Lavender Sensation

Lavender Sensation

Cool, soft hues of blue, lavender, and green blend together with natural muslin in this week's quilt. Doesn't it make you want to slow down for a relaxing snuggle?

I used two blocks, both cut with Blue Wren's Dynamic die. The die has three shapes, which can be combined to make at least eight different quilt blocks, possibly more. The arrangement of the shapes creates the variations.

Each 16” block is constructed with four 8” quarter squares, making it quick and easy to sew. I drew the design using Electric Quilt 8 software, and experimented some before I finalized color placement. 

Framed with 3” borders, Lavender Sensation finished out at 55” square. I quilted rows 2” apart with natural thread, using a double picot heirloom stitch and a walking foot.

I can see using this die often. I've already made a baby quilt with a completely different look using the same shapes. I'll feature it later. 

So much fun, just not enough hours in the day! 

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6954 Dynamic Block 8” quarter block
Accuquilt 55017 Strip 2½” binding
Accuquilt 55032 Strips 3½” borders

Wild Triangles

Wild Triangles

I absolutely love this quilt!

It is a new Blue Wren die, actually one that I requested. The design is based on two vintage blocks, Pine Burr and Lost Children.

While I was waiting for it to arrive from Australia, I pulled all the bright colors I could find from my scrap bins. Once it was delivered, I got to cutting. I used Bogart, our recently restored Wrinkle finish Singer 99, for piecing. A navy mini dot frames the blocks nicely.

Quilting with medium tan thread, I used the Which Way ruler template for an allover motif. Wild Triangles finished out at 48” square.

The story behind the die: I was trying to create this block using shapes from my current die inventory, but had to hand cut one of the angled sections. I wasn't happy with my result, so I sent the idea to Norma and Edward at Blue Wren. Thanks for a perfect die! I already have three more layouts done in EQ8.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6555 Pine Island (Pine Burr) 6” quarter square
Accuquilt 55054 Strip 4½” border
Accuquilt 55017 Strip 2½” sashing/binding

Not Perfect

Oh, yeah, here's the table mat made from my original experiment. The blocks are turned for a different appearance. Just don't look too closely at those points! 

For the back, I cut 4” x 8” half rectangles (Blue Wren 6038) to make it reversible. I quilted this one with white thread using a serpentine stitch. The mat is called Not Perfect, and measures 28” square.

Fifty Years Ago

Fifty Years Ago

This week is pretty special to me. In August of 1973 I walked down the aisle and exchanged vows with my sweet husband.

This year I made a double wedding ring quilt to mark the occasion. It's scrappy, but has a few common elements to connect the varied parts, kind of like us. 

I quilted with a straight stitch in white thread, following the curves. Fifty Years Ago finished out at 48” square.

Wow, fifty years together, just the two of us! What a milestone that is. We've had fine adventures, managed our quirks, worked hard, shared hobbies, and made loads of decisions. We're best friends and still enjoy each other's company. You just can't ask for more than that.

Accuquilt dies used:
55078 Double Wedding Ring
55017 Strip 2½”

I can't see me loving nobody but you
For all my life
When you're with me, baby
The skies will be blue for all my life

Happy Together, The Turtles, 1967

written by Alan Gordon & Garry Bonner

Hilltop Chain

Remnants, scraps, leftovers...whatever you call them, these pieces of material have been saved in most sewing rooms for decades.

Today's quilt is the result of a cutting session with the Accuquilt Weathervane die and a big basket of scraps. I used shape B (pentagon) to cut colorful prints. Shapes A and D were cut from natural muslin. The block I sewed is a variation of a vintage one called Old Italian Block or Mountain Peak.

What a fun quilt to make! I used Rockette, my 1962 Singer 500A for piecing. This one reminds me of the simple bed quilts that Granny Hill and Granny Rose sewed. Hilltop Chain is snuggle size, at 51” square. I quilted across the muslin squares using bright variegated thread, using a multi-stitch zig zag pattern.

I am happiest when I'm creating something new out of remnants, and when I'm experimenting with quilt designs. I promise you it's been a happy, scrappy summer at my house.

Accuquilt dies used:
55544 Weathervane 8” finished Shapes A, B, and D
55017 Strip 2½”