Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-10 Broken Path

Block A-10 Broken Path is pieced per the directions on page 19.

A-10 Broken Path


A-10 JoW

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt

This block was put together by PW Customer Jo W.

Jo W. says:  I should have used a plainer tan fabric – made block too busy. But I do like the block design.

 

 


A-10 Diane

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

Diane says:   Instead of cutting the 4-1/4” square in half diagonally twice, try this: Stack light and dark blocks (4-1/4”) right sides together. Draw 1 line diagonally and another in the opposite direction. Sew ¼” away from one of the drawn lines and back up the other side. Cut on both drawn lines. You will get the same sewn pieces without having to work with stretchy triangles. When adding 4 triangles to center pieced square, fold in half and press a crease. Line up tip of triangle on pressed crease and your triangle will line up in the perfect spot. Do the same when adding four pieced triangles to the outside.


A-10 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, January 27, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-9 Blockade

Block A-9 Blockade is pieced per the directions on page 19 and templates on page 106 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.
A-9 Blockade

A-9 Stephanie
Stephanie – Downton Abbey
Stephanie says:  I was very excited to make this block, because it's dramatic and still very simple to do. I used paper piecing on this block so that my points would be more precise than I could do by hand. The last block I chose to do was Antietam in very bold colors, so for this block I wanted to show the whimsical side of Downton Abbey's collection. These pastels contrast nicely and seem very 'calm' to me. Be very careful that you have a large enough piece of fabric for the background banding in the middle. I attempted to scrape by and ended a little bit short. Thankfully it was covered by joining the 4 blocks together.



A-9 DebiA
Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt
This block was put together by PW Customer Debi A.
Debi A says:  Be careful if you use a stripe or directional print. When you cut your squares in half diagonally twice, you will get two pairs of triangles with the stripe going different directions. You will need to cut two sets if you want to get all four triangles (B) with the stripes going the same way. Be sure to match centers when you sew triangle C to trapezoid A.






A-9 Julia
Julia – Eclectic Electricity
Julia says:  Don’t eat yellow snow. When piecing the two triangles together that make up the corners of the block, sew together the smaller triangles and then continue paper piecing. To make sure the seam of the triangles lines up perpendicularly to your background, take a crayon and roll it sideways on the paper over where the seam should be. This will outline where the seam actually lines up.
Jen says:  I asked Julia for clarification on her “sew together the smaller triangles and then continue paper piecing” tip.  As Julia is new to Paper Piecing she didn’t realize that you sew those two smaller triangles right onto the paper.  You’re actually following the numbers when it comes to attaching your pieces to each section.  Hopefully the rest of her blocks will come together much easier!!  I’m glad I asked! 


A-9 Leslie
Leslie – Midwinter Reds by MODA
Leslie says:  Join pieces in numerical order. Sew piece 1 to 2, then add 3, then 4. Join sections together per the picture. Press center seams open to keep it flat.











A-9 Lisa K
Additional block by Lisa K.














 Christin - Foxfield by Tula Pink




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, January 24, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-8 Best Friend

Block A-8 Best Friend is pieced per the directions on page 18.

A-8 Best Friend


A-8 Leslie
Leslie – Midwinter Reds by MODA
Leslie says:  Be very careful. These pieces are so small that even the most minor discrepancy in your seam allowances will be noticeable. Getting all those little HST’s facing the correct way is a challenge.





A-8 JuliaJulia – Eclectic Electricity
Julia says:    If you choose to cut all the pieces for this (or any) block and come back to it later to put it together, make sure you put the cut pieces in a place where you can find it later. Also, watch out for curious cat limbs in the way of your rotary blade while cutting. Cutting through part of an animal will most likely dull your blade. P.S. Thank you to John Morris for inspiring me not to settle for less than perfect points when I have a good seam ripper and sewing machine at my disposal.


A-8 PamH
Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt
This block was put together by PW Customer Pam H.
When making 4-Patch or 9-Patch blocks, cut the strips on the straight of grain. If only one strip is on the straight of grain, sew with that strip on the top. Much less stretching makes a more accurate block.

 


A-8 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, January 22, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-7 Beacon Lights

Block A-7 Beacon Lights is pieced per the directions on page 17 and templates on page 106 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.
A-7 Beacon Lights
 


A-7 LisaLisa – Lario by MODA
Lisa says:  The center of this block is a good place to fussy cut an image from your fabrics.  Foundation piecing this block is easy but pinning to keep star points centered helps.








A-7 Lisa KAdditional 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, January 20, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-6 Augusta

Block A-6 Augusta is pieced per the directions on page 17 and templates on pages 105 & 106 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works.
A-6 Augusta


A-6 Julia
 Julia – Eclectic Electricity
Julia says:  This was the very first block that I’ve ever paper pieced. 

When removing the paper from the back of the block, spritz paper with water. Then, gently scratch at the paper with your fingernail to peel it off. This allows you to take of the paper without stretching and pulling at the seams.



A-6 Jen

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

Jen says:  This block wasn’t even in my list of blocks to make but I loved Julia’s so much that I decided to put one together!

 

 

 


A-6 Lisa KAdditional 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, January 17, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-5 Antietam

Block A-5 Antietam is template pieced per the directions on page 16 and template patterns on page 106 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works. 
A-5 Antietam

A-5 Stephanie
Stephanie – Downton Abbey
Stephanie says:  This is my first block ever using paper piecing! When I was trying to choose which fabrics to use for this block from the Downton Abbey collection, I kept going back to what I know about the Battle of Antietam-- it was bloody. I must admit that I've not read Jennifer Chiaverini's book that the sampler is based on, so I can only associate it with my own Civil War knowledge. I pulled the deep burgundy and blacks from the collection and balanced it with the tan background. It provides a very dramatic, dark looking block. I like it, and how it will clash with other combinations in the Loyal Union Sampler, much like the country was clashing at the time. Write the color of the fabric you've picked on the paper pieces. When joining the main sections together, press the seams open, not to one side.

A-5 Jen
Jen – “Sparkler” Fat Stack, a beautiful blend of Purple, Blue and Green Kona Solids
Jen says:  I paper pieced my block.  Once all of my sections were pieced and I was ready to assemble my sections I took stock of how much paper bulk was going to be in my seam allowances while I was sewing.  With each section that I attached, I ironed open the seam and then removed the paper from the seam allowance.  This cut down on bulk while adding additional sections to these pieces. This gives you a flatter block over all and will make paper removal easier. Carefully remove your paper from your blocks as you go so that quilt assembly later on isn’t so painful.


A-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!

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-4 Anneke's Choice

A-4 Anneke’s Choice foundation pieced per the instructions on page 16 & foundations on page 105 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works. 
A-4 Anneke's Choice

A-4 Lisa
Lisa – Lario by MODA
Lisa says: Easy block to paper piece but it is so important to pin at the points so they match. I also found that pressing seams open when piecing helps blocks to go together better.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A-4 LeslieLeslie – Midwinter Reds by MODA
Leslie says: Take time to organize each of the foundation piecing patterns with the appropriate fabric pieces. They can be sewn easily and quickly.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A-4 CaroleJ

Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt
This block was put together by PW Customer Carole J.
Carole says: The feature fabric is directional to a point (small ornaments). Watch that they are facing the same way through-out!
 


A-4 Lisa KAdditional 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, January 13, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-3 - A House Divided

Block A-3 A House Divided - This block is pieced per the instructions on page 15.
A-3 A House Divided

A-3 MaryMary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds
Mary says:  For the block “A House Divided” you may want to be sure to press all of your fabrics with some Best Press before cutting out your pieces as you will be handling some bias edges.
When sewing the final seam of the block that brings the two halves together, start sewing on a scrap of fabric to prevent the points of the triangles from being sucked down into you machine’s throat plate. Press that final seam open so your block lies nice and flat.





A-3 Kathy C Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt
This block was put together by PW Customer Kathy C.
Kathy C says:  If using directional fabric, make sure opposing triangles are situated with pattern running in the same direction.









 Christin - Foxfield by Tula Pink
  

A-3 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, January 10, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-2 Abigail’s Swing

Abigail’s Swing is pieced per the directions on page 15 OR Paper Pieced using the Supplemental Packet offered at Patched Works. 
A-2 Abigail's Swing

A-2 Jen

Jen – “Sparkler” Fat Stack, a beautiful blend of Purple, Blue and Green Kona Solids
Jen says:  I chose to paper piece my block.  When paper piecing, make sure to use a smaller stitch length than what you would normally use when piecing. This enables the paper to be removed easier with less wear and tear on your fabric. My favorite Paper Piecing tools are a Sewline Glue Stick, Add-A-Quarter ruler, 28mm Rotary Cutter and Size 70 Microtex Sharp needles.
The center block (E1), I basted it to the foundation.   I know what you’re thinking…why would I want to stitch this to a piece of paper for no reason? Basting it to the paper kept me from overstretching the fabric because the way this one gets assembled is not in a straight line.  The joining seams are slightly angled.  Basting it  also gave me lines to sew on. To assemble this block you are sewing from point to point, not edge to edge.  I re-pinned for the next angle at each point.  If you sew slowly and carefully you’ll turn out a fabulous block!


A-2 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, January 8, 2014

Loyal Union Sampler Block A-1 Abel’s Favorite

Welcome!  Today we start off our adventure into Jennifer Chiaverini’s Loyal Union Sampler.  We will be tackling all 121 blocks, 10 each month.

On the Second Wednesday of each month you can stop into Patched Works and we will go over each of the blocks giving you enough tips and tricks to make a successful sampler. 

Demos will be at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 & 7:30. 

If playing along in person at Patched Works we will have foundations already printed out with additional cutting information for the Paper Pieced blocks.  Supplementary Packets are $5 per month and packaged in a convenient page protector for you to clip right into a binder.  The handouts are not a mandatory purchase in order to participate but will turn making your blocks into a much more enjoyable and less time consuming experience.  If you did Sylvia’s Bridal Sampler with us, the handouts will be very similar except there will be 10 per month instead of 4.  With 121 blocks, there is only so much information that can be added into a book for publishing, our handouts bridge the gap between having to measure each piece for foundation piecing and having it right there ready for you to use.

There is not a fabric purchase requirement for this program, you MUST own a copy of Jennifer Chiaverini’s Loyal Union Sampler (We still have autographed copies available!) in order to play along.  We did put together many wonderful selections.  Each of the Quiltie Ladies playing along has chosen their own color combination.  These fabrics are available in our Twotsie Roll format of 20 fabrics in a generous 5” cut and Fat Quarter Stacks. 

If you are not local you can sign up to have them mailed to you each month for $5 + tax & $2.50 shipping.  Call Patched Works at 262-786-1523 to get started today!


I’m here to introduce Block 1 for each of our Patched Works Quiltie Ladies that will be playing along, their fabric selection and any tips they may have for this first block.

Abel’s Favorite is pieced per the directions on page 14.

clip_image002

A-1 Mary

Mary – William Morris Fabrics by MODA with Batik Backgrounds

Mary says: I’m very excited to be a part of another daily block challenge.  I’ve chosen a batik background to compliment the botanical feel of the prints, proving you can successfully mix batiks and regular cottons in the same quilt.

This first block, “Abel’s Favorite” was made with half square triangle units and flying geese. There are a number of ways to piece these units, but I did follow the instructions in the book. I found it’s more efficient to draw on ALL diagonal lines (as there are 10 of them) using a Quick Quarter ruler. Also, pay close attention in Step 5 to the sew ON the diagonal line, not ¼” away as you had on previous steps.


A-1 Julie QJulie Q – Scrumptious by MODA

Julie Q says:  Scrumptious is one of MODA's new fabric lines by designers Bonnie and Camille.  I chose Scrumptious because the colors pop and most importantly, they make me happy!  I absolutely love the bright colors and the combination of flowers and unique graphic elements.  When you look at the fabrics you might think they're retro, they do have a 1950's feel, but when you put them all together in a quilt and step back, you'll see how all the colors sing. The reds, pinks, teals, yellows and greens are bright and happy and, most importantly, they make me smile!

Julie Q Extra 2Like Mary, I used the quick quarter ruler to mark my sewing lines.  I actually made this block twice, one exactly as described in the pattern and a second block where I pressed all the seams open.  I like the look of the block with the seams all pressed open and it definitely lays flatter.  However, I had to be careful when sewing.  Using the Clover Fork pins to join the seams ensured accuracy in seaming.

The block on the left has seams ironed open, the block on the right has seams ironed to one side.The Block on the Left has seams ironed open, The block on the right has them ironed to the one side.

A-1 Leslie
Leslie – Midwinter Reds by MODA
Leslie says: Midwinter Reds is a wonderful collection of traditional reds and creams designed by Minnick and Simpson for MODA Fabrics.  I loved it from the first day that it came through Patched Works doors and was thinking that I needed some of it.  I was delighted to learn that Midwinter Reds was one of the collections chosen for the Loyal Union Sampler and immediately had my hand in the air, shouting ME,ME,ME!  The fabric designs work very well with the sampler blocks and are a pleasure to sew.

Be sure to follow pressing directions in step 3-C and 4-C so that seams will butt together exactly. In step 6, press seams open so that the block will be flat.


A-1 Julia
 Julia – Eclectic Electricity

Julia says:  My roll of fabric was inspired by the single piece of Aboriginal fabric on the outermost part of my roll. Those of you who know me or have encountered me at the shop are aware of my rather unique personality, which is (hopefully) reflected in the fabrics that make up Eclectic Electricity. I love jewel tones and modern fabrics but have a very great respect for the skill it takes to create more traditional blocks. So I combined them. As this is my first time doing anything like this please bear with me as you read my tips. Be forewarned, these tips may not always relate to fabric or sewing. Don’t eat soup that’s over 5 days old, don’t eat yellow snow, don’t poke the bear, and five yards of fabric is ALWAYS the right amount.  With this project I am truly learning as I go.

When pressing seams, press them towards the darker fabric out of what you’re using, not just what the book says. Your seam ripper is your friend. Keep in mind that you’re only making one of each block, so push yourself to do the best you can.

A-1 DianeDiane – Fall Blend, A Fabulous mix of Kim Schaefer Fabrics

Diane says:  I chose to use Kim Schaefer fabrics because I really enjoy her artwork and fabrics. 

There are so many marking pencils on the market today, make sure to test them out before settling on YOUR favorite.  Your favorite for marking half square triangle sewing lines may be vastly different from what you would use to mark a quilt for quilting.





A-1 Jen

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

Jen says:  After finishing a Blue & Yellow Floral Sylvia’s Bridal Sampler and a Bright Batik Tula Pink Sampler, I chose a more modern approach when picking out this batch of fabrics. I fell in love with the color palette that Freshly Pieced used for her Sparkler Quilt and just could not get it out of my head. So, for these blocks I will be using a white background with Purple, green and blue solids.  Using solids is a bit of a stretch for me, I like my fabrics to have a little something going on.  It’s good to challenge ones self to use fabrics you don’t typically use.

For this block, I’ll admit I didn’t follow the directions. I used half square triangle paper and made my flying geese using connectors.  While we’re at it, I used connectors on my center square as well. That’s the great thing about quilting, there’s at least 50 different ways to do each technique and there’s nothing wrong with sticking with the techniques that you know and love.


A-1 Stephanie Stephanie – Downton Abbey     

Stephanie says: This is my first time sewing a sampler together, so it's very exciting and a bit intimidating.  I've chosen to use fabrics from the Downton Abbey collection by Andover Fabrics.  It's a great variety of colors and prints to play around with, and it doesn't hurt that it's so pretty!   I'm using a Robert Kaufman Chambray in 'Natural' for my background that will blend well with the different prints in the Abbey collection.  We also have this really awesome linen blend at the shop that would be brilliant to pair with this collection. (“brilliant” – British – har, har)

I pieced my first block according to the directions in the book and will probably use paper piecing if I ever needed to create this block in mass quantities.  I've only got a few tips to share for this block. Have either a zip lock bag or even some small bowls with letters on them to keep your pieces in order. Watch Step #5 if you're not paper piecing.  You change from Sewing on 1/4" outside the line to sewing on the line!


A-1 Julie K Julie: Elm Creek Quilts; The Giving Quilt

Julie says:  I wanted to use The Giving Quilt fabric line by Red Rooster from the moment I first ordered it.  We kicked off a teaser of this program at Quilt Expo with the assistance of our amazing customers.

The fabric originally used in the book is from Anneke’s Collection, a previous Chiaverini line. Since we were unable to secure more yardage from that line, we chose her then current line, which also showcases her range of design into holiday prints. We will be receiving her latest line, Sarah’s Collection later this month.

Thanks to all of you, “I” am much further along than any other staff contributor.

This version of the quilt is going to be given away in January 2015 through a drawing to one of those amazing customers that helped us stitch up blocks in just a few days for our booth and book signing event!

My tip for this block would be that I always iron my seams open.  I love how flat blocks lay and it’s fantastic for quilting. 


A-1 Lisa Lisa – Lario by MODA
Lisa says:  I chose to use the Lario collection from Moda and others similar in value because I wanted to work with a color palette that I haven't used in a long time. I wanted the challenge of trying to get interesting blocks with a lower contrast. Well and the colors have me thinking of Spring.

I found that since the blocks are small, if you increase the size of your pieces by a little bit before you piece the triangles together, you have room to square the triangles up using the June Tailor Perfect Half an Quarter Square triangle ruler, making the actual piecing of the blocks easier and more precise.



Christin - Foxfield by Tula Pink












A-1 Lisa KAdditional 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!