January Block Lottery

Happy holidays and may the new year bring you much joy! 

This will be my 1st post on ANY blog and hopefully I make sense!  The block lottery for 2015 has been handed over to a committee of 3 - Susan M, Yvonne C and myself, with me being in charge of the January block.

My name is Elaine and I started quilting about a year and a half ago.  Quilting has become my new obsession.  What I have loved about the block lottery is that I have learned so much and it has made me step outside what was comfortable for me at the time.  It strengthened my quilting skills, as well as made me laugh at the the mistakes I made.  It gave me ideas for new quilts I have in my "I want to make" list.

Welcome to the new year and the beginning of the next year of block lotteries!

The block I chose for January can be found at the Quilter's Cache and is called Castle in the Air.

The block was not terribly difficult but there were a few quirks I found along the way that I wanted to share that might help you in creating your block. 

It finishes to a 12.5” block. The final design is fun to play with.

First of all, make sure you read through all three pages of making/cutting the block.  If you are new to the Quilter’s Cache site, you will see links at the bottom of the 1st page that take you to page 2, page 3, etc., as well as, actual blocks or quilts that were made as examples.
  

In making the block, I found I had to use a scant ¼” seam throughout the ENTIRE block to make it come out the size and way I wanted.

I did have to refer back to their diagrams for the final piecing arrangement on several occasions. They took the guess work out of it for me.

Color #1  - will be a blue or green modern print  
Color #2  - will be a yellow modern print
(The one I used was a lighter print that gave a little texture to the yellow - almost low volume in design.)
Color #3  - Kona White (I used brighter colors, but any shade of white will work for this block.)

This block works well with scraps you might have.  Below are the color combos I used.

The next set of cuts prior to stitching:

The final blocks in all their glory!

Hopefully you find these as fun as I did and I can't wait to see what all of you come up with.

As a final note, my thanks to Kira and all of the blocks she gave us over the last year.

Happy quilting & contact me if I can help in any way,
Elaine

(Edited)
Natalie was our winner for January, and here are the blocks she won!

And the quilt top she created from her blocks!

Ornament Swap Ideas

Just in case you were looking for ideas for our ornament swap at Marcy's next month, here are a few pictures and ideas.  If I could find a tutorial link, it's included.  If I couldn't find a tutorial, I tried to get you to the original person or source of the creativity.

Have fun!  I know you'll craft some fabulous ornaments!!

Cindy
ECMQG Secretary

heather kojan quilts

May Chappell

I am That Lady!

Canadian Abroad

The Purl Bee

stumbles & stitches

she can quilt

Sofie Legarth

Crafted

Craft and Creativity

November 2014 - Lottery Block 'Kaleidoscope'

Welcome to the ECMQG October 2014 Block Lottery!

If you are new to the group, or our blog, you can read the general Block Lottery details here, as well as see previous blocks (with instructions or tutorials) and past winners.  As always, please read through the entire instructions before cutting and sewing.

What is this month's color palette?  Think of those yummy peppermint candies, with the bold red and pure white colors.

As you sort through your scraps and stash, pull red and white print fabrics.  Your background fabric will be white - Kona, Moda, or another quilt shop quality pure white solid. 

The block we are going to make can be found here, courtesy of Marcia Hohn .  

It is a 6.5" unfinished paper-pieced block. 

**To participate, you must make four individual blocks and join them into a 12.5" unfinished block.' 

Click here for the template.  

• Print four sets of templates.  There are two pieces to each 6.5" block.
• Check the test square.  It should be 1" (or 1 and 1/16").  Anything larger or smaller will create an incorrect sized block.
• Mark spaces numbered 2 & 5 (I just make an X) for your red and white print fabrics.
• Spaces numbered 1, 3, 4, & 6 are for the white solid fabric.
• Once you've sewn your fabrics to the template, trim to the outside seam allowance.  This is the ONLY time you'll need to trim your blocks.  
• Remove the paper.  Sew the two halves together to make one 6.5" unfinished block.
• Repeat three more times.
• Press and starch your blocks.
• Sew two 6.5" blocks together, pressing seams open.
• Repeat with the remaining two 6.5" blocks.  Again, press seams open.
• Sew these "double" blocks together to make one, 12.5" unfinished Peppermint Candy block.  Press seams open. 

Resources for paper piecing, if you need a refresher, can be found with just a quick search engine inquiry.  I like Marcia's step-by-step lesson and this video from Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Have fun sewing!

xoxo,  Kira

ECMQG Block Lottery Coordinator 

F8 Rainbow Solids Swap

Our November ECMQG fabric swap will be a Fat Eighth Rainbow {Solids} Swap!  

Quilting with solids has become a huge trend in modern quilting, but accumulating a good selection of quality solid color fabrics can sometimes be frustrating and expensive.  Our Fat Eighth Solids Swap will help you stash a decent sized selection without the frustration and expense.

Hadley Coordinating Solids Bundle - photo courtesy of Westwood Acres Fabric

What is a Fat Eighth?

A fat eighth (FE or F8) is one eighth of a yard of fabric, or a yard of fabric cut into eight equal pieces. Traditionally, this long narrow cut from the fold line to the selvage, resulted in 8 strips measuring 4-1/2" x 44".  

Like the Fat Quarter, quilters changed the cutting dimensions of of that same yard of fabric to be both more useful by doubling the width and halving the length and ended up with a piece 9" x 22", and called it a Fat Eighth.  A fat eighth has so many more possibilities for quilting than a long, skinny 1/8 yard piece.

Modern quilters still found this cut too confining, and realized by changing the cutting dimensions yet again, shorter fatter pieces were even more user friendly.   

This newer cut, still a FE or F8, and hugely popular with modern quilters is sized at 11" x 18" or 10.5" x 18" (after selvages are removed).   

The Rules

If you wish to participate, here is what you need to do:

1.  Purchase one yard of Kona by Robert Kaufman.  Please do not choose other brands.   As we decided at the meeting Saturday, this is a NO NEUTRALS swap.  Some possible sources for your fabric might be:

Pensacola's A&E Pharmacy, both Lynn's and The Sewing Center Around the Block in Fort Walton Beach, Margie's in Crestview, as well as many online retailers - Pink Chalk Fabrics, Fat Quarter Shop, Fabric dot com, eQuilter, Intrepid Thread, Fabricworm, etc.  Some even have ALL 303 colors!!! 

NOTE:  Joann's and Hobby Lobby both carry a limited selection of Kona colors.  Should you choose to purchase from a big box store, be sure what you're buying is authentic Kona.  Their store brands are of a much lower quality and are unacceptable for swapping.

2 - You may swap up to three yards of fabric.

3.  Cut your fabric.  

4.  Place your cut fabric in a zip top bag labeled with your name.  If you're swapping more than one yard, place each color in a SEPARATE bag.  

***For this solids swap ONLY, label the selvage of each piece with the color name or color number.  

5.   During the November 8th meeting, leave your labeled bag(s) on the swap table for sorting and distribution.  

6.  At the the conclusion of our meeting, pick up your bag(s), each containing a colorful rainbow of quality solid fabrics.

7.  With 303 colors from which to choose, we will not have a sign-up requirement.  However, if you'd like to post in these comments, or on our Facebook page, the colors you select, please do so.  

Additionally, if you're one of those I-want-all-of-it types and plan on swapping two or three yards, please mix it up and choose a variety of colors!  For example, rather than choose three blues, choose a blue, a pink, and an orange.  Just don't bring fabrics that are neutral - whites, beiges, grays.

  

Cutting Modern Fat Eighths

1.  Press your fabric to remove the center crease.  Do not remove the selvages.

2.  Rotary cut your fabric lengthwise through the center.   This results in two pieces, each measuring approximately 22" x 36".

3.  Cut each 22" x 36" piece in half again lengthwise.  This gives you four pieces, each measuring 11" x 36".  

NOTE:  Solid fabrics are sometimes milled to wider widths than prints.  Be sure to measure the width and cut equal quarters.

4.  Cut each 11" x 36" piece in half crosswise.  This gives you eight pieces, each measuring 11" x 18".  A modern fat eighth.  


As always, if you have questions regarding the swap, or this tutorial, you can email me at wendimihalik at yahoo dot com.

This is going to be a super fun swap!

Wendi Mihalik
ECMQG Swap Captain

October 2014 - Lottery Block 'Hexing Around' by Freshly Pieced

Welcome to the ECMQG October 2014 Block Lottery!

Hexing Around Halloween

If you are new to the group, or our blog, you can read the general Block Lottery information here, as well as see previous blocks (with instructions or tutorials) and past winners.  As always, please read through the entire instructions before cutting and sewing.

The rules are simple:

• The Lottery is open to all ECMQG members in good standing.
• Please use only quilt shop quality fabric (no Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's fabric with the exception of designer lines. **Please no batiks, civil war or traditional fabrics). If you are not sure if your fabric fits in the category of 'Modern' please ask :)
• The aesthetic is ALWAYS MODERN
• Take your time and effort to construct your block well, and use 1/4" seam allowances (unless the tutorial states otherwise). 
• Blocks should be the correct size, within about a quarter of an inch.
• Each block + $1 is one entry in the drawing. You may submit as many entries as you would like.
• Please label your block with you name, either within the seam allowance on the back or an address label stuck to the back. The winner would love to know who made their lovely blocks.
• Past winners can still contribute, but please understand until we see a finished quilt from your win, allow someone else the thrill of winning.
• If you have any questions please contact me - Kira - or comment below.

This month we are going to have some fun with Halloween fabrics. 

So grab your Halloween fabric stash, and black/white prints for the background.

The block tutorial 'Hexing Around' was created by Lee of the blog 'Freshly Pieced'. 

Lee is a modern quilter, author, pattern designer, fabric-aholic, wife and mom of two girls.

Her modern take on a hexagon log cabin block - Its fun, fresh and fast.

For our lottery block use Halloween fabrics for the center and strips. The background is black or black/white prints. (now the block design is 'Modern' but when using holiday fabric the overall look is not considered Modern, but who can't resist some fun Halloween fabric fun)

Please go HERE for the tutorial by Lee

and while you are there say 'Hi!' from our guild :)

Thanks,

Kira

ECMQG Block Lottery Coordinator 

Announcing... Our Fall MugRug Swap!!!

Hi everybody!  I know we're just finishing up our annual Scrappy Swap, but it's almost fall and it seems like a good time to get in the mood.  ECMQG will be hosting a Fall MugRug Swap.  As a participant, you may choose whether you would like a Halloween mugrug, a Thanksgiving mugrug or a generic fall themed mugrug.  Please know that this is a quick turnaround swap - you will have about 3 weeks to make your mugrug, so please plan accordingly.

So here are the details:

1.  Sign up in the comments by Wednesday, September 17.  Partners will be assigned by Sunday, September 21, so you will have 3 weeks to make your mugrug.  Be sure to mention 

  a.  If you would like your partner to make a Halloween mugrug, Thanksgiving mugrug, or generic fall-themed mugrug 

  b.  If you have a preference as to which item you make, please mention that as well

  c.  Your email address.  You may post it like this  wendimihalik at yahoo  so net bots can't spam you.

2.  Use only quilt shop quality fabrics.  No "big box store" fabrics, with the exception of the designer lines they may offer.  Joann's offers designer lines by Denyse Schmidt (DS Quilts), ModKid, Patty Young, Juliana Horner, and a few others.  

3.  Make your item with a modern aesthetic.  We are a MODERN quilt guild, after all.

4.  Make your item the best you know how.  Be sure to make something you would like to receive.

5.  No extras are necessary, but if you wish to include them you may.

6.  Bring your swap item to the OCTOBER guild meeting.  We'll swap with each other then.  (I always love the excitement of seeing what everyone has made!)

7.  Be sure and say "thank you" when you receive your gift.  It's only good manners, after all.

8.  Have fun!

September 2014 Lottery Block - Origami Star by Amy of 'Sukie Don't You Know'

Welcome to the ECMQG September 2014 Block Lottery!

If you are new to the group, or our blog, you can read the general Block Lottery information here, as well as see previous blocks (with instructions or tutorials) and past winners.  As always, please read through the entire instructions before cutting and sewing.

The rules are simple:

• The Lottery is open to all ECMQG members in good standing.
• Please use only quilt shop quality fabric (no Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's fabric with the exception of designer lines. **Please no batiks, civil war or traditional fabrics). 
• If you are not sure if your fabric fits in the category of 'Modern' please ask :)
• The aesthetic is ALWAYS MODERN
• Take your time and effort to construct your block well, and use 1/4" seam allowances (unless the tutorial states otherwise). 
• Blocks should be the correct size, within about a quarter of an inch.
• Each block + $1 is one entry in the drawing. You may submit as many entries as you would like.
• Please label your block with you name, either within the seam allowance on the back or an address label stuck to the back. The winner would love to know who made their lovely blocks.
• Past winners can still contribute, but please understand until we see a finished quilt from your win, allow someone else the thrill of winning.
• If you have any questions please contact me - Kira - or comment below.

The Color Palette

Photo courtesy of Design Seeds 'Feathered Brights'

What is the block we are making?  

Well, first I'd like to introduce you to Amy Newbold, a fellow quilter, member of the Salt Lake Modern Quilt Guild, treasurer of  The Modern Quilt Guild, and blogger at Sukie Don't You Know.  

The block we are making is from her tutorial for the 12.5" Origami Star, which is a modern take on a star block.  It sews up fast and fun.

The only changes for our blocks are are:

• For the 2" x 6.5" strips # 1, 2 & 3 - use blue and green modern print fabrics
• For the 3.5" x 3.5" squares  -  use Kona Ash   

***A tip for getting a perfect block is to sew just a hair to the right of your drawn line (on the side that will be cut off) when adding the 3.5" squares***

12.5" Origami Star Tutorial

Oh, while you are there don't forget to tell Amy hello :)

Have fun and good luck!!

Kira Bell

ECMQG Block Lottery Coordinator

August 2014 - Lottery Block X and +

Welcome to the ECMQG August 2014 Block Lottery!

If you are new to the group, or our blog, you can read the general Block Lottery information here, as well as see previous blocks (with instructions or tutorials) and past winners.  As always, please read through the entire instructions before cutting and sewing.

The rules are simple:

• The Lottery is open to all ECMQG members in good standing.
• Please use only quilt shop quality fabric (no Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's fabric with the exception of designer lines. **Please no batiks, civil war or traditional fabrics). If you are not sure if your fabric fits in the category of 'Modern' please ask :)
• The aesthetic is ALWAYS MODERN
• Take your time and effort to construct your block well, and use 1/4" seam allowances (unless the tutorial states otherwise). 
• Blocks should be the correct size, within about a quarter of an inch.
• Each block + $1 is one entry in the drawing.You may submit as many entries as you would like.
• Please label your block with you name, either within the seam allowance on the back or an address label stuck to the back. The winner would love to know who made their lovely blocks.
• Past winners can still contribute, but please understand until we see a finished quilt from your win, allow someone else the thrill of winning.
• If you have any questions please contact me - Kira - or comment below.

This month the color palette is - SCRAPPY MODERN PRINTS! 

This month the block is 'X and +', very popular in quilting today

Debbie from 'A Quilter's Table ' blog collection of X and + blocks

This month we are using the tutorial by Rebecca Lynn of the blog 'Making Rebecca Lynne'

Please click this link for the tutorial

May - That's a Wrap

Despite a little confusion and a quick change of venue for our May 10th meeting  and sew-day, ECMQG had a full house.

Kelly's last minute discovery of a key that wouldn't open any doors at our usual location, Crestview Baptist Church, sent us down the road to her church, Grace Redeemer.  A big thank you for the use of the space!    

Business matters, including a reminder from our President, Marcy Gallagher, about our latest charity project, were discussed.  

Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Inc. will be the recipient of our quilt for their upcoming silent auction, which takes place Friday, September 19, 2014. 

You can learn more about our local Fisher House here.  

We are using the beautiful sea colored and uber-modern Sphere collection from designer Brigette Heitland for Moda as it compliments so well, our aesthetic, and the colors of the Gulf Coast. 

All of the May birthday girls celebrated in style by choosing their fabric lollipop, which I think is certainly one of the best kinds!  Totally beautiful and non-fattening, right?

ECMQG had a terrific group of gals representing us at Stash Bash just outside of Atlanta the last weekend in April.  Kira, Wendi, KaSandra, Marcy, and Kim had a mini-reunion with Leslie who drove up from Jacksonville.

From the pictures posted to Instagram, and from the highlights recounted by Kira, KaSandra, Kim, and Wendi, ECMQG is overdue in hosting a sewing retreat.  Hmmm...  Sounds like we need some volunteers. 

Sadly, we have no pictures of Kelly's demonstration and short program on QAYG.  

Finally, May was our Make a Bag, Make a Friend swap of which these colorful little Friendship Bags stuffed with goodies - notions, fabric, chocolate! - were given and received.     

Because a picture is worth a thousand words, here are the quilts and projects from Show and Tell.

KaSandra's Relay for Life t-shirt quilt (above) and a snippet of Diane's latest improv creation (below).

One of our newest members and our first Junior Member, presented several of his original quilting creations.

ECMQG has some fantastically talented ladies - and gents - who practice many styles of quilting and needle arts, as is plainly evidenced in the following photos.

This is but a small bit of the creative talents within our guild.  I would love to be able to share more details, so please, leave a comment or send us an Email and we'll give credit where credit is due.

A sailboat and water quilt Carol is working on.  The genesis for this began with Diane's improv curved piecing demonstration.

Cricket showed her completed intertwined quilt.  This is an original design we saw come together over several sew-days.  

Kira, with a couple of her quilts.  The one above belongs to her son.  The one below is from her Fresh Flowers QAL.

If you belong to our Facebook group, then you saw the progress on this "quilted" stitchery project.  It was designed and quilted by Kathy, who has the online shop Needle Delights. 

This quilt was whipped up after Diane's presentation and workshop on improv curved piecing.  

The next two photos are of a quilt gift to a special friend.  Gina made this for Karol and presented it to her upon her retirement from the USAF.  

Consider this your PSA and friendly reminder to ALWAYS LABEL YOUR QUILTS.

Part of the fun of swapping is learning new skills.  This is a little dumpling pouch from Michelle Patterns Cindy made as practice for an Instagram swap.  

Stash Bash afforded Wendi quality time to finish several longstanding WiPs.  We saw this bee block quilt top first.  

The second was Piece of Cake III by Camille Roskelly from her Craftsy class Playful Piecing.

A nearly completed Shiny Brite quilt top designed by Wendi's daughter, Amanda was the third quilt top.  Amanda is also the owner of Westwood Acres, one of our favorite independent online modern fabric shops.

The fourth beauty Wendi shared was this Single Girl quilt top (pattern by Denyse Schmidt).  

Elaine shared this medallion quilt top.

And here is another version, same pattern, but different fabrics, shared by (please let me know).  Both are equally beautiful, but so different!

That was May.  So glad you joined us or stopped by.

Cindy Marvel, ECMQG Secretary and Wendi Mihalik, ECMQG Treasurer