, I have not removed the papers yet, and knowing me, I won't do that until the entire quilt (or at least the centre) is put together, so bear with the green tacking thread, I know it is going to become a close friend in the foreseeable future.

NUMBER OF PIECES: 18
DIFFICULTY: 1/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle, 5/8" (16mm) x 5/8" (16mm) x 7/8" (22mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Rectangle, 2.5" (63mm) x 1.25" (31mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
"Polka Party Petite" (Buttercream) "Lakehouse Dayz" Collection by Holly Holderman, Lakehouse Drygoods (LH05037)
"Lazy Daisy Red" by "Mama Said Sew" Collection by Sweetwater for Moda (M 5494 21)