Does anyone fancy joining in on making a mystery quilt.
Each month I would send you directions to make one block, they will all be different . The idea is to build up a collection of blocks without seeing the full quilt, eventually all will be revealed and with the last few blocks you will know just how to put it together.
It is a lot of fun, good for when you can't garden.
You can handsew or use a machine, some pieces may even be foundation pieced.There may be a little bit of applique.
Don;t be scared if you are a wannabee.
You need to come up with a colour scheme so you can use various different prints and colours that will harmonise well together.
Background should probably be neutral, cream, white or pale beige and it can be all the same or different designs of the same colour.
Let me know.
I have a mystery quilt already designed.
XX Jeannine
I would love to but I currently have so many started but not finished projects I think I would get myself in trouble if I started a new one!
It sounds great though
I am totally hopeless at design etc. Can I just watch?
Oh what a lovely idea....only trouble is my UFO list is so long at the moment, I still have to quilt the double quilt I finished for my OH's daughter two years ago :tweety:
Hmmm, OK I'll give it a bash but what sort of design do you have in mind and what sort of material? What will you do with the finished article may I ask and most importantly, is there a time constraint?
Uh...I feel temptation coming on..
just few questions so I can think about it...about the time scale..when would you expect to us finish the project? How big quilt are we 'talking' about? How long you would expect each block taking time to do?
I've done little 'dabble' to quilting before...tempting as it sounds, I've got so many other temptations too... ..woolly kinds, nothing naughty :angel11:
Would I manage with just sowing machine?...I just blew up my overlocker (some shopping to do to find replacement :BangHead:)
Thanks for asking those questions ... I'm interested, how much material would be necessary - would it be avoid idea to buy it all at the beginning?
Alison x
What about ACE, surely he'll need something to do to occupy his time whilst recovering in hospital?
Saw a film called How to make an American Quilt once. Would it be we all made one block? Spent nearly 20 yrs collecting bits of material, cutting them into hexagons and sewing them to make flower patterns. Put is away somewhere safe and another 10 yrs on when I needed it couldn't find it!!!
I'm interested but need to know what size you're thinking of and whether it's all hand sewing or if pieces can be machine stitched. I'm about to have an operation on my foot which will mean 4 weeks or enforced rest with no walking, dancing or gardening so could do with an alternative to embroidery and books and TV t keep me sane - ish.
Went to the American Museum in Bath in December. They have the most beautiful Quilts on display. Have been thinking about having ago, but abit nervous. What equipment do we need beside the obvious (needles/scissors/thread/material/sewing machine). I have been on eBay looking at material but got a bit confused by the differant size ways they sell the fabric. So I'm very much a wannabee and as long as you don't mind some extra e mails if I get stuck would love to join in.
This sounds interesting - have never quilted before.
Are quilts used as a sort of extra layer / throw for a bed, or, can they be made as a cover to encase a duvet??
Debs
Debs, you would use a quilt as a bedspread, or throw, definitely not as an outer covering for your duvet. By the time you have made it, put a backing on it, and quilted it (hand or machine sewing that holds the front and back together) you certainly wouldn't use it for any purpose that meant you had to machine wash it regularly, it would be too precious! But it would look lovely on top of your bed. The one on our bed I made probably 20 years ago and it comes on and off every day, and still looks beautiful. I treasure it and all the time it took me to make it. Actually it wasn't the top, decorative layer that took the time, as I did all that by machine. It was the hand quilting afterwards - done over many many hours of baby-sitting!
Buying some 100% cotton material (well any sort really) in small 'craft' pieces can be really expensive way doing it.
Many Ikea's fabrics are good quality cotton and you can buy it 'on roll'..they do 'roll ends' cheaper, or cutting the pieces from bought pillow cases/other linen.
It don't have to be new material neither...you could use material already used but still serviceable condition...curtains, table cloths, clothes, bedding etc...
Oh dear....this is getting really dangerous now....I do happen to have 3 bin liners full of various materials folded and stored away for any possible project.
I used to work textile factory and in 'olden days' they had these massive big trolleys full of fabrick samples or cut outs/roll ends that you were able to buy off cheaply (if they were large pieces) and smaller ones were just wheeled into skip... :BangHead: Our service chap new that I was bit into sewing and 'stuff' so he warned me before he emptied the trolleys...I had good old forage and picked all the best bits to bring home :icon_cheers: FREE! It was lucky to me...but big shame for them...they used to throw away full bobbins of thread, buttons, clasps, zips, laces, materials, cords..all sorts!..and just because they didn't need them and they were freebie samples from manufactures anyway...into skip! :BangHead: It took few years of nagging and all this 'environment' fashion to kick in to somebody in office to make effort and call some nurseries and schools and ask if its any use for them....and then there was practically unused or new paper to write/draw on.. :BangHead: Many times I came home with full roll of material , with just couple square inch piece cut off from corner as sample for designers folders, or boxes full of personalized notepads/paper that was thrown away because that person had left the company :BangHead:...nobody didn't even think they might use it themselves for scribbling :dontknow:. What a amount of waste they created, horrid to think that it was just one factory..and this must have happened all over the place. I never had use to all the stuff I brought home..but lot of it I managed to pass on to other craft people..and even now I don't buy rags and cloths for cleaning uses...I just take roll at the time and cut chunk out of it :icon_cheers:...roll of fabric can last loooooong time if you are not avid 'scrubber' :tongue3:.
Oh...sorry about that rattling...got bit carried away....I just love craft materials......and wool.. :icon_cheers: :glasses9:
Ok..to answer a few questions.
First the quilt would be yours, you would make your blocks as you got the instructions, or later if you get behind, about one a month. nu time restraints, take as long as you like.
Size, well it is a mystery quilt .
Block size, again part of the mystery, some may be 12inches, some 8, some 4, the mystery is the fun as you have to complete all the blocks to find out which block gioes where.
Don't panic, I will be here, my e mail addy is in my profile.
Fabric.. you need good quality 100% quilting cotton, not a poly blend and not the cheap stuff from the market etc.Ikea fabrics are not suitable. There are lost of online shops in the Uk and the US who will mail to you. Look up Keepsake Quilting for ideas.. There is no point in putting a beautiful hand made quilt together with rubbish fabric..it takes just the same amount of work, in fact it is easier with good stuff.
A serger is no good, all you need is a sewing machine that will se a good straight stitch and you need to be abkle to stitchan even 1/4 inch seam.
There is tons of info online for free about quilting..look up, Quilts Blocks Galore, this will show you what I mean about making a block.
It is just a bit of fun..I am doing this with another group and thought some of you may like to join in.
XX Jeannine
Ok - count me in please. :wave:
Being new to this quilting lark - starting in August, it is just so addictive, I've made two quilts, three Christmas table runners and a couple of cushion covers.
I've got a couple of things ongoing, but hey, one more wont hurt, and like you say I can go at my own speed.......good job you're only an email away tho!!
Looking forward to this.
Alison x
OK. I'm in. Any clues about how many different fabrics to buy and in what quantities? I have some suitable fabric already but don't want to start and then find I fall short and should have bought new..
Sounds interesting. Will give it a go if my eyesight improves a bit after my op as at the mo blind as the prverbial.
Ok Colours, pick yourself a colour scheme,maybe 4 or 5 colours,or use a pale and dark of the same colour as two. them use different fabrics in those colours, look on the net for sampler quilts for ideas, then pick a neutral as a background, it can be cream, light beige, natural or even white ot you can tea dye whites to a pale beige. Again the backgrounds don;t all have to be the same design you can make it very scrappy by using several patterns on a similar colour background. Or you can use 1 neutral fabric all the way through, I often do this. I will on this quilt actually and I will probably use Kona solid shade Snow which is white but not a brilliant white.
Below are some ideas, see the one that is black then the same one in white, also see the very vibrant coloured sampler quilt. I have put these on just for colour ideas
XX Jeannine
Hi Jeanine
These quilts look beautiful - this looks like a really good hobby that can easily be picked up as & when people have spare time
Will be googling for more info :read2:
Thanks for starting this thread
Debs x
Hi Janine
I would be interested in your mystery quilt. Please count me in.
Kind regards
Jitterbug
Maybe a re think here.. instead of the mystert quilt I can do a quilt by block each month that you will have a finished picture of and iI can tell you exactly what to buy, in fact I do have the patterns for most of the quilts shown above I will try and find some more that I also have...I will get back to you.
Sewing by hand is fine, mn yof mine are hand pieced.
Below is one I have made, it is some piecing and some applique, I could do that as blocks
XX Jeannine
It is beautiful. Can feel a learning curve coming on.
It's beautiful but I think that for a first attempt I'd be happier with piecing before attemting appliqué. Any clues on fabric quantities to buy for a quilt that size?
Crikey Jeannine - that is amazing!
It looks very complicated too - I love the appliqué blocks, I haven't done any of that (yet).
Would you say that quilt is expert level?. It looks it to me!!
Alison x
When you do your applique do you mount the bits on that iron on bonding? BTW what size is the finished quilt?
The quilt above is not a beginner one to be truthful unless you are already a sewer,frankly the secret to quilting is doing a bang on 1/4 inch seam, if the pieces you are sewing are stitched accurately it goes together well but if not it all goes pie shaped. You can put a line on your machine at exactly 1.4 inch or you can buy 1/4 inch tape that you stick to your seasm and sew alongside it, eventually you get to eye ball right, it justs takes practise. The other thing of course is accurate cutting and the best way to do that is with a rotary cutter a cutting board and quilting ruler.. using templates is an other way but they are not used much these days for piecing usually only applique.
How about I give you all a practise block to try..??
If the idea of a quilt with all different blocks in is too scary I can give you a much easier one, in fact I can give you a very attractive quilt that is very easy to make and if good colours are used there are soi amny choices of how to put ut together all your quilts will look different, there is much less cutting and measuring too and the finihed effect can be stunning. The other plus to this one is that you can make it any size you like from a lap throw to a full sized king.
Colur is easy too as you just need a scrappy lot of lights and darks.
XX Jeannine
I will find you some pictures
OK this is a log cabin, apart from a few wacky ones all the blocks are made the same way, drop dead easy, then depending on how you put them all together the quilts will all look differnt, shown is a are pictuure of basic log cabin quilt
http://oldquiltcompany.com/debra_logcabin.html
the next link shows a few variation of quilt using the same block
http://www.equilters.com/library/logcabin/easy_log_cabin_part4.html
In one great quandary here. Do I make it in dress material which will be cheaper or do as you suggest, good quality mateiral (ie. the sheer effort is the same). I know this is a daft question but would I have to shrink the material first before cutting out in case the eventual finished quilt needs laundering or should it be dry cleaned? Apologies for being thick as a barn door but I have made clothes in the past in pre polyester days and they shrunk in the first wash.
Sorry Jeannine please ignore last post. Answered my own questions.
I knew very little about quilting before I read this post. Having now spent far too much time reading all about it, I am lost in admiration for anyone who could tackle this...I hope you all do, though, and please keep posting photos of progress!
I'd love to try some appliqué - I really like the blocks on the quilt in the photo.
Alison x
Thanks for the link to the log cabin quilting instructions. Spent years mithering how to measure the length of the strips. Waiting to buy some proper material now to give it a try rather than waste my time with dress material and the like.
I did a bit of googling and am completely confused with all the terms ( why is a roll of fabric strip called a 'jelly' roll?)
I will be getting a new kingsize bed for spare room & would love to make a quilt for it as they look beautiful.
Saw a nice quilt design used as a background for Americanquiltstudygroup.org - hexagonal shapes in mainly earthy tones which
would look good in my spare room as new bed is french oak & rest of room quite neutral.
However, don't know if this is too ambitious & pattern not provided
Debs
Ooh ! How lovely Jeannine ! I havent done any for a very long time .... love to hand sew ... very relaxing . A little wall hanging would be nice ...yes ..looking forward to this :coffee2:
Just a flying visit.. an edible jelly roll here is what the UK calls Swiss roll, a flat cake rolled up then cut into slices, the jelly roll fabric strips are rolled the same. It is a fancy term for paying expensive prices for strips of fabric.. another marketing con .
I will look up the hexagon quilty and see if I can fions a pattern for it.
For really top notch applique help ,look up Baltimore quilts, Elly Sienkiewicz.. a truly gifted person who has put out several books that start right down at the bottom and teach applique truly in depth, lesson by lesson, one block at a time. Try Amazon for her books.
Flying out, I will be back
I should just add if anyone is thinking of getting an Elly S. book start with Baltimore Beauties and Beyond Vol 1....Amazon probably has it..then follow with Baltimore Beauties and Beyond Vol 2 and 3.. don't go for her other books first.
Debs just looked, that hexagon pattern has a few names but look up Grandma's Flower Garden on you tube and on the net and you will probably directions for both ways of making it. Traditionally it was done all by hand using believe it or not what we call the English paper piecing method which is using a two templates, cut one fabric and then one paper piece which is 1/4 " all round smaller than the fabric. The fabric is then folded over onto the paper and it is tacked/basted on, then the hexagons are slip stiched together, the paper is removed when all the quilt top is fimished. there is also a machine method but I prefer the first one.. look them both up.. need help get back to me. drop dead easy but slow.You could follow the background picture on |American qulity study group to recreate it. I have templates if you can't find them.
XX Jeannine
I'm almost set. Went and bought a fabric cutting wheel this afternoon. Found a stash of suitable fabrics in my "sad pile" in the attic. I'd bought them some years ago to do a summer cover for my daughter's bed when she was in her pink phase. Teenager now and all black and blue.
Just have to decide on a pattern as I don't think these fabrics will suit log cabin so looking at doing Attic Window, Friend's Star or Garndmother's Puzzle. I really like the look of Baltimore appliqué but it's way beyond my skill and patience levels, plus I have 2 dogs and a cat that will want to "help" and already make doing embroidery difficult.
Thanks for giving me, and others, the impetus Jeannine.
Easiest way to make a hexagon template:
Use a protractor (cheap in stationery shops or nick from children's geometry set)
Draw circle size you require on cardboard
Place point of protractor on drawn line and mark to bisect your line
Move point of protractor to point of last bisect line and do another
Continue round your circle
Join up bisect points and cut out shape.
Use template to make patterns out of tiissue paper
Cut material ¼" larger than pattern and tack to form hem
Leave patterns in place until article is completed before removing
Happy sewing
Lottie Lou, sorry i ddin't asnwer before..re iron on interfacing. On the whole no I don't use it. Well not for what I call "proper serious quilting" I turn an 1'8 inch hem on that but I have done a coupleof wall hangings that are not what I call proper quilting and I have used the very very very thin stuff, then I do a tiny buttonhole stitch all round the edge. Personally I would never use it in anything that was going on a bed, may needs to be washed or I wanted to last. I have an ongoing Christmas project I use it for, all different Santas on 6x8 inch blocks. It is cutesy so the buttonhole finish fits right in.
I seem to have started a bit of interest which is smashing but we are not all on the same page...ideas here
XX Jeannine
Can I suggest you go ahead with your mystery idea but give a simple block for complete beginners and a slightly more advanced block for those who've already done a bit or can sew quite well? Assuming you have time to do 2 that is.
Either way, I'm off up the attic to check for more fabrics as I need a plain one to set off what I've already found. Once again, thanks for the impetus.
Obxx
I'd like to join in, if that's OK?
I'm not a very experienced quilter, but I did make a hexagon one many years ago. That was hand stitched around papers.
I'll have to go find some fabric, as I cleared all my sewing stuff out last year as everything went into storage. I still have all the 'hardware' though, so shouldnt take too long till I am ready :toothy10:
Looking forward to seeing all the different versions and colour choices :icon_flower: :icon_flower:
Turning 1/8th inch hem is fine on straight or relatively straight edges. However the reason I mentioned it was I made an applique duvet cover and used a poppy pattern. It was all curves and points. Tried the hemming method first but couldn't really make it work. Therefore used that iron on interfacing and button hole stitched round the raw edges. Was going to do buttonhole stitch but realised I had forgotten how. Duvet cover still in use - the applique has survived constant laundering better than the material for the cover.
Had a trip into Newcastle City Library where I found quite a good selection of quilting books so I have the following on loan:
*The Complete Guide to Quilting Techniques by Pauline Brown
*Quiltmaking for beginners ( A stitch-by-stitch guide to Hand and Machine techniques)
by Lynne Kough
*Fast Quilts from Fat Quarters by Barbara Chainey
Then had a trip to a local fabric outlet & had a good rummage through the remnants box & got a good selection for only £5
Now I just need to decide upon a design . . .
Went to local sewing centre after work and bought a cutting board, ruler & rotary cutter (with retractable blade) and spent most of the evening cutting hexagonal pieces from all materials collected.
Tomorrow I shall measure king size quilt dimensions & finalise pattern design before I begin :icon_flower:
Well done Debs!!
I have spent the morning going through my stuff and pickinbg out a few maybes some of you would like to share.
I am posting a picture of a very simple but stunning easy to make quilt that is perfect for beginners and experienced folks alike.
It is just two blocks which when joined together in the squence shoqn make a super overall quilt. It can be made as big or as small as you like and can be made from scraps or do as I did and use jewel tones fabrics plus a plain white for the background.
Trust me it is easy and th jewel tone fabrics can be found anywhere. I chose marbled designs mostly but a few have designs on them, just keep the colours deep and vibrant like, ribies, emeralds, sapphires, amber. citrine etc.
It is called Snowball and Nine square.
Block one is basically white with a triangle accross each corner.
Block two has no white and is 9 jewel toned small squares.
The blocks are then fatsened alternately and the overall deign becomes clear.
Some borders are added.
Very simple but stunning. If anyone wants info on how to do this one stick your hand up!!
The second quilt is a pattern I have had for along time and it is one of my 2013 must doos and I am starting this week. All manner of scraps can be used for this one,just keep a common background in a white or neutral colour.. If anyone wants to join me let me know, there is some piecing and some appliquue but it is a quilt that you could do stitch applique or fusible and buttonhole over the edge. Again it can be made smaller by not doing all of the houses. The fun of this one ios that yoiu can embellish anyway you want to make each block your own
It is called Hometown
I have also found three small wall hangings all with a gardening theme, they vary and have some piecing, some applique, things on them are whelbarrows, birdhouses, flowers, seedpackets, garden tools, etc etc.
I wil;l post pictures of these later.
I also have out my mystery quilt which I am starting today..so of anyone wants to join me I will post the patterns as I go.
XX Jeannine
Its a joy to read these posts, I would love to join you. Im a novice too, but I have to do something with myself....... my health is rubbish, and boredom is killing me. So yes please if I may....... :toothy10:
Mystery quilt, block 1.................... Friendship Star. You need to make 4 six inch blocks.
Follow the instructions for the block in whatever colour scheme you have chosen, the example shown is with a black background but it will look just as nice with another colour.
Block 1 is very simple and should pose no problems but please get back to me if you are unsure about anything.
To make it easy on everyone I am using the net resources for some of the commonly known blocks, it is easier for you all and I will only use sites that have full instructions.
go to http://quilting.about.com/od/blockofthemonth/ss/friend_star.htm
Bear in mind you are only making 4 identical 6 inch Friendship Star blocks . The info on the site gives you the choice of making a full quilt.
Having made your 4 blocks, sew them together in a row.
For newbies to quilting, the 1/4 inch seam is very important.
XX Jeannine
Thanks Jeannine. I can't start for a couple of weeks as I've just had the operation on my foot and have to keep it elevated for 2 weeks so it looks like embroidery and reading for now.
Can't wait to get cracking though. I'd like a lightweight quilt done in time for summer when duvets are too warm.
Obxx
Can't wait to start. Just waiting on finishing another project and my friend said she would take me to the shop that sells fat quarters. If you don't mind me being a few weeks behind everyone I will join. May xxxx
Og Goodee, don'y worry about being behind, it really won't matter, I will post a block every couple of weeks or so. Check out Keepsake Quilting for fabric, especually their medleys and scrap bags, they are pretty reasonable sending to the UK and the fabric is cheaper in the Us so the postage is eaten up anyway.
I will post my mystery blocks as I finish them, I am really tempted to make this one with a black background..but not quite decided.
Lottie, I was happy to learn of your quilt with fusible shapes, that is super, as I said before for some things it can work well. I should post some pictures of my ongoing Santa quilt, it is all done that way. I do a block or two when I get the urge.
XX Jeannine
I know this is a mystery quilt, but could you possibly give us some idea of the finished size please?
Yes, I will make this an info page size of blocks etc.. it doesn;t have to be a die hard mystery if folks prefer I can give some info.. it will to some extent have a homey/gardening theme.eg there will be appliqued flower blocks in there somewhere, birdhouses,a house...each finished block or as in the case with the first one a set of finished blocks will send a message..eg Block 1 is called Friendship Star and by making 4 we are all stars. The first one actually made blocks 1,33,35 and 23 when fastened together.Most of the blocks are 10" or 8" although there are a couple of odd sized ones. You will be making sashing from scraps from assorted 2" squares here and there.
It is a full sized quilt, actual finished size will be approx 84" x 108" .I say approx. as it can be made wider by increasing the border edging.
I am making mine very scrappy and using an off white background. Very colorful, but it can also be made using a more formal colour scheme. If you look at an earlier quilt I sent a picture of,(the one with the centre house) it is scrappy sampler but the colour schem is rust, blue, creams etc with some black. I ummed and ahhed about the colour scheme on mine and have decided I want it very scrappy and colorful so I can use up a lot of bits from my stash. The row of Friendhsip stars could all be different if one chooses, in fact the squares and triangles within each 6 inch block could all be different. I have made 2 sets of block 1. One is green on white , all four the same, the other is very scrappyand uses all different colours. The reason for this I am making two versions of this quilt as I go.
I intended posting my finished blocks today but found yesterday my iron is on the blink and I can't press anything, so it will be a few days.
The number of blocks will not help you at this time as some are multiple smaller blocks fastened together as in number 1.
It can be made using a definate colour scheme though as I explained earlier.
I desined this quilt in 2003 and have only just got around to doing it myself . Some blocks are commonnly known ones but some are completely my own design.
XX Jeannine
I think I have got lost already and I haven't even started :( Thank you for the link to Keepsake Quilting. Their prices are certainly reasonable, however being a woman, the only way I can "see" fabric is to feel it.
I can sympathise with that Lottie Lou. I have picked out 3 fabrics from my stash and will be unable either to go up the attic and fish out some more or go out and buy some for a month while I wait for my foot to heal so i'm keeping it simple when I do get started. I like the friend's star and today, whilst browsing a quilting site I found a block called "The Contrary Wife" which tickles my fancy no end.
Unfortunately what I can find of my "stash" isn't fit for purpose. As the girls grew older all they wanted was black, black and black. Haven't made up my mind about colours yet but definitely note black. Wonder how much material we will need for the base colour - Jeannine, please help.
The contrary wife block looks very easy, even I could do it. Have you seen the picture of the quilt with friendship star and snowball combined?
I must admit it was the name that appealed but in fact it would make a very good beginners' block and will be easy to cut which is a factor given I have to stay sitting with my foot up for a month. I might make a bloc of it and also Friend's Star and see which I prefer "in the flesh".
I like those combinations with the snowball. Good website. Thanks.
Obbelix, don't be afraid to substitute blocks you prefer in the mystery quilt, as long as you stick to the sizes it will work out, and where there are 4 Friendhsip stars you could make 4 totally unrelated blocks there, it will jts look more busy which I like anyway.
Below is a picture of a quilt I made some years ago,not my quilt in the picture as I don;t have a picture of my personal one but it is identical to the one shown as it was Block of the month quilt so the fabrics are sent. I have posted it to show you how using different backgrounds works well overall. they are all shades of beige but all different. XX Jeannine
I have now finished my row of 4 friendship blocks in two different ways (I am making two of this quilt)
1. I have done the background plain off white and the stars are a marbelised deep green, it looks quite striking. Althe fours stars are the same.
2. I have used a cream on cream background and the four stars are,a deep blue print, a gold print,a deep red print and a deep green print.
Both look good but overall I think I prefer the scrappy look oif the second.
I will try for pictures later.
Block 2 will be along next week.
XX Jeannine
Have any ladies finished their first blocks yet? Strewth I am soooo thick. Went to shop to buy fabric and worked out that if I bought 6 colours at 1/2 mtr each I would have enough length to make quilt. Got home then realised that fabric was only 1 mtr wide so will have to go and buy another load. That lot will cost me all of Lent's f*g money!!! To get wadding and backing will have to stay f*g free for longer. Doh.....
I'm still effectively footless for another 3 weeks so haven't started yet but I have had a practice at using my machine with teh push button instead of the foot pedal and it went OK so I'm planning to do some cutting of the strips this coming week and expect to get the first couple of blocks done.
Just think what you can do with your f*g money for the rest of the year!
Quote from: Obbelix on February 24, 2013, 20:54:45
Just think what you can do with your f*g money for the rest of the year!
Oh my poor waistline :S Haven't practised my cutting technique yet and am happy at mo just looking at my cloth and touching it (I am sad). Will get a wiggle on next week and try and start. Hope your foot get better soon.
Don't panic , There is no time frame for doing this, the blocks are not goinmg to vanish of you get behind. Sorry to hear aboiut the foot keep it up and heal quick, I will hold off for a bit,and poct the next one when you have caught up.
Bear in mind this is a very laid back way to make a quilt, we are not pros at this.
I am currently working another one anyway so no probs.
The assorted beige backgrounds definately are looking bettre than the more fromal one with an off white background.
XX Jeannine
Jeannine, just read that you are supposed to prewash your material. Do you? I have strunk mine as per my neeedlework teacher many many moons ago by ironing under damp cloth but just read its best to prewash. By the way do you know how many of us ladies are joining you in this project?
Must get new glasses. I read this as quitters and wannabee quitters and was looking in to give my own contribution to a 'keep going' pep talk!
Good luck to all you quilters!
Hi Lottie, no I don't wash my fabric but if the quilt is going to get a lot of washing(mine don't) it is a consideration for colour bleeding. I think years ago everyone did it but nowadays some folks do and others don't.
I don't know how many have joined in maybe just a few of ud.
XX Jeannine
I know I haven't got round to starting mine yet, other than admiring my material, but could you give us a clue as to the next block please?
Yep, no problem.
The first set I gave you just a starter set to get you thinking, part of the quilt too but it didn't give anything away. You might call it "Start of the Year" it was 4 small Friendship stars for obvious reasons.
I am running behind but will catch up after this weekends show.
January's block is actually still in the making. It is almost finished but as it is my own and cannot send you to a site I will have to send a picture and instructions, it shouldn't be long..clues, it is applique, it is a flower and it is common in January. It is quite special to most gardeners but especially so to me which I will explain when I post it.
February's block promises romance.
March's block is finished but not ready to be sent yet.
XX Jeannine
I'm watching this thread with interest but won't be doing the surprise quilt just yet. Given that I'm a complete quilting novice and my immediate need is for a simple traditional quilt for my bed I'm goint to stick with one made form Contrary Wife blocks.
However, we're starting our barn conversion this year and I will have plenty of brick walls to cover and a more interesting quilt may be a good solution, especially as I'm having my other foot done in April which means at least 4 weeks on the sofa or a chair with my feet up to drain the swelling and then gentle hobbling for a while afterwards. Plenty of time to think about and make quilt blocks between sowing seeds and pricking out. Someone else will have to do the weeding.
How are you getting on with your half square triangles Obbelix? Making my first test ones. Followed instructions to make them slightly larger so will have to learn to cut back. This is quite exciting learning a new skill. By the way what are you converting your barn into?
All I've managed so far is to measure and cut some strips and then I needed to sit again. I'll do a few more once I can get in the kitchen again - OH is watching rugby in there so I can't get near the table anyway.
The barn was always intended as our living room with two bedrooms above for us and our daughter. Plan A was to use the 3 bedrooms we already have for B&B but the local regulations made that unfeasable so we'll just rent out rooms to students which is a lot less work anyway and leaves the rooms available for friends and rellies to visit in the holidays.
What size are you making your quilt blocks? I hadn't realised how fiddly it was to make a 9 patch block to finish at 6" square.
According to the instructions, Contrey Wife makes a 12" block so easy for beginners who want to progress rapidly to a finished product - http://www.quilterscache.com/C/ContraryWifeBlock.html
Once I have the knack, I'll be happier to try more intricate stuff. Achieving a finished article in reasonable time is one reason I sew rather than knit.