Graduation Quilts 2015

My church has four students graduating from high school this year. Here are the quilts that were presented on June 7.

The first is a double bow tie pattern: each block contains two bow ties.

The second is a single bow tie, also known as an hour glass block, set in a modern layout.

The third is a split nine patch block, set in a barn raising pattern.

The fourth one is a four patch block set on point with sashing and cornerstones.

I was not paying attention when the ladies put this one together. The center block is the only one that is turned the correct way. All the blocks were supposed to be set diagonally, like that center block. That way it looks like the diamonds are dropping from the top of the quilt.

 

My daughter received this quilt; I offered to take it apart and remake it the correct way, as well as machine quilt it, but she said no, she wants it in its original form.

 

I'm linking up today with

http://quiltstory.blogspot.com/2015/06/fabric-tuesday-friends_16.html

Orphan WIP/UFO Winner

The winner of the orphan One Block Wonder giveaway is

KMSC!
"My small quilt group sews large bed-sized quilts for high risk teens who are in a program to help them earn a high school diploma. If they complete the program, they are given a "graduation" quilt. We try to make at least six to eight quilts a year."

Thanks to all who entered the drawing. It is encouraging to read about generous quilters who give quilts to comfort those who are hurting or needing encouragement.

Tall Triangle Tutorial

To make the Tall Triangle quilt (http://imkeepingbusy.blogspot.com/2015/06/3-completed-music-quilts.html), I first had to design an isosceles triangle template.

 

Start with a rectangle, 8" tall by 5" wide. Mark the center top.  

 

Slice from the center down to the corner. Repeat on the other side and there is the isosceles triangle.

 

On the bottom of the triangle, line up the ruler at 7.75" and trim off that top tiny triangle. (This will help line up the triangle when sewing together.)

 

Cut the triangle out of a piece of template plastic. It is not very thick plastic, and when I was cutting fabric, I sliced into the side of the template.

 

 

 So I taped the template to my 30 degree ruler to stabilize the cutting edge. My triangle is smaller than 30 degrees; I wanted the triangle to be narrower at the top and wider at the bottom.

 

Fabric is cut 7.75" by the width of fabric. Line the bottom of the template up with the edge of the fabric. Notice that the ruler looks crooked, but that is because I am not following the ruler's lines. I am following the template.

 

 

 

Once cut, flip the ruler the other way. Keep flipping and cutting, stopping at times to realign.

 

Sewing the triangles together:
Lay them side by side, then flip one onto the other.

 

Notice how the two points are meeting; I use pins to keep it from slipping out of line.

 

Here they are sewed and pressed.

 

Remove the dog ears, then sew the next one on, making sure those points are lining up.

My quilt had 10 different fabrics, sewed together randomly. I did use extra amounts of the focus fabric and the red fabric.

Design Wall Monday

Another finish! I made this quilt for a friend of my daughter. She graduated high school/homeschool, quite a feat for one who has had multiple surgeries due to scoliosis complications. She plans to be a surgeon someday, but I decided to focus on her love of hunting for the theme of her quilt.

I incorporated various camouflage prints...

 

 ...as well as wildlife prints....

 

 ...and a hunting dog print, with a close likeness to her yellow lab, Kira.

 

My longarm friend did a fabulous job of an overall swirly design that enhances the quilt but does not detract from the focus fabrics.

 

For the back, I used a Realtree camouflage print purchased at Joanns. I love the look of the trees!

 

Linking up today with  Beth at http://lovelaughquilt.blogspot.com/2015/06/monday-making.html

 

and with Judy at http://www.patchworktimes.com/2015/06/08/design-wall-june-8-2015/

Orphan WIP/UFO Giveaway!

Cynthia Brunz is hosting a linkup for anyone who has a WIP/UFO that is languishing in the closet and looking to be completed...

Win the quilt..finish the quilt...then donate the quilt to a worthy charity! 

Here is the link...go check it out!

http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2015/06/orphan-adoption-event.html



Here is my orphan up for adoption!

It is a One Block Wonder that I started many years ago. I used the Daydream panel by Deb Strain for the blocks. (One panel is included.)

The half blocks are made; I have the pieces labeled by row, but the recipient may rearrange at will!

I will include the book and accompanying class notes.

 

To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment with the name of the charity that will receive this quilt when it is finished!

 

Giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday night, June 14.

 

I will select a winner on Monday, June 15.

--------------------------------------------------------

Giveaway is closed.

Winner is announced here:

http://imkeepingbusy.blogspot.com/2015/06/orphan-wipufo-winner.html

 

3 Completed Music Quilts

I finished the three music quilts, created for Daughter's three music mentors. I used all the same fabrics but made three different patterns.

 

I used tall triangles for this patchwork-like quilt.

Soli Deo Gloria I

It was quilted with an all over squiggly design, with an occasional flower.

 

 

This quilt is a disappearing nine-patch with a piano key border. For an orderly look, I used the same nine fabrics in the same order when making the nine patch blocks.

Soli Deo Gloria II

For the quilting motif, I made up a fleur de lies pattern for each block. The border has a fluid blank music staff.

 

 

 

For the third quilt I used the pattern "Stardom" by Wendy Sheppard, found in the book Annie's Row Quilts.

Soli Deo Gloria III

 

Easy custom quilting enhanced the star block, and the surrounding triangles were quilted with a loopy design.

 

 

The borders have the same fluid blank music staff, while the sashing contains a wavy line.

 

My longarm friend did a fabulous job, and she did all three with quick turnaround!

Linking up with Judy at http://www.patchworktimes.com/2015/06/01/design-wall-monday-9/