Raccoon Creek Quilts

More of those x & + blocks

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I managed to crank out 5 more of these blocks mainly because I didn't want to send a measly 5 in to be swapped. So now I've got a total of 10 and the deadline is coming up for them to be mailed. I'm going to try and squeeze out another 5 this week.

My favorite of this batch. Totally digging the black and white print.

Eh - this one really doesn't have any pizzaz.

Again Eh. Its missing something. Like variety in color.

Kind of subtle but I really like this one.

Another miss. Not sure what I was thinking when I was putting these together. This whole batch came directly from the scrap bin. Maybe I need better scraps!

Sewing with friends

2012-02-05T10:39:00.001-05:00

Yesterday the PMQG held a mini "sewing-summit." There were 2 classes, one in the morning and the other after lunch and sewing all day long. I've missed the past few sewing nights and guild meetings due to sickness and wrestling matches and it was really really nice to be back with sewing with my quilty friends.

The first class was on color theory and was taught by Jessica Levitt. She talked about the color wheel, value, saturation and hue along with a whole lot of other things relating to color. She had us do some hands-on activities such as sorting paint chips by value. It was a great class and I learned that I need to use the color wheel a bit more when choosing fabrics!

After Jessicas' class I started to work on my Single Girl quilt. I'm almost finished with my block quarters!!! I was on a roll sewing these up so I didn't take part of the second class which was Organic Piecing taught by Sujata Shah. I listened while she taught and took a few notes but am waiting to try her technique sometime later.

Have you taken a class on color theory or tried organic piecing?

Challenge: Cathedral Windows

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cathedral Windows is a block that both fascinates and intimidates me. I've been wanting to try it for years. Over on flickr you can find hundreds of beautiful examples of this block just by doing a search.

This one is by Lynz

Recently I've seen just a single window made into a pin cushion, an ornament, sewn by machine and hand, and lots of pillows. I've scoured the internet to find several different tutorials for us to try (remember, I'm doing these challenges at the same time you are).

Moda Bakeshop - really cute pillows

Sew Happy to sew - hand finished top stitching

House of Al a Mode - machine finished top stitching

Angies Bits & Pieces - includes a chart for different size blocks

If you've done a cathedral windows tutorial post send me an email and I'll add it to this list!

Ok - its time to bit the bullet and try this block out. You can start small with a pincushion or pillow or be bold and go for something larger (I will bow down to you if you do a twin size or larger!!). At the end of the month we'll link up with what we've accomplished. Good luck!

Distant Pickles: Julie

2012-01-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

Here's my version of the block Julie made. I like hers a lot more than mine! Julie's instructions are very clear and she has great how-to photos of this block.

I think the aqua pin dot is too light and the brown is just way too dark. I'll put this on my list to remake with much better fabric choices!

So this is the last of the blocks that everyone created and I really enjoyed making all of these. Come back on the February 1st for the next challenge.

*edited to add* I accidentally put the outside corners wrong! The aqua and orange squares should be on the outside edges of the block. Whoopsie doodle!

Distant Pickles: Bree

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here's the cute block I made using Bree's tutorial. Bree and her friend Julie both blog at Distant Pickles. They have a great tutorials page and have hosted some Quilt Alongs.

I dont believe this block has a name but it is pretty cool looking. I didnt have thread to match the blue fabric and my sewing machine is a thread snob and only likes Aurifil (seriously - its spits up Gutermann) so you can see how uneven my sewing. I couldnt get it to curve as much as I wanted. I think I should have pinned when I did that part.

Next post will be the block that Julie came up with!

Knitlicious

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

I finished up my little scarf. Spending 2 to 6 hours at each wrestling meet gives me plenty of time to get some serious knitting done. I dont spend the whole time knitting but I do get a good portion done while I'm there.

I still have to weave in the ends and I dont think I'll be adding a fringe like I originally planned. I knitted this using size 10.5 (US) needles, I cast on 15 stitches and just knit each row. The yard is Angel Hair (Joanns) in White. I used about 1 1/2 skeins. I pretty much just knit until I liked the length. By the way, this yarn is incredibly soft! I cant wait to wear it to work.

Now that this one is finished I started a new one that's green/blue/multi colored. Its a little more, shall we say, fashionable rather than functional.

Are you knitting? I think I may try a cowl next (im scared...).

Squares and Triangles: Homeward Bound block

2012-01-22T12:10:00.000-05:00

If you want to learn paper-piecing then head over to Tanyas' blog Squares and Triangles. For the November Challenge she created a really cool looking paper-pieced block with lots of flying geese! Tanya made her block using all solids.

I used solids for the geese and center block. I had this really cool multi-colored polka dot fabric that is awesome and I used the color of the dots to dictate which solids I would use. Tanyas' directions are really detailed and she has some great tips for paper-piecing.

Have you made anything that's paper-pieced recently?

Unconventional Katie: Migration Block

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

For the November Challenge we designed our own blocks and in December we wrote up tutorials. I've been going to each tutorial and sewing up these great designs.

This is the Migration Block by Katie. When Katie sewed hers up she used scraps and then made another using all solids. I went in a bit of a different direction when I sewed mine.

Can I just say this actually doesnt hurt the eyes as much in real life? Years ago I had made my son and black/red/white quilt and used that skull print. I may just throw a few borders on and make it into a pillow for him.

Thanks Katie for making such a great block and joining me in the challenges!

Scrappy hourglass blocks

2012-01-16T10:43:00.000-05:00

I've been plugging away at these blocks. I spend way too much time worrying about fabric choices. I really just need to spend more time sewing and less time choosing!

I love the little skulls. Finding different values of black is challenging.

The light orange print is a favorite of mine. The sewing is a little jacked up on this block. Not sure what was going on.

Yeah, this is definitely my least favorite of the blocks. I dont have a good range of yellows and the browns - ugh.

However they are all looking pretty snazzy up there together. This is most likely going to be a longer-term project.

Are you working on anything thats going to take longer than usual?

Typhoid Mary

2012-01-13T17:35:00.001-05:00

Warning: this post will contain mild cursing, some discussion on bodily fluids and have nothing to do whatsoever with quilting BUT there will be something crafting related.

My son is on the high school wrestling team and there are 2 - 3 meets a week. I have been to about 4 meets and have yet to see my son win. Oh, he wins if I'm not there. He has pins and wins in overtime, but just never when Im watching. I think Ive become Typhoid Mary - I mean after all, its my son and I have to go and watch right? I just carry bad juju with me.

So I go anyway and sit in a hot gym that smells like sweaty ass. I've seen numerous bloody noses, boys walking around with cotton hanging out of their nostrils, bodies thrown through the air, one boy ran off the mat so he could go vomit and another poor boy who was accidentally kneed in the ding-ding. Im honestly surprised that I havent seen a broken wrist or arm yet.

So I sit there and watch...and knit. Im almost done with my new scarf - tomorrows tournament will give me more than enough time to finish it. I've got plans for a blanket next.

On another note if you're interested in a Rainbow Layer Cake swap head over to Distant Pickles. They have 2 or 3 spots left open.

My Japanese x & + blocks

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

These are super quick to sew up and there's still time to join the swap. Look how cute they came out!

I used white for the background for all the blocks.

I always forget what great fabrics I have until I dig through my stash.

I managed to sneak a batik or two into the blocks.

The softness of this block is so appealing to me.

I think this may be my favorite one. I really love it.

What swaps are you in? Im looking for another one to join - let me know!

2012 Goals

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I wasnt going to list goals for this year in light of the fact that I didnt do ANY of last years goals but that still shouldnt stop me from trying again this year. So here they are in no particular order:

Finish the Single Girl! Seriously.

Get back on track with the Farmers Wife blocks. I havent worked on them in months.

Make 12 quilts. Drink more water. Start knitting again. Walk the dog. Write a pattern. Let the little stuff go.

What are some of your goals?

Quilt Challenge

2012-01-02T12:03:00.001-05:00

Here's the last part of the past few challenges. Originally my intent had been to make a sampler quilt using everyone's tutorials, however there weren't enough entries (I had been hoping for 6). So after much debating I thought that the best option was to make something using your own block. It can be anything - a wallhanging, table runner or even a full size quilt. The other part of this would be to also try someone else's block/tutorial. Click here to get the links for the other tutorials. At the end of the month we'll show off what we made or our progress if you go for the gusto and decide to do a king size!!!

I'm going to make a scrap quilt based on value. With the exception of the orange/grey block my goal is to not use the same fabric twice.

There are some pretty fabrics but some ugly ones too. Because I fly by the seat of my pants I'm making this 1 block at a time and deciding colors at that moment.

See that ugly purple floral print? For some reason I have a whole yard of that. The date on the selvedge was 2004! It hadnt even been cut into yet.

If you're new to my blog please click on the Challenges tab at the top to see what other things we've worked on.

See you soon!

Year in Review

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

1. Solid Dance Floor, 2. Orange, 3. Kaleidescope Quilt, 4. Finished product, 5. Runner, 6. Sunkissed, 7. Pastel Baby Geese, 8. Illusions Block Quilt, 9. Dot Party Quilt, 10. Mug Rug, 11. Amy Butler Everyday Shopper, 12. 30s Baby Geese front/back

I didnt get as many quilts finished this year as I had wanted to but it was still a good quilty year. I went to quilt market with Julie, I met Jay McCarroll, and I started a monthly quilt challenge. I also sewed a total of 5 quilts and 9 quilt tops for other quilty peeps. Im looking forward to another great year of quilts!

Back in action

2011-12-29T10:25:00.001-05:00

After a nice little break for the ~~past month~~ holiday I'm back at my machine and starting to sew again. Santa brought me a nice little present to make sewing so much easier.

A real sewing cabinet! Its a little strange getting used to the flat bed and not having to fight with the fabric while sewing rows together.

I was able to finally finish up this top. I cant wait to do some actual quilting with all that flat space. I used to have my ironing board pulled up next to my machine to help support the weight of the quilt.

When I started to sew the rows together I randomly added more hexagons to fill in the negative space. I had to order fabric for the backing and Im hoping that will be here in a day or two. I have no idea how to quilt this. Im not good at stippling!!!

So, what quilty gifts did you receive?

Japanese X and + swap

2011-12-20T12:41:00.000-05:00

There's a new swap of Japanese Xs and +s starting in January over on Flickr. I've never made any of these blocks and they look easy and fun. Sarah of Isabella the Cat is running it. Come on over and join in on the fun. You know you wanna.

Sew Mama Sew Winner

2011-12-17T08:33:00.000-05:00

Wow! Wow wow wow. I am stunned at the number of you that entered my giveaway for the Pear Tree fabrics!

And the winner is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-12-17 13:29:56 UTC

December Challenge Finish - Tutorials

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Im not a big fan of writing tutorials. I always second guess myself as to how well its written and worry that I havent done a good enough job with the instructions. So here goes...

Here's my original sketch. This is about the third sketch I made for this block. Lots of scratching things out.

Fabric Requirements:
Piece A: Light Orange, 2 @ 2.5" x 8.5"
Dark Grey, 2 @ 2.5" x 8.5"
Piece B: Medium Orange, 2 @ 2.5" x 4.5"
Medium Grey, 2 @ 2.5" x 4.5"
Piece C: Light Orange, 2 @ 3" squares
Medium Orange, 2 @ 3" squares
Dark Grey, 2 @ 3" squares
Medium Grey, 2 @ 3" squares
Piece D: Dark Orange, 1 @ 5.5" square
Light Grey, 1 @ 5.5" square

To make the half-square triangles and quarter-square triangle I take the lightest fabric and draw a line from corner to corner. Stitch 1/4" on each side of the line and then cut on the line. Press towards the darker fabric. Or you can use your favorite method.
Grab your "C" pieces and pair them up as follows: Light Oranges with Dark Greys and Medium Oranges with Medium Greys. Sew as written above. After pressing trim the pieces to 2.5" squares. Set aside.

For the Quarter Square triangle pair piece "D" Dark Orange with "D" Light Grey. Sew as written above. Take the 2 half-square triangles that you just made and place right sides together matching up the seams. Pin. Draw a line from corner to corner. Again sew 1/4" on each side of the line. Cut on the line. Press towards one side. You now have 2 quarter square triangles. You will only need one for this block. Trim down to 4.5" square. This will be the center of the block.

Subunit 1: Sew piece A dark grey to piece C (dk grey/light orange). Create 2 subunits.

Subunit 2: Sew piece B to piece C (med orange/med grey). Create 2.

Take the quarter square triangle and sew piece B med orange on each side. Press towards med orange.

Add subunit #2 to the top and bottom of center unit.

Sew piece A light orange to right and left sides of center unit. Sew remaining subunits #1 to top and bottom of block.

Ta-dah! Hopefully I didnt forget anything! Join the link up and go see everyone elses tutorials. Remember to link back here or put that fancy challenge button on your blog.

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day

2011-12-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the Sew Mama Sew giveaway. Im giving away one colorway of fat quarters of Pear Tree.

So leave a comment and let me know which color way you'd like to win - blue, green or pink. If you'd like a second chance to win let me know that you're a follower. International peeps are more than welcome to enter! Giveaway will end this friday at midnight EST. Winner will be drawn at random. Please make sure that you leave a way for me to contact you. Good Luck!

Pear Tree

2011-12-11T11:47:00.001-05:00

I finally got some Pear Tree by Thomas Knauer in my hands. I've been waiting for it to become available ever since I saw some sneak peaks earlier this year. Im thinking that I'm going to make something patchworky with these.

If you want to get some of Pear Tree head over to Thomas' blog - he's having a giveaway! Good Luck to all those who enter!

I dont know when I started this

2011-12-07T18:28:00.000-05:00

but I just finished it Sunday. I think it was started back in November or December of last year. It was a solids challenge. I didnt get it quilted until February and since then its been sitting around with the binding sewn to the front - you know how that goes.

I used Julie's Dance Floor pattern (the middle section) to make this. I made one little adjustment to the width of some of the navy strips and increased their size.

It feels good to add another finish to the list. I wish I had something else that was just a binding away from being done - I'd love to be able to put it on this years accomplishments.

Daisy Mae

2011-12-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I didnt even know that there were new Denyse Schmidt fabrics at Joanns'! I was just shopping around and saw the fabrics. Of course, my Joanns only had 3 bolts.

So I did what a girl has to do and bought some. I may have to hit up some of the other stores in my area and see if they have the rest of the collection.

This one is ok - I hate how it looks like there's a piece of thread on it.

My favorite of the bunch. I guess they're flowers? Although they remind me of grapes.

Perfect for binding - especially bias!!

December Challenge

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wow can you believe its December already? This year has gone by crazy fast. Anywho, its time to announce what the December Challenge is...

Tutorials!!!! Using our blocks that we made in November we'll be writing a tutorial on how to make them. At anytime during the month go ahead and do your tutorial blog post.

Due to the holidays I will be putting the call out for the links during the last 2 weeks of the month, so just link up when you can. I'll try and make the post static (ha!) so you dont have to worry about finding it.

By the way I am LOVING the blocks that you all came up with - you are seriously a bunch of creative crafty peeps!

Questions? Let me know!

November Challenge Finish

2011-11-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Its time for everyone to show off the blocks that you've created! I'm so excited to be able to hop around the bloggysphere and check them out!

Here's my block. Kind of a larger hourglass block but scrappy. I also used value as my main component for choosing the fabrics.

Here's a few different layouts that I thought about using.

I really like this one. Its always amazing how many different ways one block can look.

I've also started a flickr group if you'd like to post your pics for all of the challenges that you've done.

Fill out the linky below and please post a link back to here (or grab that sweet new button on my sidebar) and we'll all head 'round the blog world and check blocks out!

ps - if there's a problem with the link up please let me know! Its my first time trying to set one of these up.

Ahhh

2011-11-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

First off, I'd like to thank everyone who sent me well wishes regarding my now 2 week old cold. I still have it but am feeling much better! I even got some sewing done.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No pressures, just food and drink and friendly conversation. Oh, and video games! We have the Xbox Kinect and we put it to good use using it to work off some of the turkey dinner to make room for all of the dessert.

We tried to get a decent picture of my kids, nieces and nephew. They couldn't stop laughing long enough to get a straight up shot.

I love how hard they were laughing. That one with his mouth wide open - that's my boy.

hahaha! Why is my nephew making that face?

I dont even know whats going on here!

My daughter (back left) and niece posing it up!