Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint ~ A Quilt in Progress

I have a bucket list of quilts that I would like to make. The question "What's next?" however isn't as simple as going to my bucket list and ticking off the next project; usually because I don't feel like making that particular quilt right now, or making 100's of half square triangles/log cabins/flying geese units etc, or simply because I don't have the fabric requirements on hand. Usually the former - I don't fancy doing that right now - rather than the latter.
Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage - Newsprint by Carrie Bloomston

Sometimes the "what's next" question is answered right in front of my eyes. Whilst working on my Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt I received a re-stock order of Newsprint fabric (from the Collage Collection by Carrie Bloomston). It was left sitting on my cutting table in among a small mountain of Liberty Tana Lawn fabric. And there it was, a perfect combination. Right then and there I cut extra Liberty fabric strips for this project.

Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

The Newsprint/Liberty fabric mix is so very different to the elegant Liberty and chambray combination. The text print fabric reads a little grungy but very modern alongside the classic Tana Lawn, with the colors shining seemingly more brightly.

Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

I have again followed the same piecing method as per the 
to piece the blocks (although I have cut my fabric strips wider and longer).

Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

QUICK QUILT FACTS
Collage Newsprint fabric and Liberty Tana Lawn fabrics were cut
 as strips measuring 2.5 inches x 11 inches (this will make more sense when
read in conjunction with the strip piecing tutorial).
I made 90 16-patch blocks ~  a total of 1440 patches of fabric,
and I used more than 100 different Liberty Tana Lawn fabrics.
Quilt top measures 64 inches x 80 inches.

Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

This quilt top is big - measuring 64 inches x 80 inches - and involved a number of hours of relaxing strip piecing, chain piecing, and pressing. Easy sewing. I really like the messages that read throughout the patchwork fabric ... Art is good. Make something that you like. Make a mess. Take a risk. Don't worry if it's perfect.

Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

Now ready for basting.

Rita

RELEVANT LINKS:
The finished Liberty Tana Lawn and Collage Newsprint Quilt
Checkerboard Quilt Strip Piecing Tutorial
Liberty and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt
Liberty and Kona Cotton Checkerboard Quilt
More RPQ Checkerboard Quilts

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COPYRIGHT: Do not copy or use any content or photos from my blog without my written permission. This is original content from www.redpepperquilts.com.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Sunday Stash #240 - Cotton + Steel :: Mustang and Hatbox

My postie delivered - well part delivered - my Cotton + Steel order.
Mustang by Melody Miller - Cotton + Steel
Mustang by Melody Miller ~ Cotton + Steel
There has been much excitement about the arrival of Cotton + Steel; a new division of RJR Fabrics which features the collections of five designers ~ Rashida Coleman-Hale, Melody Miller, Alexia Abegg, Kim Kight, and Sarah Watts. All five collections stand alone in their own right but also mix remarkably well, and together with a range of Cotton + Steel basics is a complete and comprehensive collection of almost 100 fabrics.
Mustang by Melody Miller - Cotton + Steel
Mustang - Melody Miller
Mustang by Melody Miller - Cotton + Steel
Mustang - Melody Miller - I Heart Bees and Rose Border print
Mustang by Melody Miller - Cotton + Steel
Mustang - Arrows and Stars
Both Mustang by Melody Miller (pictured above) and Hatbox by Alexia Marcelle Abegg (pictured below) arrived just yesterday. I am rather taken by these collections and it becomes immediately obvious that the color palette and designs from both collections work are a great match; and together with the range of available basics the possibilities are endless.
Hatbox by Alexia Marcelle Abegg - Cotton + Steel
Hatbox by Alexia Marcelle Abegg - Cotton + Steel
I am still somewhat ambivalent about the designs with metallic accents - although that is strictly a personal inclination - but there are already several prints in both these collections that will require yardage to be ordered, including the Tiger Stripes!
Hatbox by Alexia Marcelle Abegg - Cotton + Steel
Hatbox - Tiger Stripes
Hatbox by Alexia Marcelle Abegg - Cotton + Steel
Hatbox - Hatbox and Steamer Trunk  
COTTON + STEEL collections are in store now and available from:
The Fat Quarter Shop
Pink Castle Fabrics
Stash Fabrics 
The Quilted Castle
Miss Matatabi (Etsy)
Fabric Bubb (Etsy)
Hatbox by Alexia Marcelle Abegg - Cotton + Steel
Hatbox ~ Palm Springs and All the States
Enjoy Sunday!
Rita

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Friday, July 25, 2014

A Drunkard's Path Variation and a Pillow

Drunkard's Path Patchwork by Red Pepper Quilts

Shortly after I had finished my recent Drunkard's Path Quilts (here and here) I noticed that Bloc-Loc (manufacturer and distributor of unique templates and rulers) had just released a set of new templates specifically for traditional Drunkard's Path blocks in 3 different sizes. Bloc-Loc templates and rulers are generally based on over-sizing and trimming blocks (squaring up) for accuracy, and this is how I like to sew. They get me! I have previously used Bloc-Loc templates for Flying Geese Units and Half Rectangle Triangles with great results.

Bloc-Loc Drunkard's Path 2:1 templates
Bloc-Loc Templates
Fabric cutting templates (bottom) and trimming templates (top)

I had to try it. My order arrived promptly and along with it a complimentary set of rulers for a 2:1 ratio Drunkard's Path block in two different sizes:
Bloc-Loc 2:1 Drunkard's Path blocks
Bloc-Loc 2:1 Drunkard's Path Blocks
2" x 4" on the left and 3" x 6" on the right.

The above (4 patch) blocks measure 4" x 8" and 6" x 12"
 (excludes seam allowances).

I had a play with both block sizes and decided to push ahead with the smaller templates. This block has a tight curve which is tricky to handle under the machine, but I did not resort to using pins. My blocks looked pretty ordinary before trimming and pressing!

Drunkard's Patch Patchwork by Red Pepper Quilts

One point to note with using these trimming templates is that the seam can only be pressed together and to the one side which does not allow for nesting seams when joining blocks together. Regardless, I am really happy with how my seams match. 

Drunkard's Path Pillow in Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons by Red Pepper Quilts
Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons in:
Red, Medium Pink, Kumquat and Citrus
I turned my Drunkard's Path blocks into a pillow cover and used this iconic Marimekko fabric for the back:
Drunkard's Path Pillow - back - Pieni Unikko by Marimekko
Pieni Unikko cotton fabric by Marimekko

Quilted with thread in coordinating colors ~ red, pink, orange and yellow and a half inch all over grid.


This pillow cover is for sale and is listed in my Etsy Store.

See all of the listing details here: Modern Patchwork Pillow Cover


Thank you for stopping by,
Rita

RELEVANT LINKS:
Red Pepper Quilts Etsy Store
More RPQ Drunkard's Path Projects
More RPQ Patchwork Pillows
More RPQ Bloc-Loc Projects

Edited to add: Bloc_Loc Drunkard's Path Rulers are usually available for purchase online from Bloc_Loc USA and Bloc_Loc AUST. Currently this product is out of stock.

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Disclosure: Bloc-Loc templates featured in this blog post were sent to me courtesy of Bloc-Loc USA without obligation - the words, photos and opinions are all mine. No persuasion needed.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt

A Finished Quilt.
Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt by Red Pepper Quilts

Just for fun. A baby girl Flying Geese Quilt. 

Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt by Red Pepper Quilts

My FQ bundle of Dreamin' Vintage by Jeni Baker has been patiently waiting to see some sewing action. I love the color palette of this range of fabrics, especially the yellow, orange and pinks! Perfect for a baby girl. As usual, I have added a few of my own fabrics to the mix including a beautiful yellow gingham (which I had been saving for an all yellow quilt - a challenge that still awaits) as well as a larger scale yellow floral fabric:

Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt by Red Pepper Quilts

This yellow floral fabric is from a reclaimed vintage bed linen (a pillow case). It may even be a poly-cotton, but it is in wonderful - like new - condition. I was almost tempted to keep it and use it for its original purpose. I think we need more fabric just like it.

Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt by Red Pepper Quilts

The quilt design is simple - all Flying Geese Units (3 inch x 6 inch finished blocks). I have again used the Flying Geese Bloc-Loc Rulers to oversize and trim the units which takes care of accuracy and perfect points. No stress sewing.

Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt  ~ Grid Quilting ~ by Red Pepper Quilts
Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt by Red Pepper Quilts

For the back of the quilt as well as for the quilt binding I have used a single print from the Briar Rose collection by Heather Ross; a perfect color palette match for the quilt top. I have quilted the quilt with an all over 1 inch grid which gives the quilt texture and a soft drape. It is currently my favorite way to quilt although I do try not to put a grid on all the quilts.

Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt by Red Pepper Quilts

This quilt is for sale and is listed in my Etsy Store.
See the listing details here: Modern Patchwork Baby and Toddler Quilt
Ready for shipping.
Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt by Red Pepper Quilts
I am now working on a project to use up some of the fabric scraps that are a direct result of piecing these flying geese units. I do love a scrappy project.

Thank you for stopping by,
Rita
Dreamin' Vintage Flying Geese Baby Quilt by Red Pepper Quilts
RELEVANT LINKS:
Red Pepper Quilts Etsy Store
Dreamin' Vintage by Jeni Baker
More RPQ Bloc-Loc Ruler Projects

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Sunday, July 20, 2014

Sunday Stash #239 - Polka Dot Tea Fabrics Blogger Bundle

Red Pepper Quilts Blogger Bundle for Polka Dot Tea Fabrics
Red Pepper Quilts Blogger Bundle
for Polka Dot Tea Fabrics (Etsy)
Happy days! Danielle and Jeannette from Polka Dot Tea Fabrics (Etsy) have asked me to collate a bundle of fabrics for them. This is one task I love to do! It isn't easy choosing fabrics from a computer screen, but I like to clip the images from the screen then add them to my own design wall (either in Photoshop or Ipiccy) and play around with the colors and patterns. Fabrics are added, deleted and added back on to my design wall ... and on it goes.

Red Pepper Quilts Blogger Bundle for Polka Dot Tea Fabrics

My bundle arrived this week and I was happy to see that not only do all of the fabrics play nice together but I have inadvertently chosen a bundle that splits evenly into a warm  - yellow/red/pink - and cool - blue/grey/green - color palettes. The fabrics are from Polka Dot Tea Fabrics' range of Kei fabrics and all are high quality 100 percent cotton Japanese quilting weight fabrics.

Kei Fabrics - Red Pepper Quilts blogger bundle

This blogger bundle is now available online from Polka Dot Tea Fabrics
 and is a available as a bundle of fat sixteenths or fat eights.

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Danielle and Jeannette are kindly giving away bundle of fat sixteenths to one lucky RPQ reader. To be in the draw please leave a comment on this blog post. Only one comment per person/per email address - email me if you are not able to leave a comment (redpepperquilts at gmail dot com) and I will leave a comment on your behalf. International entries welcome! The draw will take place at 9 AM Tuesday 22 July 2014 (Australia - EST). A winner will be announced by edit to this blog post.

Red Pepper Quilts Blogger Bundle for Polka Dot Tea Fabrics

Thank you for all of your entries to win!
ENTRY HAS NOW CLOSED
The lucky winner is:
Congratulations Noga! Noga has been contacted by email. 
Enjoy Sunday!
Rita


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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Sewtopia: Chicago 2015

SAVE THE DATE!


Drumrolllll! I am ever so excited to announce that 
I have been invited to teach at Sewtopia in Chicago in 2015!

It's destination USA ~ Chicago 2015 for me! As a family we love to travel and have made several trips to the USA including a short stay in Chicago which as a city we just loved. So when I was asked to teach at this sewing retreat I literally jumped at the chance.

Sewtopia is a weekend where attendees can leave all the stresses of daily life behind to indulge themselves, focus on sewing projects, and get together with friends, old and new. 

WHEN:  16 to 18 April 2015

WHERE: Drake Hotel - Chicago

(See more information regarding registration and an events schedule here). Places are limited.

TEACHERS: Latifah Saafir (The Quilt Engineer) and me! (Latifah is a great inspiration to me and I will be most sorry that I can't also attend Latifah's class!).

It will be my greatest joy to finally meet ~ face to face ~ with other bloggers, quilters and sewists; to spend time together sewing, share knowledge and learn from others. I will be teaching the Kansas Dugout Block and inset seams - a class suitable for all skill levels - and if you're like me and learn quickly in a class setting, then I know you will enjoy this class, and walk away confident to tackle all inset seams, as well as with a completed project.


Good times ahead. Roll on 2015!

RELEVANT LINKS:
Sewtopia ~ Chicago Information and  Events 
Sewtopia ~ Chicago Registration. Opens 1 August 2014.
Download the official Sewtopia App and keep up with all the latest news and information.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt

A Finished Quilt.
Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt
60 inches x 60 inches
Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

I spent quite some time on the weekend finishing my Liberty Checkerboard Quilt ... piecing the quilt backing, basting, quilting, binding, taking photos ...

Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

For the back of the quilt I have used a Liberty Tana Lawn print ~ Kinnear in Red. This is one of my favorite Liberty prints and one that I believe has been discontinued. It is certainly difficult to find. The only reason I had yardage on hand was that I searched for it some time ago for my Stawberry Nine Patch Quilt and at that time I was only able to find it listed as a 5 meter bundle. It has been well used for the back of this quilt, and I still have some pieces on hand.

Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

Quilted with edge to edge straight lines, ditch stitching all seam lines as well as a diagonal grid (cross hatching) through all of the background chambray fabric. I chose to use a dark thread (for quilting) that would blend with the dark chambray fabric; the quilting adds texture without adding further detail to the already interesting chambray and Liberty fabrics.

Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

And for binding ~ again a Liberty Tana Lawn fabric: June's Meadow in Red.

Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

Considering the size of this quilt the use of Liberty Tana Lawn has made this quilt surprising light weight. I love the subtle quilted texture, the airy drape and soft hand. 

Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

This quilt was for sale ~ and has already sold. It is now on the way to a happy new home. This one was not so easy to part with but I have stocked up on more Chambray fabric. Just in case I feel the need to make another ... to keep. 

Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts

RELEVANT LINKS:
Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - in progress
Checkerboard Quilt and Strip Piecing Tutorial
Melange/Chambray Yarn Dyed Fabric by Lecien
More RPQ projects using Melange Yarn Dyed by Lecien
More RPQ Liberty Tana Lawn Projects
Liberty Tana Lawn and Chambray Checkerboard Quilt - Red Pepper Quilts
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita

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