The Splendid Sampler II, Week 15: Cat Nap

Today is Week 15 of The Splendid Sampler 2 Block-of-the-Week quilt along.

Last time, we introduced you to the block, called: Fruit Bowl by Jo Avery. You can see my version of Jo's block, here.


Nicole Vos Van Avezathe of Follow the White Bunny is this week's designer and her embroidery is gorgeous! After reading her blog post about her block, I encourage you to browse through her site to see her wonderland of creativity. The details of her pieces are divine!

Nicole's block is called Cat Nap, and it is a combination of embroidery and applique. Here is my version:

I realized after the fact that I didn't add in the extra embroidery elements to the floor of the design. At this time, I'm probably going to leave my block as-is. At a later time, I'll re-visit adding those elements in. I'm deciding to handle it this way because my schedule is seeming to have become extremely busy lately, and I'd like to get back ahead of my schedule.

I chose to applique my cat using a black solid fabric and then chose to embroider the outline of the cat using an off-white Aurifil embroidery thread using a one-strand thickness. The floor is stitched using one strand of a heather gray wool embroidery thread by Aurifil. It gives the block some nice texture.

My block was made in remembrance of our kitty, Charlie Chaplin. 

He was such a pretty one. And boy, could he talk!

Although the quality of this photo is poor (it was taken at night with bedside lamp on), he's curled up similarly to Nicole's Cat Nap block. If you look closely, he's peeking out at me with his left eye showing and his tail is covering the right side of his face. He was a goofy cat (made us smile a lot) and I miss him so.

The Splendid Sampler 2 book will be available October 2018. It is currently available for pre-sale so order your copy, now!

The Splendid Sampler II, Week 14: Fruit Bowl

Today is Week 14 of the Splendid Sampler 2 Block-of-the-Week quilt along.

Last time, we introduced you to the block, called: Betty's Bloom by Carl Hentsch. You can see my version of Carl's block, here.


Jo Avery of My Bear Paw is this week's designer and I ADORE her sense of style! I'm also envious of the fact that she lives in Scotland! Right now, she's hosting a giveaway, so check out her blog post and the details, here.

Jo uses such gorgeous colors and prints in the fabrics she works with; I love her eclectic mix. She has a playful style and her applique and embroidery designs make you smile! Earlier this year, Jo was featured as the Aurifil 2018 March Designer of the Month. Through the interview post on Aurifil's blog, you'll learn even more about her, as well as view some awesome photos of architectural elements she came across while in Portugal with her husband.

Jo's block, called Fruit Bowl, is an applique and pieced block. Here is my version:

I did something a little bit differently than what the pattern called for when I made my block. Before beginning, I trimmed out the Convex template. As I was thinking through how I was going to be making the block, I decided to make it easy on myself and applique the Convex shape to a 3" x 3" square.

Steps to Make an Applique Drunkard's Path Patch:

Please Note: Along with the following steps, refer to Helen Stubbings' video instructions (there are 3 videos, total) on how to use her Hugs 'n Kisses applique paper.

1. As shown in above image, trim off the 1/4" seam allowance along the curve of the Convex paper template, ONLY (leave the 1/4" printed seam allowance along the two sides of the 90 degree angle).
2. Trace the trimmed Convex paper template shape twice onto Helen Stubbings' applique paper; cut the shapes out.
3. With glue-side of the applique paper shape onto WRONG side of cream/gray dot fabric, press the applique paper Convex shape in place.
4. Trim the applique paper Convex shape from cream/gray dot adding 1/4" seam allowance to the curve ONLY; you'll trim the 90 degree angle edges even with the applique paper because it already includes 1/4" seam allowances.
5. Using a glue stick, glue the added 1/4" fabric along the curve of the Convex shape onto the back side of the applique paper.
6. Cut two squares, 3" x 3", from your background fabric (the light gray/medium gray dot fabric shown in previous photo).
7. Line up the prepared Convex applique paper shapes into the corners of the 3" squares from Step 6 and carefully glue in place according to Helen Stubbings' instructions.
8. Use desired hand (what I used) or machine applique along the curve to adhere the Convex shape onto the 3" square base fabric.

Note: I did fussy cut the Convex shapes.

As with all of the applique I've done with the blocks I've made for The Splendid Sampler II, thus far, I used Helen Stubbings' Hugs 'n Kisses applique paper for the circles in the bowl, as well, and hand appliqued them in place.

The Splendid Sampler 2 book will be available October 2018. It is currently available for pre-sale so order your copy, now!

The Splendid Sampler II, Block 12: Free as a Bird

Today, we started Week 12 of the Splendid Sampler 2 Block-of-the-Week quilt along.

Last week, we introduced you to the block, called: Tulip in Bloom by Nadra Ridgeway. You can see my version of her block, here.

Oh my goodness! I'm so excited about this week's block . . . the design is so well executed and it was great fun to make! This week's block designer is Irene Blanck. Please check out the blog post she wrote about her block because she included some great photos; one of which is a version of the block using just stitches. I love it!

Irene's block is called: Free as a Bird. Here is my version:

It has been a while since I made an applique block with so many pieces and I had such a great time choosing my fabrics for this project!

The first fabrics I chose were for the bird's wings. I've wanted to use that cream/gray dot for a while, now, and finally found a place that felt right using it.

I loved how Irene used a print where she purposely chose an element of the fabric for the bird's eye and so I wanted to do the same, if possible. That's when I saw the black print and fussy-cut the bird's body from it. Before I did my fussy-cutting and using a pin, I poked a hole in my template where the eye would be. Then, I pinned through the eye element printed on the fabric so I knew where I wanted to fussy cut the bird from.

Next, I chose the blue cross-hatch and words print for the bird's tail feathers. The rest of the fabrics, for the branch, leaves and berry, tied the fabric choices together and added a sense of visual balance. I decided to use the yellow flower print as my background because I liked how it was reminiscent of a flower garden on a sunny day.

There were two things I slightly changed: 1) I made the branch a bit thicker, and 2) I embroidered the legs with a bend in them. The branch is probably a bit wider than I would have liked and didn't notice it until after I attached the berry at the tip. However, overall, I'm very happy with the results.

The Splendid Sampler 2 book will be available October 2018. It is currently available for pre-sale so order your copy, now!

The Splendid Sampler II, Block 10: Around Four Corners

Today, we started Week 10 of the Splendid Sampler 2 Block-of-the-Week quilt along.

Last week, we introduced you to the block, called: Flowering Tree by Amy Friend. You can see my version of Amy's block, here.

Although I've never had the pleasure of meeting her, I'm realizing how much I love RachelDaisy's aesthetic. In fact, RachelDaisy is this week's block designer. Check out her blog, here. She's from Australia, which explains to me why I love her design style. I've found how so many Australian designers are super-skilled about combining color and pattern into the most dynamic quilts! 

RachelDaisy's block is called: Around Four Corners. Here is my version:

The design of this block is so clever! When I first took a look at the image of the block in the pattern, I wasn't quite sure how it was all going to go together. However, while making the block, I was amazed at how easy (and fun!) it was.

There was one small thing I did differently. Before sewing them together, I laid out all of my 3-patch units that make up the circles so that the seam allowances would line up with the background fabric's seams, as well as with the adjoining pieced circles. Doing this also helped me to line up everything before I hand-appliqued the circles to the background.

The first fabric I chose to use was the dynamic black typewriter keys print by Cosmo Cricket. You can read about the fabrics I'm using, here, here, and here. I love what a bold statement the typewriter keys print makes and felt it worked well as the backdrop to the applique. When I began introducing fabrics for the center spot, I liked the juxtaposition of the small type print, in comparison to the typewriter keys, for the center of my block. And finally, I decided how the large, 3/4 circles should be a place for the eye to rest, so I chose mottled solids, there.

Here's an image of the back of my block:

After finishing, I chose to cut out the bulk from the back of the applique. You'll see my Helen Stubbings' Hugs 'n Kisses Applique Paper that I used to make my circles showing through. I love knowing how it will wash away once I launder my finished quilt. 

The Splendid Sampler 2 book will be available October 2018. It is currently available for pre-sale so order your copy, now!

How To Make Fabric Artist Trading Cards, Part II

We left off yesterday ironing the cut collage piece to the batik substrate:

Continue cutting 3 more small pieces from you fusible-backed collage piece.

And give the edges a wave effect . . .

. . . finishing up by ironing the fusible-backed collage pieces to your batik substrates. If you so desire, add a decorative stitch along the wavy edge of the collage pieces. If you like a more textured look to your piece, I'd like to suggest the look of AURIfil's Lana Wool 12 wt. Thread. There are many colors to choose from, and the wool will lend an artistic texture to your finished pieces!

All ATC's should include the name of your piece and your signature, plus any other information you wish to include, such as the date or a dedication of your design. You can sign them when you complete the project, but will need to include a backing for this purpose.

Prepare your backing by selecting a neutral fabric, then cut a strip from it that measures at least 3 1/2" x 10". Additionally, cut a piece of Heat 'n Bond this same size and iron to the back of the fabric strip.

Cut your fusible-backed fabric strip into 4 pieces, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" and set aside.

 In order to give your ATC's stability, you'll want to add a light weight stabilizer between your top and the backing fabric, making a sandwich similar to how we sandwich a quilt.

Cut a strip of your light-weight stabilizer and a strip of Heat 'n Bond that measures 3 1/2" x 10". 

Iron the Heat 'n Bond to the stabilizer.

Cut your Heat 'n Bond/stabilizer strip into 4 pieces, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".

 Remove Heat 'n Bond paper from your stabilizer pieces to expose glue and place your collage on top; iron to bond together. Do this to each collage.

Now add the fusible-backed fabric strips: Remove Heat 'n Bond paper from the fusible-backed fabric strips you made earlier and iron the glue-side to the back of the stabilizer. Do this to each collage and trim, if needed.

Using a zig-zag or satin stitch, finish off the edges of your ATC's and sign the backs.

That's it! You've made your first set of Artist Trading Cards!

Everyday blessings,

Susan

How To Make Fabric Artist Trading Cards, Part I

There are a myriad of ways to begin your Artist Trading Card project. My first tip would be to begin by sketching out a minimum of 10 ideas. Push yourself to do it. You'll be amazed at what you come up with! And remember: your sketches don't have to be perfect. As you sketch out your ideas, keep in mind that an Artist Trading Card (ATC) measures a finished size of 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".

ATC's were first introduced as business cards; a unique way to show-off artistic talent. They've since become a very popular way to collect miniature works of art. When I was taking classes through The Art Institute, someone introduced me to an ATC online group. After this weekend, I think I'll look into it more seriously, now!

From a basic sketching session, there should be one design that you're drawn to; that you keep coming back to. Listen to this inner voice and run with the idea!

I envisioned making a collage of fabrics. Using a 1/8" seam allowance, I began by sewing strips and pieces together from my scrap bag. Once my sewn strips measured approximately 8" x 12", I began cutting and re-piecing until I had an interesting mosaic. Note: this size is much larger than you'll need, but I wanted to make my piece larger so that I could also use the scraps for future projects.

The following pattern will show you how to make 4 coordinating ATC's.

List of Supplies:

fabric scraps
batik fabric piece, at least 3 1/2" x 10" (I chose an interesting wavy design from my stash)
neutral fabric piece for back
1 spool of coordinating AURIfil thread
rotary cutter
rotary cutting mat
quilter's ruler
sewing machine
scissors
Heat 'n Bond lite
light-weight stabilizer

Measure your pieced fabric collage, then cut a piece of Heat n' Bond the same size. 

Place your fabric collage upside-down on your ironing board . . .

Add the bonding sheet, paper-side-up, and press the textured/"glued" side to the back of your collage (see manufacturer's instructions for further information). Allow it to cool when finished ironing before you work with it.

Once your fabric collage piece has cooled, cut a 2 1/2" strip using your rotary cutter, then cut a piece from this strip that measures approximately 2 3/4" (see photo, lower right):

 

 Cut your coordinating batik fabric, paying close attention to its pattern. Because I wanted to take advantage of the "wave" of the fabric, I cut a strip 2 1/2" wide to use the wave horizontally in my design.

Cut 4 pieces from your batik fabric strip and lay out on your cutting mat.

Taking the first piece I cut from my fabric collage and using my rotary cutter, I cut a wavy edge off of the 2 3/4" length.

 

Remove the paper backing from your collage fabric to expose the glued back.

Lay the cut collage piece on top of a batik strip.

Now iron it to the batik substrate.

 Please check back on tomorrow's blog to see how I finished my Artist Trading Cards!

Susan

DAY 4: Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour

I hope you all are enjoying your week of blogs and give-aways, compliments of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks!  I know I am, and I look forward to picking winners of my giveaways this weekend!  It's always fun to participate in programs such as this, and I especially appreciate all of you and your kind words!  When you work in a one-girl-studio, it helps to know that people like what you're doing and it gives us, as designers, such great energy to plan new designs and projects for you to enjoy.  So I thank you, from the bottom of my heart! :)  For without your feedback and interest, it simply would not be as satisfying to continue to come up with new patterns and designs.

With today's blog, I plan to share some ideas you may like to use to set my block into a quilt.  I have a few basic tips that are easy and fun, and will enhance a simple quilt top design.

Because the block should be the focus, you'll want to stay away from large, oversize prints.  I would suggest that you find a tone-on-tone, or two-color mini or medium-sized print to sash your blocks with.  I will use my block and it's fabrics as an example, and we will create a few different, easy designs with a touch of panache!

My first example balances the dominance of the deep rose appliqued hearts with a rosy red print border from Verna Mosquera's Savon Bouquet for FreeSpirit.  Sash your blocks with the Lecien blue-on-brown dot I used as the small center square and mini circles.  Then bind the piece with the same blue-on-brown dot.

My second example shows a softer setting, where I use a light blue medallion print for the main border.  The blocks are sashed and the piece is bound using the same fabric as the appliqued hearts.

My 3rd and 4th examples will give you an idea of taking the same sashing and border prints and changing up the binding.  In these examples, I again used the same tone-on-tone deep rose print I used for the hearts to sash the blocks.  Next, I pulled in a pretty, French-inspired floral from the Savon Bouquet line that has touches of blue to marry back to the blue dot background fabric of the appliqued blocks.  Where these pieces differ is with the binding.  See how you can use the blue-on-brown dot for the binding (#3), or pull the tone-on-tone deep rose print out to the border for #4.  Both are attractive and can give you a different "feel", depending on where you will be using the piece.  For example, if you wish to use it as a wall hanging, you may consider using version #3.  You could also use this version in a room where there is a lot of dark wood.  The #4 version is very pretty and feminine and could be used on the wall or as a dresser scarf in a girl's bedroom.  Or, add it to the center of a rustic pine table.

With a few simple changes, you can give your quilt designs a different personality.  Give thought to the myriad of possibilities you can dream up and interview fabrics into your designs that you never would have imagined.  A few questions you can ask yourself, as you pull your fabrics for this design are:

1) Does the fabric work better as a frame to the blocks or as a border?
2) What "feeling" do I want to show with my design?  Do I want it to blend into an eclectic environment, or something more traditional?  More eclectic, use a few different fabrics, if more traditional, stick to the same fabrics with smaller borders and use a different print for larger borders.
3) What decor do I wish to place this design in?  Consider the style and color tones of fabrics in order to blend well with your decor.  Before purchasing fabrics, ask your local shop for sample pieces to bring home with you if you are not sure they will work.

In addition to the table runner/wall hanging design shown here, I'd like to share an idea with you on how to place the blocks into a quilt design.  The quilt size is approximately 67 1/2" x 67 1/2".  I will be posting a pattern to make both the quilt and the runner designs next week!

Now back to the give aways for today!  As mentioned on Tuesday, I will be giving away a Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol. 2 magazine today.  My second give away for today is my Patchwork Rendezvous pattern, as well as my In a Snap! pattern.  Both are very easy and fun to make for any level of quilting experience.

Thanks again for all of your kind messages left this week!  Please remember to leave a comment and either "Friend" me ("Susan Guzman") on Facebook, or add me to your blog read list.  Have a lovely Thursday!

Susan

Friday Sew Club

Good friendship and conversation is plentiful while they sew. Here is Mary, stitching her second block of Sue Garman's "Ladies of the Sea" applique quilt pattern . . .


. . . while "Fifi" (Gail) is in the kitchen, slicing up the most delectible quiche!


What a delightful group to spend some quality time with, sharing an art we all love: Quilting! I was so thrilled to find out from Roz that there are 4 ladies in the group that are making the Ladies of the Sea quilt (two of which could not attend, this past Friday). I belong to the online Yahoo Group and it is such a treat to make this quilt with new friends.


Above is Mary, Gail, Lynn, Roz, and Mary. Lynn Buske was our hostess and she is such a delightful, kind, and talented woman. Lynn is best known for her creative techniques and informative classes and teaches around the country. She has been quilting for 43 years.

I'm really enjoying my new friends and look forward to spending more time with them. They're fun to be with.

Our Topiary Wall Hanging In McCall's Quilting

Although we've just approached the end of September, the new 2009 McCall's Quilting Holiday Issue is hitting newsstands, now . . .


We are so thrilled to have our topiary wall-hanging among the pages of this anticipated issue! Photographer, Melissa Mahoney, fabulously photographed our design, measuring 48" x 48".


If you love to hand-applique, pick up a copy of the magazine and enjoy this free SuzGuz Designs pattern. The flexibility of this design allows you to not only enjoy it during the upcoming holidays, but you'll be able to hang it year 'round!

Click on either image to order the issue. This wall hanging was quilted by Rebecca Segura of Zeffie's Quilts. Rebecca is known for her imaginative, custom quilting designs.