LAUREL RIDGE -- MONTH 2

Laurel Ridge is the 2025 Block of the Month quilt designed by Lynn Wilder exclusively for The Quilt Show.  Star Members have FREE access to the patterns starting January 1, 2025. Made in two colorways, the complete patterns are excellent. You will love making this quilt. Lynn supports the pattern instructions with Videos too. 

This month the pattern is for the 5" applique blocks. There are 4 sets of 3 applique blocks this month. Lynn has a Video for the applique and discussed applique in her show, #3601, FREE FOR ALL  to watch this entire year. Follow Lynn's excellent instructions for her applique designs. 

I chose not to include any applique in my quilt so I looked through Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns for ideas of what to substitute. 

BIG WARNING: if you are using either of the KITS,  my substitution Blocks and/or Fabrics were not part of the Kit calculations. I know there is a "little" extra fabric in each Kit, but there is NO GUARANTEE you will have enough Kit fabric with my changes. If this makes you nervous, just FOLLOW THE PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS with NO CHANGES. 

Here are 3 options I think will work. The first two I paper-pieced, the third is a regular pieced block.

Option 1: X Block 5", 3 in a row

One block 5" FINISHED: the yellow is an additional fabric I added

The pattern is drawn in EQ8 but it is very easy to draw with a pencil and paper. Each of the 4 squares are 2.5" FINISHED--draw a 3" square, this accounts for the seam allowance around the edges. The center white strip is symmetrical on the square and 7/8" wide FINISHED--OR whatever size you like. I wrote in the 4 colors I used for the triangles so I wouldn't get confused. Make 4 of the small squares, sew them together as a four-patch and the block is 5" FINISHED, 5.5" including seam allowance.

                                                            

OPTION 2: Rolling Block 5", 3 in a row: I like the circular feel of this one

One block, 5" FINISHED: the yellow and dark green are additional fabrics I added

Again, my pattern is drawn in EQ8 but is very easy to draw on paper. Each unit is 2" FINISHED, the outer white triangles are 1.5" on the outside edge, the smaller inner white triangles are 1" on the outside edge. My colored strips are 1" FINISHED OR whatever size you like. The white sashing and green squares are 1" wide FINISHED. NOTE: the center strip is NOT centered symmetrically on the block:

OPTION 3: Another X Block, 3 in a row: I love the simplicity of this. NOT paper pieced:

I simply drew a 5" square on paper, made the center white strip 1" wide and symmetrical on the square; what is left are the 4 colored QST triangles. Cut a 5" square of four different fabrics, cut on both diagonals and there you have the quarter square triangles (QST) needed to make 4 blocks. There are a total of 12 blocks in the quilt:

At this moment I am leaning toward Option 3, the easiest and fastest. I won't decide until much later in the year when a lot more of the quilt is done. 

If you want to substitute a pieced block for the applique, ANY 5" block might work. Try a few to see what you like. You can always make a "test" block with extra fabrics from your stash to see if you like it before using your "official" Laurel Ridge fabrics. You DO have extra fabrics right?!

Later this year we will have the other applique block to make, 5" x 7.5" FINISHED. I have some ideas on what I plan to do there too. Stay tuned...

I have written about paper piecing with Freezer Paper several times. Find one HERE if you are new to using Freezer Paper for foundation.

I have also written about applique, both machine and hand, quite a few times. THIS ONE might be helpful for this month's applique if you are doing that. 

Share your progress on the FORUM we want to see what you are doing!

Next month we move on to a very easy block that will get us further along on the journey.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

FOLSOM QUILT AND FIBER GUILD

 Jobs to teach around the country are often two years in the planning stage, from the first contact, to  contract signing, to the actual event. My recent trip to Folsom, CA was no exception.

Airline travel was set last summer. It didn't occur to me then that this is what might happen in Huntsville AL the day before my 5:30 am flight to sunny California:

Having to be at the airport by 4:30 am when roads were likely to be treacherous meant getting a hotel room close to the airport the night before. Up at 3:15, my husband had me at the airport on time, where it was packed for this early flight. Once my big purple suitcase was checked in and I got through TSA, I was all set. 

Alas, the crew didn't arrive until 6:30 am, so we left an hour and a half late. My layover in Atlanta evaporated. We made up a little time, and I was off the plane with 10 minutes to get from gate A6 to B24. 

I RAN, dragging my small carryon and traveling backpack. Not sure how but I made it! The gate agent saw me running as she was set to close the door--I was on the flight to Sacramento. They closed the boarding door as soon as I walked on the plane. Phew!

We sat on the runway for 3 hours. Weather meant each plane had to be de-iced--this takes time. Then Ground Radar went DOWN--nothing moves when air control can't see where each plane is on the ground. That was fixed after a while, we moved a bit, it went down again. Long story short--we took off 3 hours late but got to Sacramento at 2 pm local time.

I had built in an extra travel day to visit my friend Jenny K Lyon, spending the first night at her home. She has recently done a big beautiful kitchen remodel--check out her blog for photos Quiltskipper:

                                   

Her backyard, lovely landscape, 38 degrees, no swimming this trip

The front of Jenny's home

The view across the street

Being able to text while onboard was a big help. I let Jenny know about the delay. She kept her eye on the flight's progress so was able to see when we would land. 

Do you know? It is so easy to find flight information in real time. Google the airline/flight number, mine was DL904. I also sent this code to Jenny and my husband in texts--they simply had to click on PREVIEW FLIGHT to see the full information--when we took off, how far into the flight we were, what gate we should be landing at, etc. 

About halfway through the flight I realized my big suitcase was almost certainly NOT ONBOARD--I ran to catch the flight but the baggage handlers didn't. Using the Delta App I was able to "TRACK MY BAG"--sure enough, my bag was scheduled to be on the next flight to Sacramento, landing at 11 pm.

When I landed I went to the Delta Baggage office, where a very helpful agent named Margie explained my big suitcase would  be delivered the next day, Monday. As it had most everything I needed to teach on Wednesday I wasn't too worried. It did arrive about 1 pm to Jenny's house, sure was glad to see this:

At least my carryon had my toothbrush and a change of clothes. And my masters for teaching should the worst happen--at least I could make 20 more copies. Once I had my stuff I was all set. 

Jenny and I spent time discussing a quilting plan for a small quilt I am working on--it was in the big suitcase but we worked from a photo. When we were able to look at the actual quilt, the plan was approved--she had great ideas that helped me a lot:

                                      

Jenny and I took a long walk in her very hilly neighborhood. We kept up with each other and I was so happy to be moving again. Then it was time to get me to the hotel in Folsom. 

I found a nearby Chinese place for dinner: Andy's Kitchen. My fortune was so appropriate: "The Journey Forward is the One that Matters".  

The next day I was thrilled to get my power walk done on an amazing walking/biking trail that goes all the way to downtown Sacramento. I did more than 7 miles in 1.75 hours, and saw only a few other people. Those who commute by bike on this trail were already at work, while those who exercise there waited until the day warmed up. It was 38 degrees when I started and 49 when I finished:

 At lunch time my guild contact, the wonderful Eileen, picked me up for lunch and a tour:

Salmon Salad from Karen's Cafe and Bakery

Eileen, a civil engineer, showed me the sights, including Folsom Dam and Folsom prison--as a Johnny Cash fan, that was fun. Eileen is a delightful person and I enjoyed our time together. After an afternoon break that allowed me time to make phone calls back east, Eileen picked me up for dinner. Dos Coyotes was good too:

Finally, on to the guild meeting. The FIRST THING that happens is we get the technical side all set--connecting my IPad to their projection system. Easy and we were ready. 

The guild is preparing for their annual quilt show, January 31-February 2, 2025. Here is their Facebook Page with the details. It is sure to be great, don't miss it if you are anywhere in the area. 

After a brief break for refreshments it was time to give my lecture "Time Management for Quilters". Probably my most informative lecture, it is always well received. There was a very large crowd, quite a few guests, and I enjoyed meeting everyone. Some know me from The Quilt Show, many follow this Blog, and it is always good to see real people in person. 

Wednesday morning I did an hour on the hotel treadmill, not nearly as enjoyable as walking the trail but it was too dark and too cold at 6 am. After breakfast, Eileen picked me up for the Workshop Western Sun. I  love teaching this because I love this  quilt and it offers lots of "teachable moments". The students did well and it was a good day:

Student work beside one of my class samples

110" square, too big to travel but students get to see photos

Wild Western Sun, 45" square, class size in bold fabrics

Too soon the day was over. I had a little hotel break, again for phone calls back east. Then Eileen and her husband picked me up for dinner at Crawdad's by the Lake. No photos because we all  loved our meals and just enjoyed eating them. I highly recommend this place. My grilled salmon sandwich was so good and the Calamari appetizer we shared was the best I've ever had.

Thursday morning Eileen picked me up for the 45 minute trip to the Sacramento airport. I was checked in and at the gate in 15 minutes, two hours before my flight. This is a beautiful airport so I decided to "power walk" for an hour instead of just sitting. Four miles later, I had "gotten my steps in" and I was able to relax and wait to board:

Lots of comfortable waiting areas, with power 

A River Runs Through It--follow the blue tiles all around the Terminal

We left on time for the 5 hour flight to Atlanta, landing at 8 pm local time. Here is my one guilty pleasure:

No travel issues with my last flight, we left Atlanta at 10:45 pm and arrived in Huntsville at 10:45 pm. This time my baggage was onboard and we were home about 11:30 pm.

It was a great trip and reminds me why I do this. Getting to meet great people, see places I've not been to before, and hear from  quilters that they learned a lot. The enjoyable meals don't hurt either. 

My next trip is the middle of March when I fly to Austin TX for time with the Georgetown/Sun City quilters.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

 

CHANGE THE SIZE OF YOUR QUILT

 I am often asked for help by a quilter wanting to change the size of a quilt pattern. Perhaps it's too big. Perhaps it's too small. How do you increase or decrease a quilt to be size you want?

Let's look at Laurel Ridge, the 2025 Block of the Month quilt designed by Lynn Wilder exclusively for THE QUILT SHOW. As designed the quilt is 90" square:

For some people, this is too large and they want to make it smaller. How do you convert a pattern from LARGE to SMALL?

1. Make the blocks smaller: this works with larger blocks, say 10" or larger, but these blocks are only 5". Making them 2.5" finished would be quite a challenge. 

2. Make fewer blocks. Because this quilt is a Medallion-style, it makes sense to keep the middle the same and work out until the quilt is the size you want. 

I played around with EQ8 for some possibilities. The middle would remain the same as the original pattern. I didn't draw it, you can imagine it there. This quilt is 52" square with a 1" border on the outside. It can easily be enlarged with more or wider borders:

More borders, now it's 62" square:

Let's add another row of blocks. The blank spaces are for the applique yet to come. I am replacing those blocks with pieced blocks so will save that REVEAL for a few more weeks. It is 62" square now, an outer border would easily enlarge it:

What if you don't want a square quilt? Add additional borders on the top and bottom to lengthen it. Now it's 74" x 80":

Your first decision should be the finished size of the quilt. Once that is set, more or less, play with a variety of options until you say "Aha! That's just what I want"!

Here is one more example. For many years I planned to make this quilt, designed and made by Catherine Butterworth, who lives in Australia:

I called it "Diamond Jubilee" and expected to have it done by MY Diamond Jubilee--my 60th birthday. That was more than 10 years ago and here is what I have today:

It may get a little bigger, and a pieced border is definitely in the plan:

None of this is set in stone just yet. Why did it get smaller? I no longer need another King or Queen size quilt. This has been incubating for so MANY years it is just time to get it done. While I still love Catherine's original, my blocks just aren't speaking to me any more. So my current plan is to have three more Feathered Star blocks, then decide on block placement, sashing color, pieced borders--style and colors--and then get this one DONE in 2025. Finished is better than perfect.

If you have a pattern you like, don't be afraid to "tweak" it a bit to make it your own. Always be sure to credit the original designer on the label--you DO PUT A LABEL on ALL YOUR QUILTS, RIGHT??!!

I am a stickler for LABELS:  here is my TUTORIAL: QUILT LABELS--DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM  

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY FAVORITE THINGS -- AND PEOPLE!

 As this posts I am flying west to Sacramento to Lecture and teach Western Sun to the Folsom Quilt and Fiber Guild.

In keeping with last week's post about Color and Fabric Choices, let's review an earlier post about a terrific class I taught 6 years ago, MY FAVORITE THINGS:

My Sample, still a top, 65" x 76"

Taught over 6 months as a Lecture/Demo class, the students met for 2 hours monthly and did all their sewing at home. Each month I taught a few blocks, different sizes, different techniques, they got to learn in person but play with their fabrics at home. There was much sharing of ideas and suggestions and the class was a big success. 

This became one of my Most Favorite classes to teach and some of my most Favorite PEOPLE!

Here are some of the projects from that class. You can really see how different the same quilts can look with different fabric choices:

Cyndi

Holly

Kathy

Phyllis

Sally

Suzanne

Read the whole story here.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

FABRICS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

To prepare for future class proposals I made a few new Class Samples using different styles of fabrics from the primary sample. 

I find people can't often picture a project made in very different fabrics from the published sample.

Here you can see how different a quilt can look when you change colors/fabrics.

WESTERN SUN:

1800's Reproduction Fabrics, 110" square

                                                         WILD WESTERN SUN:

Bright Contemporary Fabrics, 40" square

CHARMING SAMPLER:

Old timey Fabrics, 33" square

Kaffe Charming, 29" x 33"

DISAPPEARING PATCHWORK: 

Bright Sample Block

Neutral Quilt, 62" square

ANTIQUE ROSE STAR: 

1800's Reproduction Fabrics, 66" x 74"

Student work, Bright Contemporary Fabrics

HEXAGON DIAMOND STARS:

Bright Contemporary Fabrics, 13" x 14"

1800's Reproduction Fabrics, 39" x 41"

FEATHERED STARS: 

Holly R's finished quilt, Contemporary fabrics

Mine in progress, Old Timey feeling fabrics

Pam R's finished quilt, Fussy Cut centers of William Morris fabrics

If you see a quilt you like but don't love the colors or fabric choices, consider making a "test block" with different fabrics. Good design is good design, it just takes the right fabrics to make a quilt one you will love. 

Let's quilt.

Barbara