Last week I showed how I decomposed a block using Electric Quilt. As a reminder this was the block I drafted. The Pythagoream Theorem in ActionI was asked for a better explanation of the Pythagorean theorem. Let me give you an example with the block I drafted last week. I knew I wanted to put the block on point. This means I needed to figure out the size of my new block. Here is what we know:
Here is the math to solve for "a" after filling in the information we know: Coming Up with a Layout for the Flower Box Block I mentioned that I wanted to come up with my own layout using Electric Quilt. I decided to use a Lady of the Lake type of setting (yes a gazillion half square triangles). It was a great opportunity to make a slight dent into my scraps. No new fabrics were used in the half square triangles! This weeks video will include information on rotating the block, creating some additional blocks using the grid and line tools in Easy Draw, adding a block from the library, creating a new layout and setting the larger block on layer two. Piecing those Half Square TrianglesAs you are probably aware, I love over-sized piecing trim-down techniques. I definitely decided I needed that for these half square triangle units. The finished size of each unit is 1.75" by 1.75". That meant I couldn't use Tucker Trimmer 1. But no fears -- that is why I also have a Tucker Trimmer 2. The Tucker Trimmer 2 works the same way, but in 1/4" and 3/4" increments. Trim all units to 2-1/4" x 2-1/4" using the Tucker Trimmer 2™ or your favorite square ruler. Trim the top and right sides. Rotate the unit and line up cut edges with the 2-1/4″ marks on the tool or ruler. Trim the other two sides keeping the diagonal seam aligned with the marking on the tool. I'm not sure I care to count how many retreats I worked on these triangles. I don't think I ever actually worked on them at home. I will say that it was very exciting to finally see the quilt come together. Now for the reveal---- My Finished QuiltFeatured Pattern - Smiling Irish EyesFor this week I decided to feature a pattern that used the Tucker Trimmer 2 tool. These miniature quilts have an Irish theme – shamrocks, a Celtic quilt block and Irish chain blocks. Instructions provide for oversized units that are cut down with the use of the recommended rulers. This makes miniature quilts a breeze. The table topper finished 21" x 21" and the vertical wall quilt finished 8" x 20". The pattern is a steal at $8. Click here to purchase. Are you also interested in the Tucker Trimmer 2? Click here to purchase. Happy quilting. Kari Sign up for my newsletter to stay current on what's happening in my studio and learn more quilting tips. As a thank you, I'll send you a FREE pattern for this small maple leaf quilt.
Before we get started, I wanted to thank those who posted comments and sent e-mails on my early retirement. I was touched by the thoughtful words and encouragement on my new venture. I had a great time at Quilt Market and made lots of great contacts. There is lots for me to do in the coming weeks. Do you remember the first time you found a critical error in a pattern? For some of us it ranks up there to remembering where we were when 9/11 struck. For me it happened during my second year of quilting. I don't remember the pattern name, but I remember the quilt. it had browns, reds and tans. It was going to be big -- queen size. I had reached the stage where I had gained some confidence in my piecing abilities and to be efficient I cut out the entire quilt top before I began piecing it. Yes -- all nine yards of fabric beautifully cut up, stacked and ready for a day at my sewing machine. I then proceeded to work through each of the steps -- before doing step two, I finished step 1 for all 20 blocks of the quilt. I reached the point where I needed to add a large half square triangle to a previously pieced unit. I found I had to really stretch the triangle to make it fit. Hmmm. I began checking the normal suspects:
Everything seemed to be ok on my end. I finally pulled out a sheet of graph paper (this was pre-Electric Quilt) and redrafted the block and checked the math using the Pythagorean theorem from high school albegra. The issue was not me but the size of those half square triangles. I couldn't find more of the fabric so the entire quilt was delegated to the UFO (unfinished objects) bin where it languished for many years until I eventually decided to throw it and the pattern away. Now I wish I could say this was the only time I found an error in a pattern. I've now learned the importance of decomposing a pattern and checking the math. This technique can be done with graph paper -- but I find I am much more efficient with Electric Quilt. For this weeks video, let me share how I did this with Flower Box, a pattern I purchased from Laundry Basket Quilts. (The pattern for this block plus a great quilt, can be purchased directly from Laundry Basket Quilts.) Note that there were no errors in the instructions -- but I wanted to redraft the block in Electric Quilt so I could play with some different layout options. I picked this one because it was a beautiful (but complicated) block.
General Rules to Remember Most units can be decomposed using three simple math equations once you have the cutting instructions for the block. The annotated block below shows the rules I used for each patch in the block. The lines show the straight of grain. When looking at the triangle units note the X-cut units (#3) have one edge that is on the straight of grain. Those cut once on the diagonal (#2) have two edges on the straight of grain. Now that you have the basics, let's get to the video. Warning: There is a lot in here (18 minutes)! Next week I will share an original layout I developed for this block. Featured Pattern - Sun RaysAfter a cold and rainy series of weeks, the sun is finally shining and we are getting a taste of spring. As a tribute to the "sun", I thought it would be appropriate to feature my Sun Rays quilt.
Happy quilting.
Kari Sign up for my newsletter to stay current on what's happening in my studio and learn more quilting tips. As a thank you, I'll send you a FREE pattern for this small maple leaf quilt.
Yahoo! As of end of day Wednesday, I am officially retired. (Please note that this is early retirement. I have quite a few years before I hit the official retirement age.) After 17 years at UnitedHealthcare (UHC) it was time to leave my "safe" job and pursue my passion in the quilting business.
So what did I do in my full-time job? I was the Program Management Director for the Operational Excellence program. For those in the corporate world -- this translates to Six Sigma. For those non-corporate types, this means we were responsible for fixing process problems in the company. Although there is no formal "retirement" at UHC, I was able to end my career on a high. A few weeks ago, there was a team dinner with participants from all over the country. (They even surprised me by flying in my staff person in Nebraska to join the celebration.) On Tuesday, there was cake in the office with attendees from the groups I worked with over the years. Here are a few photos. So What's Next
I left myself no time to relax. After I turned in my laptop and other equipment on Wednesday, I drove to the convention center and started setting up my booth for International Quilt Market.
For those that don't know, International Quilt Market is the trade show for quilt shop owners and those who are in the business. It is held twice a year. Spring market rotates across the country and fall market is always in Houston. Here are a few photos of my first ever booth.
I hope you recognize a few of these quilts. :)
In addition to pattern design, I am hoping to do more teaching (both online and at shops and shows). So I suspect I will keep very busy. I've even hired Morna McEver as a business coach to help me stay focused as I start on this new venture. Morna McEver is the CEO and founder of the International Association of Professional Quilters and International Association of Creative Arts Professionals. Gifting the Elsa and Anna Frozen Quilt
I saw my niece Josie last weekend and was able to give her the Frozen quilt. She carried it around all weekend -- so I'm guessing I can conclude it was a hit.
She was also a great helper -- opening all my pattern bags and even binding a portion of a table topper so I could get ready for market. Is six a good age for girls to start quilting? (She learned to tie her shoes last weekend and seemed pretty good at fine motor skills.)
Happy quilting.
Kari Sign up for my newsletter to stay current on what's happening in my studio and learn more quilting tips. As a thank you, I'll send you a FREE pattern for this small maple leaf quilt.
Let me preface this post by saying -- this isn't about the really challenging stuff in life (family issues, health issues, etc.).
Do you think quilting is EASY?
In the early years I took a lot of classes. If there was a quilt show, I would sign up for 3-4 classes. At the local quilt shop, I picked at least one new class each quarter. I then began buying quilting books and magazines and watching quilting shows on TV. Now I consider quilting relaxing and most aspects I find “easy” (at least most of the time).
Do you think quilting is DIFFICULT?
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Finished sizes:
Recommended (optional) Tools:
To make construction easier, sections in the quilt use oversized piecing along with the mentioned specialty rulers. If you chose not to use the specialty rulers, alternate instructions are provided. Purchase here for sales price of $9 (regularly $10). |
Modern Maze
Create your own maze with these asymmetrical blocks. There are endless rotation possibilities. The quilt may be completed with four fabrics or may be made from scraps.
Finished sizes includes:
Recommended (optional) Tools: Purchase here for sales price of $9 (regularly $10). |
Kari
Sign up for my newsletter to stay current on what's happening in my studio and learn more quilting tips. As a thank you, I'll send you a FREE pattern for this small maple leaf quilt.
The technique refers to a method of adding triangles to a quilt block. It is frequently the suggested method for creating snowball blocks, square within a square units and flying geese units. Although I've used the technique over the years, I found that I would have some fabric slippage or I would stretch the fabric in the pressing process -- resulting in less than perfect results.
The Perfect Corner Method™ and Ruler™ were both developed by
Ruthanna Grihalva, Forever In Stitches, LLC.
Using the Perfect Corner Ruler
Using the ruler, draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the base piece of fabric (this is the piece the corner will be added to). The measurement to use for this line is exactly the same as your folded corner measurement. (For the Theodore unit this is 2".)
Using the Corner Pop Ruler
Folded Corner Poll
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Featured Pattern - Ferris Wheel
Finished sizes:
Recommended (optional) Tools:
To make construction easier, sections in the quilt use oversized piecing along with the mentioned specialty rulers. If you chose not to use the specialty rulers, alternate instructions are provided. |
Kari
Sign up for my newsletter to stay current on what's happening in my studio and learn more quilting tips. As a thank you, I'll send you a FREE pattern for this small maple leaf quilt.
Kari Schell
Electric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer.
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