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Quilt blocks and more

Just when I think I’m caught up with the Splendid Sampler quilt blocks, they release a new one!  I finished blocks 17 and 18 and they turned out “spot on”.  You know when you measure the block when it’s done and it’s the exact size it’s supposed to be?  Well that happened to me twice!  I reworked the math on block 17 so that my flying geese would be oversized and then I trimmed them down to the exact measurement needed.  I also used my own perfect square in a square technique to get those units perfect as well.  If that’s something you’re interested in, you’ll need to cut the center square of freezer paper 1+ inches.  You’ll know what that means if you read the tutorial.

block 17

 

It’s nice when they throw in an easier block once in a while such as block #18, Lina’s Gift.  I love basket blocks!

block 18 copy

 

With all of my blocks spread out, you can see that I have a thing for gingham.  It’s just so sweet!

splendid blocks thru 18

 

While at Quilt Con in February, I purchased a bit of blue chambray and some lawn fabric that go together so well.  I found the perfect pattern to make myself a top out of both fabrics.  At first it looked like a maternity top, but I added darts to the front and back and took in the sides a little.  It’s still not so flattering and maybe a little too short, but I think it’s cute enough to wear.  My first attempt at garment sewing in a long time!

The pattern is called Boho Shirt at Needle in a Fabric Stash.  It’s based on the Scout Tee by Grainline Studio (which is included in the Boho Shirt pattern).  I like that it can be made with cotton fabric rather than knit.  And that’s just because I haven’t learned how to sew with knits (yet).

top copy

 

I was asked to do a demo of English paper piecing (EPP) by machine at our monthly meeting for the Silicon Valley Modern Quilt Guild.  It was a fun night with demonstrations of three different EPP methods.  I’ve made plenty of hexagons the traditional way (by hand), but I’m just starting to explore machine EPP.  Now I have a few sample flowers made from my hexagons.  They are the perfect size for coasters as you can see below.  And so pretty, too!  Check out the blueberries I found at my local farmer’s market; if you haven’t tried fresh blueberries, you’re in for a real treat.

hexies and blueberries

 

I made some banana chocolate chip bread using my own recipe.  It’s one of my favorite, healthier versions of this quick bread and it tastes so good!

banana chocolate chip bread copy

banana chocolate chip bread 2 copy

 

I completed my April UFO quilt top and now it’s off to the longarm quilter.  I’ll get it back in time to put the binding on before the end of the month.  I forgot to take a picture of the completed top, but I’ll show you soon enough.

I’ll be leaving town this Thursday and visiting my daughter, Nicole and her husband, John.  They recently moved to a little town outside of Seattle, so this will be my first trip to the Seattle area.  I’m really excited!  When I return I’ll have a book review to share with you and some pictures from my trip.

Happy quilting!

Julie 176 x 116

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7 Comments

  1. I came upon your site by following a link from Jacquelyn’s site. I enjoyed browsing through your site. I can’t say that I have a quilt book that I reference all the time. I rely on the web when I come across something I don’t understand, or for a new technique t want to try. It’s great that you are willing to share new Hingis and great tutorials.

  2. Hi Julie, love your top, looks lovely and cool for the hot summer days! You are certainly keeping up to speed with the ‘splendid sampler’ too, despite preparing for your Seattle long weekend! Hope you have a great time!

  3. Your Splendid blocks look AMAZING!!! Your points are always so perfect – I’m really working on that. Thanks for sharing with us – even though I don’t comment very often, I do enjoy your posts each time they arrive in my inbox. Hope you have a great trip to Seattle.

  4. Good Morning Julie, EPP by machine? Sounds great! Is there a tutorial available? Have a great trip to your daughters. Seattle is on my bucket list.

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