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???
Saturday, January 30, 2016
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 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
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,
It's beautiful outside today. Enjoy your day!!! You're awesome,
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
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!
I love the creative mess that she has going on here!
And, I want her red polka dot chair! I'm so jealous!
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
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 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?
Sunday, January 24, 2016
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...
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
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.
Monday, January 18, 2016
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.
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.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
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!!!
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.
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.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
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.
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.
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