Carpenter's Wheel - Blogger's Quilt Festival Fall 2018

I thought I would join the fun and share a quilt for the Blogger's Quilt Festival.

I started this quilt in 2014, making one block each month for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.   I had wanted to make a Carpenter's Wheel quilt (also known as Carpenter's Star) since my earliest days as a quilter, and I figured one block per month was a good way to accomplish the dream.  I drafted my own pattern using half-square triangles so I could avoid the dreaded Y seam in my blocks.

After completing eight blocks, I needed one more for a nine-block quilt.  Going back to my scrappy inspiration, I made the final block using all the previous colors.

I have a great working relationship with my local long-arm quilter, Cindy Braiwick.  She did a great job of adding more spark to the quilt with her quilting.

I finally put the final stitch in the binding and pronounced the quilt FINISHED early in 2018.  Right now it's hanging on the wall in my dining room where I can enjoy it every day!

Purple Repro Crosses and an RSC Finish

I'm still focused on the color purple for this month's Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

A horrible picture (it's so hard to photograph dark purple fabrics!) of quarter-square log cabin blocks in purple reproduction fabrics.  These blocks are quick and fun to make; I already did the math for the finished quilt, so I'm looking forward to making 5 blocks in each RSC color this year.

In other news, I was finally able to get pictures of a finished RSC quilt.

The Carpenter's Wheel (some call it Carpenter's Star) block had been on my bucket list for years.  I decided to use it for a Rainbow Scrap project in 2014.  After experimenting with different methods of block construction, I settled on a plan to use HSTs for the blocks - thereby avoiding the dreaded set-in seams.  

I made eight blocks in the bright rainbow hues, and finished with a ninth, multi-color block.

As usual, my longarm quilter, Cindy Braiwick, did a fantastic job.  

I have gifted many of my RSC quilts - but I think I'll keep this one for myself!

More Rainbow Scrap inspiration can be found at the weekly RSC link-up.

Sneaux Day Quilting

You may have heard that parts of the Deep South experienced a little snowfall yesterday.  

At our house, all we had was cold rain and sleet, although a few places around town reported seeing fat, wet flakes falling from the sky.  Just north of the city there was enough snow to accumulate, which caused snowman building and snowball fights, not to mention vehicles slipping and sliding all over the roads.  Apparently Mike the Tiger, LSU's mascot, enjoyed his sneaux day, too!

You'd think the inclement weather would be a perfect excuse to stay home and quilt, but it didn't really work out that way.  Dear Hubby and I had planned on taking vacation days in honor of his birthday, so neither of us had to work.  Since the weather wasn't great for driving, our plans to go to the camp and/or do some antiquing got scrapped, and we wound up baking (bread and cookies) and doing Christmas decorating.   I tried to sneak in a little quilt-related activity, but didn't get far.

I started to trim the excess backing and batting from my Carpenter's Wheel quilt, but only finished one side.  I made the binding (all 300+ inches of it) last weekend, so once the quilt is trimmed and squared up, I will stitch the binding in place.  This quilt was a Rainbow Scrap Challenge project in 2014; it's been hanging around, waiting for binding for over a year, so I'd really like to put in the finishing stitches before the end of 2017!

I made this mini 9-patch several years ago, using up scraps from Bento Box quilts I had made for my nieces.  

Bento Box quilt under construction, circa 2009.  Pattern by Tracey Brookshier.

The mini 9-patch sat around for a long time, waiting to be quilted.  Last week I decided this quilt needed to be DONE and set to work layering and pinning.  I found the just the right shade of orange thread in my stash and started by quilting in the ditch, because that was the easiest thing to do.  Next I did some quilting a quarter inch from the seams in the setting triangles.  I decided I liked the quarter inch quilting much better than quilting in the ditch and vowed never to use ditch quilting again unless absolutely necessary!  I finished up with more quarter inch quilting around the center of each 9-patch.  

I've almost finished hand-stitching the binding to the back of the quilt.  I love this orange bandana print backing!  

One more Finish 'Er Up project has been on the front burner over the past few weeks.  This quilt was inspired by a month of blue scraps for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.  I've been working on it in fits and starts since the end of 2013, so I think it's time for this one to be DONE, too!

The quilt measures about 80 inches square right now, but I want it to fit on a queen-sized bed, so it needs to be at least 10 inches larger all around.  I want a blue and white fabric for an outer border, but haven't found The Right Thing at my local quilt shops.  I think I found a couple of candidates online, so I'm waiting for samples to arrive before I order yardage.  

Those are the projects I hope to wrap up for the end of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge this year.  I still have plenty of RSC UFOs, but they will have to wait a bit longer to get finished.  In the meantime, I will be checking out how other RSC quilters are wrapping up their projects for the year!

RSC 15: Mid-Year Evaluation

We're already at the half-way point of the year - how did that happen? The monthly RSC colors and blocks have been flying by, but progress on last year's RSC quilts has stalled.

The June RSC color is light blue.  I checked my current stacks of RSC blocks and decided the color blue is well represented, so I'm going to focus on some of last year's projects. 

 

Last year's Carpenter's Wheel quilt top has been waiting patiently to be quilted.  I tidied up the loose threads on the back and prepped the backing this week.  It's now in the hands of my local long-arm quilter and I'm looking forward to seeing her creative input!

 

Next up - last year's Rainbow Scrap Sampler.  I was able to arrange the blocks on the design wall last year, but didn't have time to piece them before I needed the design wall space for another project.  I took them down in order and made notes to remind myself of the piecing plan.  I'll be using white sashing between all the blocks; everything is ready to go - I just need to get started!

 

I was hoping to start last night, but I wound up puppy-sitting for my oldest son's new buddy.  This is Moose - named in honor of one of his favorite baseball players.  He's a rescue pup, about 8 months old and not well-house-trained yet.  I really had to keep an eye on him last night, which was not conducive to sewing.  Oh well, he and I bonded - which is probably a good thing because I'm sure I'll be doing more puppy-sitting in the future!

I'm linking up with the other Rainbow Scrappers over at Angela's SoScrappy blog today.  I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else is up to at this mid-year point!

 

 

Memory Quilt #6

I have been making a series of memory quilts using my father's shirts.  When my dad passed away four years ago, I took all of his plaid and striped sport shirts with the intention of making quilts for his children (my sisters and me) and grandchildren (two grandsons & two granddaughters).  It has taken me a few years, but I've made quilts for everyone but myself.  I added the final border to quilt number six today.

 

The center of the quilt is a Carpenter's Wheel block with a nautical-themed antique map as the neutral fabric.  I used the same arrangement for quilt number five.

 

After making 4 of these HST zig-zag borders, I've got the process streamlined.  I still love zig-zag borders, I just don't think I want to make any for awhile!

 

Like quilt number five, this one also has a sand dollar print border, but in a darker shade of blue.  Quilts five and six are for my nieces who live at the beach, so I'm happy the quilt weaves their lives with his.

 

I love this picture - the girls are helping Poppy with his garden.  I think I will make a photo-transfer of this picture as part of the quilt label. 

 

 

 

Scrap Happy Saturday: Lest Auld Scrappiness Be Forgot

I've come to the conclusion I should just take a vacation from blogging in December.  It's always a crazy month for me, as my husband and youngest son both have birthdays before Christmas.  This year has been even crazier, as my major project at work culminates on December 31st, and these past few weeks have been a mass of frustration as I try to herd cats to a successful outcome! 

Fortunately, I have had time to sneak in some quilt therapy here and there.  I've been wrapping up Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects from this year and contemplating what I will do for next year's RSC.  

Last weekend I immersed myself in all the episodes of Season One of the "Serial" podcast, and made the borders for the Carpenter's Wheel quilt.

 

The finished quilt measures 68" x 68".  No clue yet how it will be quilted, but I do plan to give it to my sister when it's done.  I really enjoyed challenging myself with this project and now I can cross this quilt block off my quilting bucket list!

 

While I'm talking about this year's Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects, I'll mention this Scrap Jar Star quilt again.  I still need to add at least a bit more width to it, so I'll be looking for some appropriate border fabric as the new year begins.  I'm going to give this one to my youngest sister.

 

My Rainbow Scrap Sampler blocks are still waiting for sashing.  That will definitely be a project for 2015.

 

I made a few of these 9-patch blocks this year.  These are only 6" blocks, so I'll need more before I have enough for a quilt.  This project will continue through 2015.

 

Another RSC project this year was making Maverick or Liberated Stars.  Again, these are only 6" blocks, so I'll need to make more before I have enough for a quilt.  Channeling Bonnie Hunter:  I'm thinking of making string-pieced, low volume blocks for the alternate squares.

 

The RSC has really taught me to appreciate 16-patch blocks.  They are not only great scrap busters, but good building blocks for a variety of quilts.  This block was made in 2014, and the darker fabric shades inspired me to focus on reproduction fabric 16-patches for 2015.  

I'm really looking forward to the next round of Rainbow Scrap Challenge fun!  Many thanks to our fearless leader, Angela of SoScrappy, for all her work in providing inspiration for our quilt therapy!

Here's to the last Rainbow Scrap Challenge link-up of 2014!

 

 

 

 

Scrap Happy Saturday: The Fruits of Scrappiness

Seems like I have been busy with things other than sewing - especially work - since Thanksgiving.  I haven't had much sewing time, but I'm getting things done in small batches.  I'm still focused on finishing several quilt projects so the slate is clear for the beginning of 2015.  It's a worthy goal, but I don't know if I'll achieve it!

 

I finished assembling all the Scrap Jar Stars.  The current measurement is approximately 55 x 70, which to my mind is a little narrow.  I have just enough of the dotty background fabric to add another round of narrow sashing to complete the floating 9 patches on the outer edges.  That will only add three inches to the width, so I'm still contemplating whether I want to try adding a multi-color print border for additional size.  I guess it would depend on whether I could find just the right fabric for another border.

 

I also spent some quality time with my Carpenter's Wheel blocks.  I needed one more block to make a three by three setting, so I made a color wheel version of the block.  

 

When the color wheel block was finished, I just randomly pinned all the Carpenter's Wheel blocks to the design wall.  I plan to add white sashing and cornerstones to the blocks so there will be a floating 9 patch secondary design.  I'll probably add a solid white border, a border of random colored squares and another white border.

 

I tried re-arranging the blocks into color wheel order, but I think I like the random arrangement better!

 I'm linking up with the other Rainbow Scrap enthusiasts over at Angela's SoScrappy blog today.  There will be lots of colorful inspiration, for sure!

 

 

Scrap Happy Saturday: More Orange Frolics!

Dear Husband had to work this weekend, so no trip to the camp.  On the other hand, that meant I could immerse myself in sewing to my heart's content.  Today that meant more orange scrappy play!

 

First, I finished up the Scrap Jar Stars I started last weekend.  For some reason, these blocks just make me happy - in any color!  I think I will continue to make them as an on-going scrap busting project.

 

I also added a Maverick Star to this month's batch, made with darker orange scraps.

 

The design wall was empty, so I arranged all the scrappy Maverick Stars to date.  I'm thinking these need another block between them, maybe something string-pieced.  These are only 6" blocks, so there's definitely room for more.

  

This month's Carpenter's Wheel was a joy to make!  

 

I also pinned up the scrappy Carpenter's Wheel blocks thus far.  These blocks measure 16".  I'm only now starting to have glimmers of ideas for how I'd like to set these.  I like the idea of 9 blocks, but I'm not sure what color the last block will be.  Time and the Rainbow Scrap Challenge will tell!

Linking up with all the other Rainbow Scrap quilters over at Angela's SoScrappy blog - lots more lovely orange on view there!

 

 

 

Scrap Happy Saturday: Red Scraps in the Sunset

It was a very long work week (I drove over 600 miles!) and I was delighted to have a rainy Saturday of fabric therapy.  First and foremost was playing with red scraps for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

 

I stitched up two red Maverick Stars to go in the stack of RSC stars.  The RSC sampler block for this week was also a Maverick Star, so I made a third star and kept the fabrics dark.

 

Once the stars were completed, I cut all the HST units for my red Carpenter's Wheel block.  I use 2.5" strips and the Easy Angle ruler to cut the the units.   Sticky notes and binder clips help me keep the cut fabrics organized until I can stitch them together. 

 

I've got a new leader-ender project going alongside all the red scrappy activities.  These 9 patch blocks are for a swap organized by Barb of Fun with Barb.  She shared a very handy technique for making 9 patches and fired up an enthusiastic group of quilters to participate in two different block swaps.  The swaps are full/closed, but if you want to look at all the blocks being created, check out the group's Facebook page.

I haven't checked out today's Rainbow Scrap link-up, so I think I'll make a cup of tea and go enjoy some scrappy red inspiration!

Mid-week Rainbows

Today has been designated Rainbow Scrap Challenge progress day - an opportunity for those participating in this year's RSC and RSC Sampler to share their scrappy rainbow progress.

Happily for me, my design wall has been empty for the past few days, so it was easy to pin up my various RSC projects and contemplate where my creative vision may be taking me.

 

First up, 6 nine patch blocks in rainbow colors.  These blocks finish at 6 inches.  I believe this will be an ongoing RSC project for at least another year, as it will take lots more blocks to make a quilt!

 

Other RSC participants inspired me to try my hand at maverick or liberated stars.  I'm still getting comfortable with improvisational piecing, but I'm glad I gave these a try.  I'm picturing these set with string pieced blocks in the alternate squares.  This will definitely require more creative playtime!

 

Sixteen patch blocks are one of my favorite scrap busters.  When I started the RSC this year, I only planned to make the 16 patch blocks, but several months into the challenge I decided I wanted to make these into scrap jar stars.   I didn't use any specific pattern, just made up my own components to fit.  I only recently started assembling the entire star block (the green and yellow blocks above), but I have the HST flying geese components prepared for the other colors.

 

When I pinned all of the RSC Sampler blocks on the wall, I was just trying to display them for the photograph.  I had been thinking of arranging them in a medallion setting after being inspired by one of the quilts from Barbara Brackman's Grandmother's Choice BOW.  However, looking at the photograph, it's kind of fun seeing them all together without any special setting style.  I'll wait until year is over before I make a decision on this one.

 

The only block I originally planned to make for this year's RSC was the Carpenter's Wheel.  I've wanted to make a Carpenter's Wheel quilt since my earliest days as a quilter, and I figured the RSC was a great excuse to play with color and piecing at the same time.  Using HSTs for the diamond shapes makes these blocks fairly easy to assemble.  I haven't decided how I will set all the blocks at the end of the year - more creative playtime needed!

That concludes my Rainbow Sampler update.  I'll be linking up with other Rainbow Scrappers over at Angela's blog - I'm sure there will be all kinds of scrappy inspiration!

Scrap Happy Saturday: Retiring Yellow

Today was an unusual Saturday, as I had to work this morning.  A co-worker and I pulled the duty to work at our company's booth at a medical conference.  I enjoyed doing something out of the usual routine, even if it was on a Saturday!  The conference ended at noon and since I was already in the French Quarter, I took the opportunity to do some shopping at one of my favorite clothing stores.  I missed my usual Saturday morning quilting, but it was still a winning morning!

 

Not the greatest pictures, as I waited until this evening to take shots of this week's yellow Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects.  Here is my Lemoyne Star for the Rainbow Scrap Sampler.

 

I finished this month's Carpenter's Wheel after I got home this afternoon.

 

The design wall was empty, so I pinned up the previous RSC Carpenter's Wheel blocks.   These blocks finish at 16 inches.  My original thought was that I'd only make 9 of these blocks, but that all depends on what other colors are included in this year's challenge.

I still haven't looked at all the other RSC sharing at Angela's blog today.  I think I'll fix a tall glass of something cold to drink and go unwind by looking at lots of Rainbow Scrap inspiration!

 

Retreat to Stripes & Plaids

During my unplanned quilting retreat last week, I returned to a project that stalled almost two years ago.  After my father passed away, I decided to make memory quilts using his collection of striped and plaid shirts.  I initially completed 3 of the quilts and then got side-tracked into other projects.  As I re-arranged my sewing studio to make room for my new sewing machine, I came across the basket of shirting fabrics and resolved to get the remainder of the quilts made.

 

For the first two memory quilts, I used Bonnie Hunter's Star Struck and Blue Ridge Beauty patterns.  After those two quilts, I realized I could work more efficiently by using one size of HST unit and just making different designs.  I finished an additional quilt, a quilt center and lots of loose HST units before getting distracted by other projects.  

 

I started my re-directed project by adding a frame to the barn-raising style center medallion I had previously pieced.  The gold fabric is an antique map print - my dad was a geography buff.  When I was little, he would keep me occupied for hours by having me find countries, cities and geographic features on the world map pinned to my bedroom wall!  After adding the medallion frame, I worked out a zig-zag border.  The border isn't stitched yet, so I guess that's the next step.  The quilt top will be finished with another fabric frame or two.

 

Next, I thought I'd try a Carpenter's Wheel center medallion using the shirting HSTs.  In the stash I found a hunk of off-white with a small white design which worked nicely for the background squares.  I set the new medallion on top of the barn-raising medallion and decided it was a good plan.  I'll add a different framing border to the Carpenter's Wheel.  I might even try a different HST border, although I'm quite fond of the zig-zags!  I will make one more Carpenter's Wheel block (maybe with white background fabric?) and that will finish up the memory quilts for my dad's grandchildren.