8/28/2018 Friendship Star

We're in for a lot of fun sewing in the next few weeks. We will be sewing Christmas Cheer by Cotton Way.  The pattern can be purchased here. The fabric we will be using is Vintage Holiday by Bonnie and Camille. The kit can be purchased here. I will not be posting measurements of the pieces. You will have to purchase the pattern to find this information.

We've been having fun the last few weeks sewing Christmas Cheer by Cotton Way. If you haven't joined us yet, it's not too late.  The pattern can be purchased here. The fabric we will be using is Vintage Holiday by Bonnie and Camille. The kit can be purchased here. I will not be posting measurements of the pieces. You will have to purchase the pattern to find this information.

We're working on Row #7 the Friendship Star this week. 

This is an easy block with half square triangles and squares. The only major item you have to keep an eye on is placing your half square triangles in the correct direction.

I decided on mine to use my Vintage Holiday Aqua, Pink, and Red. I thought it gave a calming effect. 

Here are the pieces I cut...You will need 9 blocks, so I will cut my blocks for 3 aqua, 3 red, and 3 pink.

A=12 pieces for each color
B=6 pieces for each color

White
C=18 pieces and you will need to draw a line diagonally
D=9 pieces
Also needed are your filler strips and end strips

You will take your B pieces and your C pieces (marked diagonally) and stitch 1/4" on both sides of the diagonal line. Cut on the line and press to the darker fabric. Trim to 2-1/2" square. 

Don't you love sliver trimming the blocks, so they are the perfect size.

Making the block...Lay your squares and half square triangles out according to picture. 

I stacked all of my blocks up all in the same direction and started at the upper left hand corner sewing them together. I chain sewed all of my upper left and upper center, then went to the next row and did the same thing. (It's easier to keep them all in the same direction and not turn them.)

Pressing towards the squares.

Once I sewed my three rows together, I started sewing my rows together, nesting the seams.

Here's a look at the back for pressing.

Next, I decided on my layout and added my filler strips.

Once again, chain stitching. I don't like to waste thread and snip thread ends if I don't have to.

Next, I added my end strips, and finished sewing. You'll then need to measure once again from the center out (36-1/4" center to left and 36-1/4" center to right side) and trim.

Here is the finished row. (Over another project for the store.) Add your sashing strip to the bottom of your row and then sew to the bottom of your growing quilt.

Our next row will be the Tree. We'll see you in a couple weeks.

8/13/2018 Gifts

We're in for a lot of fun sewing in the next few weeks. We will be sewing Christmas Cheer by Cotton Way.  The pattern can be purchased here. The fabric we will be using is Vintage Holiday by Bonnie and Camille. The kit can be purchased here. I will not be posting measurements of the pieces. You will have to purchase the pattern to find this information.

We've been having fun the last few weeks sewing Christmas Cheer by Cotton Way. If you haven't joined us yet, it's not too late.  The pattern can be purchased here. The fabric we will be using is Vintage Holiday by Bonnie and Camille. The kit can be purchased here. I will not be posting measurements of the pieces. You will have to purchase the pattern to find this information.

Who doesn't love a gift, especially at Christmas time. We're going to be working on Row #6 Gift, the next two weeks. There are 7 different pieces with the Gift block. It's an easy row to sew together.

I chose six different fabrics for the packages and 6 different fabrics for the bows.

First off I decided what would look good together.

Here is an easier way I grouped my cuts...
I wrote down all of the white cuts first, then my bow cuts, and last my package cuts.

White... A-12 squares
             C-6 squares (I cut mine a little larger, so I could trim.)
             E-12 rectangles
             F-6 rectangles

Bows- B-1 each fabric Need 6 fabrics (I cut mine a little larger, so I could trim.)
           D-2 each fabric Need 6 fabrics
           G-1 each fabric Need 6 fabrics

Package-H-2 rectangles each. Need 6 fabrics

Here they are all lined up ready to sew...

You'll need to keep in mind that some of the fabrics are directional, such as the Christmas ornaments. (Don't want those hanging upside down on the packages.)

Step 1 Mark line diagonally on all of your D pieces. Place 1 D bow point square on white F rectangle. Sew and trim.

Add 2nd square and sew, then trim. You are making flying geese.  Set aside.

Step 2. Mark your C white squares diagonally and sew on both sides of the line, cut apart, and press to the dark side. I then trimmed mine up to 1-3/8"x 1-3/8".

****Do not panic because your half square triangles are not the same size as your flying geese.****Ask me how I know!

You will then sew the white E rectangle to the top of your half square triangle. Paying attention to the dark part of the triangle for the bow. (I sorted my triangles into left and right sides. 

Press towards E (white rectangles.) Sew these pieces together to form your bow. I pressed these seams open for less bulk.

Add A rectangles to both sides of bow. 

I pressed these seams towards the large white rectangles.

You are now finished with half of your blocks. Now to your package.

I sorted my H rectangles into left and right sides and placed my G rectangles in the center and sewed together, pressing to the center (G).
***Be aware of directional fabrics.***

Take your bow (Top portion of block) and sew to the package portion.

I pressed towards the package. (The directions say to press towards bow.) Less bulky seams.

Here is my pressing for the back.

Arrange the packages for your row and sew together. I pushed one of my seams going the other directions, so I created less bulky seams. I then just clipped about an inch away from the seam and repressed. Don't cut into your previous seam. I stayed two or three threads away.

Your gifts should measure 72-1/2". If not, trim to size and add your sashing.

Sew to your other five rows.

We'll see you in a couple weeks. We'll be working on friendship stars. Remember to post your pics on our Facebook page.