John began the quilt with the field of equilateral triangles on the left side. Alissa made the large triangle. Elizabeth set the first two blocks in stripes and a few triangles. Amber contributed the diamonds at the bottom, Heather the star, and Monica the bottom setting and the jet at the top.
I couldn't resist the triangle theme, and added a column of flying geese on the right.
The geese are and assortment of 1"x2", 2"x4", and 3"x6" pieces. For the smaller to sizes I used the four-from-one method on this Connecting Threads tutorial page. I love that the method requires no trimming and leaves no waste. For the large geese I used the square-on-rectangle method on the same page, which does require trimming.
I followed Stephanie's suggestion and used the trimmings to create half-square triangle pieces. On my last post she commented:
I like the square-on-a-rectangle method, because a second seam 1/2" away from the first delivers a bonus HST unit from each side of the goose(which end up in a baggie in a bin, for "someday").I used these bonus units at the top and bottom of the column. I like how they give the feeling of flying in and out of the column.
Now I'll send it off the Penny. I can't wait to see what she does with it.
In other sewing news, I made a bag as a last minute holiday gift for Munchkin's grade 5 teacher. I used the Two Zip Hipster pattern by Erin Erickson. The tutorial was easy to follow and the bag feels solid and elegant. Here's the photo I took the other night at 2am when I finished the bag:
My machine had a bit of trouble top-stitching the thickest parts of the top edge of the bag. Both the exterior and lining fabrics I used were heavier than quilting weight, and I think I had an extra layer of interfacing in there, too. Next time I'll be careful to reduce some of that bulk. I'll use this pattern again - maybe a slightly sized-up version for myself.
OMG, you made the little "bonus" HSTs and USED THEM ALREADY!?! I am so impressed. Mine continue to accumulate with no hope of seeing use before deep 2013, or later.
ReplyDeleteNice work on the rest of the column, too, and the teacher gift bag. Sewing until 2am means it must be creeping up on Christmas!
It's looking wonderful.
ReplyDeleteFlying geese are one of my favourite motifs. These ones have a very oriental feel and because of the background colour they look like fish swimming in a school, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteThe travelling quilt is looking great! I have been following the progress of these on various people's blogs, but haven't seen any for a while so good to see this
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt and the hipster is nice also.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
You guys are almost finished traveling! Love the geese addition. His quilt is so soft, as compared with some of the others traveling. Beautiful!
ReplyDelete