Texas Monthly - Month 1

 I was super excited when my good friends at Stitchin' Heaven  asked if I could participate in their Texas Monthly Block of the Month program and share tutorials for the blocks each month.  You all know how I love tutorials and this quilt is made from all Grunge fabric, my favorite!  So of course, I was all in.  So each month, be sure to check back in for the months blocks and helpful hints on how to put them together.

So now, let's get to Texas!!!  Month 1 is a Courthouse Steps Block and 2 Flying Geese Blocks.   And how great are those beautiful panels by Watercolor Artist Katheleen McElwaine from Georgetown, TX that we will be adding to the blocks!  So get your package open and let's get going.

The Courthouse Steps Block

STEP 1 - CUTTING

Cut your Courthouse Steps Fabrics 12, 8, and 19 according to the cutting instructions.  Trim your Boots Panel to 8 1/2" x 8 1/2".  To center your panel, use an 8 1/2" square ruler.   Measure in 1 1/8" in from the top of the ruler to the top of the boot.  Measure in 1 1/8" from the bottom of the ruler to the bottom of the boot.  Measure in 1 1/2" from either side of the ruler to the toe edge of each boot.   These measurements will center your panel perfectly, then trim around all 4 sides of your ruler so your panel measures 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" square.

STEP 2 - PIECING THE BLOCK

Layout your Boot Panel and 4 Fabric 12 Strips as shown below with the shorter strips on the top and bottom and longer strips on the sides.

Place the top and bottom Fabric 12 strips onto the panel with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of the top and bottom.   I don't use pins as I don't have to worry about aligning any seams, but you can surely use them to align the edges if you prefer.

Press the top and bottom seam allowance outwards towards the Fabric 12 strips.  Now place the longer Fabric 12 strips onto the two sides of the panel with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of the two sides.

Press the seam allowances outwards towards the Fabric 12 strips.  And now we Repeat!   Layout the 4 Fabric 8 Strips and align the top and bottom strips with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of the top and bottom.   

Press the seam allowances outwards towards the Fabric 8 strips. Align the 2 side strips with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of the 2 sides.   

Press the seam allowances outwards towards the Fabric 8 strips.  And one more Repeat!   Layout the 4 Fabric 19 Strips and align the top and bottom strips with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of the top and bottom.   

Press the seam allowances outwards towards the Fabric 19 strips. Align the 2 side strips with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of the 2 sides. 

Press the seam allowances outwards towards the Fabric 18 strips.    And you are done.  Your unfinished block should measure 14 1/2" x 14 1/2".    You can choose to square your block up if you prefer, but I don't like to square blocks as I prefer to use my seam allowances as guides and not accidentally cut off points ;) 

The Flying Geese Blocks

STEP 1 - CUTTING

Cut your Flying Geese Fabrics 7, 19, 21, 25, and 11 according to the cutting instructions.  I found it helpful to cut Fabric 11 into a 4 1/2" x WOF Strip and then stack my Fabric 7, 19, 21, and 25 together and cut a 2 1/2" x WOF (21" in this case) strip.   Then I could simply crosscut all 5 fabrics at once 8 times at 2 1/2" to cut all of the pieces needed for my block.  

When trimming the panels for the Flying Geese Blocks I used an 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" ruler and paid attention to the 6 1/2" horizontal line on the ruler.  For the Longhorn Panel, Align as shown, with the top of your ruler 3/8" from the top of the horn.  Align the right hand side of the ruler 3/8" in from the edge of the horn.   And finally Align the bottom of the longhorn 3/8" up from the 6 1/2" horizontal line on your ruler.  This means the Left hand side will be overlapping the design slightly, but better to cut off some bush, then the horn :)      Trim around the two sides and top of the ruler.

Now rotate your panel 180 degrees and align your long 6 1/2" ruler up with the bottom of the panel.   Trim the top (which is actually the bottom of the picture) of the panel so your panel measures 6 1/2" x 8 1/2".

For the Flag Panel, Align as shown, with the top of your ruler 7/8" from the top of the flag.  Align the right hand side of the ruler 1/2" in from the top tip of the flag.  Align the left hand side of the ruler 1/2" in from the bottom tip of the flag.   And finally Align the bottom of the flag 7/8" up from the 6 1/2" horizontal line on your ruler.  Trim around the two sides and top of the ruler.

Now rotate your panel 180 degrees and align your long 6 1/2" ruler up with the bottom of the panel.   Trim the top (which is actually the bottom of the picture) of the panel so your panel measures 6 1/2" x 8 1/2".  And with that, we are ready to stitch.

STEP 2 - MAKING THE FLYING GEESE UNITS

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each of your (32) 2 1/2" squares.  (Note* if you use a Clearly Perfect Angle, Diagonal Seam Tape or similar marker, you can skip this step. )     Divide your Marked squares in half, setting 4 of each of the 4 fabric squares aside.  Place a marked square onto a 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangle of Fabric 11 with right sides together as shown.  Sew a 1/4" directly on the drawn line.  

To save time and thread, we will chain stitch these units.  Chain Stitching simply means not clipping the threads between units.  So to start, stitch on the drawn line of your first unit.  When you get to the end of the unit, just start feeding the next unit in your machine.   Stitch on all 16 units.   Then clip your threads between the Units.

Now move to your cutting mat and align your ruler 1/4" over the stitched center line.  Cut along the edge of the ruler and scrap the two loose triangles.  Press the seam allowance upwards towards the triangle.  And now you can repeat for the second side of the unit using those 16 squares you set aside.  Place a matching colored marked square on the other side of the unit with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the drawn line, trim 1/4" over the seam line, and then press towards the triangle.  

Once again, we will chain stitch these units to save time and thread. Stitch on all 16 units, clip your threads, trim and press.

STEP 3 - PIECING THE BLOCK

And just like that, you have 16 beautiful flying geese that should measure 2 1/2" x 4 1/2", and again, I don't square these up, as I want to be able to have the seam allowance at my point.    Now layout your 16 Flying Geese Units in two blocks as shown below paying close attention to color and orientation.  

Sew the 4 rows of units together in the 2 blocks.  To do this, I simply place the first Unit onto the second with right sides together and align and pin the raw edges.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge. (* see next picture for hint in stitching).  Then repeat by placing the now sewn together first and second unit onto the third unit with right sides together  and align and pin.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.   Repeat for the last unit in the row.   Again, chain stitch all 4 rows will save you time and thread!

When stitching the flying geese units together, I have you pin with the first unit on top for a reason.  This way you can see your seam lines.  If you stitch directly through the center of the thread X created by your seams, you will get a perfect point every time.

Now. I like to press my seams open at this point to avoid bulk, but pressing is personal, so if you prefer to press to one side, go for it.   Now simply align the top row onto the bottom row with right sides together.   I like to use this Pin Trick (click on link for tutorial) to align my matching points of the flying geese.   Then stitch a 1/4" along the pinned edge of each of your two blocks.

And again, there is a trick to stitching to get those perfect points.  If you stitch directly along the bottom of the fabric V you will get a perfect point, especially if you used the Pin Trick, as the below point is perfectly lined up as well!

Now once again, I like to press the center seam open so the bulk of all those seams lies flatter but you can press to the side if you prefer.   Finally, Layout your two Panels below the Flying Geese portion of the block.  Place the Flying Geese portion onto the Panel with  right sides together and align and pin the edge.  Sew a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge and again, stitch directly along the bottom of the fabric V's.  

Press the seam allowances towards the Panels.    And you are done.  Your unfinished block should measure 18 1/2" x 14 1/2".    

And that is it for Texas Monthly, Month 1 :)

If you have any questions on this tutorial, please don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com or leave a comment.  

Hope y'all enjoy making this month's blocks and maybe even learned a few tidbits along the way.  Next month . . . Paper Piecing!

September Sew Sampler!!

 September is just about gone, and wow, did that month just fly by or what.  And with another month means another Sew Sampler Box :)   And what a fun box the September 2020 Sew Sampler box.  You know I just love it from the start with all of that pretty purple!!!  It is totally like it was made just for me ;)   And yes, there are lots of Hidden Gem's inside ;)  

First I unboxed these beautiful Petite Balboa Fat Quarter Bundle, and oh my was I excited!!!!   These Balboa Fabrics by Sherri and Chelsi for Moda are just so pretty, I know because I have already used them to make another quilt ;)  And you know I love, love, love the purple in it!!!   And the exclusive Pack-and-Go Project Bag pattern, so on my list to make!!!  In fact, I didn't even put the fabric on the shelf, I grabbed a zipper, the pattern, and fabric, and placed it right in the project pile on my desk.  Here is hoping I can get going on this soon!!!  

And next came the notions and they are purple!!!     I am so excited about this Silicone Applique Mat.  My ironing board covers for sure shows lots of little bits of Heat N Bond, and this mat keep them looking prettier ;)    And the Quilt Clips are so cool!!!  I most likely wont use them as I quilt on the long-arm, but what a great idea for quilters on their domestic machines.  I am sure I can find a good home for them.  And lastly, this adorable Sewing Life Tea Towel from Gingiber.  It will be finding a special place for it for sure!!  

And last, but not least . . . a new box means a new Block!!   .This year we are working on the Greatest Hits Quilt and this block is Track 6  ;)   I am really getting excited to see these blocks come together, they are going to make such a great sampler quilt!!!   And I just love the muted happy colors in this block with that pop of yellow.  So fun!!!

And just a note, if you are wanting to get in on the new year of Sew Sampler boxes you have to get in line.  There is currently a waiting list as the box subscription is full.   But hopefully the wait isn't to long.  (I have been told new spots open up each week!!!)

And that is the September Sew Sampler Box from Fat Quarter Shop :)  I just love this Subscription Box!!

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Day . . . Let's make this a great week!!! 

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

 It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!! Let's have some fun :)

First, we need to announce the winner from last Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!  

The winner of the Wild West 10" Squares Pack from Thousands of Bolts is . . .   Number  . . . Congrats !!  I have messaged you :)    

       

And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Olie and Evie.  Rhonda's shop is so fun and full of so much amazing quilting goodness!!!!  Of course, there is the amazing fabric shop we all know and love along with longarm quilting, gift certificates, preorders, and an awesome Clearance Sale!!    Rhonda has so much to share so be sure to pop on over and check it out!!! 

And Rhonda's has a fantastic Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!!     Olie and Evie  is giving one lucky winner a brand new Folktale Honey Bun by Lella Boutique for Moda!!!    So awesome, someone is going to get a wonderful shopping spree for some end of the year fun :)  

You have two entry chances here on the blog, 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 your favorite Folk or Fairy Tale :)

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Olie and Evie love.   You can follow them on  Facebook, Instagram  or Pinterest or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Olie and Evie Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, October 6th, when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

You can also pop over to my Instagram and/or Facebook to enter there as well :)  

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Starstruck Quilt Along Finish!!!

Well, I made it in less than a year . . . not my longest Work in Progress ;)  This is my Starstuck Quilt Along quilt and I am so excited to share it all finished today!!!!  I finished the quilt top back when we were doing the Quilt Along, late last year, but it has been sitting waiting to be be quilted and bound and I am just thrilled that it made it back to the top of the pile and is now all done and oh so happy!!!!

Just in case you are new friend visiting, the Starstruck Quilt Along was my 2019 Quilt Along.  I host one every year.    Each of the posts for the Quilt-A-Long will always be on my blog.  You can follow these links to walk you through each step,  week-by-week on how to make a Starstruck Quilt , just in case you want to make your own.  And this one was fun as we made it medallion style, starting in the center and moving out, so you can stop at any point and make your quilt just the size you need ;)  

Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes Announcement

Cutting

Wall Hanging Piecing

Baby Piecing

Lap Piecing
Picnic Piecing
Queen/King Piecing & Grand Prize Linky

Starstruck Parade and Grand Prize Winners

And this quilt really is a fun one to piece!!!  Of course, it always makes it more fun to be piecing along with lots of quilty friends, but you can still make your own.  The quilt has a lot of basic blocks and great techniques on making them.   And of course, all of the tutorials are step by step with full color pictures making it super easy to follow along.   And isn't it just so fun the way it all comes together ;)  So excited that I can finally say I have made a Medallion quilt!!!!

And I just love these happy, bright fabrics  :)  I used a Fat Quarter Bundle of  Harper's Garden by Sherri and Chelsi for Moda.  I love how the fabrics all read as one color, and yet have so much fun design in them.   And the colors are just so cheerful!!! This king size stunner is for sure gong straight on the bed to be enjoyed :)

When it came time to quilt, I decided I just needed to do something fast and quick.  It had sat around way to long already, and I knew if I started overthinking the quilting, it would go right back into the "to be quilted" pile again.  So I did my favorite loose feather design.  I just love all of the yummy flowy texture it gives the quilt!!!   So pretty ;)

And that is my Starstruck Quilt Along Quilt!!!   And I am so, so, so happy that I can now enjoy it as a finished quilt!!   Thanks again to everyone that quilted along with me, as that is what will always be the most special part of this quilt!!!  It truly is a wonderful reminder of so many great friends and each one of their beautiful quilts!!!!

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!

Cutting New Projects

 You all know I just love starting new projects!!  I actually really love cutting, I know, a little crazy, but I just love seeing stacks of pretty fabrics.  I even put a brand new blade in my rotary cutter before starting, which is always so great!!!  I always wonder why I waited so long to change it ;)    

My first project is using my good friend Pat Sloan's new Morrison Park fabric that should be available in stores very soon.   I have wanted to make a Decades Past quilt as a 2 color quilt for sometime and I just think these beautiful reds, golds, and cremes  from her line just jumped out at me.  Aren't they just perfect for fall!!!  I will be sharing this quilt soon and I can't wait!!!

My second project was a different kind of cutting.  No rotary cutter here, just my favorite pair of scissors.   I got a call my friends at school, and it's that time of year again.  Another SUU Alma Mater quilt needed for raising funds.  (I just love that my quilting can help my school!!!)     So that means, Layered Applique Logo time!!!   I have a tutorial here for how I do my layered applique just in case you want to make your own.  It really is much easier than it looks.   I just need to stay stitch this and then add it to a quilt.

The only trouble is, deciding which quilt to attach it to.   I make a lot of Red, White, and Black quilts so I always have some ready when needed.   So what do you think . . . Should I use the Nine Patch Fun quilt, the Magic Trick quilt, or the Grandstand quilt.   All are so great in their Red, White, and Black goodness!!!  I know I have said it before, but I am so glad my Alma Mater has such a great color scheme!!!

And finally, I cut out a thirds project, but it is one of those Secret Sewing Projects.  I can't even show the fabric stacks because they are still secret too.  But I am telling you, lots and lots of pretty stacks!!!  

I will be back tomorrow and I am planning to share a long awaited finish, just need to finish a bit of the binding and get pictures.  So excited!!!

I hope you all have a Happy Quilting Day :)