All posts tagged traditional

Loyal Union Sampler Block 16/121

Good afternoon everyone,

Not a lot of progress to share on the sampler this week. I made the nine square in a square blocks the other day and then just looked at the pieces on my mat and walked away several times. Sometimes I just know it isn’t going to be successful so I go off and do something else. Today, the bits went together like a dream. It was worth waiting until I could give it my best shot.

Anyway, this one is called Chambersburg from the Loyal Union Sampler book by Jennifer Chiaverini. It’s got forty five dinky pieces and finishes at six inches square. I’ll definitely make this block again in a larger format. There’s so much that could be done with colour placement to make secondary patterns.

Here’s where I’m at now.

It’s back to Y-seams for the next two blocks. I promise not to whinge!

12 Comments

by Oh Sew Tempting on November 13, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Quilting and Patchwork, The Loyal Union Sampler Quilt, Uncategorized

Tagged blue, craft, fabric, geometric, handmade, interior design, Loyal Union Sampler, moda, patchwork, project, quilt, traditional

Posted by Oh Sew Tempting on November 13, 2016

https://ohsewtempting.wordpress.com/2016/11/13/loyal-union-sampler-block-16121/

Loyal Union Sampler Blocks 12, 13 and 14/121

I eventually managed the Y-seams on this block using the sewing machine. The photo was taken in poor light but waiting for the time when there is good daylight again could take months. So here it is. This one is called California. I’m pleased with how it turned out. It’s the first block in the second row of the quilt.

Block 13 is called Camp Curtin. Nice and easy peasy this one :-).

Finally, my favourite of the latest blocks, Campfire. I think I’ll make more of these in a larger size for another project.

It’s back to Y-seams for the next block and they definitely won’t go through the machine this time. Believe me, I’ve tried! Oh well, I had to learn how to hand stitch patchwork at some point.

This is what the quilt looks like so far. I can’t promise rapid progress with the next block.

If you’d like to make this quilt, you’ll find it in the Loyal Union Sampler book by Jennifer Chiaverini.

23 Comments

by Oh Sew Tempting on November 7, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Quilting and Patchwork, The Loyal Union Sampler Quilt

Tagged blue, craft, fabric, geometric, handmade, interior design, Loyal Union Sampler, moda, quilt, quilting, traditional

Posted by Oh Sew Tempting on November 7, 2016

https://ohsewtempting.wordpress.com/2016/11/07/loyal-union-sampler-blocks-12-13-and-14121/

Another Happy Dance

Hi everyone,

Ta-daaaaa! Here are some photos of my finished quilt which I promised to share with you the other day. I hope you like it.

If you visit and read this blog regularly you will know that I’ve been participating in a block swap with eleven other ladies who live all over the world. The swap, called Foot Square Freestyle, was organised by Kate and Sue. We were asked to choose a colour scheme for the blocks we’d like to receive and I chose bright blues and purples.

My original plan was to set the blocks on point but the quilt would have been way too big. My finished quilt has turned out to be a very usable 82 inches square. I tried to achieve a stained glass window appearance by adding the thin black sashing and broad frame. I’m really happy with the overall effect.

The backing is a rich purple print and the quilting is simple, so as not to obliterate the strong lines of the blocks. I wanted this quilt to be squishy and snuggly because it is going to be used.

Here are a few photos showing each quadrant.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the organisers, Kate and Sue, and all of the other ladies who sent me these beautiful blocks. I couldn’t have made this without you. It has been so much fun to be part of this group. I’ve already made my final blocks to send all the way to Australia, so apart from tidying up a few loose ends on my own quilt, that’s me done. I look forward to seeing all of the other F2F quilts as they appear in the gallery during the coming months.

Come on ladies, if you’ve received all of your blocks, make a run for the finish line. It feels so good to be Happy Dancing again 🙂

47 Comments

by Oh Sew Tempting on March 13, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Quilting and Patchwork

Tagged Block swap, blue, craft, F2F, fabric, Foot Square Freestyle, geometric, handmade, interior design, machine quilting, patchwork, project, purple, quilt, Quilt block, quilting, sampler, sewing, stained glass, traditional

Posted by Oh Sew Tempting on March 13, 2016

https://ohsewtempting.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/another-happy-dance/

The Loyal Union Sampler Block 7/121

Hello everyone,

Here is block 7 from my blue and white version of the Loyal Union Sampler. There are a total of 121 blocks shown in the book by Jennifer Chiaverini. This block is called Beacon Lights. It was easy to make compared to the last one. It has 29 pieces and finishes at 6 inches square.

Here’s the virtual quilt so far.

Next up is Best Friend.

16 Comments

by Oh Sew Tempting on February 3, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in The Loyal Union Sampler Quilt

Tagged Beacon Lights, blue, bright, craft, fabric, geometric, handmade, interior design, Loyal Union Sampler, moda, patchwork, project, quilt, sewing, traditional

Posted by Oh Sew Tempting on February 3, 2016

https://ohsewtempting.wordpress.com/2016/02/03/the-loyal-union-sampler-block-7121/

The Loyal Union Sampler Block 6/121

Hi everyone,

It’s been a long time since this project rose to the top of my works in progress. I can now share block 6 of my Loyal Union Sampler from the book by Jennifer Chiaverini. This one is called Augusta and it’s got 33 tiny pieces. The pointy bits are very skinny and the whole block will finish at 6 inches. I had great fun making it.

I’ve found that, for me, the best way to do this project is to have a series of strips accurately cut to different widths and then to slice off the bit I need for a square, rectangle, triangle or whatever. All of my strips are labelled with the width. This way, I don’t have any nasty scraps leftover. Scraps are not allowed in my sewing room if I can help it 😉

Here’s what my virtual LUS looks like now.

Hopefully, it won’t be long before I get to block 7!

30 Comments

by Oh Sew Tempting on January 29, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in The Loyal Union Sampler Quilt

Tagged blue, bright, craft, fabric, handmade, interior design, Loyal Union Sampler, moda, patchwork, project, quilt, sewing, traditional

Posted by Oh Sew Tempting on January 29, 2016

https://ohsewtempting.wordpress.com/2016/01/29/the-loyal-union-sampler-block-6121/

F2F Parcel 10

Hi everyone,

I can now share photos of parcel number 10 from my lovely blogging friend Annett. We are taking part in the Foot Square Freestyle bock swap organised by Kate and Sue and November was my turn to receive blocks from the other 11 participants.

In no particular order and with piecing perfection, a lovely twirling leafy design.

Secondly, this little beauty. Don’t you just love these fabrics together?

Thirdly, this is the only Dresden plate I have. Annett has done some gorgeous hand piecing on this one and she even fussy cut the centre.

Once again, I’m such a lucky girl. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these gorgeous blocks for me Annett. I really do love and appreciate them 🙂

I have also received parcel number 11, the final group of blocks for my project(s), but I’ve decided to show those when I know exactly what I’m doing with them all. There are a few plans brewing 😉

17 Comments

by Oh Sew Tempting on December 20, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Quilting and Patchwork

Tagged Block swap, blue, bright, craft, fabric, geometric, handmade, interior design, machine quilting, patchwork, purple, sewing, traditional

Posted by Oh Sew Tempting on December 20, 2015

https://ohsewtempting.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/f2f-parcel-10/

These are a few of my favourite things…

Hello everyone,

Are you singing the song from The Sound of Music?

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens,
Brown paper packages tied up with string,
These are a few of my favourite things.

I’m so excited because it’s November and that means it’s my turn to receive my little packages of quilt blocks made by all the other participants in the Foot²Freestyle block swap organised by Kate and Sue. I’ve chosen to receive blocks in bright blues and purples. Just in case my fellow swappers are still looking for inspiration, I’m showing a selection of some of my favourite things that I’ve made over the last couple of years in those colours.

I love traditional, symmetrical blocks, and although I like lots of different types of fabrics, my favourites are blenders, marbles, batiks and solids. This is probably my most favourite of all the quilts I’ve made. It’s huge and it’s bright. Click here to see the original post which has more photos.

Next up is a very simple tote bag which now has a large purple button for the fastening instead of a pin. I went through a bit of a bag making phase. Click here to see the original post.

Finally, a little bag which features some of my late Aunt Edith’s lace from her craft box. There’s a link to a really good tutorial that I used here. If you want to read my original post, click here.

CIMG3489

I had thought about making my own three blocks a while ago but decided it might be better for me to wait until I’ve seen what the other ladies send me first. There are eleven other crafters taking part, so I’ll receive 33 blocks and then make 3 of my own.

I wonder whose blocks will drop on the doormat first. I promise to show them here as soon as they arrive. However, you may prefer to have a sneak preview. Kate and Sue’s blogs (links above) will be showing all the blocks that have been posted to me so far. I won’t be looking so please don’t tell me what you see. I’m waiting for the postie to call with my surprises 🙂

This month, I’m going to try to get ahead and make the blocks for Miss December. I’m off to have a look around her blog to see what kind of blocks she likes best before I get started.

Happy crafting!

Avis x

16 Comments

by Oh Sew Tempting on November 2, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Quilting and Patchwork

Tagged blue, bright, craft, F2F, fabric, Foot Square Freestyle, geometric, handmade, interior design, machine quilting, patchwork, purple, quilt, quilting, sewing, tote bag, traditional, tutorial, zipper pouch tutorial

Posted by Oh Sew Tempting on November 2, 2015

https://ohsewtempting.wordpress.com/2015/11/02/these-are-a-few-of-my-favourite-things/

Making something special…

Hi everyone,

Some of you may remember that my daughter was travelling in India a while ago and she brought lots of lovely fabrics home for me to play with. If you can’t remember what they look like, or you missed that post, click here.

I have finally got around to making a start with some of them. I can’t describe how much fun we both had opening up the box where I’d stored them all safely. It brought back many happy shopping memories for my daughter. She was almost daring me to cut into a silk sari and I very nearly did. Will I ever be able to do that? Of course I will! For now, I’ve chosen all the fabrics that had a green or teal colour and teamed them up with some of my solids.

The photos don’t do the fabrics justice. I’ve tried to take the photos on different days with different levels of light but the richness of colour simply doesn’t come through.

I think most of the cotton fabrics have been screen printed by hand but some are really special and sparkly 🙂 They have raised hand painted accents which have probably been done using wooden block stampers with a thick paint paste.

The good thing is that the paint can withstand pressing with a hot iron. I really do wish I could show you the true colours of these fabrics. These two photos were taken in the same room at the same time but the fabrics look so different when they are exactly the same grrr!

Anyway, you are probably wondering why I chose to make New York Beauty blocks. The answer is that I really enjoyed making some for my friend Annett over at Knettycraft recently and I just had to make some more. This time, they are only one quarter the size of the last ones I made. These will finish at 6 inches when sewn together. I don’t know what’s going on with me at the moment but I’m just loving working with small blocks.

I have plans for more sewing with the Indian fabrics but not yet. There are a few more urgent tasks to complete first and then I’ll get back to work on these. This is going to be a long term project and I’m in no hury. I have a plan in my head which is constantly evolving.

What’s the longest project that you’ve had in your imagination before it came to fruition?

Back to sewing….

Avis x

23 Comments

by Oh Sew Tempting on August 29, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Quilting and Patchwork, Uncategorized

Tagged craft, fabric, handmade, Indian fabrics, interior design, New York Beauty, patchwork, project, screen print, sewing, traditional

Posted by Oh Sew Tempting on August 29, 2015

https://ohsewtempting.wordpress.com/2015/08/29/making-something-special/

Foot²Freestyle 2015 Blocks for August

Good afternoon everyone,

I’ve just popped in to give an update on the F2F block swap organised by Kate.

August is the month we are all sending three blocks to Susan in the USA. She has already acknowledged receipt of my blocks so it is OK to show you photos here now. Susan requested red and white or blue and white or some of each. Her colour choice was right up my street.

Before I decided which patterns to make I crawled all over Susan’s blog, trying to get an idea of the type of blocks and fabrics she would like. I noticed that she makes a lot of lovely stars and mostly with small prints 🙂 So, it was an easy choice for me.

I hadn’t made the “star in a star” block before these ones but I know I’m going to make a lot more. I wouldn’t say it was an easy block to make but there was a lot of Happy Dancing going on in my sewing room as I made them. When they fit together well, it’s magical 🙂

From what I could gather, Susan has a very similar taste in blocks to me. I love symmetry and coordinating fabrics too. I also prefer solids, small prints, marbles or blenders. Susan wrote to tell me she likes them and that made me very happy too 🙂 I’m sure she’ll make something rather splendid when she receives all of her packages from the other swappers.

It’s time to get on with the blocks for Miss September now. I haven’t chosen which blocks yet but I’m going to be snooping around Sue’s blog for ideas very soon!

Avis x

12 Comments

by Oh Sew Tempting on August 21, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Quilting and Patchwork, Uncategorized

Tagged blue, craft, fabric, geometric, handmade, interior design, patchwork, project, SAL, sewing, Star in a star block, traditional

Posted by Oh Sew Tempting on August 21, 2015

https://ohsewtempting.wordpress.com/2015/08/21/foot%c2%b2freestyle-2015-blocks-for-august/

The Loyal Union Sampler Block 5/121

Good afternoon everyone,

What a gorgeous day it is today. We’ve got glorious sunshine, here beside the sea. Will today be our summer, I wonder? Actually, it is too hot for me at 21 degrees C, far too hot, but it didn’t stop me going for a walk along the cliff tops. The cool breeze was lovely.

The main reason I’m writing today is to share block 5 of my Loyal Union Sampler from the book by Jennifer Chiaverini. This one is called Antietam.

It has been a while since I made the last block (four months) but I hadn’t forgotten about this sampler. It was always meant to be a long term project to pick up when I felt the need for a challenge. There are 29 pieces of fabric in this one which will finish at 6 inches square. I have added this block to the image of my finished quilt on the right of this page. There’s a long way to go but I’m in no hurry.