Happy New Year - First Finish 2017

2016 Start and 2017 Finish

This quilt is a scrap buster. I pieced about 1/2 of it and put it in a box. 

Turned Sideways

It measures 83 x 98. No wonder I had to put it away for awhile. 

Chain Stitched

I chain sewed the 2 1/2 squares to 2 1/2 strips of solid.

When I pulled it out of the box, I did not think I would remember what I was doing or where I was at on this project. It is pretty simple. The layout is the grey to the side, grey up on next block. Alternate on next row. The chevron pattern appears. 

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2017!  Thanks for visiting. Best, Mary

Happy Thanksgiving 2016

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I was in the fall mood so I dug into my bin of 5 inch squares. I also cut into a few layer cake prints for this quilt.

I acquired the leaf print pictured in the left corner in a pack of random charm squares. It became the inspiration for this quilt. Years ago, I ordered sets of 100 five inch squares off ebay. Most of them were sold by individuals who wanted to unload their scraps and make a buck. So, I ended up with a large collection of 5 inch squares.

I used the Jelly Race method of quilting (16 rows of 16 squares). I laid out the rows and placed a different print on top of ones that I wanted to swap out. Once I had what I liked, I sewed the rows together. I added the border and free motioned a leaf motif on it.

I enjoy creating quilts like these because it takes little planning. It takes me a long time to find all the fabric that I want to use in a specific quilt pattern. Often times, by the time I bargain hunt for the fabric, I've switch gears and no longer feel like making it. Or, I use fabric earmarked for another quilt. I plan to start my New Years resolution to improve my planning with the help of 2017 Quilt Planner.  The Quilt Planner is perfect for me and it also includes quilt patterns. What about you? Do you make a plan and stick to it? I love to hear from you! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Best, Mary

Halloween Quilt and Houses Ready for the Trick n Treaters

Happy Halloween to all!

Here is a quilt that is made from a panel with a 5 inch border added to it. At first I thought I'd quilt a stitch in the ditch and then at the last minute I changed my mind and made a meandering stitch. It looks a bit more spooky, I decided.

Yikes, that is a big spider on the quilt!

The folks in the Midwest sure can deck out their homes for the Trick n Treaters.  I took advantage of a neighbor's good nature to show this Halloween quilt.  Below are some more Halloween decorated houses that I found on my walk around the neighborhood.

Dats, some of the flying figures don't show up in the pictures. You'll have to take my word for it, it was scary. I'll have to wait for my son to come home this weekend to set up ghosts hanging from trees in front of our house. My husband scoffed at it when I mentioned it. I know what that means, he won't help. 

Happy Halloween and keep the faith that your husband or significant other will eventually get into the swing of things and help with the Christmas decorations. Best, Mary

Scraps, Use um or Lose Um

I cleaned out bins of scraps this summer.  This is a string quilt that I made. I used the itsy bitsy scraps for a back to school project for my fifth grade students. 

This activity was a great back to school activity. I printed out positive character traits using a large bubble font. I bagged small scraps in zip lock bags and distributed bags to students. 

Students worked to glue scraps into the letters. 

It was a relaxing activity and a chance for kids to get to know each other on the first day of school.

Positive character traits were displayed on a class bulletin board.

I made 12 inch blocks of string scraps and sewed blocks together to make the scrap quilt. 

The scrap string quilt is a good size and I'm happy that I put my scraps to great use. The small scrap pieces went to a good cause (possitve character traits). Pass on your scraps to teachers and they will find a way to use them. How might you use very small scraps for other crafts or school projects?  Let me hear your ideas! Thanks for visiting. Best, Mary
 

Cloud9 Fabric Blog Hop

I want to thank Cheryl, Yvonne, & Stephanie for organizing the blog hop and inviting me to participate in the Cloud9 Block Project. This is my first experience with blog hops, block making, and participation in an organized quilting group. I used Cloud9 fabric and love the look and feel of it. When this opportunity came up, I jumped in feet first. It didn't occur to me that I may be "shooting above the rim" for my skill level until after I had started.  I gave it my best shot anyway.  Here is my block!

I began my block by gathering up a lot of templates that I have purchased. I do not remember exactly why I bought them or how and when to use them. (I hope I'm not the only one out there guilty of doing this). I played with some of them and then it occurred to me that I can use that large triangle and adjust to a smaller size by cutting the strips of fabric to my desired size.

Cut a 5 1/2 inch strips and make 4 triangles.

Look at the photo below to position the template so that there is less waste.

Cut a 5 1/2 strip of the second fabric choice and make 4 triangle cuts.

Sew the triangles with the same fabric on top.

Press toward the dark side and sew two together to make 2 sets.

Sew the two halves together to make a circle.

Make two - 4 inch squares. Cut from corner to corner to make 4 triangles.

Sew triangles to light fabrics and press out.  Sew a 2 1/2" border to each side. Square off to 12 1/2. 

Here's my block.  It was really fun to create my own design for the first time.  I can't wait to see what all of you created and I'm excited for the finished project.  Hoping to continue to learn and create.  Best, Mary Maloney

Please hop over to the other sites to see their finished Cloud9 blocks.

Monday, September 12th

Host: Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl

Abigail @Cut & Alter
Janice @Color, Creating, and Quilting!
Lorinda @Laurel, Poppy, and Pine
Melva @Melva Loves Scraps
Renee @Quilts of a Feather
Kathryn @Upitis Quilts
Kim @Leland Ave Studios
Amanda @this mom quilts
Holly @Lighthouse Lane Designs
Irene @Patchwork and Pastry
Jennifer @Dizzy Quilter
Karen @Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Anne @Said With Love
Suzy @Adventurous Applique and Quilting
Sharla @Thistle Thicket Studio
Kathleen @Smiles From Kate
Amanda @Gypsy Moon Quilt Co.
Sarah @Sarah Goer Quilts
Chelsea @Patch the Giraffe
Jinger @Trials of a Newbie Quilter
Anja @Anja Quilts
Daisy @Ants to Sugar

Tuesday, September 13th

Host: Cheryl @Meadow Mist Designs

Miranda @I Have Purple Hair
Jennifer @The Inquiring Quilter
Sarah @123 Quilt
Leanne @Devoted Quilter
Jen @Patterns By Jen
Jennifer @RV Quilting
Amanda @Quiltologie
Sharon @Yellow Cat Quilt Designs
Jen @A Dream and A Stitch
Jen @Faith and Fabric
Carole @Carole Lyles Shaw
Stephanie @Quilt’n Party
Susan @Sevenoaks Street Quilts
Katrin @Now What Puppilalla
Amista @Hilltop Custom Designs
Nicole @Handwrought Quilts
Marla @Penny Lane Quilts
Silvia @A Stranger View
Sarah @Smiles Too Loudly
Carrie @the zen quilter
Mary @Quilting is in My Blood
Velda @GRANNYcanQUILT

Wednesday, September 14th

Host: Stephanie @Late Night Quilter

Kathy @Kathys Kwilts and More
Paige @Quilted Blooms
Mary @Strip Quilts Pass it On
Allison @Woodberry Way
Seven @The Concerned Craft
Olusola @Alice Samuel’s Quilt Co.
Ann @Brown Paws Quilting
Jodie @Persimmon + Pear
Vicki @Orchid Owl Quilts
Kitty @Night Quilter
Francine @Mochawildchild
Shelley @The Carpenter’s Daughter who Quilts
Jayne @Twiggy and Opal
Geraldine @Living Water Quilter
Shannon @Shannon Fraser Designs
Lisa @Sunlight In Winter Quilts
Jessica @Quilty Habit
Cassandra @The (not so) Dramatic Life
Deanna @Stitches Quilting
Denise @Craft Traditions

Three Scrap Tactics

Days of summer for teachers are among other things, time to get the house in order and get geared up for the next school year. I spent the last two days in my sewing area. I sorted and organized and then came up with three quick quilts that I pieced in an attempt to make a dent in the mounds of scraps that are taking over my space.  I have it all sorted now and the smallest of scraps are bagged and ready for a first days of school project in my 5th grade class. Students use fabric scraps to make a collage of positive character traits. I'll post it when it's complete. The below image shows scraps left over from a baby quilt I made a few years ago.  I had a few squares left so I incorporated them into a selection of layer cakes that I had in my stash. The squares are 5 1/2 and I have 12 going across.

Below is a picture of the original quilt.

I loved this fabric and would have bought more but it was discontinued. I'm happy to have a few scraps left over.

The below top I pieced from a bin of left over jelly rolls. I used a free pattern called Jelly Roll Jam. 

My plan for the Jelly Roll Jam is to use a solid border, a 2 inch patterned border and then the same solid border. I'm undecided on the binding fabric. This will make for a larger sized quilt. This Jelly Roll Jam pictured above only measures 36 1/2 by 36 1/2.  

This is a string quilt and I certainly have a ways to go making more 10 inch blocks. I was inspired by this Pinterest post.

I feel like I accomplished a lot in the last few days. The only problem was that I lost the clear bobbin cover to my machine in the mound of scraps that I had on my table. I scoured the area and I still haven't located it. So, I'm out of commission til I get another one. I plan to use nail polish to make a huge X on the next one to make it  easier to see.  Some of you may have more than one machine so that you never experience down time. I guess this is an omen that means I should stop quilting and enjoy the last of the summer days out in the sun.  Do you sometimes feel that you spend too much time quilting?  I know that I felt that way a little this summer. When I am back to school, I'm way too wiped out to quilt in the evening . I know I have to pack it in sometime now that my space is so organized. I guess once I get my bobbin cover replaced, I'll have to get at it on the weekends. When are you able to get quilting time? Let us hear from you and thanks for visiting. Best, Mary

Summer Breeze Quilt

This quilt pattern is a friendship braid. I saw this quilt on Pinterest and loved it. I wish I can credit this person but there is not a website to reference. I wanted to make it, I  went through my patterns that I had on hand, Internet and Youtube and figured out a way to duplicate it. I used Moda fabric jelly roll strips and other fabric from my stash. 

I viewed the Missouri Star Quilt tutorial on making a friendship braid using a binding tool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpHAp_pyVXQ

I did not have the "binding tool" referenced in the Misssouri Star Quilt Tutorial, so I winged it.

I cut 6 inch strips from jelly roll 2 1/2 inch strips and then used 5 inch square template in place of the binding tool.  This cost me a step because the binding tool would measure the angle and the length of the strip in one step. It took me two steps, but I had a work around for not having the binding tool.

The angle is 60 degrees and placed in two piles it looks like a house.

I attempted to cut the ends off as shown in the Missouri Star Quilt Tutorial but my seams did not match up.  So, I sewed 8 braids together and cut all of them at one time.  Watch the video and you will understand a bit better.  

I used the walking foot to stitch in the ditch on the seams of the 8 braids. I free motioned the borders.  This was how it was shown in the Pinterest picture.

The back shows the straight line stitching and the stippling.  I found a vintage sheet at an estate sale and used it as the back. It is silky soft and many might remember this sheet in their grandma's linen closet.  

My take away is that I can duplicate quilts at or around my skill level. Have you tried to duplicate  a quilt that you've seen online and had to have as your own? Each quilt looks different depending on the fabric used. Yet, the inspiration that we get from one another is why I blog hop and scourer the net for idea.  Thanks for visiting and contributing  Comments are welcomed and appreciated!  Best, Mary

Jelly Roll Experiment

Greetings!  I went off the deep edge and experimented with a jelly roll. I usually find a quilt pictured online, copy it, and/or follow the directions for an online tutorial or pattern.  One day I just grabbed a jelly roll from my stash and attacked it. I can't say that I'm ready for prime time. But, I had fun creating this quilt. I just went with it. I  did not stress out on the outcome. 

 I attempted to duplicate a technique that I used when I made a Bargello quilt. I sewed 7 WOF strips together.

 Cut the strips into 2 1/ 2 inch strips.

Rip 2 1/2 squares form the top and sew to the bottom of the strip. This is a technique I learned when making a Bargello quilt. It makes a diagonal pattern. However, I used a jelly roll so it made a scrappy looking diagonal quilt. As pictured, rip seam between the gray and patterned black and add the solid black to the red at the place of the arrow. 

Create blocks. Sew blocks together. I had a piece of batting and measured the borders to fit the batting. I know, usually you cut the batting to fit the quilt. I didn't do that. In fact, the top and bottom borders are larger than the side ones.  This makes for a longer quilt.

I love the periwinkle with the burnt red.

This is the back. This is a close up but really the comfort of the quilt is not lost on the imperfection of the free motion quilting. 

I hope the take-away is to get out of your comfort zone. There are no rules in quilting. Have you ever made a quilt to fit the batting?  What other rules have you broken?  Let me hear from you. I love your comments. Thanks for visiting!  Best, Mary

Blog Hop 2016

I am happy to join this Blog Hop and want to thank Stephanie Palmer for coordinating this fun.  Also, I received the most detailed blog critique from one of the members.  I left my lap top open and my husband saw it and asked me in all seriousness,  if I paid to have my blog critiqued.  (Thank you Jennifer F. for your valuable and "free" advise).  My husband is good at getting his digs in when he adds up fabric charges for the month.  He spouts that a crack addiction would be cheaper than my fabric one. I counter argue that quilting is less expensive than golf.

I started my blog as a way to archive my work and meet other quilters.  I've achieved these objectives.  When I began quilting, I started with jelly rolls, so hence, the name, StripQuilts. The pass it on, part comes from family who pass on treasured quilts and for those who pass on the love of quilts and share their ideas online.   

I live in Chicago area and have 3 grown children.  I'm a 5th grade teacher and talk to students about how quilts play a part in our American heritage.  My other interest include computers, gardening, and elegantly sipping wine. 

Here are pictures of my most recent finish called Sugar Almond.  I used jelly roll by Moda, "Flow Zen Chic."  I recalculated the tutorial to make a baby sized quilt.  The tutorial is found at Samelias Mum at this link:  http://www.sameliasmum.com/2012/07/sugar-almonds-quilt-pattern-tutorial.html#.V1tJI_krKM-

This quilt measures 28 x 42.

22 rows

Back side is a panel,

I used the typical meandering free motion pattern.

I recently traveled to my niece's beautiful Teluride wedding and stayed over in her hometown, Montrose, Colorado.  I had some time to kill while my husband rested from our long drive. I decided to take a walk and walked smack dab into a quilt shop, Ladybugz in Montrose.  Check out my purchase!

These bags contain 1/2 LB of WOF strips from the end of the bolt.  They are at least 2 1/2 inch strips and perfect for more projects like Sugar Almond quilt from Samilia's Mum. I've never seen this product in the Midwest.  Am I missing something?  Are there any other top secret products out there in other areas of the country?  Let me know what you can find in your local quilt shops.

Check out a gallery of my other finishes.  Thank you for visiting!!! Best, Mary 

Log Cabin

Flannel

Charm packs

Bargello

Flannel Quilt Finished in Spring

I can't decide if I'm behind in my projects or ahead of the game as I finished this flannel quilt this weekend.

I love the feel of flannel, it's luxurious.  It's also the easiest fabric to free motion.  

Quilt for Kay

Kay makes the best chocolate martinis.  So, when she commissioned me to make her niece a quilt, I obliged. 

Cut 12 blocks 10 x 10
Cut white blocks 2 3/4 x 10
Cut teal squares 2 3/4 x 2 3/4

sew teal, white, teal white end to end  (4 white and 5 teal)

sew white strips to 10 inch blocks end to end (5 white strips, 4 blocks)

I've had good results using basting spray and a walking foot.  I place the batting in dryer with wet cloth to get the bumps out of the folded batting.  Using basting spray and a warm iron to smooth out the top and back, I then safety pin it.  

I have a little more hand stitching to do on the binding and the quilt is ready for the baby shower.  I'm ready for a chocolate martini.  Best, Mary

Baby Benjamin Comes Home

The baby's room is ready and is waiting for Ben.  Benjamin Wilder born on
February 1, 2016 to loving parents, Nora and Marshall.

Talented, Brittney painted aspen trees in the nursery and added orange birds to match the quilt.  Benjamin's arrival home was delayed a few days.  He developed jaundice, very common in mountain states.  Ben looked like he was in a spa, just chilled while waiting to spring from the hospital.  

The happy parents welcome Benjamin to his new home on February 5th.  

Benjamin's Grandparent Lori created this art for her son, Marshall.  Now it's displayed in Benjamin's room.  Visit her website and enjoy Lori's creativity and inspirational words.

Here I am, the quilter grandparent. We are all so blessed.

Ben gets to play with his new toy.  

Snowball Valentine Quilt

Snowball quilts are great to use with charm packs and layer cakes.  I pulled a few heart prints out of a layer cake and made a quilt for Valentine's Day.

Lay a 4 inch squares on layer cake piece corners, right sides together. Stitch from corner to corner and trim.  

Here is an example of charm pack snowballs.  Notice the corner pieces are different and makes a blocks to use with sashing. The corner cuts are 2 inch sized for charm packs.  I'm going by a fading memory so you best test out the size of the square.

Harry Potter Baby Quilt

According to my daughter, the twenty somethings who are now starting families want their children to enjoy the same toys and trends as they did when they were kids.  So this mother to be wanted a Harry Potter quilt for her new baby.  The mom is a HP fanatic.  Sadly, Harry Potter fabric is rare and highly sought after.  I was able to get a fat quarter piece on ebay for an outrageous price.  So, I designed this quilt to showcase it. 

I paged through all of my quilt magazines and found one that had an embroidered snowman in the place where I sewed the HP pieces on the quilt.  I eliminated the sashing on the HP pieces so I would get more bang for my buck. 

I made a pinwheel for the center in place of the 9 square patch shown on the pattern so that it looked more swirly and mystical.  I free motioned in a swirl pattern.  I thought about attempting to free motion swirls over the swirls in the print but then I came to my senses.  I'm too much of a newbie to try anything crazy and the fat quarter cost over 20 dollars.  Now was not the time to experiment. 

I used the Missouri Quilt Tutorial pinwheel method and learned that for a 8 inch square, start with a square that is about 2 inches smaller.  So, I cut a 6 1/2 inch square and it worked.  Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E

Thanks for visiting.  Happy New Year!  Best, Mary

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Picture Pillow Tutorial

Here are the directions to make a picture pillow.  I made these pillows for my nieces.  The picture is one taken at the Michigan Dunes in 1940's.  I thought it fun for them to have a pillow picture of their grandma long before they were in the picture. 

Materials:  one pillow form, one printed fabric, one solid white fabric, piping cord, fabric transfer printer paper.

Step 1:  Cut a square of white fabric. I cut the square 12 x 12, the same size as the pillow form.  You might want to cut one inch larger for a relaxed fit.  I prefer a snug fit.  Follow the directions on the fabric transfer package and center the photo on cut square. 

Step 2:  Cut the width of the printed fabric to 12 x 18 inches.  Cut one piece into two pieces.  One measured 12 x 10 inches and the other into 12 x 8.  Hem roll end on both end pieces.

Step 3:  Cut 2 1/2 inch strips to fit pillow. Miter or sew strip ends together and sew onto cord.

Step 4:  Pin cording to raw edge of pillow front.  Right side faces up.

Step 5:  Pin the two printed pieces raw edges together and hemmed side in center, pieces overlapped.  Right sides together.  Sew around all edges and turn inside out.

Happy Holidays

This is my favorite kind of quilt to make, funky and scrappy.  Have a wonderful holiday.   Best, Mary

For Baby

This charm pack quilt was quilted using the walking foot.  I set the stitch lines one inch apart.  And, believe it or not, I only had to rip one time.  I love that walking foot. 

Here is a close up picture.

We lost both of these special people over the summer.  They were wonderful parents and grandparents to all of us. This explains why I haven't been in the blog arena for some time.  On a happy note, I'm expecting my first grandchild in January.  Hence, the pictured quilt in this post.  I'm making the bumper pads today.

I had a day to myself yesterday and made a few pillow cases for gifts.  This is a picture of my mother.  She was a knock out although I never knew her as such.  She is also remembered for being a wonderful parent and grandmother.  I like keeping her memory alive in a fun way.

Enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends.  Best, Mary

Falling Charms Quilt

Falling Charms Quilt is a Missouri Star quilt tutorial.  I made a baby quilt version of it. They look like different quilts because of the way they are quilted. This one was made without once using my ripper.  No rip quilt is a first for me! 

I added an old fashioned style border to tone it down a bit and give it some vintage flair.

I have another version of the Falling Charms Quilt in the charm pack gallery. 

Bridget O'Brien's Bridal Shower Quilt

It's unusual to show the back of a quilt over the front but in this case, I did.  The back of the quilt is a gingham green and white fabric and the quilting is a shamrock pattern.  It's perfect for Bridget O'Brien. 

The fabric was purchased from Missouri Star, a layer cake named, "Fresh Lilac."  Jenny showcases the fabric in a tutorial for a quilt pattern called Quatrefoil.  I did not see the video before I purchased the fabric.  I had this pattern in mind when I made my purchase.  But, I do love the Quatrefoil pattern and I'm in the process of using the Quatrefoil blocks in the quilt I'm piecing now. 

Scroll down to the last image, "My Own Creation" blog post dated May 16th. It has directions on how to piece this quilt using one layer cake.  Stay cool and I hope to jump in the lake this weekend.  Best, Mary

Live and Learn Finished

Here is the finished picture of the quilt that I used blue
2 1/2 squares rather than white ones.  The colors all work well together.  I had to get up 3 hours early today to finish it so that it could be sent off to a bridal shower.  Now I can goof off this weekend.  It's been raining most of the week so I hope we have sun this weekend.  Enjoy your July weekend.  Best, Mary