March Post (finally)

April Fools!  I missed March. But here is a quick catch up of what I've been up to, which isn't much.

I hung my Bow Tie swap quilt and my big Applique quilt for spring.

Hanna and I took a weekend trip to NYC. 

We had a great time eating, walking and taking in the museums.

Here is a wild exhibit at MOMA.  

The artist used discarded stuffed animals (donation centers) and sculpted them.

We visited the Central Park Zoo and walked to the Guggenheim.

It is such an incredible building and a unique way to view art.

I thought these two paintings had great colors that might work in a future quilt.  This first one actually looks like quilt blocks.

I'm working on two challenges at the moment.  Here are sneak peaks, but no further information to share yet.

I taught a liberated houses workshop to a great group in RI at my own guild.  

I never tire of teaching this, because each class has different results.

Finally, I made these stuffed carrots.  It only took a couple of hours and it was very fun.

If you want to make some, click here for the instructions.

Happy Spring Everyone!

xo

Under the Starry Sky

Last Saturday Susan and I went to NYC to the Empire Quilt Show.  Here is what I bought:

Here is what I won (lucky me)!

Here is what I saw (my favorite at the show):

Congratulations Betsy, great modern twist on a traditional pattern!

Before going back to CT, we had a cocktail under the Starry Sky at Grand Central Station.

I've had a couple of inquiries about how I'm making my 4 inch Stars for the Stars in a Time Warp sew along. 

Judy sent me a smilebox video of how she makes her flying geese units for her stars.  You can see it by clicking here.

Angie did a great post on her method with a link to a flying geese tutorial.

I've decided to make little 4 inch stars.  I am making only 1 a week, so I'm doing it this way.   It is only taking me about 15 minutes a week (after I pick fabrics).

From the background I cut 4 pieces 1-1/2" x  2-1/2" and 4 squares 1-1/2".

For the stars I cut:  8 1-1/2" squares and 1 2-1/2" square.

I'm "eye balling" the short seam from corner to corner.  Of course you can mark it with a pencil.  If it varies a little on my stars all the better for me.

After pressing I can see if I'm a little off.  I trim that away.  Then I trim the back two layers (sorry forgot to photo).

Then I stitch the block together.

Here you can see where I've cut away the extra layers and how I press it.

I like using a hot DRY iron and starch.  The starch really helps keep these little blocks straight.   I also use the pressing stick.   You can see how to use it here.

I press the last 2 seams open to keep the block nice and flat.

and there you have it!

And here are my little stars so far.

Speaking of stars I'm listen to this book, Under the Wide and Starry Sky.  It is the story of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife.  I recommend it highly.

Well that's all the time have for stars today - See you next time!