Easy 25-patch block

My first project for 2015 is going to be this 25-patch block quilt. I'm making it 9x10 so it'll fit my king bed.

You start with strips that are 2-1/2" wide. A jelly roll is perfect.  Pair a light and dark (anything with some contrast works) right sides together. I cut 2 strip sets that are 16-1/2" long; I also cut one 2-1/2" square from the dark.

With right aides together sew each of these pairs together. Then sew these two sets together, alternating light/dark. You will have one strip set with 4 strips

Press to the dark strips:

Your strip set should measure 8-1/2"

You will now sub-cut this set into 2-1/2" strips. You'll cut 6 of them:

Rearrange alternating the light / dark in the left corner. You're going to sew 5 of these together 

Sew the extra 2-1/2" dark square to the end of the 6th strip set.

You can now sew the 6th strip set to the others already sewn together making sure your order is light-dark throughout.

If you are careful, you can nest the seams. 

Your block should measure 10-1/2" unf 

Note the placement of the dark/light squares.

I'll post the picture of the finished product in the next two days, after I get back to California   

Happy New Year!! Here's to a very healthy and productive 2015!

Easy 25-patch block

My first project for 2015 is going to be this 25-patch block quilt. I'm making it 9x10 so it'll fit my king bed.

You start with strips that are 2-1/2" wide. A jelly roll is perfect.  Pair a light and dark (anything with some contrast works) right sides together. I cut 2 strip sets that are 16-1/2" long; I also cut one 2-1/2" square from the dark.

With right aides together sew each of these pairs together. Then sew these two sets together, alternating light/dark. You will have one strip set with 4 strips

Press to the dark strips:

Your strip set should measure 8-1/2"

You will now sub-cut this set into 2-1/2" strips. You'll cut 6 of them:

Rearrange alternating the light / dark in the left corner. You're going to sew 5 of these together 

Sew the extra 2-1/2" dark square to the end of the 6th strip set.

You can now sew the 6th strip set to the others already sewn together making sure your order is light-dark throughout.

If you are careful, you can nest the seams. 

Your block should measure 10-1/2" unf 

Note the placement of the dark/light squares.

I'll post the picture of the finished product in the next two days, after I get back to California   

Happy New Year!! Here's to a very healthy and productive 2015!

Great sewing weather for a group project

We are spending the holiday up in Sunriver Oregon and woke up to snow. It's just such a beautiful scene, I couldn't help but share it!

Max loves the snow!

As far as sewing goes, I've started this 25-patch quilt using French General jelly rolls.

Here is one block:

The blocks get sashing and cornerstones. I'll post instructions for making this easy block tomorrow. I made a quilt like this earlier this year but gave it to my son so I decided I wanted my own.i just love the quilt!!

 My friend Claire is going to make one too-- kind of a group project. Anyone interested??

I'll post a picture of the finished quilt when I get home. 

Layer Cake without calories

I bought a kit recently utilizing a layer cake and my favorite French General fabrics from my friend Pat Riley.  So I figured it'd be a perfect project for the holiday week up in cold Sunriver.

The blocks are easy and fast!

This is the patten:

Here is the layer cake description:

Super simple:

Layer 10" squares, alternating light and dark. I did 6 squares at a time.

Cut 2-1/2" strips on all 4 sides:

Then remove the top 4 rectangles, setting them aside:

Sew the remaining pieces together, putting the top rectangles at the bottom of the pile. 

This way your blocks will all be different.

Fun, hunh? And no calories!!

Happy holidays

I recently decided to use a border fabric I just loved but only had one yard. I used Bonnie's block pattern for a box kite and had fun putting it together! I love picking fabrics!! 

This is the block

This is the border fabric. I don't know who makes it and I only was able to get a yard

This is the finished top! Not very large but fun anyway. 

Hope everyone has a great holiday. 

More from Paris

This is the flyer for the show:

Here are more of the quilts we saw at Charles' show over the weekend. He even had piles of quilts for sale! Good thing I didn't have extra room in my suitcase!!

Note the crown molding in the corner!

I think I need to make this! So simple but effective!

I love this picture of Will taking her own photo!

Simple flying geese

Simple 9 patch but dramatic with the dark setting squares 

The spools on the door was awesome but tough to photograph 

One table's offerings- all for sale

Close up- I love the red/white squares under the tops

More log cabins 

We were stumped on this pattern: spider web or kaleidoscope??

I love this one too!

Here are Will and I with the host Charles, holding the tiny postage stamp top (1/2") her friend bought!

I love this simple block:

Charles also collects (and sews) samplers! They were in a very narrow hallway so they didn't photograph very well but I was so impressed with them!

This was over a doorway but I'm hoping you can see the Hawaiian patterns sewn by Charles too!

I'm now back home and feel so lucky to have seen such awesome quilts! I'm ready to sew like crazy, if I can just get over the jet lag! Tough problem to have! 

Antique quilt collection

Will has a friend here in Paris who collects antique quilts! Imagine seeing antique quilts from the U.S. In Paris of all places!!

Charles is a collector of beautiful quilts in one of the most spectacular apartments in Paris that I've ever seen. When we were leaving, Will was joking (maybe not) that she should have an apartment like that! We all should be so lucky!!

Actually Charles was a charming host and what a treat to meet him! Thanks to Will for bringing me along!!

Remember that Paris apartments are usually very small-- not this one!!

I loved this one!

 

His favorite is a log cabin-- you'll see why

I love this album pattern 

Log cabin of course 

This was in the living room with two large floor to windows overlooking the Seine with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance! More log cabins

A hallway 

This hexagon top was in the entryway! I loved it!

Close up

This was in a bedroom- the blue and red quilt on the wall is one of my favorites 

Close up 

Other wall in bedroom 

Close up

I have more to show you but it'll have to wait until Wednesday. We fly home tomorrow!

Just so you know where I went:

We passed under tonight after dinner and I still have to pinch myself!!

Life is good!