Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-11 York County

York County is pieced per the directions on page 97 and templates on page 122.

K-11 York County


K-11 Jen

Jen – “Sparkler” Fat Stack, a beautiful blend of Purple, Blue and Green Kona Solids

Jen says:  I copied my templates onto card stock and English Paper Pieced this block.  My block didn’t go together very well.  I think I was likely a little sloppy in the cutting out of my templates.  Being the last block I had to make, I just opted to shake my head and move on!!


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Monday, December 29, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-10 Year’s Favorite

Year’s Favorite is pieced per the directions on page 96.

K-10 Year's Favorite


K-10 Mary

Mary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds

Mary says:  Cut the 2-3/8” squares a bit bigger at 2-1/2”.  That way when you make your half square triangle units, you can square them all up to be a perfect 2” square.  Also, pay close attention to the layout when sewing those 16 squares together!


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Friday, December 26, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-9 Wright’s Pass

Wright’s Pass is pieced per the directions on page 95 and template pattern on page 122 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

 K-9 Wright's Pass


K-9 Diane

Diane – Fall Blend, A Fabulous mix of Kim Schaefer Fabrics

Diane says:  When attaching corner blocks – center on center block section and start stitching 1/4” in, continue stitching and stopping 1/4” from end.  Sew the next section on, adjacent to the 1st corner block stitched on.  With the 2 corner pieces lying flat, and inside square block folded in half up inside, stitch Y-seam from outside of block down to inside stopping 1/4” from end but meeting up with where the corner block was stitched on center square block.  Open up.  Press Y Seam Open.  Work your way around center block until you have all 4 corner sections attached.  Press center block section out towards corner piece sections. 


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-8 Wisconsin

Wisconsin is pieced per the directions on page 94 and templates on pages 122 & 126.

 K-8 Wisconsin


K-8 Jen

Jen – “Sparkler” Fat Stack, a beautiful blend of Purple, Blue and Green Kona Solids

Jen says:  I made card stock templates for this block and English Paper Pieced it.  I loved how easily it went together.


K-8 JulieK

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt

Julie says: I chose this block because of the name and because of the challenge.  I fussy cut the center square.  So I added an extra fabric to the block.  It took two attempts for me to piece this block.  If at first you don’t succeed, step away, eat some chocolate and go back with a clear head.  Also, the templates are directional – make sure to label your pieces!


K-8 Lisa

Lisa – Lario by MODA

Lisa says:  I made this block twice.  The first time to learn to work with this batch of templates and the second time to get it right!  I really like how this block turned out.  All of my striped are tipped inward. 


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-7 Winged Square

Winged Square is pieced per the directions on page 93.

 K-7 Winged Square


K-7 Mary

Mary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds

Mary says:  When making the half-square triangle units, I cut the squares slightly oversized at 2-1/2” instead of 2-3/8”.  By doing this you can trim the units down to a perfect 2” square.


K-7 DebbieD

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt This block was put together by PW Customer Debbie D.

Debbie D says: After making all the pieces lay it out to make sure of the positioning of the triangles and their directions in the square.


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Friday, December 19, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-6 Windmill

Windmill is pieced per the directions on page 93.

K-6 Windmill


K-6 Jen

Jen – “Sparkler” Fat Stack, a beautiful blend of Purple, Blue and Green Kona Solids

Jen says:  What can I say about this block other than I was really thankful to have something so easy to make this late in the game.  I took on quite a few more difficult blocks so this one was certainly a breeze to do with the easy 1/4 square triangle units.


K-6 AliceJ

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt This block was put together by PW Customer Alice J.

Alice J says: Cut accurately. Goes together 1-2-3. Follow steps in book. No templates. Love the pattern and the fabric. Red and White fabrics can be cut together then cut into triangle and sewn (wrong sides together).


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-5 West Virginia

West Virginia is pieced per the directions on page 92 and templates on page 126 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

K-5 West Virginia


K-5 Leslie

Leslie – Midwinter Reds by MODA

Leslie says:  I tried the templates first and struggled with very wonky “quadrants.”  Unless you enjoy templates and are an expert with Y-Seam construction, use the paper pieced instructions.  Write the fabric colors on the paper piecing patterns so you won’t get confused during the piecing process.


K-5 Stephanie

Stephanie – Downton Abbey

Stephanie says:  The paper piecing version might be more sections but it is well worth it.  Doing the extra sections will still save you time!


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Monday, December 15, 2014

The Pillowcase Queen

Today is the one year anniversary of my mother's death.

For those of you who had the privilege of meeting her, you know she had a smile and a cup of coffee at the ready. As I was growing up, her full time vocation was raising the family as a stay at home mom and homemaker. When Frank and I took over the store, my mom was so excited for us. She would come to the store to "play" nearly every day. She masterfully folded fabric bundles for clubs, crafted beautifully decorated pens for our cash register, and hosted every club and event. She never was idle, always finding ways to help out behind the scenes to make my life easier and to make the customers experience better.

The Holiday Open House at the store every December became her signature event. She orchestrated the classroom refreshments and visiting with her became a "must see" attraction during the event.

This past weekend was incredibly special to me. While it was sad to not have her physically with us for the second year in a row, I know she was with us in spirit. The store was filled with laughter, meeting of friends, sharing of creativity and overall merriment. It was exactly the kind of weekend we all love. I truly appreciate all of you who took the opportunity to come out and visit us.

My mom taught me how to sew but never claimed credit for teaching me to quilt. I received a toy sewing machine from my parents when I was 6 or 7. My mom didn't want me to ruin her real machine. As I grew older, I learned to love her trusty Singer and stitched prom dresses, party skirts and Halloween costumes. When I was 19, we took our first quilting class from Sew and Save over on Capital Drive. I finished the top but never had it quilted. My mom made a couple blocks but set aside quilting for other sewing until we took over the shop nearly 20 years later.

Over the years she used her sewing skills for gift giving, charity groups and many DIY projects. About 10 years ago, we discovered the tube pillowcase. As if she found her calling, it became her mission to make pillowcases for everyone she knew. At the store, she earned a self-proclaimed title of "Pillowcase Queen". She even created a lifesize pillowcase as a costume for herself and a miniature pillowcase for a permanent how-to demo at the store.

My favorite pillowcase!



She made hundreds of pillowcases over the years. Always carefully hand selecting fabrics for special occasions or to match recipients tastes and decor.

I absolutely adore a Malibu Sock Monkey Pillowcase she made for me. :-)

She also conducted countless pillowcase making demonstrations for customers and friends.






As a tribute to "The Pillowcase Queen", we will be hosting PILLOWPALOOZA in June. You may have seen this event listed in the Passport of Savings 2015 booklet distributed this past weekend.

PILLOWPALOOZA will feature a pillowcase making marathon in our classroom and there will be incentives for dropping off completed pillowcases for donation during the event. We have been an official One Million Pillowcase challenge shop for years however we have not had an affiliation with any specific organization. In 2015, we are teaming up with Conkerr Cancer and Pillowcases for Soldiers to see how many pillowcases we can collect.

It is our goal to collect 1,000 pillowcases during our event and to turn PILLOWPALOOZA into an annual event.

We will be talking more about this event later in winter and spring.

Thank you for your business, your support and your friendship!

Happy Quilting!

Julie

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-4 Water’s Ford Register

Water’s Ford Register is pieced per the directions on page 91 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

K-4 Water's Ford Register


K-4 Mary

Mary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds

Mary says:  When making the half-square triangle units that are on the corners of the block, I over cut the squares to 2-1/2” instead of 2-3/8 as in the directions so that the squares cold be trimmed down to a perfect 2”.


K-4 JanetD

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt This block was put together by PW Customer Janet D.

Janet D says: Background fabric should not be patterned with pictures. It makes it hard to see the block.


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Friday, December 12, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-3 Water Lily

Water Lily is pieced per the directions on page 90 and Template pattern on page 126 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

K-3 Water Lily


K-3 Diane

Diane – Fall Blend, A Fabulous mix of Kim Schaefer Fabrics

Diane says:  “I got nothing.”  This is just your typical paper piecing pattern.


K-3 KathyF

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt This block was put together by PW Customer Kathy F.

Kathy F says: Everything went so easy


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block K-2 Washington City

Washington CIty is pieced per the directions on page 89 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.

K-2 Washington City


K-2 Diane

Diane – Fall Blend, A Fabulous mix of Kim Schaefer Fabrics

Diane says:  I paper pieced this block.  The square in the middle would be a great place to fussy cut something from your fabric collection.


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Monday, November 17, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block J-7 Two Bears Farm

Two Bears Farm is pieced per the directions on page 84.

J-7 Two Bears Farm

J-7 Mary

Mary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds

Mary says:  Try cutting the “A” squares all 2” instead of 1-7/8”.  Your half-square triangles will be a bit oversized so you can neatly square them up to 1-1/2”.


J-7 ValerieB

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt This block was put together by PW Customer Valerie B.

Valerie B says: Make HST’s larger and trim down.


J-7 Lisa K

Additional block by Lisa K.


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Friday, November 14, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block J-6 Twin Star

Twin Star is pieced per the directions on page 84.

 J-6 Twin Star


J-6 Mary

Mary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds

Mary says:  When piecing together the two “B” triangles, begin sewing at the 90 degree angle of the triangles, not the point.  This will prevent the tip of the triangle from being sucked down into you throat plate.


J-6 Stephanie

Stephanie – Downton Abbey

Stephanie says:  This block can sure be a stand out if you choose your fabrics properly.  Speaking of fabrics, have you changed your rotary blade or your needle lately?  I like the Microtex 70/10, they make piecing a dream.


J-6 BobbieW

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt This block was put together by PW Customer Bobbie W.

Bobbie W says:

Press seams to dark side except for final rows. Press these seams open.

J-6 SharonV

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt This block was put together by PW Customer Sharon V.

Sharon V says: Be very careful when pairing up your light and dark triangles to make unit B/B. Very easy to flip them and now the unit is backwards. Had to un-sew and re-sew 3 units.


J-6 Lisa K

Additional block by Lisa K.


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block J-5 Timepiece

Timepiece is pieced per the directions on page 83.

 J-5 Timepiece


J-5 Mary

Mary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds

Mary says:  I always find it helpful to slow down my sewing when piecing together smaller cuts as in this block.  Also, pay attention to the orientation of all the pieces before they get sewn together.  It will save you time un-sewing.  This block offers the perfect center piece to do a little fussy cutting.


J-5 PW

J-5 PW2

J-5 PW3

Additional blocks by Shirley A.


J-5 Lisa K

Additional block by Lisa K.


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!

Monday, November 10, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block J-4 Then And Now

Then And Now is pieced per the directions on page 83.

 J-4 Then And Now


J-4 Lisa

Lisa – Lario by MODA

Lisa says:  This is a pretty straight forward block to make if you take your time.  The Half Square Triangles can be knocked out pretty quickly by using 1” finished Half Square Triangle Paper. 


J-4 Lisa K

Additional block by Lisa K.


We encourage you to take pictures of your blocks and upload them to our Loyal Union Sampler Flickr Group. If technology isn’t your thing, bring your blocks into the shop and we’ll snap a picture of them and upload them on your behalf. 

You can also keep up with our progress in many places: here on our Patched Works Fabric Jules Blog,  by Following us on Facebook or on Instagram (#patchedworks & #loyalunionsampler)

It’s never too late to join the fun.  Stop in the shop to find out more about how to get started. 

It’s always a party at Patched Works!