English Paper Piecing - a small project

I got two great English Paper Piecing books for my birthday back in September: Quilting on the Go and Hexi-Go-Go.  I quickly found that Quilting on the Go was a better book for beginners, as it gave the low-down on how to begin a project - template sizes, how to cut your fabric, eep basting, and the how-tos on joining your pieces.  Whereas in Hexi-Go-Go, the projects were a bit cuter. 

So I wanted to try something out - just a test with scraps to see if I could, how hard it was, etc.  It was easy.  Different steps than I was used to, but not difficult.  So I decided to make my tester piece into something.  A pillow cover for my mother.  Super small, to fit her 9x13 pillow that she uses in her chair to prop her head up.  My scraps matched her quilt after-all. 

I thought there might be a chance that I would be able to give it to her for Christmas...that was stupid. 
Then, I decided her birthday was far enough away to allow me time to finish it up.  Whoever thought that February was far a way from Christmas was a dummy (oh, right...that would be me).
All of the sudden it was two days before her birthday and I had not finished sewing all of the hexagons! 

I added at least one row that was not needed (upper left corner).  But it was really fun to see it grow.  I started out with the green flower in the middle, and decided to continue out from there.

Back view

I have been told that my stitches are tiny (or at least smaller than some of my other guild members would have sewn them).  I tried to take a couple pictures of that, but they are a bit blurry.

You will also notice that the center hexagons got cut in an actual hexagon shape, but with 1/4 inch to fold.  I learned from Quilting on the Go that I could use a square - way easier to cut. 

My hexagons were 3/4 in.  I chose that tiny size because I have a Creative Memories hexagon punch and that was the biggest size.  Easy enough.  I'm not sure I will ever go that small for a larger project, but for this it was fine.
*To make the 3/4 in hexagons I cut 2in squares*

Of course I didn't know how to quilt it...I wanted to do something complicated, where I arched around each side - but I have never done anything like that before and I was on a deadline (who am I kidding - I was almost a week past the deadline.   So I went with little loops.

I made an envelope back - easy removal for washing - used that trusty green, of which I never seem to be out.

My momma says she likes it. So woohoo for tiny gifts that took lots of time!

I have already begun a new EEP project.  Only this time it won't be small and I won't give myself any deadlines to miss. 

If you got this far...thanks for reading my EEP novel. ;)

XOXO - Katelyn

Quilt of Valor Blocks

I have yet another WIP to share...
It seems like I am only sharing works in progress lately, but maybe I'll actually finish something next week. 

I digress. 
I am a member of the Memphis Area Modern Quilt Guild.  I love being able to meet and hang out with  modern quilters once a month. 
Last month we decided to make a Quilt of Valor Quilt together.  One quilt, for now - we didn't want to overwhelm ourselves. 
I am leading this particular effort - meaning I looked up the details.  Lol.

Kelly, from My Quilt Infatuation, came up with the fabulous idea of a sampler quilt. That way we can each make three 12in (finished) blocks and end up with enough for a nice sized quilt once put together. 
We are each making different blocks - whatever we choose, in any red, blue, white, gray - as long as we make different ones and they have patriotic colors.  We are going to use Kona White as a sashing to separate the blocks (the reason we could use what ever fabrics we wanted). 

We are a super small guild, only 7 due paying members right now - though we would love it if anyone wants to join us! 

The three blocks aren't "due" until our April meeting - giving three months to choose and make the blocks.  However, I finished mine last week. 

my three blocks

I used Amy Newbold's, of Sukie Don't Ya Know, Origami Star tutorial.  Only I did my own math and made it 12in.  So there are a few measurements I would change...but I'll do that for another project.  ;)

Then I choose a Flying Dutchman block.  I love the multiple flying geese.  If I do this block again I think I will make it scrappy.  That would be a bit more fun. 

Then, for my last block I used the Double Z block from the new (and totally fabulous) quilting book - Vintage Quilt Revival, by Katie Clark Blakesley, Lee Heinrich, and Faith Jones. 

I can't wait to see everyone else's blocks.  I am excited to see how the quilt comes together with different fabrics and looks.

Have a fabulous Wednesday!

XOXO -
    Katelyn

Jumping In - WIP Wednesday

My Sister-in-law has always loved quilts.  She even talked with my mother about wanting to make them.  So 3 Christmas' ago we all pitched in and bought her a Baby Lock sewing machine.  Since then she has made pjs for her children, pants. shirts, hoodies, and dresses.  She is incredibly talented.  But she has been too scared to try a quilt.  I think that is silly, as I am scared to make clothes.  lol.

But a few months ago she sent me a text saying that she bought me fabric (a jelly roll of Tula Pink's Acacia).  However, she liked it so much that she was going to keep it.  I cracked up.  She said that I could make her a quilt...or she might try.  I told her we could do it together. 
She picked out a solid and another jelly roll to go with it.  She wanted a quilt large enough for her bed...talk about jumping in with all she has got! She also decided to make it into a duvet cover, so instead of binding the quilt she is going to sew a backing to it and stuff a duvet in.  But It has to be quilted first.

After much deliberation she chose to make a Rail Fence quilt.  I have never made one of these or seen one in person.  So I got to try something new!  We started ironing, cutting, and sewing the fabric on December 30th.  But I am counting it as a 2014 project since Sarah left on the 2nd and I had to finish sewing the rows together alone...

This top is 94.5 x 94.5

Fabrics: Jelly Roll of Tula Pink's Acacia, Jelly Roll of Soho Chic for Moda, and yardage of Moda Bella Solids in Teal.

These fabrics work so well together!  I am so proud of my sister-in-law for picking them all out on her own (pretty much).  ;)

There were 14 left over blocks.  So I made a couple pillows.

This one finished 17x17.  The quilting is what Sarah wants me to do on her quilt.  I put a 18in pillow form inside and it is a lovely fit.  This is Sarah's pillow cover that I am going to send with her quilt.  

 This pillow finished at 11x11 and I didn't have a pillow form...so I made one out of old sheets and stuffing.  I loved doing the circle quilting, but don't think I really want to do this on a large project.  I want to keep this one for myself...but it is Sarah's fabric, so if she wants it, I guess I'll send it to her.  LOL

I can't baste or work on quilting the quilt for at least a week...but in the meantime I plan on washing the pillow covers so I can see how they crinkle up. 


What are you working on this week?

 - Katelyn

WIP Wednesday

That's me...a work in progress.  Who knows what I am supposed to be doing?  Not me...But in that light, I start school today.  Not super excited.  Really, I'm just super tired.  ;)

But I do have a fun WIP to share today. 

I made a patchwork quilt top from two Riley Blake charm packs (collection- Sidewalks).

Forgive the wrinkles.  Apparently, if you fold something up for a weekend, it needs to be ironed afterwards. 

The top is currently 40.5 x 45.  I added a few solids in, to make it a rectangle. 
I just wanted something simple and cute to make.  I love it so far. 

Isn't this fabric adorable!!!!  Perfect for a baby, or toddler, quilt.  Really it would be cute as a baby bag, baby cloths...anything.

Now I just have to get backing.  I was going to go with a super soft rose minky that I had on hand.

But I don't have enough.  Isn't that the pits??  *sigh 
I thought about going out to get more, but Pink Castle Fabrics was (is? not sure) have a Skinny Bolt sale (SKINNY20).  There are three fabrics from this line in the sale, so I just bought bit and am waiting on it for the backing.   Can't wait to get it in!

Can you piece minky?  I'm not sure.  What would you do with left-over minky?


XOXO -

     Katelyn