Summer Winds

Summer winds sound so nice right now.  This past week has been unusually hot and humid and I think a cool summer breeze sounds wonderful.  This next week is a holiday week and it sounds to be just as hot as the last.

Can you see the half-square triangles and the flying geese?  I remember starting at the beginning of the year and hating both of those, now they are my favorite things to piece.  Once a person gets the hang of them they are such an asset.  This is block number 182 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

English Ivy

When I was younger I would dream about having a brick house that had English ivy growing on it...of course it would also be in the country on a great estate.  When I was that age I also didn't realized how much work it would be to have an estate or how large of an income it would take to own one.

I finally got my English Ivy, and the best part is that I don't have to trim it and it didn't cost me much at all, just about a 1/2 hour of my time.  It did also allow me to dream once again about that estate with the brick house and the English Ivy growing up the side.  This is block number 181 of 366 and it is a 6-inch block.  I'm linking with Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

White House and 9-Patch Link Up

I had to do another red, white, and blue block because it is, after all, the white house, and it just seems to be that time of year.

As I am not real crazy about the plain white blocks, I think they would be the perfect space for a little embroidery or some applique.  But, there are 9-patches in here so it is perfect for today's link up.  This is block 180 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.

I had to make some more 9-patch blocks today too.  This time I had the extra 2-1/4 inches left on the one strip set so I just reversed the color order and got an extra block.  I've got 31 finished so far.  I'm going to leave the link open until Sunday, so even if you just have your fabric or pattern, link up.  We would all love to see what you are working on.  Remember also, there is always the Facebook page too.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

State House

Since it is almost the Fourth of July and since this block is called State House, I figured I should use red, white, and blue.

Its all four patches tonight and half-square triangles.  This is block number 179 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  Have you been working on your 9-patches and are you ready to link up tomorrow so we can see your progress?  I'm linking with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Bridle Path

I just noticed this is bridle path, not bridal path.  Interesting.  I also find it interesting what a person can do with eight 9-patches and eight half-square triangles.  I find it so intriguing how a person can change the look so much with fabric choices and placement.

I look at this one way and I see all the 9-patches, I look at it another way and I see the big star, and yet a different way and I see a big X.  Definitely a striking block that could make an amazing quilt.  This is block number 178 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.

I have some more 9-patch combinations.  I've made five of each combination and so far I've done five different fabric choices so I'm at 25 finished 9-patches so far.  I definitely think this is going to be a bright and happy quilt.  I'm linking with Fabric Tuesday and Quilting By The River.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Odd Fellows Chain

Today's block is another one of those great big blocks.  I love stars, but when you start getting all these bias edges and they just keep getting bigger and bigger sometimes they can be a bit of a pain the further into the block you get.

If I were naming this block I'd have to go with something like radiating star or star bright.  Once again I'm sure there is a reason for it being called Odd Fellows Chain, but I can't imagine what that would be.  This is block number 177 of 366 and it is a 16-inch block.  Do you realize that six months from today is Christmas?  It was a beautiful day here today and I just cannot imagine snow and cold, but before we know it, it will be that time again.  All the more reason to enjoy these sunny, warm days.  I'm linking with Design Wall Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

World's Fair Block

All I could think about as I photographed this block is all the fun patterns a person could make using this block.  If you kept the same colors it could go one way, if you varied the colors for different rows...oh the possibilities.  It is all 4-patches so they sew up quickly.

This is a 12-inch block and is number 176 of 366.  

Stash Report....

Used this week:  Nothing to count yet
Used year to date:  7.5 yards
Added to this week:  3 yards
Added to year to date: 100.00 yards
Net used for 2012:  -93.25 

I didn't add anything and I've been cutting and sewing 9-patches like mad.  Sometimes it is so hard to wait to count it until it is finished...but then again, I'm finishing something as well as using fabric so really I should be counting my finished projects too. :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sunny Lanes

Okay, I know I keep saying I love these blocks, but in all honesty I do tell you when there is a block that isn't my favorite.  This one I could definitely see making a lot of and having it on my bed.  It is just a "sunny" and happy block.

Can you imagine the fun pattern with these as you turn the blocks?  This is a 12-inch block and is number 175 of 366.  I spent some time today cutting more strips and sewing a few more 9-patches.  It is exciting to see the new fabric combinations.  I started thinking today that I'm enjoying these 9-patches so much I might actually make a quilt or two for Christmas with them.  :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

One Union Square and More 9-Patches

I really enjoyed this block tonight.  I hope that I have some scraps left of these fabrics or I'm able to find more at the end of the year so I can make whole quilts with some of these blocks.

If nothing else this will make a nice pillow.  This is block number 174 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.

I made another five 9-patch blocks tonight.  I wonder if it is a bad thing if you wake up thinking about possible color combinations for 9-patches, or if getting up an hour early to cut strips for 9-patches is a bad thing?  :)  Have you checked out the Meadowbrook Facebook page?  Merrilee added some pictures of the fabrics she will be using.  They are so pretty it got me thinking about another possible quilt.  I'm linking with Can I Get A Whoop Whoop?  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Bow Tie and 9-Patch Quilt Along

First things first.  Today's block wasn't supposed to look like it has a pinwheel in the middle, but by placing the fabric as I did, I have one, which was a pleasant surprise.

This is a 6-inch block and is number 173 of 366.  I can see that the half way point is getting closer and closer.  Although I'm happy about that, that means that we are getting further into the summer, and I'm enjoying the weather, albeit hot, I'm still enjoying the sunshine.

Now for some 9-patches.  I did mine this morning so I could time how long it took me to make these.  I did take some time to put fabrics together for about 6 different combinations so that took me a bit longer, but I did finish these five in 40 minutes.  Now, I have extra strips cut so I won't have to do that the next time I use these fabrics, and I did use the strip method that I demonstrated on the 9-patch tab above.  I'm excited to see what you have accomplished so far.  If you haven't started, what's holding you up?  Link up and show us what you've done.  Please also link back here so others can get some ideas to start their own.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Mr. Roosevelt's Necktie And A Button

All day I kept looking at this block and thought it looked more like a dog bone than a bow tie, but you know, when you use the right fabrics, it does look like a bow tie.

Kind of.  This is block number 172 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  

It only took me an hour and half to figure out how to make a blog button, but I finally did..and as I don't know yet how to get the link part to show here correctly, go to the side bar and grab one and put it on your blog.  :)  Remember, tomorrow is the day to show your progress, even if it is just picking out fabrics, or saying that you are planning on joining, so link up.  There are people who are on the fence about starting, but just need a little inspiration.  That is where you come in, by showing what you are working on you may inspire someone else to start a quilt.  If you don't have a blog, follow the Meadowbrook Facebook page and post your pictures there.  And for those of you not participating, you can always follow the Meadowbrook FB page to get even more inspiration.  I'm linking with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Train

I think with this block you need to use a little imagination.  Remember, it is made from 2-inch squares and half-square triangles...and I do not have any blacks or grays in this fabric line, although even if there were I'm not fond of black smoke billowing out of a train.  So, I improvised.  If you look at it from a distance it does somewhat resemble a train.

There are only 86 pieces in this 12-inch block and it is block number 171 of 366.  I had to hurry a bit to finish it as the day kind of got away from me.  I'm linking with Fabric Tuesday and Quilting by the River. Happy Stitching!! (Are you working on those 9-patches?)

 --Kristen

Barrister's Block and 9-Patch Quilt Along

Happy Monday!  I've had a great day and it is still early.  Usually it is almost midnight by the time I get around to posting.  

Today's block is all half-square triangles so it really didn't take long to piece at all.  It reminds me of crowns for some reason.  It is a 12-inch block and is number 170 of 366.

Last night while reading blogs I found this site...Crazy Mom Quilts.  I love this quilt and the best part, she did it as a quilt along doing a 9-patch a day, and along her side bar she has the fabric requirements and instructions to finish it.  So this is the one I am going to do first.  Of course I have four I think I want to do now, but I am going to start with one, and I'm going to double the size of it.

The fabrics I will be using for my 9-patches are from the Amelia line by Me and My Sister Designs.  Do you have your fabrics chosen?  Are you ready to start cutting and sewing your 9-patch a day or two a day or seven one day a week?  I will post the linky here on Thursdays so you can show us what you have accomplished for the week.  Please don't be shy about showing your work, we all love to be inspired by what you are working on.  If you don't have a blog, "like" my Facebook page on the side bar and post them there.  I am going to start to be more active on there, and I can't wait to see what you come up with.  This isn't a race, it is just something fun to work towards.  I know so many of you would love to finish a bed-sized quilt and this is honestly attainable.  I am linking today with Manic Monday and Design Wall Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Bright Hopes

Just the name of this block brings a smile to my face.  I chose the fabrics, and then I sat down and tried to figure out how to sew this block together.  I figured it out!  Is it tricky? Yes it is.  Did I get frustrated with it?  No I did not.  Did I have to stop and start sewing with each strip and then come back to finish the strip...yes I did.

This is a 9-inch block and is number 169 of 366.  This block would make a wonderful child's quilt.  Oh the possibilities.  A person could even fussy cut the center with a fun fabric and you could play match game with the objects in the centers.  I was fortunate enough to spend Father's Day with my husband and son doing things we all love to do, and I also got to spend time with my father and father-in-law.  I'm so thankful for all the fathers in my life.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Brave World

Today was such a fun-filled day.  It was day three of the Minnesota Quilt Show which was held in Rochester this year!  I wait four years for it to be held here again and this year I actually got to take a class with Darlene Zimmerman.  Darlene is the Feed Sack Lady and her class did not disappoint.  I learned how to do scalloped borders, wavy borders, and she even covered finishing hexagon quilts.  The scalloped borders and binding will work for my double wedding ring which is really exciting.

Today's block is a 10-inch block and is number 168 of 366.  Just by changing the placement of the quarters of the block I discovered I could have a white square in the middle instead of a pinwheel.  There is always something to learn.  I will have pictures tomorrow of some of the amazing quilts at the show, and I purchased some great new tools to use.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wheel of Fortune

My grandparents always used to watch Wheel of Fortune every weekday from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.  They would call us before or after the show, but not during.  I don't know if the show is actually on anymore, but it was always fun to see who could guess the phrase or word first.  It always seemed like the contestants never guessed the right letter, and we just knew if we were on it we would win it all.  (I have a feeling everyone thought that until they got on the show).

I don't think this block was named for the television show, but it was made with half-square triangles and flying geese units so it was fun for me.  It is a 10-inch block and it is number 167 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Good Luck

Today's block is so simple it is almost embarrassing.  It took 2 minutes to cut and two minutes to sew...I guess if you need a really simple block this is it.  And it would make a great baby quilt.  I'm wondering what it would look like if you turned each block, or if you lined up all the colored strips.  Hmmm...guess I might need to make a few more to find out. :)

Yeah...pretty simple.  :)  This is block number 166 of 366 (only 200 to go!!!).  It is a 6-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Old Maid's Ramble

This is an interesting block, and that is probably mainly because I thought I would be doing all half-square triangles and it would be so easy to just whip those out and make this block.  I was wrong.  Since it uses a square cut diagonally twice for the triangles I thought I could do this fancy sewing method and just make two cuts and it would be done...I was wrong again.  You have to use the outsides of the square cut twice diagonally to make the half-square triangles.  I've probably lost you now, but you know what?  When I finished this block I loved it.

Putting the triangles together wasn't such an issue either, it was getting them to face the right direction that was a bit of a problem.  But like I said, now that it is finished, I'm really happy with it.  Imagine this as a whole quilt, the triangles would look like they are moving.  I love quilts like that.  Another thing, accurate cutting and a 1/4-inch seam allowance are musts for this block.  This is block number 165 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.  I am linking with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Old Maid's Puzzle

It is nice to every once in a while do a block that you really do not have to think about.  This is one of those blocks.  Deciding what fabrics to use took the most time.

This is block number 164 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  Have you been thinking about the 9-patch quilt along?  I have my fabrics all ready to start cutting on Monday.  Yesterday's block really got my friend and I thinking that we need to make that into a quilt too.  So, it seems I have no shortage of projects again.  Hopefully I will get motivated this week and get something finished...that stash report is getting to me (as in I just love adding to the used fabric list).  I'm linking with Fabric Tuesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

True Lover's Knot

The first time I ever made a log cabin block was when I started doing these blocks everyday, and I'm slowly but surely becoming a big fan of them.

Once all the strips were cut and lined up by size, it was easy to piece them together.  If I were making a whole quilt out of this block they would be quick to chain piece and press all at the same time.  I am definitely thinking that some day a log cabin quilt will be in my future.  This is block number 163 of 366 and it is an 11-inch block.  I am linking with Design Wall Monday and Manic Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Lover's Lane

Today kind of got away from me again.  It might have something to do with being exceptionally sleep deprived, I thought I sat down to watch a few minutes of television, and it turned out I slept through 3-1/2 hours of TV.  Some days are like that, and I guess I needed some sleep.  Now I will probably be up half the night wide awake!

Today's block is all half-square triangles, and for as many of them as there are, it was not difficult to piece. I would LOVE a bed-sized quilt in this pattern, but I'm afraid I would be cross eyed by the time I finished it.  This is block number 162 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.

Stash Report....

Used this week:  3.5 yards
Used year to date:  7.5 yards
Added to this week:  3 yards
Added to year to date: 100.00 yards
Net used for 2012:  -93.25


Yep, great progress here...I used a half yard more than I purchased.  But at least I have some used fabric to add to my report.  Well, I'm off to find some other project to work on...I'm wide awake.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Love In A Tangle

I messed it up...do you see it?  If you don't it is because I already fixed it and edited this post.  I turned two half-square triangles the wrong way.

One must pay closer attention when adding multiple half-square triangles going different directions (and start before 10:30 p.m.)  :) This is block number 161 of 366 and it is a 13-1/2 inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wandering Lover

When I typed this title I had to giggle...how many people do you think are going to get here via Google and aren't going to find what they are looking for?  :)  

I have to wonder if people saw my reaction some mornings when I flip my calendar what they would think. I work from home and usually I flip it right before I sit down to work.  Sometime during the day I look at the cutting measurements, and then I try to process how I am going to piece it and how long it is going to take me.  Yeah, the 1-1/2 inch half square triangles gave me a few heart palpitations this morning.

I love miniature quilts, and I've attempted a few in my time, but they usually don't end up well, or should I tell the truth, they up in the trash.  I did remember reading somewhere that you should shorten your stitch length when sewing smaller pieces.  I tried that tonight and it worked.  This is block 160 of 366 and it is a 9-inch block.

I thought I'd give you some links for 9-patch quilts in case you were thinking about joining the 9-Patch Quilt Along, but didn't know where to start.  You can find this free pattern here in the Moda Bake Shop.  I had ideas already for two quilts, and I'm thinking I'm going to have to add this one to my list too.  Tonight it is still early and it is HOT outside, so I think it is time to head back to the sewing room to see what I can work on.  I'm linking with Can I Get A Whoop Whoop?  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Doves In The Window

Some nights I really don't think much about the fabrics I'm going to use, and tonight was one of those nights.  I had a few strips on my cutting table that were the right size, so I used them, and what happened was wonderful!

I hope you can see how well these fabrics go together.  It is a just a happy block..which made me wish I was going to have a whole quilt made with these fabrics.  Isn't it sweet how sometimes the things with the least amount of thought or worry put into them turn out to be our favorites.  This is block 159 of 366 and it is a 14-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Bachelor's Puzzle And A 9-Patch Tutorial

Today's block has some more 9-patch blocks in it and half-square triangles which means it was a nice block for me to piece.

How's this for an odd size, it is an 11-1/4 inch block...that is going to work with a lot of other blocks?! It is number 158 of 366.

As I was piecing my 9-patches I thought I should show you just how easy they are to piece (just in case you are on the fence about joining the quilt along).  I start by cutting my strips and sew three strips into one, always pressing towards the darker fabric.  This is where it is very important to have a good 1/4"  seam allowance.  If you don't, your strips will bow.  I also always cut my 42" strips in half as when I start sewing strips that long together, I sometimes have a problem keeping my 1/4" seam allowance.

I then cut the strips into smaller pieces that measure the same width of my first individual strips (in this case I am working with 1-1/4" pieces).

Here is where the pressing becomes important.  By having the seams pressed in opposite directions they work together when you sew them (you can click on the picture to make it bigger).

And before you know it you have four 9-patch blocks.  See how quick and simple it is to piece these?  You can have a quilt made in little to no time!  The information for the 9-patch quilt along is here.  I'm linking with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Steps To The Alter, A Finish, And a 9-Patch Quilt

Today's block is another version of a 9-patch.  Even though it doesn't have the traditional nine little squares together, the completed block is a 9-patch.

This is number 157 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.

I'm so excited to have finished this quilt.  This is one of the quilts I had started machine quilting and decided I didn't like so I took all the quilting out.  It still isn't perfect, but I am happy with it.  Instead of quilting the flowers free motion, I used my walking foot.  It kept my stitches even and if you go just the right speed it works.  I will say this though, it takes practice.  I drew the flowers on a piece of plain muslin and practiced on that before working on the quilt.  Yeah, a finish!!!

I thought I'd show you a picture of a small 9-patch quilt I made a long time ago (it has to be at least 14 years ago).  Before I could even get a photo Benny decided he would love to lay on it.  Usually this quilt is hung over the back of a bench by our door.

On this photo you can see that it is a very simple 9-patch, and I quilted it very simply.  It wouldn't take long at all to make this into a bed-sized quilt.  Today if I wanted it quilted simply, I would just stitch in the ditch.  Let me know if you are interested in the 9-patch quilt along. This is just one way to use them, and of course different fabrics would make a completely different quilt.  I'm linking with Fabric Tuesday and Quilting By The River.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Contrary Wife

The name for this block is interesting.  This is a variation on a 9-patch block, and I love 9-patch blocks.

This block was fun, and I kind of took it in a different direction with the fabrics. It is block number 156 of 366 and it is a 9-inch block.  It is well known that I love 9-patches and quilts made with them.  It also seems that every time I turn around anymore I'm seeing a different pattern using them...

Bonnie Hunter has a pattern in the new Quiltmaker magazine.

And Fons and Porter have a bonus pattern using 9-patches in the new Scrap Quilts magazine, which got me to thinking about a quilt along I wanted to join a couple of years ago, but never got to.  They made a 9-patch a day for the entire summer.  The best thing about 9-patch blocks is that you can use any size strips to make them.  You could use a jelly roll, or they are great for using up scraps.  So, what I am wondering is if anyone would be interesting in doing a 9-patch quilt along.  You can do whatever pattern you want, it can be modern or traditional, you can plan your colors or use scraps, and you can make it as big or small as you want.  What I'm looking for now is to see if there is any interest in doing it or not.  I started a Facebook page so if you don't have a blog, you can show your blocks there...I could also do a linky party one day a week to show your progress.  It would be all up to you how much you participated.  If you would like to participate, please leave me a comment or send me an email.  I may be doing this myself, but the best thing about 9-patch blocks, they can be quilted very easily or as intricately as you wish.  I would like to start by Monday, June 18 and aim for the first weekend in September to finish.  I'm linking with Judy for Design Wall Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wedding March

So much for one block today...this one is made up of 12 smaller blocks to make an 18-inch block and includes 48 half-square triangles.  I actually ended up taking a nap half way through it. :)

This is block number 155 of 366.  I keep thinking that only a few more of these big blocks and I could have a bed sized quilt made in no time.

Stash Report....

Used this week:  0 yards
Used year to date:  4 yards
Added to this week:  1.50 yards
Added to year to date: 97.00 yards
Net used for 2012:  -93.75  


I was so hoping to have a finished quilt tonight, but instead I spent about 4 hours this weekend taking quilting out of a quilt instead of finishing it. The worst part, after I started over it seems I'm going to have to do some more quilting removal before it is finished.  That is part of learning I guess, but it is so disappointing.  I'm not giving up yet though.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Bridal Wreath

When I flipped the calendar this morning at 8 a.m. I almost passed out.  I was so thankful we had an early soccer game and really no plans for the rest of the day...which was definitely a good thing because it took me almost 8 hours to finish this block.  No it isn't perfect, but today that is okay.  I love this little block, and since I spent almost 6 hours thinking about how I was going to do this (because there were no instructions or measurements for the circle), I thought I'd show you how I finally figured out how to make it.

I started out by cutting a piece of freezer paper the size of the finished block (6 inches).  

I then folded the freezer paper in half twice.

I used my son's compass to make two arcs, the first was at 2-1/2 inches, the second at 2 inches.

I then cut the arcs out (remember it is like cutting a snowflake, you don't want to have the folds on the top).  I then had a 5-inch circle.

I ironed the freezer paper to my fabric and cut it out, also cutting the inside curves to make it easier to press.

I then folded my background fabric in half twice marking the center.

At last I lined up my circle on the background fabric centering it with the folds.

Here is my finished block.  It is number 154 of 366 and it is a 6-inch block.  Like I said before it isn't perfect, but I am really happy with it.  I think I'm most happy with the fact that I figured out how to get a circle that worked.  I can't wait to use this block, as I know I'm going to smile when I see it, always remembering that I actually figured it out on my own! :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen