Tag Archives: quilting

Tapa Star pattern testing complete

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Wow, finally I finished the actual Tapa star blocks. These definitely took a lot longer than expected. Let me give you a quick summary of these blocks.

Here was the original designs, on the left the solid Tapa Star, on the right striped Tapa Star
GreenTapaClothStar GreenStripedTapaClothStar

Designed from this tapa cloth:
1a4b0cbd08faa2a21caafb8670a6a894-1

I translated these into paper pieced patterns. The solid Tapa Star takes about 1 -1.5 hours to make, the striped is about 3.5-4 hours. The latter block, definitely has more complexity due and matching up all the lines, as well as, the star centers will take a bit of effort. Here are the finished blocks:
TapaStarBlocks_completeThe fabrics for the solids are Robert Kaufman Solids (Wasbi, Chartreuse, Bonsai, Clover), and the prints are Carolyn Friedlander Architextures. Now, on to finalizing the pattern, and making pillows from these blocks. Anyone interested in testing the blocks?

Linking up with a few folks this week.
Alyce @ Blossom Heart Quilts for Sew Cute Tuesday (see button on right)
Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts for Let’s be Social (see button on the right)
Lee @ Freshly Pieced for WiP Wednesday (see button on right)

 

Slow goings

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With the hubby being out-of-town most of the week, working full-time and looking after my sprout (son), I did not have time to do much this week. I definitely did not get in my 30 minutes a day.

I added 1 more block to my X and + quilt blocks to make 10 (only 38 to go – obviously not reaching my “A lovely year of finishes” goal for this month)…but at least there was progress!!
X&+Block_10

I made two iPhone/iPad stands.
Text_iPhoneStand

I also am excited for two reasons…my mum is arriving from NZ today!!! and I am starting to pull fabrics for the classes at Sew Down Nashville. Here are my fabric selections for Carolyn Friedlander’s class using her Aerials quilt design.

1PA-CarolynFriedlander-1110_MED
(image taken from Pink Chalk Fabrics who sell the pattern)

First off it is all Lotta Jansdotter prints that I have been saving for the right project. This is it!! I am planning on mostly blacks, whites and greys; with a section of the yellows and oranges.

SewDown_CarolynFriedlanderClass

I am hoping to get a whole lot done this weekend to catch-up and finish of my quarterly project goals.

P.S. Book Review Tuesdays will be back 2nd Tuesday in April.

Book Review Tuesdays: Winner = 500 Quilt Blocks

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Most of you guessed the mystery book. 500 quilt blocks.

Review

9781416209119_p0_v1_s260x420Title:  “500 quilt blocks”
Author:  Lynne Goldsworthy & Kerry Green
Publisher:  Sellers Publishing, Inc.
ISBN:  978-1-41620-911-9

This book is a great reference book for various quilting blocks. The book has a great introduction section which covers cutting techniques, hand stitches, sewing machine needle sizes, block construction and different techniques, and how to finish your quilt. The book is small in size, perfect for carrying and taking with you if traveling.

Each chapter of the book, covers various blocks based on a specific theme. The chapters are broken up starting with easy blocks and growing in complexity as it goes. For most blocks, there are up to 3-4 variations of the blocks. I really like the variations of each of the blocks and allow you to see how to make tweaks and changes to blocks you may have made or plan to make. A lot of effort was put into the book, as many of the blocks have not only have diagrams but also, photographs of made blocks.

Some of the things I do not like about this book:

  • The book includes templates but the book is so small that you would need to enlarge 200-400%.
  • There are projects scattered throughout each chapter. Unfortunately, I did not like any of the projects.
  • The instructions for making up the blocks are scant, which makes it difficult to make up. You have to kind of guess which pieces are what when sewing them together. Lining up the squares definitely assume you have extensive knowledge.

I will use this book for looking up blocks, maybe to come up with possibly bee blocks, or a sample quilt but it is also likely to stay on my shelf as well. For these reasons, I am only giving this book 2/5 buttons.

images-9  images-8 

Project

I decided to choose the “Broken Wheel” block and it’s variations. Ultimately, I plan to make these into a 20″ pillow….though, I am running a little behind. I did complete the main block, and plan on using 3 of the other 4 additional variations.

BrokenWheel_Block1_500quiltblocks

Fabric: Kona Torch, Kona Pond, Kona Wasabi, Kona Nautical and Kona White.

Winner

First off, thank you so much for all your wonderful guesses and playing along!!! And now onto the winner from last weeks comments….

Screen Shot 2014-03-18 at 11.06.27 PM

and #28 is Daisy over @ ants to sugar!!! Daisy, I will drop a copy off to you when I see you next. Congratulations!!

A disclaimer, all reviews and opinions of the books reviewed will be mine, unless otherwise stated. Please note, I may not respond to all comments due to volume and bandwidth.

I am linking up with Lee over @ Freshly Pieced for WiP Wednesday (for the pillow project).