Saturday, October 7, 2017

Pulling a Rabbit Out of my Hat

Of course, it's not a rabbit. It's {yet another} forgotten leftover. And it's {sort of} understandable.

Once upon a time... I took a Strips 'n Curves workshop with Louisa Smith. It was only one day and either I missed those directions or she didn't exactly give us yardage amounts but I took way too much fabric. Way, way, way too much.

Louisa is and upbeat, organized teacher who loves color and curved pieces. In this workshop we cut 1.5" strips and sewed them into sheets of fabric shading from one color to the next. Throughout the day, all I did was sew those strips. Unlike the other, smarter participants, I never got around to cutting any blocks during the class. But I listened well. Within a couple of months I actually finished and gifted the first quilt - a queen-size safari quilt for my dear sister. There was enough leftover made-fabric for another one or two lap quilts. {Did I mention I cut way too much fabric?}

Mel Beach recently challenged to our guild. "Pull out one or more fabrics that cause you to wonder: What the $%#* was I thinking when I purchased this fabric?" I've moved this made-fabric four times. Not to different rooms; different cities. Since Louisa is coming to speak and teach Double Visions Quilts, it seemed this should be finished. Now. Two birds with one stone.

Working so quickly, I forgot to take photos. The fabric is simply shaded strips that are then cut with templates. It's not hard but requires accuracy in sewing the strips and cutting the pieces since you need to line the seam lines up for best results. On the plus side, that many seams means you can usually nudge any that are out of alignment.

At least the fabric was already made so I started by cutting with templates until I ran out of strips.

Strips 'n Curves Negative/Positive units ready to sew together
This quilt is most effective when the seam lines match. While not difficult it takes time to pin them all. First you pin along the curves, then the diagonal of the block.

Matching seam lines by inning curves and diagonals 

I can't remember how long it took to make the strip fabric but it took two afternoons to cut the pieces and three more to sew them into blocks. Next steps will be to pin the blocks into rows, and finally the rows into the top.

We watched the Giants final homestand last weekend. They won't be in the postseason (they're in the cellar) but it's always a good day for baseball. I've particularly enjoyed getting to know some quilters and their favorite teams this year: Patty's Indians (great winning streak) and Julie's Red Sox (also my grandson's team.) Both teams are in the playoffs. October baseball is special. I'll be watching.

Discovering shared interests with someone creates more connections and helps us see others as complete people. Our world needs those bridges. Getting to know new people is a great benefit of blogging.

Enjoy the day, Ann

22 comments:

Monica said...

LOL, I also cut way too much fabric this week for one of my projects, and now I have been wondering what new project I should start to use it up! I'm glad the challenge has motivated you -- I think the finish will be well worth it. :D

Quiltdivajulie said...

Looking forward to seeing how this "rabbit from the hat" quilt top evolves. Wanda at Exuberant Color has made several Strips and Curves quilts. I have the book but have not attempted one on my own yet.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

I have a few quilts for which I purchased enough to make 2 or 3 more of the same. This looks like it is going to be fabulous.

Catherine Purifoy said...

I would be happy that I got as far as the strip piecing...!

Helen L said...

Ah, yes: I took that class quite a few years ago too in Santa Rosa. I still haven't finished it because I couldn't get it to give the effect that I wanted. You've reminded me about it! :-) Not sure where it is right now! Glad you're getting going on yours: it's farther along than mine!! Hugs, H in Healdsburg

audrey said...

Sometimes I just don't want to ever touch the leftovers from a quilt ever again. It's going to be very interesting to see how this one develops. Kudos to you for pulling it out once again! The made fabric really does look great!

Kaja said...

This is interesting - and that's one pile of leftovers you'll never have to move again. I've noticed a few of you baseball fans this year but I've not spotted any English quilters compulsively watching cricket (apart from me).

Cathy said...

I looked at both of Louisa's books when I've seen them on sale but never bought one of them. I might have to after reviewing that Safari quilt again. Good for you for getting out the made fabric again. I don't cut all my blocks first but cut and sew, cut and sew, cut something else and sew.... I hate the cutting part!

Ann said...

We do this more than we realize, don’t we? Either buying too much or cutting too much. I’m sure you’ll have a great solution.

Ann said...

Wanda is very talented. It’s not hard but it does take time to cut and sew all those strips.

Ann said...

We sure make this mistake frequently, don’t we? I’m glad I can find a use for lots of baby and toddler quilts these days. It helps use up the extras.

Ann said...

Haha, Catherine. You do fabulous work.

Ann said...

We shouldn’t have gotten together. I had too many strips to move quickly from one color to the next. You sound like you had too few. I’m so glad to be getting this one out of storage and nearer a finish.

Ann said...

I know. Sometimes I donate the leftovers but I guess because I’d already put so much time it this seems like a ufo. I will love to have it done and given away.

Ann said...

I see cricket on tv shows and would love to see a game in person. If I ever travel to England again, that’s on my list.
Yes. I look forward to actually moving it out of the house.

Ann said...

For some reason I bought the set of fussy templates. We made some easier large drunkards path templates. Those are more fun because the fabric is already stripped.
Not sure if this design would work as well with see and cut since one strip color merged to the next.

Mel Beach said...

Way to multitask with your finishes!!! Very creative approach to the challenge theme and fabulous finish! I bet it feels good to put all those pieced fabrics to good use!!

Ann said...

Thanks, Mel. It really feels good to know I would t be schlepping this to yet another city. Thanks for lighting the fire to get it do e. You're the best!

Mystic Quilter said...

Lucky you having the chance to join a class on Double Vision Quilts - I have that book so I look forward to reading your thoughts after hearing Louisa speak and teach this one.

Ann said...

From previous class, I know she is very thorough, organized, and upbeat.

Mary Marcotte said...

Now that all of the how-to posts are all up, I'm reviewing. It just so delightful to read your writing and "watch" you work.

Ann said...

Thanks, Mary. I like reading series, too.