Wednesday, October 23, 2013

New Pattern Collection

 
Tomorrow I leave for the Fall '13
International Quilt Market in Houston.
I'm flying and have LOTS of stuff to take for
my booth so the laptop is staying home.
That means my blog readers will have the
first peek at the new designs.
 
This is Stars Hollow.
 
 
Floral Park

 
Summerside

 
I have been back at work with wool felt.
 
Grand Isle

 
Avalon

 
Petaluma
 
The patterns are up on the website and you
can order by just emailing me:
 
 
 
Wholesale orders are available through me
or from Checker Distributors.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Cotton Boll

Cotton Boll

 
Hi!  If you enjoy this blog, please become
a follower, I need to know if anyone is out
there using these tutorials!  And pop on over
to the American Homestead blog and see what
is going on in my life.  All the best!  ~ Ellen
 
 

This is a block that you have to think of
as a 4-patch, then it is easy.


Cut 4 - 2 7/8" squares and cut on diagonal.


Cut 4 rectangles 3 3/8" x 7".
Use the same fabric for all 4 or
2 of one and 2 of another, the
choice is yours.
On the back, draw a line in the center.


Place the diagonal line on a square
ruler on top of the drawn line and
the point of the angle on the edge
of the fabric.  Cut excess triangles off.


Place long edge of small triangles
right sides together on long edge of
rectangles.  Overlap the point of the
triangle by 1/4" and sew.  Repeat to
the other side.


This is an important step for
precise points.  Press the triangle
seams of 2 rectangles to the inside
and the seams of the other 2 rectangles
to the outside.  If using rectangles of
the same color, just do 2 and 2.  If  using
2 different fabrics, press Fabric A
seams to the inside and Fabric B
 seams to the outside.


Square up the pointed edge
of rectangle as shown.


Now square up opposite side
of rectangle, unit should measure
to a 4 1/2" square.


Layout units as shown and sew
together in 2 rows.  Now this is
where the pressing of the seams
comes into play.  As you pin the seam
before sewing, take care to "lock" the
seams together at the mid section
of the seam.


By pressing and taking care you
will get very precise points.


On the two units press the
seams in opposite directions.


Sew final seam of block and
press seam open to reduce bulk.


Square block to 8 1/2".


Here is one I did using the
same fabric for the rectangles.

The Hands of Strangers

 

 
Hi!  If you enjoy this blog, please become
a follower, I need to know if anyone is out
there using these tutorials!  And pop on over
to the American Homestead blog and see what
is going on in my life.  All the best!  ~ Ellen
 
 
 

We are quilting along with Barbara Brackman's
Block of the Month, Dixie Diary.

Today I realized I somehow missed September,
I chalk that up to too much work and some
travel fun thrown in.  I'll post October's
sometime later in the month.


Fabric Requirements:

Fabric A: Red
1 - 7 1/4'' square

Fabric B: White, Red & Green Print
1 - 7 1/4'' square
 
Fabric C: Blue
4 - 3 1/2'' x 6 1/2'' rectangles

Fabric D: Green & White Print
4 - 3 1/2'' squares


Make Half Square Triangles:
Mark a diagonal line on the back of the
Fabric B 7 1/4'' square.
Pair the 7 1/4'' squares with right sides
together.  Sew 1/4'' away from each side of
the drawn line. 


Press seams to the dark fabric.  Square to 6 1/2''.

Note: you will need only 1 of the half square
triangles, save the other for another project.


Sew a Fabric C rectangle to each side
of the Half Square Triangle.
Press seams to the Fabric C.


Sew Fabric D squares to each side of
the remaining Fabric C rectangles.
Press seams to the Fabric C.


Layout units as shown and sew together.


Square to 12 1/2''.


I added the sashing and applique as
described in month 1.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Fort Sumter

 
Hi!  If you enjoy this blog, please become
a follower, I need to know if anyone is out
there using these tutorials!  And pop on over
to the American Homestead blog and see what
is going on in my life.  All the best!  ~ Ellen
 



Cutting Requirements:

Fabric A: Red
 4 - 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles

Fabric B: Blue
2 - 3 7/8" square - cut
on diagonal each way

Fabric C: Light
4 - 1 1/2" squares

Fabric D: Dark
4 - 1 1/2" x 4 1/4" rectangles

Fabric E: Medium
1 - 4 1/4" square


Sew Fabric B triangles
to each side of Fabric A
rectangles.  Press seams
to the outside.
Make 4.


Sew Fabric C squares to
each side of Fabric D
rectangles. Press seams
to the outside.
Make 2. 
Sew Fabric D rectangles
to each side of Fabric E
square.  Press seams to
the inside.


Sew above units together
taking care to "lock" seams
together and pin before
sewing.


Sew Fabric A/B units to
opposite sides of center
square.  Press seams out.
Sew other 2 Fabric A/B
units to remaining opposite
sides.  Square to 8 1/2".


Here is my first attempt.
I cut the red rectangles
too large, I shouldn't quilt
before fully awake.


Here is a quilt I made a
few years ago using the
Fort Sumter block.
I think I may have to
get this one quilted,
I quite like it.