Monday, June 29, 2009

Wonky Pinwheels or Whirligigs

Wonky Pinwheels or Whirligigs
Want to make one?

If you know me, you know I don't like to follow directions, so I don't use patterns. So this is the way I made these quilt blocks, that doesn't mean it is the right way, but it worked for me.


To start I cut 5" squares. 2 of the solid, and 2 of the same print for each "pinwheel".
You will need to make yourself a template. I used a thin piece of cardboard. I cut it to a 5" square. Mark the middle on top and bottom. I then measured a 1/4" away on opposite sides, and drew a line connecting them, so you have a diagonal line. Then cut out on that line. Make sure you mark what will be the front of your template so you don't use it backwards.

Now use that template to cut your 5" squares in half--wonky. You will use both pieces.I just lay my template out on the one side of my stack of squares, then lay my ruler on top of the edge to cut.
Do this to all your squares, both solid and print.
Then you will lay out one solid and one print piece to make your square.
Then sew with a 1/4" seam.
Press. I prefer to press my seams open on this block.
At this point your block will be rectangular, you will need to trim it to a square. Just make sure you trim them all on the same side, so your blocks are all the same.
Repeat this for all four squares to make one block.

Lay your block out, and sew the top two squares together. Do the same with the bottom two squares. Press.
Then line up your center seam to sew the top 2 squares and bottom 2 squares together. Press.
You may need to square up your block.
Now you have a completed block.
Here are my blocks ready to be sewn into a quilt top. Photo added:
my unfinished blocks were 8.5" so they finish at 8". I did rows with 5 blocks across and 8 down. I also added a 5" (finished) border. After quilting and washing, my quilt measures about 48" x 71". You can see more photos here.


Saturday, June 27, 2009

New Quilt Top

I just finished this quilt top last night.
It is for a custom order from my Etsy shop.
I just love these colors together.

Tony and I painted the outside door and trim today. It has needed done for quite awhile. I'm glad to have that one checked off the "to do" list.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Fire

We do love a fire around here....


...and tin foil dinners... and s'mores...


I think everyone needs a backyard fire pit.



Thursday, June 18, 2009

Project Improv

What can I tell you about Jacquie... I think she is amazing!
She organized a large group of quilters to make and donate improvisational log cabin quilt blocks.
I made three blocks you can see here.
She has now made all those blocks into quilts, which will be donated to charity. I think the quilt count is up to about 20 now.
How cool is that?
(Photo from Jacquie)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Ballet

Gracie had her dance recital on Saturday.
They performed the Cinderella ballet. She did a fabulous job!

Friday, June 12, 2009

At My House Today

I've never tried these blocks before. I'm lovin' this Arcadia line.
What's going on at your house?

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Mom's Quilt

I finished this quilt the end of May, right before our family reunion.
I made it for my Mom & Dad's bed.
The back is one piece and a beautiful fabric so they can flip it over when they need a change. Turned out pretty good I think!

Hello, my name is Allison...

...and I'm an addict. I haven't sewn in 21 days.

My family had a reunion over Memorial weekend. Then the following Tuesday I had some surgery. I'm finally getting to do some normal life stuff, which includes sewing, Yeah!
We had a great time at our reunion.
We stayed in a beautiful cabin at Sundance.
Some of the highlights were playing cards...
playing spoons... "thriller, macarena, etc"...wrestling and playing "slaps"...ping pong...good food... ...family auction, and just hanging out. This is my sister Anna. She makes me smile.
Of course my kids had a great time playing with their cousins.


This is my brother Jared and I. We had a great time and are looking forward to the next one!