Ring of Fire Runner

  As a reminder, we have been putting the blocks on youtube at junctionfabric.com.  Someone asked about all the potholders that I have been sewing.  As with all the samples that I make, when they have served their purpose, they are sold, given away or I keep my favorites.  The potholders and other small projects are a great way to make a block without committing to a larger projects.
  Since the last post, I have been playing with the different blocks.  Here is a table runner that was made

Ring of Fire Runner

from End of Day block.  As you can see I left the dark fabric out three of the block.  I cut an angle on each end to give it a runner look. 
  I hope that you are enjoying the blocks.  I am slow but I will be back.
  Happy Quilting,
    Terry

6" Block Quilt

  What to do with those 5" sq. whether they were cut from scraps or are left over from a charm pack, sew them.  As I continue to clean my sewing area, I found a box of 5" sq.  Yesterday, I sewed them into disappearing nine patch.  It is very scrappy but looks like I put more work into it then I truely did.  Now, the quilt becomes one of those quilts that I will not have a stroke when my husband misuses it.  If you are not familiar with the disappearing 9-patch, check out my video on how to make them.  
  Here is a couple of pictures of the 6 1/2" block quilt.

 They are not the best pictures but it does give you the idea of what I did.  It is a queen size quilt with a piano key border.
  I hope you have figured out what you are going to do with the blocks.  It doesn't have to be a queen quilt.  They are a good size for most anything that you can think of.

Keep quilting,
  Terry 

Strawberry Basket

  Free Patterns!!!  We all like free patterns.  I was looking at some patterns today some free and some you have to purchase.  It is the free ones that I want to suggest.  
  Most fabric manufacturers have patterns on their website.  Some of the patterns are free for you to download.  There are all kind of ideas available because the manufacturer wants you to be inspired, then purchased their fabrics.  Check out the fabric manufacturers websites.  Get Inspired!!!  For the names of manufacturers, look at the salvage on your fabric.
  Today's block is Strawberry Basket.  I pieced the rectangles to the triangles, then trim to create a large triangle.

Strawberry Basket

Cutting
  Light fabric
    nine  1 1/2" sq.

  Medium fabric
    two  2 1/2" x 4 7/8" rect.

  Dark Medium fabric
    one  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once  you will use only 1 of the triangles

  Dark fabric
    one  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    three  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    six  1 1/2" sq.

Keep quilting,
  Terry

Crosses & Losses Quilt

  As the cleaning continues, I came across a picture of a quilt.  As I looked at it, I recognized it as Crosses & Losses.  That is when I knew that I needed to create the pattern for it.  Today, I put the pattern together and decided to share it with you.
  Some changes from the 6 1/2" blocks is that they are 10 1/2" blocks and very scrappy.  The quilt is 90" x 100", a 7 blocks by 8 rows layout with a 10" border.  The sequence of the dark fabric verses light fabric alternates in each block.  You can change the border to what ever you would like.  Also, if you made the 6 1/2" block in the same layout and add border or borders, you will have a nice lap size quilt.  So, dig out those scraps and start quilting.

Crosses & Losses Quilt

Yardage
  1/2 yd. of 20 fabrics or lots of scraps

  Border   2 3/4 yd.
  Binding  3/4 yd.

Cutting per block
  Fabric 1
    one  5 7/8" sq.  for large HST
    two  3 3/8" sq.  for small HST

  Fabric 2
    one  5 7/8" sq.  for large HST
    two  3 3/8" sq.  for small HST
    four  3" sq.
  
  HST means Half Square Triangle

Keep quilting and enjoy,
  Terry
  

Ranger's Pride

  Well, I did it.  I feel very good for having pieced one of my mother's quilts.  It still needs quilting and bound but the piecing is done.  She had sewn 6 of the 40 blocks and had all the parts cut.  I added 2 more blocks and did a layout of 6 blocks by 7 rows.  The quilt is very large.  I will show it off once it is quilted.
  Today's block is Ranger's Pride.  Imagine the block separated diagonally twice.  Sew the sections as triangle.  The base of the triangle will be longer than needed and trimmed after the top triangle has been sewn to it.

Ranger's Pride

Cuting
  Medium fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 6 1/2" rect. for base of triangle
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for center triangles

  Dark fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 3" rect. for base triangle
    two  2 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once for center triangles

  We will be taping this block tomorrow.  Maybe, that will help explain the block better.  I will have Christopher post it quickly.  
  Keep quilting,
    Terry   

Gretchen

  I don't know about you but I have enjoyed going through all of these blocks.  Some, I would have never picked to make and others I may have liked but would not have ever tried.  Even though the YouTube tutorials are all potholders, I have several ideas that I hope to pursue.
  Today's block is one of those that I liked but may not have tried.  It is Gretchen.  Here is a couple of hints.  Look at the block as 4 identical sections.  The center strips of each section is made similar to flying geese but it is longer then what you needed.  Center the triangle and sew to the side.  Then sew the two part to each other.  Square up to a 3 1/2" sq.

Gretchen

 

Cutting
  Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    eight  1 1/4" x 2 1/2" rect.
    four  1 1/4" x 3 1/2" rect. 

  Dark fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    eight  1 1/4" x 2 1/2" rect.
    four  1 1/4" x 3 1/2" rect.

Keep quilting,
  Terry
  

New Album

  The last few weeks I have been telling you about cleaning my sewing space and the UFO's that I have found.  Over the weekend I tackled another area.  I found 2 quilts that my mother had started (those I remember I had).  It was the 2 quilts that I found that I started that surprised me.  They were all cut but never sewn.  Thank goodness that the patterns were with them.  Instead of 2 quilts to finish, now I have 4.
  Today's block is New Album.  Yes, it is similar to Album but with small differences.

New Album

Cutting
  Light fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq.  for the center
    four  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Light Medium fabric
    four  2 1/2" sq.

  Dark Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Dark fabric
    six  1 1/2" sq.  2 are used in the corner of the center sq.

  Keep quilting,
    Terry 

9-Patch Frame

  My granddaughters were here today.  They like looking at my fabrics and figure out what I should make with it.  They draw some interesting clothes for themselves and their pets.  Little do they understand what it takes to make their ideas.  Sometimes, they think that I can have it all done before they go home. We discuss the fact that they need to work with me one at a time.  Then we play cards.
  Today's block is 9-Patch Frame.  It is squares and sections that look like flying geese.

9-Patch Frame

Cutting
  Light fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles  for flying geese
    eight  1 1/2" sq.  for flying geese

  Medium fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles for flying geese
    twelve  1 1/2" sq.  use 8 for the flying geese & the other 4 for the corners of the 2 1/2" sq.

  Dark fabric
    five  2 1/2" sq.

  Keep quilting,
    Terry  

Shoofly

  If you live in cold country like I do, mother nature reminded us that it is still winter.  We did not need a groundhog to tell us.  The good thing is that you don't have to go outside to quilt.  Quilting is what I have been doing, mainly getting the UFOs finished.  Over the weekend a couple of small UFOs were completed.  One was a pillow top that my sister brought back from Panama a couple of years ago.  It is reverse applique with a man holding a pair of scissors.  Now, it is a usable pillow on one of my chairs.
  Today's block is Shoofly.  This is an oldie but goody.

Shoofly

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq. for HST
    four  2 1/2" sq.

 Medium/ Dark fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq. for HST
    one  2 1/2" sq.

Keep quilting,
  Terry

Corn & Beans

  Do you have trouble with time?  I do.  I seem to get the commissioned quilts made on time but I am generally 5 minutes late for my nail appointment or years later on my own quilts.  It seems that I need to do a better job of allocating the use of my time.  This could be the reason that I have been working on so many UFOs.  It was time to get them finished.  Well, complete this blog and back to the UFOs.

  Today's block is Corn & Beans.  Lots of triangles.

Corn & Beans

Cutting
  Light fabric
    three  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    ten  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Medium fabric
    six  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Dark fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice
    one  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

Keep quilting,
  Terry

Waterwheel

  It is embarrassing to admit but as I have been cleaning and organizing my work space, I have come across some unfinished projects.  Some have been quickly finished but I found one that I started for my oldest son, Ryan, about 15 maybe 20 years ago.  I had made 61 log cabin blocks from his old high school slacks. He didn't know that I was making it.  Why it wasn't finished, I am not sure.  It just was placed out of sight.  Today was spend working on it and should be ready for quilting tomorrow. Then it will be on to the next UFO.
  Today's block is--Waterwheel.

Waterwheel

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    eight  1 1/2" sq.  for 4-patch

  Medium Light fabric
    one  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    four  1 1/2" sq.  for 4-patch

  Medium fabric
    one  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    four  1 1/2" sq.  for 4-patch

  Dark fabric
    four 1 1/2" sq.  for 4-patch

Time to finish an UFO.
  Terry

Hither & Yon

  There is nothing like going to a Middle school band concert.  The middle schoolers are not ready for Carnegie Hall but it is better.  It is better because they are kids from the neighborhood, kids of friends or the best, grandkids.  Of course, my grandson was the best sax player there.
  Today's block is--Hither & Yon.  It looks like a spool with pinwheels.

Hither & Yon

Cutting
  Light fabric
    six  2 3/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    two  2 3/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice for the pinwheels

  Medium fabric
    two  2 3/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice for the pinwheels

  Dark fabric
    two  2 3/8" sq. cut diagonally once
    one  3 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

Hope you get the chance to attend a school concert.
  Terry

Handy Andy

  Nadia, my granddaughter, is learning to crochet.  I have been helping her and decided that it is time for her to learn to read patterns.  That way she can pick any project to make on her own.  Over the years, I have crocheted just about anything.  Crocheted socks was something new.  That might be fun for a young gal but I thought I better make them before giving her the book.  Well, that is just what I did and finished them the other day.  I even have had a chance to wear them.  Definitely, different.  She now has the book so we will see what happens.
  Today's block is--Handy Andy.  It has a similar look of Gentleman's Fancy but the center is different and more fabrics.

Handy Andy

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice
    two  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Light Medium fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Medium fabric
    one  1 7/8" sq.  for the center

  Dark Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Dark fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice

Have fun piecing,
  Terry
   

Indian Puzzle

  As I sit here thinking, another soup night with the grandchildren is over.  I have forgotten how much work it took raising 4 kids.  The grandchildren keep me busy and we have fun but it is nice to send them home.  I have come to enjoy the quiet after the storm.
  Today's block is Indian Puzzle.  It has a little of everything in it.  The center is a square in a square, flying geese on the sides, squares and HST in the corners.

Indian Puzzle

Cutting
  Light fabric
    five  1 7/8" sq.  use 4 for HST and 1 for the center
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect. for flying geese
    twelve  1 1/2" sq.  use 4 for corners rest for flying geese

  Medium fabric
    four  1 7/8" sq.  for HST
    four  1 1/2" sq.

  Dark fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect. for flying geese
    two  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for Sq. in a Sq.
    eight  1 1/2" sq. for flying geese

Enjoy,
  Terry 

Capital T

  Most quilts that we make are of 100% cotton.  I have a friend that uses whatever it takes to create the look that she wants  for her quilt.  She has used satin, liquid lame, burlap, tissue lame and many other mediums.  She doesn't make those very artsy quilts but they are a great twist on the everyday quilt.  My point being, step outside the box sometimes.
  Today's block is Capital T.  It has flying geese and HST.

Capital T

Cutting
  Light or Light Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    one  2 1/2" sq.
    eight  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect. for flying geese

  Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq. cu diagonally once for HST
    sixteen  1 1/2" sq. for flying geese

Step outside your box,
  Terry

Union Square

  Have you had the opportunity to make a t-shirt quilt?  It is a quilt type that I get commissioned all the time to make.  That is one part of my job that I really enjoy.  This time I got to make a special t-shirt quilt for my grandson, Owen.  His mom was cleaning and gathered up all his old t-shirts from elementary school.  He brought them to me and asked for a quilt.  It was fun to see all that he did, plays, sports, travel and camps.  He even had some of his dad's coaching t-shirts.  I have the quilt ready to be quilted.  Owen picked out a satin for backing, yes, a satin.  I think his dad, Christopher, will quilt it for him.  Owen is a 7th grader now.  I am sure there will be another quilt request made from his middle school t-shirts.  Hopefully, the other 9 grandchildren don't notice because that is lots of quilts.  Being grandmother, how could I refuse any of them.
  Today's block is Union Square.  It has HST, flying geese and sq. in a sq.  You will have fun with this one.

Union Square

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for sq. in a sq.
    four  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    eight  1 1/2" sq.  for flying geese

  Medium fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq.  for center of sq. in a sq.
    four  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    four  1 1/2" sq.  for outer corners

  Dark fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice for sq. in a sq.
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect.  for flying geese

  Enjoy,
    Terry  

No Name Patch

  For Christmas, my daughter gave me a book that is a quilter's mystery.  She thought that it would be something that I would enjoy.  She was right.  I enjoy quilting and also a good mystery.  What more could one ask for in a book.  Anyway, I started reading Forget Me Knot by Mary Marks over the weekend. So far so good.
  Today's block is No Name Patch.   It is made of 4-patches and square in a square.

No Name Patch

Cutting
  Light fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq.
    four  1 7/8" sq.  for the sq. in a sq.

  Light Medium fabric
    eight  1 1/2" sq.  for 4-patch

  Medium fabric
    four  1 1/2" sq.  for 4-patch
    eight  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for the sq. in a sq.

  Dark fabric
    four  1 1/2" sq. for outer corners in sq. in a sq. 

  Have fun and find a good book.
  Terry 

Golden Gate

  Do you ever get your fingernails done?  You know that I do if you have ever watched my youtube videos.  It is one of things in life that I enjoy doing.  About twenty years ago, I found out that there was a way from keep me from biting my nails.  Yes, I was a nailbiter.  I have always wanted long nails but as a biter that was not going to happen.  For twenty years now, I have been getting my nails done.  She does a French manicure because with all the sewing that I do I wear the polish off before it was time to redo.  They look longer then they really are because of the way that they are done.
  On to today's block--Golden Gate.

Golden Gate

Cutting
  Light fabric
    one 2 1/2" sq.  for center
    four  1" x 2 1/2" rect.
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Dark fabric
    eight  1 1/4" x 2 1/2" rect.

  If you have not seen the real Golden Gate bridge, take time to do so.  It is impressive.
  Terry  

Happy New Year

  Happy New Year!!
  We've survived the cold snap.  I don't recall it being that cold in years.  It was thirty to forty degrees below our normal.  That was bad.  Hopefully, that was it for this year.
  On to our first block of the year.  It is Battle of the Alamo. Sew the strips together then recut into eight 1 1/2" sections.  Sew again to form the nine-patch section with the two 1 1/2" sq.

Battle of the Alamo

 

Cutting
  Light fabric
    six  1 7/8" sq.  cut 3 diagonally once
      use the other 3 for HST
    one 1 1/2" x 12 1/2" strip
    two  1 1/2" sq.

  Medium fabric
    one  3 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Dark fabric
    three  1 7/8" sq.  for HST
    one  1 1/2" x 12 1/2" strip

Stay warm,
  Terry 

Jacob's Ladder

  Winter has really arrived.  We had a white Christmas, just a dusting.  Three of my children and their families made it for Christmas Eve.  It was wonderful to have them here.  My youngest, Nicholas is in school in New York.  He and his wife could not make it back so hubby and I will go visit him in a couple of weeks.  
  The cold has hit us hard.  We have been 20 to 30 degrees colder then normal.  Hopefully, it will warm up at least a little.
  Jacob's Ladder is the block of the day.  It is very simple with the HST and four-patches.

Jacob's Ladder

  Cutting
    Light fabric
      two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
      ten  1 1/2" sq.

    Medium fabric
      two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

    Dark fabric
      ten  1 1/2" sq.

Keep warm,
  Terry