Monday, January 21, 2019

Pat Sloan's Sew Along

 Finished for 2018!  From Pat Sloan "Merry and Bright"
Christmas blocks.
Her block instructions are simple and easy to follow.

She has two more 2019 quilt alongs

"A Flower Bouquet" began January 2 and runs
through May 15--she leaves each block on the website.
here is my version:

Third block--This series is out every Wednesday!

"Out of This World" is the other BOM
She is running this for several weeks
Both are very interesting blocks and it's 
a 'bite' at a time--you'll finish in
no time!

Below is my version of the block: 
There is no space fabric in my stash but I did
find a blueprint of old airplanes--just perfect
for out of this world technology!



Saturday, January 19, 2019

So Many, So Little Time.....................

I should NOT be web surfing!!  I have enough to do on my list--then I come across these other interesting block of the months--That are not on the Kim's listing:

A real stash buster from A Quilting Life--2019 BOM
using half square triangles!  You can choose from 8" or 12" blocks for
this quilt challenge.  In January, you complete 3 blocks, 2 blocks
each month thereafter.

INterested in stitching?  Here is a cool free pattern
from Needle and Thread--love her work!



has added so many free hat patterns to her page!  She is a genius
in knitted hat construction!  Check out some of her fabulous designs
and knit away!





Join Pam Buda at Heartspun Quilts to make nine
patch blocks--just a few nine patches will become this
adorable quilt below--a scrap buster for sure!
This begins March 1

You can also join their 1880 club to exchange with
other quilters.

How about some woolwork?  Buttermilk Basin
is hosting a monthly free pattern for their mystery 
block of the month!

And if you are so inclined, please consider making a couple or more
house blocks that will go into quilts for California fire victims:

Check out Humble Quilts for further information.
It certainly has been a year of disasters--we as fiber folks like
to assist anyway we can..... give from your heart and hands!




Thursday, January 17, 2019

Bucket List............

I don't make bucket lists--on paper that is!
I might have a bucket list in my head, but
it's not something I check off .

bucket list for quilters.  This list will be updated with
each of their issues.  Here is a starter for you, if
you are so inclined....you can go to their website
for a printable list.
Good luck!!

1. Use acrylic or paper templates to piece a block.
2. Donate a pillowcase to charity. (Add it to our online counter: AllPeopleQuilt.com/donate.)
3. Organize your fabrics and scraps.
4. Change your needle/replace your rotary cutter blade/clean your machine.
5. Identify a problem area in your sewing space and find a solution.
6. Attend a quilt guild meeting in your area.
7. Sew accurately using foundation piecing.
8. For one week, set aside 20 minutes a day to sew.
9. Sew a quilt using only your scraps and stash.
10. Get topsy-turvy with curved piecing.
11. Take a quilting class (in person or online).
12. Read the pattern completely before starting the project.
13. Submit a reader tip to our magazine at apqtips@meredith.com.
14. Take your handwork to a surprising location.
15. Join a fun quilt-along.
16. Creatively piece your quilt backing.
17. Go on a quilt retreat.
18. Machine-sew a decorative stitch sample.
19. Label a quilt. (Don’t forget your name and the date!)
20. Take a picture/journal about each quilt you make this year.
21. Assemble a pincushion. (Cross this off with Wool Welcome by Roseann Meehan Kermes in the February issue.)
22. Sew a quilt for charity.
23. Meet your quilting hero (in person or online).
24. Make a quilt using only solids.
25. Slow down and hand-quilt.
26. Make a bed-size quilt, then snuggle under it.
27. Attend a national quilt show.
28. Read your sewing machine manual.
29. Change out all your quilts for a new season.
30. Visit a new quilt shop (with your best quilting buddies).
31. Try English paper piecing.
32. Explore a quilt museum.
33. Safely wash and store your quilts.
34. Finish a Christmas project before December.
35. Splurge on a quilting tool you’ve been eyeing.
36. Quilt your own project. (You can do it!)
37. Stay calm when you realize you’ve run out of bobbin thread while sewing.
38. Add a little (or a lot) of appliqué to a project. (Cross this off with Down to Earth by Deanne Eisenman in the February issue.)
39. Post a photo of a quilt you’re proud of on social media.
40. Learn a new embroidery stitch.
41. Go on a shop hop.
42. For a week, spend 3 minutes picking up your work space after each sewing session.
43. Teach someone to sew.
44. Finish a UFO.
45. Make a two-color quilt.
46. Take part in a block exchange or swap fabric with a friend. (Cross this off with Shared History by Jo Morton in the February issue.)
47. Alter a pattern to a size or colorway you like. (See color options in each issue for inspiration.)
48. Make a ________________________ quilt. (Fill in with a quilt you want to make.)
49. Make a ________________________ quilt. (Fill in with a quilt you want to make.)
50. Make a ________________________ quilt. (Fill in with a quilt you want to make.)

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Just 357--That's All



Yes, all it takes is 357--3.5" blocks!
That's it!  Just 357!

"Wild Goose Wednesday" beginning 
tomorrow--a sew along to create this 60"x75"
quilt.  The original quilt is titled


The above quilt was paper pieced but this quilt along
will be machine quilted.
I'm thinking that it could be a leader-ender project.


Sunday, January 13, 2019

Graceful Words--Wool Work

I need some new banners for my hangers and then
this came along--

We are just starting this Stitch A Long. It is called “Graceful Words” and this is month #1. Pattern will be a FREE download for 30 days on the Wool Appliqué FB page only! Each month,  a FREE download. Kits are $14.99 per month plus shipping and handling. All wool, homespun backing and embellishments included! You can sign up for Auto-Ship on my website Calico Patch Designs

Another chance to use your stitching knowledge.

Friday, January 11, 2019

Head and Hands............................................and Maybe, Feet!

Coverings for Head, Hands and Feet--a theme for January.......... I love knitting!  I love to knit hats, FLG (Fingerless Gloves) and sometimes, I love knitting socks.  Well, give me a mystery knit and I'm sucker for sure.............

For the head, I'm knitting.................
Thistle Cap--Feministy designer  LIZ ABINANTE.

Thistle Cap is a unisex hat that is quick to knit and fun to wear – 
Sizes
  • Infant (0–6 months), 16.5”/42cm circumference
  • Toddler (6–18 months), 18.5”/47cm circumference
  • Child / Women’s Small, 20”/51cm circumference
  • Women’s Medium, 22”/56cm circumference
  • Women’s Large / Men’s Small, 23”/58cm circumference
  • Men’s Medium, 25”/63.5cm circumference
  • Men’s Large, 26”/66cm circumference
  • All sizes require less than 180 yards aran weight yarn.
The free version of the pattern includes one size (23”/58cm). Click here to download the free version (v1).




For the Hands.............
Shhhhhh--It's a mystery designered by Dots Dabbles--
(you can find this free pattern now on Ravelry, of course!)
unisex FLG featuring stranded colorwork--oh, boy--
I'm not so good with that element, but willing to try.


And for the feet............

Rye Light by Tin Can Knits
sizingBaby (Toddler, Child, Adult S, M, L)
Finished measurements (unstretched):
Cuff: 5 (5.75, 6.5, 7.25, 8.25, 9)" around
Leg (adjustable): 4 (6.5, 8, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5)"
Foot (adjustable): 4 (6, 7.5, 9, 10, 11.25)"
materials150 (175, 200, 250, 300, 350) yds in DK / worsted wt yarn (child, adult S, adult L samples shown in Plucky Sweater in 'nova', 'princess phone' and chocolate s'more')
gauge22 sts and 30 rounds / 4" in stockinette stitch using larger needles
suggested needlesUS #3 / 3.25mm dpns (or circ for magic loop)
US #5 / 3.75mm dpns (or circ for magic loop)
(or as required to meet gauge)
notesSEE FULL TUTORIAL HERE Knit 'top-down', these socks are cast on at the cuff, then worked in the round to the heel.
The heel is formed by working the heel flap back and forth in rows, then the heel turn is shaped by short rows which decrease and 'turn' the corner.
Stitches are picked up along the sides of the heel flap, the work is joined into the round again, and the gusset is worked in decreasing rounds.
The foot is worked in the round to the toe which is shaped decreases, then seamed closed using kitchener stitch (also known as grafting).


Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Let's Stitch........................

We are beginning a new year with a clean slate--
new challenges to face each day.
If you like to hand stitch, here is a perfect challenge for
you.
Allie Oops has begun a new Facebook group where she
features free (Yes, free!) designs.  Since Craftsy has been
sold, many of the designers are losing their creations and
have resorted to other means to get their work published.
Check out the Allie Oops Designs group on FB and join--
here you will find delightful designs to hand stitch.

I'm combining Allie's designs with another FB group--
TAST--Take A Stitch Tuesday--a new stitch is given
for you to use for your stitching--a learning process
as well.


It's Time--

 It’s time to think about greeting cards I’ll send out this year.  Most years, if I’m not feeling pressed, I’ll create my own cards.  One ye...