Week 11

These blocks were very fun to do.  I wanted to change it up and not make a traditional star block.  What do you think of this pattern?  I have all my blocks labeled in case anyone wants to know where I go the patterns.  How is your quilt coming along?

Week 10

I really like basket blocks.  This one was very fun to do.  I plan to add additional basket blocks to my quilt.  There are so many wonderful patterns to choose from.  I have been using a variety of books and patterns for my challenge block.  Where are you getting your inspiration?

Week 9

Pinwheels are just fun and happy.  I learned a bit about fabric selection this week.  I used fabrics that were too close to each other that my blocks don't pop.  I love both of the blocks, but you can see the contrast.  Lesson learned!!!  I still like both of these blocks and will probably make another set so that you can really see the pattern.

Week 8

I have been busy during Spring Break.  I have been able to get caught up on my blocks.  I am enjoying doing the Sampler Shuffle.  The instructions are great and they go together so well.  Churn dash blocks are fun to do.  I wanted to change mine up a bit and added the pinwheel block to the center.  What do you think?

Week 7

I LOVE these blocks.  They were fun to do and turned out great.  How are your blocks coming along? Which ones are your favorites?

Week #9

This week the Moda Sampler Block #9 was Pinwheels. I made mine from the leftovers from another block. Maybe you recognize some of the fabrics from the 3 Way Challenge. It's aways good to save those extra parts that get cut off and are usually thrown away. Bonus! And this block was quickly made!

And, this week I chose to make another Schoolhouse block from the Marti Michelle templates. It is a different look that the last one that I did. This one is more traditional but it had to be hand stitched in a few places to sew the piece down. I love it in Civil War Red and Cream.

Week #8

This week I chose to do the Farmer's Wife Block #2 Autumn Tints, as my challenge 4 Patch Variation, in navy and gold and white. I rather like the looks of it. It was simple to make and I love the checkerboard that it creates. I can see a whole quilt made from this block.

For the Moda Sampler Block #8, I chose Red, Green and Tan. It also makes a grean checkerboard design. I love the extra square on point design in the center of the block. It also would make a fantastic quilt, made just from these blocks.

I'm loving the Moda Sampler Blocks! There are rather easy and well designed. I am so glad that we decided to follow along with their Quilt Along.

Week #7

On to the next week, Week #7.

This week I accepted the challenge that Jann made to try the same block with the same fabrics but move them to a difference spot in the block. I'm not sure if I like them. I think that the fabric is too busy and there is no where for my eyes to rest. I really like the idea but not my choice of fabrics.

And, I made a Churn Dash in Pink and Green from my Civil War stash. It is a repeat of the Moda Sampler Block #5.

It is really simple and easy to just cut out two blocks from the same pattern while you are cutting. Just choose different looks for the fabrics. This one is pink and green. The first one was purple and white with black stripes from Week #5.

Don't forget to print out the Sampler Blocks!

Print out the Moda Sampler Block Sampler before it's too late! These are the blocks that we are using for our Quilt Along. I love the blocks! They are easy and so beautiful. I love how you can change up the placing of the fabrics and make it a different looking quilt. It's fantastic!

Week #6

For Week #6, I chose Red, Black and White for the Moda Sampler Block #6- Star. (Why is this picture so blurry? Yikes!)

And, the challenge for the second block was to make a Log Cabin Block. I couldn't find a traditional Log Cabin block pattern, so I did an online search and found this modern version of the Log Cabin Block. It is from the Super Simple Sampler, which is a modern 6" block sampler. This is the modern log cabin block from the blog.

I also chose to make a Schoolhouse Block with Marti Michell templates as a joke. I couldn't find a Log Cabin Block, so I make a Log Cabin! I think it's funny, anyway!

I really love the Schoolhouse Block! I plan to make a red and white Schoolhouse Quilt later this year.

I'm Getting Caught Up...Week 4

I finally  finished my week four blocks.  I am almost done with week 5 and hoping to get to week 6 on Saturday.  Then,  Whoo Whoo!!!  I will be caught up.  It is never to late too start.  It is a great way to sew a little here and there.

Week #5

For Week #5, I chose PURPLE and white Civil War fabric for the Sampler Block. I love Churn Dash blocks!

For the second block, I chose to make The Farmer's Wife, Block #44, Gentleman's Fancy, as my choice of a square in a square option. I love the cheddar but I am hoping that it will not be too harsh in my quilt. I am, of course, adding more cheddar in the coming blocks.

I'm still here

Life has been crazy these last few weeks.  I taught Relief Society last week and totally forgot about making my blocks till Sunday after church.  So, yes, I admit, I've gotten behind on my blocks and have been working hard to catch up.  I will get them done soon and post them. 

How is everyone else doing on their blocks?  Have you  started or still thinking about joining?  The nice thing is that you can work at your own speed. 

Happy Valentine's Day!!!  I hope everyone knows how much you are loved!!! 

Week #4

I really loved doing this week's blocks! The top one is from the Moda Sampler Block Shuffle, Block #4, done in blue and white civil war fabrics. I love this combination! It is simple and cute.

The bottom block is my choice of a Heart block, which is Jann's suggestion on the schedule. It is done in red and tan, with the red making a sort-of-squished-to-the-side heart shape. I didn't want an obvious heart shape in this quilt. The block is from The Farmer's Wife, Block #75, Rosebud. It was pretty easy to make. I'd like to make another in a different color. I saw it in another book with the points and the two rounded top of the heart in different colors, so it didn't look very much like a heart. I wonder how that would look?

A little here, a little there and it's done!

I am finding that it helps a lot to cut out several blocks and have them ready to piece when you have time. If I wait until I have time to piece and then have to cut out the blocks, too, then I just don't have enough time to do it all.

It may be helpful to pull out the fabric that you want to cut for the next 3-4 blocks and then it is ready to cut when you have a few minutes. This seems to be a quilt that is done in spurts, rather than in long sittings, like most of the quilts that I have done. Maybe that is why I started it 4 years ago and then put it away and forgot it. It is a different mindset than most quilts.

A little here, a little there and it's done!

Print the Free Sampler Block Shuffle Patterns

Next week ends the free Sampler Block Shuffle patterns. We get the last 2 next Friday, February 12th. Make sure that you at least save the patterns or just go ahead an print the patterns now. If you don't do it know, you can't get them later. (At least, that's what the website says.)

Get the Free block patterns here. 

Don't forget, if you want to do the Quilt Along!

Week #3

In Week #3, I made the Moda Sampler Block Shuffle #3, from Cream, Blue and Yellow. (The block on the right.) I love the way that the yellow star stands out and the blue pinwheel moves to the back. I love this block! I made a second one already to use on another week.

For my second block, I chose The Farmer's Wife Block #16, Calico Puzzle. We were supposed to choose a Nine Patch or a Nine Patch Variation. I made two of them from the same pattern. One is Navy and the other is a Dark Green. They are too much alike! I didn't notice that when I was making them. But, in this picture it is so obvious! I will have to mix it up a lot more in my next blocks. 

Good tip!!!!!!!

Ok.  I was all excited to sit down and make my blocks this week.  I was organized and ready.  I got my Sampler Shuffle block done and started on my Farmer's Wife block.  I measured, doubled checked things, cut larger so I can trim down, rechecked.  I am working to improve my skills, right?   As I was sewing my block, I kept thinking there is no way this is going to be a 6 inch block.  Well, tip number one.....when you copy your templates, be sure that you are copying at 100%.  I have a very nice 4 inch block.  UGH!!!!!  My mom says to put a border on it and call it good....HA!!!! Remember I am learning here and this is supposed to help me be a better quilter.  No way!!! Well, I may put a border on it.... Would you know?   What would you do???

3 Blocks from the Same Fabric Challenge

Okay, I have become obsessed with these 6 1/2" blocks! I even think about them in my sleep!

I took Jann challenge (or suggestion) to make 3 blocks from the same pattern and the same fabrics. I chose the week's blocks that I am currently working on, Week #7. (I have made all of the weeks up to Week #7. I am saving the other blocks that I've made and will post them on the week that we are supposed to make them. I just got too excited about making the blocks and couldn't stop!) So, here is my 3 blocks.

I cut out the entire block, all of the pieces, from each of the fabrics. Then I started laying them out. 

(I'm sorry. I thought that I had placed the blocks in the correct order when I took the picture. But, now I see that I did it opposite of what it should be. Please look at it in a counter-clockwise order and then it makes sense.)

But, you can see that the same 3 fabrics make the same block look so different. I'm going to try it again. It's kind of fun! But, kind of confusing, so be patient with yourself!

Love Flora Belle

Flora Belle is our great grandmother who inspired our family in the love of quilting.  She made many handmade quilts that are treasured in our family.  I wanted to post a picture of this quilt titled "Love, Flora Belle", as an invitation to encourage others to follow along with our quilt along. I made this quilt a few years ago. I'll write more about her some day... or Robin can.

It is a simpler suggestion for those who don't feel that they have the time to made 84+ Sampler Shuffle/Farmer's Wife blocks. In this quilt, there are only 12 different blocks. Much easier!!! Each of the 12 blocks is made using the same three fabrics, but using the fabric in a different location on the block each time. Does that make sense? Look closely and you can find the block pattern repeated. Using the fabric in a different location on the block gives it a totally new look. Just a thought.... We can all learn to perfect our quilting with every quilt we make. The goal of this quilt along is to learn new skills and have fun. Join the fun!!  

I'm working on my week two blocks today. Remember it is block 2 of the sampler shuffle and any 6 1/2 inch star block.

It's beautiful outside today. Enjoy your day!!! You're awesome,

Check out the Favorite Links Section

Jann has set up some links to the right of the page that have some great helps for this sampler project. The one labeled, Making of a Farmer's Wife #1, is super helpful in telling you how to organize your blocks and get them cut out. You can see what a mess it can make! I have taken over the dining room table for my block cutting and sewing. I just needed more room! And, Camille from Thimble Blossoms, uses the templates from the Farmer's Wife book, if you want to keep things simple. I am finding that I like a mixture of techniques to make my blocks. (And, Camille is a Mormon! Bonus!)



I love the creative mess that she has going on here!

And, I want her red polka dot chair! I'm so jealous!

Week 2 Blocks

Okay, I'm an overachiever. I have already done my Week 2 Blocks. I'm sorry. I couldn't stop cutting and piecing the blocks once I got started.

The top one is the Moda Shuffle Block #2, done in Red, Cream and Cheddar Civil War fabrics.

The bottom block is The Farmer's Wife Block #41, Friendship Star, done in Tan and Green. I love star blocks. I think that I will focus on making more of them for this quilt.

I love Civil War fabric! It is warm and cozy and I have collected fabric for many years. I have 3 overflowing bins of Civil War fabric that want to be used in this quilt. It is just calling out to me. 

Does your fabric talk to you, too?

My Week 1 Blocks

Here are my two blocks. The top one in Cream and Purple Civil War fabrics is the Moda Shuffle Block #1.

The bottom block in Red, Cream, Green and Blue Civil War fabrics is The Farmer's Wife Block #1. It just seemed logical to me to start at the very beginning. It's a very good place to start! 

My first two blocks...

Here are my first two blocks.  One is the week one block from the Moda Sampler Shuffle.  The other is from Underground Railroad Sampler, by Eleanor Burns.  I am excited to see your blocks and the colors you are choosing to use.

Happy First Week

How did your first week go?  Did you get your blocks completed?  Be sure and post pictures of your blocks and share where you are finding your patterns.  Are you using the Farmer's Wife books?   If so, are you using the templates in the back of the book or do you have something else you are using?  Do you have another source you are using for the patterns?

I am still working on my second block.  I was so caught up in getting my Sleeping Beauty quilt done, that I put off doing my blocks for the Quilt Along.  I have the first block done and the second one cut. I will get my blocks posted as soon as I get them done.  I realized that I need to get much more organized.  I thought it would be simple to sit down and sew two blocks together.  NOT!!!  It takes come thought and getting all the patterns together.  My goal is week is to collect the patterns for multiple weeks and get them laid out.  A few posts back, I shared about cutting multiple blocks at a time and laying them out on paper plates.  I need to follow my advice.

Happy Second Week Quilt Along!!!  Remember it is block #2 and a star block.  The star block can be as detailed as you want.  There are some beautiful star blocks to use.  Please post any helpful hints and ideas in doing these blocks.

I've posted links to other Farmer's Wife Quilt Blogs so you can use them for additional support or information.  One shows using templates and the other shows using the templates from the disk in the book.  This is the method I am planning to use.  I really don't want to buy additional templates.  Don't feel that because the information is posted here, that you have to go buy the additional templates.

One more thing....

Remember, any block or variation of a block can be added in place of the blocks to be completed for that week....does that make sense?  For example, I wrote to complete a log cabin block....you can change it to fit your likes...it doesn't have to be a traditional log cabin block.  You also will need to choose several star blocks.  The idea is to challenge yourself and share your ideas!!!  If you find a good place for block patterns, let us know.

Today's the BIG day!!! Quilt Along Schedule

Today is the big day.  Let's get started on the Moda Sampler Block Shuffle.  Remember, the Moda Sampler Shuffle's free patterns closes soon so you need to download the patterns now.

Here are a few tips or ideas to get started:

Since the patterns are already available, you can cut out the blocks for the next several weeks and organize them on paper plates and then stack the plates till you have time to do each block.  That way you can coordinate the fabrics to your liking and remember what you did.  If you get behind...no worries, just catch up when you can.

You have the option to add any other additional 6 1/2 blocks to make your quilt bigger.  The goal is to do two blocks a week.  One from the Shuffle and one from your choosing.  Remember, don't make a block if you don't like it...just find a new block to replace it.  This will only give  you 60 blocks and you will may want to add more.  A twin size quilt will take 83 blocks, a queen will take 110 blocks, and a king will take 145 blocks, all depending on the layout of your quilt.  So, is everyone ready?  Here we go....

Here is the schedule to follow:
Jan 18 - Block 1 plus a block of your choice
Jan 25 - Block 2 plus a star block
Feb 1 - Block 3 plus a 9 patch block or variation
Feb 8 - Block 4 plus a heart block
Feb 15 - Block 5 plus a square in a square
Feb 22 - Block 6 plus a strip block
Feb 29 - Block 7 plus a 4 patch variation
Mar 7 - Block 8 plus a churn dash
Mar 14 - Block 9 plus a block that you love
Mar 21 - Block 10 plus a basket block
Mar 28 - Block 11 plus star block
Apr 4- Block 12 plus a paper pieced block
Apr 11 - Block 13 plus a bear claw block
Apr 18 - Block 14 plus a basket block
Apr 24 - Block 15 plus a star block
May 2 - Block 16 plus a paper pieced block
May 9 - Block 17 (this is an applique block.  Feel free to do something else) plus a block that you love
May 16 - Block 18 plus a block of your choice
May 23- Block 19 a block using mostly half square triangles
May 30 - Block 20 plus a block using a 4 patch variation
Jun 6 - Block 21 plus another paper pieced block
Jun 13 - Block 22 plus a block that has a triangle in it
June 20 - Block 23 plus a block with flying geese
June 27 - Block 24 plus a block that is a challenge for you
July 4 - Block 25 plus star block.
July 11 - Block 26 plus a basket block
July 18 - Block 27 plus a block using mostly half square triangles
July 25 - Block 28 plus a paper pieced block
Aug 1 - Block 29 plus a block that has a circle it in
Aug 8 - Block 30 (this is an applique block.  Feel free to do something else) plus a block of your choice

I am using several books and websites to find additional 6 1/2 blocks to add to my quilt.  I am using both Farmer's Wife books by Laurie Arron Hird, 500 Quilt Blocks by Lynne Goldsworthy and Kerry Green, 100 Modern Quilt Blocks by Tula Pink, Farm Girl Vintage by Lori Holt, 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks  by Judy Hopkins, and Quilter's Cache website.   Please let me know what you are using so we can reference the additional blocks by name and also add helpful hints.

Is everyone ready for the quilt along?  Let's get started!!!  Here are a couple of ideas to start with.

1.  We are doing the Moda Sampler Shuffle from the Fat Quarter Shop.  Here is the link to the Jolly Jabber and Sampler Block Shuffle  http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com.  You have to download the patterns now as the Shuffle ends in a few weeks and the patterns may not be available.  

2.  Everyone is encouraged to start at block #1 of the Shuffle and another 6 1/2 inch block of your choice.  There are several places to find 6 1/2 inch block patterns, including Farmer's Wife, Quilter's Cache, and Silva's Bridal Quilt, Farm Girl Vintage, 501 Rotary-cut Blocks to name just a few.  Do two blocks a week and post the blocks by Saturday to the blog.  This would be making 8 blocks a month which will allow you to make 80+ blocks by November.  If you are planning to make a smaller quilt, you can adjust your numbers.  That will give you almost enough for a twin quilt by Nov. 

3.  Let's start Monday, Jan 18th.  Post on Jan 23rd.  Remember do block #1 and a 6 1/2 inch block of your choice.  Post both of them on Jan 23rd.  

4.  You are going to need to follow this blog and send me your email so I can add you as an a contributor to the blog.  

5.  Please invite your friends to participate.  

Choosing fabrics for a quilt

I also found this post about how to choose fabrics for a quilt.  Here is the link:  (you made need to cut and paste it to your browser)

http://www.polkadotchair.com/2015/09/how-to-pick-quilt-fabrics-tips-tricks.html/#_a5y_p=4309374

One of my most favorite part of quilting is buying fabric.  It makes my heart happy.  I LOVE to shop for fabric.  It can be online, in a store, or shopping through my sister's stash.  I am not picky.  Any method can change my day from a bad day to a good day.  Fabric shopping makes my day.  I also love to put fabrics together in quilts.  I LOVE scrappy quilts.  The more fabrics the better.  I love patterns and color.  I feel short changed if I can only use a few fabrics in a quilt, that is probably why I don't make many of that type of quilt.  I rarely buy quilt kits because then my favorite part of quilting is already done.

So....with that said....I have also made some mistakes when putting fabrics together in quilts, especially when I first started quilting.  I have some quilts that I made years ago and even now, when I look at them, I only see one or two fabrics that stand out.  It is the fabric that didn't quite fit into the quilt.  UGH!!!!  Maybe the hue was wrong, or the color intensity.  Whatever it was, I still see it years later.  I made my husband a Montana Cartwheel quilt that took such a long time.  I was trying to find a "manly" color combination and decided on blues and browns.  It's a safe combination, right?   Wrong...what fabric stands out to you...Do you see it? Take a close look.

Remember, I said I liked patterns and color so I love to add texture through a variety of fabric patterns, as long as the colors blend.  It's the football fabric....the brown just isn't right.  It still drives me crazy to this day.



Anyway, putting fabrics together is a fun process.  Lay the fabric out together and make sure it all blends and nothing is shouting at you.  If you feel that one doesn't fit, follow your instincts and leave it out.  The best thing is you can go shopping for more fabric to replace that piece.  Best of all, ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!!

Squaring up a quilt block

I am going to research different helpful hints and techniques for doing our blocks.  My goal is to start with the basics.  I found this post on Pinterest about how to square up your blocks.   Here is the link, (you may need to cut and paste it into your browser):

http://www.favequilts.com/Techniques-and-Videos/Squaring-Up-A-Quilt-Block#TuUF5ReRgTVkVtpx.32

 I know when I started quilting, I never understood the benefit of squaring your blocks.  I thought they would all just magically fit together.  Isn't that how it works?  My goal for this quilt along is to use all the help I can get to make the most perfect squares I can.  Instead of hurrying through making a quilt, I want to learn and do things right.  I am excited to be doing a few blocks a week so that we can "enjoy the journey."  No pressure to get the block done by a certain time.  We can sit back and do a block every few days.

Welcome to our Blog!!!  Rise and Shout Quilters was created about five years ago as part of the quilt retreat hosted by the BYU Alumni, Houston chapter.  The key word here is hosted!!!  Everyone is welcome to our retreat and to follow our blog.  I am Jann Davies and I have been in charge of the retreat since it started in 2010.  

My sister and I belonged to our local quilt guild and had attended a few of their retreats in the past. After coming home from one several years ago, we were all sitting around talking about how fun it was, when my husband came up with the amazing idea of hosting our own retreat as part of our responsibilities with the Houston chapter of BYU Alumni.  He is a smart one!!!  I loved the idea and put together our first retreat.  I will ever be grateful for those 27 women who trusted what we were trying to do and willingly shared ideas to create our awesome retreat.  The retreat has grown and we now have to limit the number of attendees.  FYI...I keep a waiting list for those who want to attend.  It is a great four days of quilting, laughing, laughing, and did I mention laughing.  

I have grown to love these women and look forward to spending time with them every year.  Many are from the original group, who now bring their friends and family.  As it always is with quilting and friendships, I realized that once a year is just NOT enough.  I have been trying to figure out how we could have more contact with each other and how we can expand our retreat to reach others.  Because we started as part of BYU Alumni, we have shared ideas on our retreat at our training conferences and assisted other chapters in starting their own.  I thought this blog would allow all of us to come together and share the love of quilting.   Drum roll please......I am announcing our first ever Rise and Shout Quilt Along!!!!  Whoo Whoo.   Invite your friends and family, share with others, and follow along!!!  Post your helpful hints and pictures.  We are going to learn from each other and especially share ideas and the LOVE of quilting.  

We have decided to following along with the Fat Quarter Shops' Sampler Block Shuffle.  FYI...

Fat Quarter Shop, http://www.fatquartershop.com, is one of my favorite online sites to buy fabric.  They are fabulous!!!  They carry such a wonderful assortment of patterns and quality fabric.  They ship orders extremely fast so when you are needing a fabric fix, be sure to check them out.  

You will need to go to their site and download the free patterns as the shuffle will be closing Feb 2016.  Here is the link to the Jolly Jabber and Sampler Block Shuffle  http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com.  We will follow their format of doing one block a week.  I'll post links to helpful hints and mini lessons we can all learn from.  Please feel free to post any ideas that you feel will benefit the group.  

Week 1 (maybe a bit more)   Choose your fabrics.  Download the patterns.  Get your self organized for a wonderful quilting adventure.  Sounds exciting huh??  

Again, feel free to post ideas, helpful hints, links, and suggestions.  I am excited to be quilting along with you.  Be sure and post pictures of your blocks.