Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day so let's have some fun :)

But first, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!  
The winner of $25.00 Gift Certificate from Lou Lou's Fabric Shop is . . .   Number # 46. . . Congrats Judy Miller!!!   I have emailed you :)        

 


  
And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Green Fairy Quilts.  Green Fairy Quilts is your home for pre-cut goodness and they always have amazing sales going on every weekend on a selected pre-cut or notion!!!  You will want to be sure and sign up for their newsletter so you won't miss these awesome deals!!!


And today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is for a $20.00 Gift Certificate to Green Fairy Quilts!!  One lucky winner is going to get to pick out some of their favorites!!!  So fun!!!



You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me what color of fabric do you have the most stashed of??

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Green Fairy Quilts love.   You can follow them on BloglovinTwitterPinterestFacebook, or Instagram.  You can Sign up for their Newsletter so you those sales!!  or you can visit the Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Green Fairy Quilt Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, October 10th when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!
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Monday, October 2, 2017

Bella Skill Builder - Lazy Angle

Today is a pretty exciting day because it is the last month of blocks for the Bella Skill Builder!!!!   That means a finished quilt is practically right around the corner!!!  So exciting ;)  I can't wait to see this awesome quilt along hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop and Sherri McConnell!!!!  And this month's skill builder blocks are all about the Lazy Angle!!!  This was my first time trying these kind of blocks out and they really are a lot of fun!!!


For this month's tone on tone blocks, I found myself again picking colors that had me craving for fruit ;)   Gotta love those descriptive names that perfectly match the colors and maybe make you drool for reals :)    For the small version of the block I used Bella Kiwi and Lime.  And for the large version of the block I used Bella Betty Orange and Ochre.   



I was super excited to try out a new to me ruler for this block, that being the Lazy Angle ruler.  (Which you don't need to make the block, it just makes it easier ;)   It was super user friendly, but I have to say, I wish I would have paid more attention to that little picture down on the bottom of the ruler and adjusted my block for a two color layout.  Because you know I can't just break out from 16 blocks that have 2 color layouts and make the finally blocks 3 color layouts, that would blow my mind ;) 



So I ended up with some of the piecing not really showing up because of the color, and of course, I forgot that I was making 12" blocks and made mine the 10" block size recommended so had to add a little border on it.  But all in all, I think it is still pretty fun. 



And for the small block, I figured it would be fun to change up the layout a bit ;)  Don't these just look like cool rolling hills on a large field.  Kind of a fun way to change it up, but again, wishing I would have just skipped the final step and HST'ing the lazy angle block, but oh well.  Live and learn ;)



And that is the Lazy Angle block, the last set of blocks in the Bella Skill Builder!!!!  Be sure to download  the free pattern and watch youtube video.  And also pop on over to the  Fat Quarter Shop's blog, Jolly Jabber  for lots more Lazy Angle  Block details and wonderful Block eye candy from lots more blogger friends ;)  I hope you are enjoying the  Bella Skill Builder fun as much as I am!!! 

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!
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Friday, September 29, 2017

Jolly Bar Jazz

Today I am excited to share my newest finish, the Jolly Bar Jazz quilt and isn't it just so super Jazzy!!!    This quilt is a Shortcut Quilt from the Fat Quarter Shop and I absolutely love these patterns.  They go together so super fast and always come together into a stunning quilt!!!    And I am so glad I got to quilt along on this one, because it is certainly no exception to that Fun and Fast rule :)


For my quilt I decided to use the Modern Backgrounds Luster Jolly Bars by Zen Chic.   I just love the bit of metallic in the prints that just pops, especially on the black :)  And of course, the blacks and whites paired with the red solid background is perfect for another Alma Mater quilt.  (If you have noticed I have made a lot of these lately, you are right , and this is the last one I needed for the year  yippee for making my goal!!!)


I love how this design creates a fun dynamic design and I decided to alternate the black and white placement in the blocks to give it even more movement.  Isn't it just so fun!!! The quilt finishes at 65" x 84" so it is a wonderful size to cuddle up in :)


When it came time to quilt it, I decided on an all over open center swirl in red.  I tell you what, I just love quilting these Alma Mater quilts in red, I just love the way it stands out on the black and white and then blends away into the background.  But I used the last of my red thread, so a trip to Superior Threads is in order, and soon ;)


 This is a newer design motif for me and I am so just loving it.  I quilted it in a slightly larger scale this time as well and I just love the wonderful texture it created across the quilt top.  It is so pretty yet still super good for a snuggle.  



 And that is my Jolly Bar Jazz quilt!!!  If you would like to make your own Jolly Bar Jazz quilt you can find the free pattern here and the accompanying You Tube Video right here that walks you through putting it together ;)   And be sure to pop on over to the Jolly Jabber for lots more Jolly Bar Jazz finishes and inspiration!!!  You are going to have so much fun making this quilt!!!


Thanks for popping in today :)  I just love having this wonderful little corner of the internet to share my love of quilting with each of you and am so grateful for your visits each and every day!!!

I hope you have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!


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Thursday, September 28, 2017

September Sew Sampler Box!!

September has just about come and gone (and in quite a hurry I might add) which means another wonderful Sew Sampler box has arrived with all of it's quilty goodness :)  This month's theme is Farmer's Market and talk about a bountiful harvest!!!


I am so excited for this gorgeous The Good Life Charm Pack.  I always love Bonnie and Camille fabrics and this line is one of my favorites of theirs ;)   Now the only hard part will be deciding if I want to make up the adorable table runner pattern sent along with or hoard it in my Charm stash, tee hee hee.   


And I am so excited about this adorable tin!!!   I absolutely love collecting little tins and this size is just perfect for holding a few notions and such.   If I can ever convince myself to start hand stitching projects on the go (which I really am trying to get up the nerve to try) , it will be the perfect size!!!



And I thought these were the cutest little mini kits when Moda revealed them at Market and was so excited to see a Matchbox Quilt Kit tucked in this month's box!!!  These little guys have everything you need to make the mini including batting and backing, all carefully kept in this adorable little matchbox size box.   How fun is that!!!   You know I am already planning on ordering the purple one to add to my mini wall :)


And of course, there is this month's Basket Block!!!   I love how this block really pops with that black basket in the polka dots!!!  And I love that background fabric with all of the states listed on it. So cool :)  6 blocks down and 6 to go!!!



And that is my September  Sew Sampler Box  . . . and wow, I am going to have some fun with it's contents!!!!  And now, I get to wait until next month, good thing time flies by so fast when I am having so much fun in my quilting room ;)

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!!  
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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Roundabout Quilt-Along - Flying Geese

**  NOTE  - This post is part of a series of posts for the Roundabout Quilt-Along.  If you would like to join (and have a chance to win one of three $75.00 Gift Certificates from Fat Quarter Shop ) you can find a list of the post links here :)  Here is the schedule
September 27th - Flying Geese - That's Today!!
October 11th - Half Square Triangles with Goosed Corners
October 25th - Drunkards Path
November 8th - Building Blocks
November 22nd - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky
December 13th - Roundabout Parade and Grand Prize Winners



Now, first off for this week, we need to pick a winner for the Cutting Assignment.   And great job to everyone on finishing that assignment, I am so excited to be quilting-a-long with you all!!!

The cutting assignment winner who gets a 3 Timeless Charm Packs from Green Fairy Quilts is . . .
#4 - The Days Dewing's.!!! - Congrats :)

   



So here we are, our first sewing assignment , so let's get right to it :)  If you are just finding this QAL, it's never to late to join in the fun, we've just getting started!!!! 

THIS WEEKS ASSIGNMENT - FLYING GEESE

I use the No-Waste method to make flying geese.   The great thing about making flying geese this way is that, obviously, you don't waste any fabric and you never have to sew a triangle.  Double bonus!!  It also makes 4 flying geese out of each unit, so the flock grows quickly :)  If you have never made them this way you are in for a treat.   So, let's get to it :)

We will start by gathering all of our squares to make the flying geese.  These were the squares you marked FG and you will have 1 large squares from each of your Print Fabrics and small squares from your Background Fabric.  I have listed the multiple sizes on the picture below just so you can double check that your two stacks each match one of the listed sizes ;)



Now you don't have to keep track of where these will be going in your block or anything, just know that you will be making 1 set, ie 4 Flying Geese Units for each of your blocks aka Print Fabrics.   And now you are ready to start making your Flying Geese.  To save time, I like to do each of these steps in assembly line fashion, however, the pictures will just show a Flying Geese units of one fabric.

With right sides together, lay two small backgrounds squares onto your large print square as shown.  Using your ruler, draw a line diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right corner shown on the right.   Or, if you like, you can start by just drawing lines on the back of all your background squares as shown on the left.  It takes a little bit of time but it is nice to have it done and it is a great time to watch a movie while drawing ;)



Now pin both sides of each square adjacent to that drawn line.  Make sure to put the pins out far enough that your presser foot won't hit them as you sew on by :)     Again, remember we are assembly line piecing these, so pin all of your units.  



We will be stitching a  1/4" seam along BOTH sides of the drawn line (the black lines represent your stitching lines :) but to save time and thread, we will chain stitch these.    And you will notice, you still have a pile of extra small background squares.  No worries,  we will get to those in a bit.  



So to start, chain stitch the 1/4" seam on the left hand side of your drawn line.  I just chain stitched through the entire pile and it went so fast :)  For those who are new to this, Chain stitching is where you don't clip the thread between each unit sewn, just keep feeding units through the machine until you have stitched your entire pile.



Once the entire pile is stitched, you can now clip the threads between the squares.   Then, go ahead and stitch the 1/4" seam on the right hand side (or other side) of the drawn line on all your units.  You'll  have some super long fabric snakes :)  Clip the threads between the units and make a large pile ready for cutting.



Now, place your unit on your cutting mat and align your ruler along the drawn center line.  Cut along the edge of the ruler creating 2 large triangles.  I only ever cut these one at a time, as I worry that stacking them would shift and I might cut through my seams.  Takes a second more, but worth it to play it safe ;)  



Press the seams up towards the 2 sma.l background triangles.  I find it easiest to press these from the front, but you can press from whichever side you prefer.    And you are half way there!!!  Now to use up those remaining small background squares. 



And it's just like starting over. We repeat all the same steps, it's just smaller and more units.  Take the small background squares and align them on your stitched units as shown with right sides together. Once again, draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the small background squares from corner to corner. (unless you did all of the drawing lines at the start, then you can just lay them in place :) 



Now pin each square far enough to leave room for the presser foot, then once again we are going to be stitching a 1/4" seam along BOTH sides of the drawn diagonal line.  



And again, we will be chain stitching to save time and thread.  So chain stitch along the left hand side of the drawn line on all your units, clip your threads,  and then chain stitch along the  right side of the drawn line on all your units, and then clip your threads one last time :)



And just like before, place your units on your cutting mat, and using your ruler aligned along the drawn line to cut your unit in half .  So now what started as 1 large squares, is 4 units.   And that is where your 4 flying geese come from.



Press your seams up towards the background square to match the other seam.   You can press from the front or the back, whichever your prefer.   Lastly, trim off the little dog ear corners at either side and the top of your unit.  Note, Just trim the dog ears, don't trim the tops to where the point is, you will need that 1/4" overlap for your seam allowance.  



And you are done!!!  Perfectly precise flying geese blocks without throwing away any scraps and without sewing a single triangle.  Fabulous!!  



 For those of you that are new to this method of No Waste Flying Geese,  I wrote a previous tutorial on  No Waste Flying Geese that also goes over the math of making them so you can make any size Flying Geese you like.  Thought you might like it :)

 And that's it!!  Here is my Flock of geese all ready to fly away :)  In total, you should have however many number of blocks you are making, times 4 geese.  So for me, 25 blocks equals 100 total geese :)    So now it's your turn to make up a gaggle of Flying Geese!!!  And once you are finished be sure to link up below to enter to win the weekly prize :)



The Weekly Prize is sponsored by Four Peaches Fabric and a huge thanks goes out to them for their support of the  Roundabout Quilt-Along.  And, since today' is Wendy's Birthday she is giving a prize to everyone, whether you are quilting along or not.  Use the code BIRTHDAY to get .49 cent shipping on all orders over $20.00.  This coupon is valid until Saturday so be sure to pop on over and find something fun for yourself ;)



This weeks prize is a collection of Matilda Fat Quarters brand new from Ella Blue by Emma Jean Jansen!!!   Isn't this line just fantastic!!!  So fun!!!    Someone is going to have a great time playing with these happy prints :)

    
So what do you have to do for a chance to win these beautiful fabrics?  Simple . . . Just link up your Flock of Flying Geese at the end of this post :)  You can link to a blog post or a flickr picture, or whatever.  Just make sure to link up by the early morning of October 11th as I will be announcing a winner in next quilt-a-long post :)

If you don't get your Flying Geese done by next week you can still link it up :) (just not in time for the prize :) The linky will remain open until the end of the Quilt-A-Long.  So if your out of town, or just had a busy week, no worries!!!  Just link up when you can :)

And Don't forget to add your flock of flying geese to the Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group and to post it on social media with using #roundaboutquiltalong.    I am so excited to see all of your flocks of geese ;)

So let's get sewing!!!  Yippee for getting all the cutting behind us and moving on to sewing!!! Oh, and if you have questions, don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com.  Have a Happy Quilting Day!!




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