Friday, February 27, 2015

Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt and Tutorial

Work in Progress.
Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt + Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Another scrappy quilt. About 12 months ago I decided to start cutting and collecting 1 1/2 inch wide strips of fabric for a String Quilt of a yet to be determined design/layout. The idea was that whenever I pulled fabric from stash I would cut an extra strip to add to my shoebox of strings. Unfortunately I wasn't very diligent (nor organized enough) to continuously add to my collection of fabric strips but this week I decided to put the strips that were there to good use, albeit not for a traditional String Quilt but instead for Quarter Log Cabin blocks.

Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt + Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Little did I know just how many strips of fabric I would need! I soon realized that I would have to dive into my scrap bin as well as pull fabric from stash, all of which took extra time and added considerably to the mess made in my sewing space.  

Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

A Quarter Log Cabin Block is exactly that - a quarter of the traditional Log Cabin Block and there are a several different ways of piecing this block, including cutting a whole Log Cabin Block into quarters. I however pieced each of Quarter Log Cabin Blocks individually so that not any of the blocks are the same, and also because many of the fabric strips that I had been collecting were short - less than 8 inches in length. Lesson learned for my next collection of strings: cut strips from the full width of the fabric.

Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt + Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

QUILT STATS 
63 Quarter Log Cabin Blocks.
693 patchwork pieces of which 630 are fabric strips/logs.
Quilt Top measures 48 inches x 60 inches.
Finished size of each block ~ 6 3/4" x 6 3/4".
Finished width of the logs ~ 3/4"

QUARTER LOG CABIN BLOCK TUTORIAL
Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Unlike a traditional Log Cabin Block for a Quarter Log Cabin Block logs (fabric strips) are added only to two sides of the square (A), starting with log 1 and alternating sides until complete. You can add as many logs as you like, change the size of your starting square as well as the width of your strips. The cutting instructions provided only represent the dimensions the block that I have used for my quilt. I did however use the wider strips of fabric which I had been collecting (1.5" wide) and after each "round" of two strips I trimmed the excess fabric and squared up the block.

Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

And then when you have finished your blocks you get to choose a layout, and there are a number of different options, including as pictured in the first image by arranging four different scrappy blocks to make one whole Log Cabin Block (with or without sashing in between), setting blocks on point, or as I have done, sew blocks together in rows.

Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Repetitive and small patchwork piecing, and sewing many blocks from fabric scraps is my favorite quilty thing to do, with foundation paper piecing coming a very close second.  Scrappy sure makes me happy, and there will be more scrappy projects this year!

Scrappy Quarter Log Cabin Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015


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COPYRIGHT: Do not copy or use any content or photos from my blog without my written permission.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Sunday Stash #269 Folk Song by Anna Maria Horner

Folk Song by Anna Maria Horner | Red Pepper Quilts
 Folk Song by Anna Maria Horner

Folk Song is Anna Maria Horner's most recent collection and features a reprint of four designs from the Good Folks collection as well as a number of prints from the Little Folks collection which was originally released as a voile range (in 2010), but now available as quilting cottons; music to my ears and creative hands.

Folk Song by Anna Maria Horner | Red Pepper Quilts
Above and below - reprints from the Little Folks collection
now in quilting cottons
Folk Song by Anna Maria Horner | Red Pepper Quilts

These strong colors and medium to large scale floral prints are unlike my more recent fabric stash purchases but I was really drawn to them, perhaps because I have worked with these designs before and am excited to work with these again as quilting cottons. A happy nostalgic purchase.

Folk Song by Anna Maria Horner | Red Pepper Quilts
FOLK SONG BY ANNA MARIA HORNER is available from:
The Fat Quarter Shop
Westwood Acres
The Quilted Castle
Stash Fabrics
Fabric Worm

Folk Song by Anna Maria Horner | Red Pepper Quilts

Enjoy Sunday!
Rita

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Friday, February 20, 2015

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial

By popular demand ~ foundation paper piecing instructions for the Color Wheel Block.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Click on any image for a larger view.
To complete the Color Wheel Block you will need the Foundation Paper Piecing Pattern and Templates which are available for purchase as a single PDF file from my Pattern Store ($US4.00) here:

   You will be sent an email with a secure link to download
 this pattern (pdf file) immediately. 

What follows is a foundation paper piecing tutorial and photos of all steps required to successfully complete one Color Wheel Block.

PREPARATION
Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

The Color Wheel Block  Pattern (pdf file) includes:

1 Foundation Paper Piecing Pattern
2 Templates 

Make a copy of the block foundation and templates by printing the pdf file directly from your computer. Cut out the foundation paper piecing arc as well as both the templates. You will only need one set of paper templates but will need to make more copies of the foundation pattern. Four foundation patterns are required for one Color Wheel Block. 64 foundation patterns are required to make 16 Color Wheel Blocks.  Print only page 1 of the pattern for multiple copies of the foundation pattern.

Print the pdf pattern actual size - do not scale to fit.  

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

The larger background template is printed across two pages. Cut out and tape the two pieces together on the marked line.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:
Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

For each quarter Wheel Block you will need:
1 x background fabric (for templates) measuring 9 inches x 9 inches.
6 fabric pieces each measuring 5 inches x 2.5 inches (for the foundation pattern).

STEP BY STEP PAPER PIECING:

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Note: whereas you do need to be accurate when cutting out the templates,
you can free hand rotary cut the foundation pattern just outside the printed lines.
The foundation pieced section will be trimmed accurately when completed.
Step 1  Take your foundation pattern and the first two fabric pieces. Place fabric directly on top of each other, right sides together (if using printed fabric) and with the outer piece on the bottom.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Step 2  With the printed side of the foundation pattern facing up place the two fabric pieces (the green fabric is directly under the pink fabric) under the foundation paper and align with the first printed sewing line on the foundation so that the fabric extends just a 1/4 inch into the first section. Pin if required.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Stitch from edge to edge - you can for this pattern stitch into the seam allowances. Reduce the length of your stitches; this will make removal of the foundation papers a breeze and will help to keep your seams in tact after the paper has been removed.

Step 3   Press using a warm, dry iron.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Step 4  With the printed side of the foundation paper facing up, place a sturdy card (postcard, stock card etc) on the next printed line:

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Fold the paper (on the line) over the edge of the card thereby exposing the excess fabric:

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Step 5  Trim any fabric in excess of the 1/4 inch seam allowance. I have used an Add a Quarter Quilter's Ruler which has a specially designed 1/4 inch lip that conveniently aligns with the edge of the paper. Any ruler will however suffice.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
 Using a ruler and adding a quarter inch seam allowance - trim excess fabric. 
Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Step 6  Take your next piece of fabric and place (right side down if using printed fabric) on the previous fabric piece. Align edges. Pin if required.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Step 7  Turn over the foundation pattern and sew on the next printed line - again from edge to edge.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Step 8  Turn over and press, place card on the next printed line, fold the paper over the edge of the card to expose excess fabric, using a ruler to add  quarter inch seam allowance and trim excess fabric. You are now ready to take your next fabric and repeat from Step 6.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Step 9 Continue this process until the foundation is complete.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Trim excess fabric and excess foundation paper. I use my rotary cutter and 
free-hand trace around the outer edge of the pattern (on the line). Use scissors if preferred.Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Step 10  Carefully remove foundation papers.

BLOCK CONSTRUCTION:

You are now ready to piece your block (use a 1/4 inch seam allowance). Using the templates provided cut a inner quarter circle and the outer background fabric and sew pieces together:

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

For help with sewing curves please see tutorial: Sewing Curves without Pins.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Block measures 8.5 inches x 8.5 inches (incl. seam allowances).
Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Seams are pressed towards the background fabric. This does mean that when sewing four blocks together into a Wheel Block that the seams won't nest. It is however a trade-off between nesting seams and bulky seams that are otherwise turned under which may affect the look of your curved seams.

Construct a Wheel Block from four individual blocks - see photo directly below. First sew together two blocks in the top row (continue to use a 1/4" seam allowance and press seam as indicated), then sew the two blocks in the bottom row (again press seam as indicated). Then sew the two rows together and press seam up. Press seams the same for all blocks.

When you lay out your 16 finished Wheel Blocks alternate by placing one block up and the next block upside down (that is, alternate the direction of the very least seam - up, down, up, down).

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Press seams as indicted by arrows.
Included also as part of the Color Wheel Block Pattern (pdf file) is a black/white line drawing for 16 blocks which will allow you to color in and experiment with colors and color placement.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

ANY QUESTIONS?  Please leave a comment and I will answer by reply comment - thereby helping anyone else who may have a similar question.

Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

Happy Sewing!
Rita

RELEVANT LINKS:
Red Pepper Quilts Pattern Store
Kona Color Wheel Block Quilt - Work in Progress
Kona Color Wheel Block Quilt - A Finished Quilt
Scrappy Color Wheel Block Quilt - Work in Progress
Scrappy Color Wheel Block Quilt - A Finished Quilt
Sewing Curves without Pins - A Tutorial

Scrappy Color Wheel Block Quilt - A Variation
(more photos here)
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COPYRIGHT: Do not copy or use any content or photos from my blog without my written permission.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Kona Color Wheel Quilt - A Finished Quilt

And a picture post.
Kona Color Wheel Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Kona Color Wheel Quilt 

The finished quilt measures 62.5 inches x 62.5 inches.
16 Wheel Blocks or 64 Fan Blocks.
64 paper pieced arcs.
512 patchwork pieces.
All fabrics are Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons
(with the exception of one dark blue print from the
 Doe collection by Carolyn Friedlander)


I am so happy with the finished quilt, and I think the photos tell the story. I couldn't be more pleased with the color play and the texture of the finished quilt. Whilst the quilt sparkles with color I have used only 25 to 30 different colors of Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton (of the 303 colors available). Most of the colors are repeated often throughout the quilt in both the arcs as well as the background fabric. The main fabric used for the background of up to seven of the Wheel Blocks is Kona Cotton in Parchment.

Kona Color Wheel Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Kona Color Wheel Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

For the back of the quilt I have again used my favorite backing fabric ~ Newsprint from the Paint Collection by Carrie BloomstonThis fabric is not only a great quality quilting cotton but works so well as backing fabric, adding interest as well as a strong contrast to the solid fabrics used in the quilt top.

Kona Color Wheel Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

And the quilting ... so much quilting. The horizontal and vertical quilting lines are just under 1 inch apart, giving the quilt softness and a free flowing drape, as well as a texture that makes you want to reach out to touch, and then hug the quilt tight. And that is what quilts are for.

Kona Color Wheel Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Kona Color Wheel Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

For the quilt binding I decided to go with a printed fabric ~ Squared Elements by Art Gallery Fabrics in Noir. Many fabrics were auditioned but this fabric gave the quilt the contrast edge that I was looking for as well as adding detail.

Kona Color Wheel Quilt - binding: Squared Elements in Noir by Art Gallery Fabrics | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Kona Color Wheel Quilt - binding: Squared Elements in Noir by Art Gallery Fabrics | Red Pepper Quilts 2015

This quilt is listed for sale in my Etsy Store.
You'll find all the listing details here: Kona Color Wheel Quilt.
RELEVANT LINKS:
Red Pepper Quilts Etsy Store
Kona Color Wheel Quilt - Work in Progress
Color Wheel Block - Pattern and Tutorial
Scrappy Color Wheel Quilt - the same pattern/design with printed fabrics.
More RPQ Kona Cotton Projects
Kona Color Wheel Quilt | Red Pepper Quilts 2015
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita


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COPYRIGHT: Do not copy or use any content from my blog, including any of my photos, without my written permission.