The Second Colorway - Rich Traditions

A short, self promotional note to begin this post.
I've added my available lectures and workshops to my blog, link above. This is one of the workshops I'm offering. I'd love to come teach or trunk show at your guild or group.

The piles slowly mount up as I cut stacks of 1/2 square triangle combinations for a second version of my Rich Tradition that appeared in APQ this past year.  For this quilt I needed 400 of these blocks, so that's 800 pieces.  That might sound overwhelming, but with using strips and the Easy Angler ruler, it is a piece of cake.

The endless chain of 1/2 square triangles.  It can seem daunting.  But trust me, when you get into production mode, this is a tried and true technique. It uses strips instead of squares, no trimming down required, and the little dog ears get trimmed when you cut the blocks apart after pressing.

I took a multi colored, big fabulous print.......

and pulled and cut a strip of 25 solids that I matched up to some of the colors in this big print. Then I  got busy.

Each block needs 16- 1/2 square triangles for the border and with the above method, it's a great pattern to prep and take with you for a retreat, or just to have something quick and easy to sew when  you only have a few minutes in your studio.  The block sashings quickly come together.

Black and white on the camera/phone always helps put the value into perspective.  I was positive this lighter green block would be in the center or maybe not included at all.   I loved how it bounced off all the other colors and added a bit of spark to the finished piece.

Clearly it was not going to live in the center, but it was perfect for balancing off another lighter block in the finished piece. Using a little bit of creative cutting, I got the striped setting triangle fabric to all move in the same direction.

Quite a dramatic difference just by changing up the prints/colors.  This bottom photo uses a variety of small and large 1800's prints in a various colors, and all the backgrounds were shirtings. 

As mentioned at the beginning, I am now booking outside my area (Pacific NW) for trunk shows and teaching. In 2018 I was a guest speaker at several guilds and have taught regionally for several years. With many patterns published in national magazines, I'm spreading my wings. I have dual citizenship with the US and Canada, and I'd love to come visit your guild. Please share this information and/or contact me for available dates.

Keep stitching,
Sharon

Sharing Liberated Stars

Here are the results of a workshop that I put on at Yvonne's Barn.

The best comment I heard was "I just want to keep making them". Liberated piecing is fun, pure and simple. It's not for every block or every quilter or every quilt,  but I haven't met a liberated star that I didn't like.

I can't wait to start making a liberated red/white/blue star quilt. Beth has got me so inspired!

Here is the group all together. (minus the red/white/blue)

What a fun and inspiring day!

Hope you have a great weekend,
Sharon

Batik Spins

Batik fabrics are a rare find in my sewing room, so I had to dig through the scrap bin at my fav LQS for some additional colors for this piece. The idea for this came from seeing Wanda post her blocks and Kathy Doughty's book, Adding Layers. I've played with the wedge ruler a bit, but this got me really going.

Making a template and following a pattern sometimes just isn't in the cards for me. I pulled out my EZ Dresden ruler and got busy. I had so much fun with this one that I started a third one before this was even finished. Then my mind started with other ideas and needless to say, this one ruler can keep you busy!

I'm teaching a Wedge Workshop at Fabric Etc in Bellingham, WA on June 26th, if you are in the area, sign up and come have some fun! I think there is still room at the table for one or two more quilters. The sample is hanging in the store, have a peek if you stop in during the Western WA ShopHop.  I'll be stamping passports and helping out 4 of the 5 days, stop by and say hello!

Sharon