Frame That Hierloom Quilt

We inherited a crazy quilt that was started and never finished by my husbands grandmother. It's dated circa 1910. It measures 25" x 44" and is made with silks. Wanting to preserve it I decided to frame it. I used an acid free backing and put spacers so that the glass doesn't touch the quilt. The one thing I didn't do was buy a glare free glass for it. I plan on doing that. The frame was bought at a thrift store for $ 15.00. A lucky find. We had a friend cut it to fit. It now hangs over our headboard.

The picture looks hazy because of the glare on the glass. It really is beautiful.

Thanks for visiting.

Till next time,

Joan

What to do with those scraps?

When I have any leisure time I pull my scrap bin out and start cutting 2 1/2" squares. I keep these cut pieces in a plastic container about the size of a shoe box. Below you will see three versions on how to use these squares. NOTE: All the colored squares were cut 2 1/2" but the background or light fabric shown was cut 2-1/2" x 4-1/2". I have more fun with putting these pieces on a table and playing with different placement ideas. It's like working a puzzle. Be careful this can be addictive.

Have fun.

Joan

Quilted Orphan Block Placemats

Orphan blocks = Individual blocks that haven't found a home or a place in a project.

Do you have a stash of orphan blocks? I do. I thought of a way to use them. Make placemats. I don't think it matters if there aren't two of a kind. I haven't tried this yet but I hope to soon. Here are some figures to use. If your orphan block measures 12 1/2" square unfinished add a cut 3 1/2" wide border to each side of it. The picture of my Thunderbird placemat shows how I used side borders.

If your orphan block measures anywhere from 6" to 9" you can add strips around the block till you create the desired size needed. There would have to be more strips on the sides than the top and bottom to end up with a rectangle. This would give it a nice scrappy look. A good size for placemats are from 12" x 16" to 13" x 19". Other options for one of a kind placemats. Use it in place of a doily. How about setting it on the back of a chair?
How many ways can you think of to use these placemats? Have fun and thanks for visiting.
Joan

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