Deb presented this months 6 1/2" block for our 2014 BOM project and it had a "Whirlwind" of possibilities as you will see. And yes, Whirlwind was the name of the block - how did you guess?
We loved the board that Deb brought to display the steps, everyone could see what was going on - regardless of where you were sitting.
The first step gave a few of us the quivers -
T R A P E Z O I D S - gives you flash backs into high school math class doesn't it. But Deb did a great job explaining how to obtain the 16 we needed.
And then those that had waited to cut this final item, were off to work.
The next step was to sew all the triangles we had cut, on to the trapezoids. Remember, you can get the pattern directions over to the right of this post, click on the May one and print out from a .pdf version. Deb gave us a picture perfect (with color) pattern to follow. Below gives you an idea of how you match up your two pieces, flip them over right side to right side and then sew. Notice the little dog ears - do not cut off. When you press towards the trapezoid - those will disappear.
No you are not seeing cross eyed here. Vevia's little green ones are cut in the direction Deb showed us. Susie decided she would be an innovator and see what happens if you cut your trapezoids the other way.
As you can tell - we all had our minds on our projects.
Judy was working on a rag quilt for her great-granddaughter in very vivid bright colors and Leila was working on a cross stitch table cloth.
After all the triangles were sewn on, then you sewed two pieces together.
And then sewed two of those sections together to make the 1/4 block sections.
We all did learn that regardless of which way you cut your trapezoids - you MUST cut the pieces for each 1/4 section of the block - ALL in the same direction. You can mix up the quarters for a change like Vevia and Susie did here with their block sections - looks like a chain link sort of.
Our instructor did such a great job showing us how to make this block that it wasn't long and she was bored and went to her hand quilting - available if we needed help.
Colors, ways to sew your sections together, etc - this is a very versatile block. Notice how our ladies put their blocks together as shown below.
Machelle liked the darker center, so she tore her 4 sections apart and put them back together again. With the fabrics that she is using on her project - it stood out a little better.
Donnis is our instructor next month and she will be doing the Railroad Block. Cutting directions are given in a .pdf at the top of this blog. Below is a sample to give you an idea so you can work your colors in.
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Deb found the right fabric to make a table runner for the French exchange. People in Morganville asked us if we would make a table runner for them. I am not clear on all the fine points, but it has to do with the exchange student program. Deb made it with wheat and sunflower fabric and Susie quilted it.
The back is gorgeous as a reversible possibility. Click on the pictures to view them a little larger and hopefully you can see the quilting that Susie did. Thank you to both of you for representing our group so well.
Iowana and Russ surprised us and were able to be with us for lunch. Iowana brought in pictures of the quilt that she had done for her granddaughter. For such an ugly block (per V), when put all together and then the magnificent setting it was put in - WOW and double WOW!
Donnis brought in a table runner she has just finished. Not sure how she got the whirl-a-gigs, but what ever technique it was - she said that now she has oodles of them to use. Wonderful runner Donnis.
We all got a chance to get a closer look at Deb's presentation board. She took two of the foam core boards and glued flannel to them both. The flannel works as a hinge and since she has had it for over a dozen years - you can see that it holds up well.
Deb has also been busy making this darling baby blanket. Love the colors and that secondary pattern that goes across.
Deb was showing us the back and we were all admiring the fabric - but Deb wanted us to see the yucky outcome of using her quilt stitch on her sewing machine. Deb - we did not see it. You did an awesome job for this new little one coming.
Leila has finished her Hunters Star wall hanging. She chose a simple cross hatch hand quilting pattern and it really made the blocks pop. Love it - love it - love it. Her scrap colors were perfect.
Vevia showed us two ways of making the flowers that are in her baskets on her table cover - but the bag that she brought her show 'n tell in got even more raves from some of our members.
Click here to print out the pattern and make your own Fat Quarter Bag. Susie stated that she has made them in different sizes as they are great for so many things.
Ever have trouble turning your fabric tubes inside out? Vevia had e-mailed Machelle and they got to talking about products available - and NO - this is not a 'Call of the Midwife' prop - it is a tube turner that Machelle got from her mother. Not sure if they are still available - but they are definitely different from anything we have ever seen before.
Machelle demonstrated how easy they are to use.
Years ago, Dee had printed out paper piecing foundations for everyone in the group at that time and the ladies had passed the papers around and everyone added on a couple strips to each of the 8 pieces in the color schemes for each group. Okay, not as complicated as I just made it sound - short version - someone had asked how to finish - Machelle could not find hers - now she has found it and brought it in for us to see.
She got the hard part done - put it all together and as Donnis saw - the middle is nice and flat. Donnis finished hers, quilting and all, and will bring it in next month for us to see. Great idea - and we look forward to seeing this UFO of Machelle's quilted and in use..........hint, hint, hint. hahahahaha
It was a great day to be inside and with people that spoke your language and had similar interests - hit into the low 90's on Wednesday.
Thank you everyone for the part that you did in making the day a great one. Good to see those that have been absent for a bit.
See you next month - Lord willing, the Creeks don't rise and nothing bigger than a chipmunk happens!
