FANCY NINE PATCH

I had fun changing a nine patch and playing with it. I would like to share it with you.

Use 1/4" seam allowances for all pieceing. Cutting and instructions are for one block.

Purple: Cut (2) pieces 2-1/2" x 7" and (1) piece 2-1/2" x 3".

White: Cut (2) pieces 2-1/2" x 3" and (1) piece 2-1/2" x 7".

Black connecting strips: Cut (1) strip 3/4" x 16", (2) pieces 3/4" x 3", and (2) pieces

3/4" X 7".

Sewing instructions: Sew (2) 2-1/2" x 7" purple, (1) 2-1/2" x 7" white, and (2) 3/4" x 7" black pieces together to create a strip as shown in the picture below. NOTE: The length of strips in the picture aren't accurate. The picture is a guide to show how the fabrics are pieced together. Press all purple/black seams to the purple and the white/black seams to the black. From this strip crosscut (2) 2-1/2" sections. Set aside.

Sew the following pieces together to create the center section. (1) 2-1/2" x 3" purple,
(2) 2-1/2" X 3" white, and (2) 3/4" x 3" black pieces. Note: Press seams as instructed above.
See picture below. Trim this section to measure 2-1/2" wide.


Measure the length of your sections. Ours measured 7-1/4" long. Cut (2) pieces this length from the 3/4" x 16" black strip. Using the picture below as a guide sew the three sections and the two black pieces together. Press seams to one side.



Have fun playing with this block. Create your own project with it. I would love to see how you used it. If you would like send a picture to me at jaybeehive@yahoo.com
Till next time,
Joan

Introducing My New Pattern

Here is a sneak preview of my newest pattern called "SW Triple Treasure". It looks complicated but it's not. It measures 24 1/2" x 18 1/2". It should be ready for market within two weeks. I'm waiting on the pattern covers. As soon as it's ready I'll put it on my web site.

This is a good time to share some joy in my life. I became a great grandma in February. Her name is Lilly. I hope to see her for the first time in July.

To whom it applies to have a happy Mothers Day.

Joan

QUILTED BOOKMARK

If you need a quick gift here it is. These work up so quick and it's a good way to use up scraps from your stash.

Finished size 2" x 7-1/2"
CUT THE FOLLOWING:

One 2" square for the top.

One 2" x 6" piece for the bottom.
One 3" x 8-1/2" piece for backing.
One strip 2-1/4" by width of fabric (selvedge to selvedge) for the binding.

From thin cotton batting cut one 2-3/4" x 8-1/4" piece.

ASSEMBLY:
With right side together and using a 1/4" seam allowance sew the top and the bottom together. Press to the darker of the two fabrics. Sandwich the backing, batting, and bookmark together. Pin and quilt as desired. attach the binding and your finished.
HINT: Use a muslin or light fabric on the back and with a fabric pen write that special someone a message.
The picture below shows variations of bookmarks using pieced units at the top.

Hope you have as much fun with these as I have.
Joan

Sharing Exciting News.

While getting a free bookmark pattern ready for my next blog I received notice that I've been published in the May/June 2009 issue of Quiltmaker. My design is found on page 20 and is called "Blue Bayou". Pardon me if I sound like I'm bragging but I had to share with you as my excitement is bubbling over. Thanks to all of you for your support.

Will return real soon with my bookmark pattern.

Joan

Another Tip for Quilters.

I want to share a tip with you. This is not a new idea. I don't remember where I first heard of it.
When it's time to change your ironing board cover save the batting from your old one. It's great for potholders and hotpads. This idea makes me want to change my covers more often.
Will post again soon.
Joan

Quilting Show and Tell

I would like to share my husbands talents with you. I designed this wall hanging titled "Southwest Flavor". In need of a hanger my husband, Clyde, designed and made the one shown in the picture. Now how lucky can a girl be? To view a larger image click on the picture. The hangers can be purchased. They come in three sizes 14-1/2", 17", and 20-1/2". There's a slight variation in designs depending on size needed. For further information contact me at jaybeehive@yahoo.com. You can see more of my designs at http://www.quiltersfun.com/. I'm hoping to share a free pattern with you in a few weeks. It's quilted bookmarks. The instructions are written I just need to take pictures and get them in my computer. Have a great day and thanks for visiting.

Joan

Nifty, Quick, Quilt Hangers

I've come up with a neat way to hang wall quilts. I purchase a wooden shelf and drill holes, a little bigger than the diameter of a dowel, through the shelf supports. I used a 1/4" dowel. I then fed the dowel through a drilled hole, through the sleeve or tabs of my quilt, then through the drilled hole on the opposite side of the shelf. How simple is that and looks great too.


If you have a shelf without side supports just screw cup hooks under the shelf. One on each end to hold a dowel as shown below.


Have a great day.
Joan