Quilts for Japan

There is a call for quilts in Japan for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Please click on the title of this post for the link to get more details.

When in Doubt, Test It Out

This tip comes from Alex Anderson's book: after purchasing new fabrics, especially dark colors and reds, test the fabric for colorfastness by immersing a 2" sample of the fabric in boiling water. If the color does not run or fade, wash as normal to prepare for quilting. If the fabric bleeds, soak it in a solution of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water to set the dyes. Launder the fabric by itself. Test again with another sample. If it still bleeds or has faded during washing, chose another fabric for your project. A few minutes of testing can save hours of hard work (and crying) later.

Note: I included a 2" piece of white fabric in my test to make sure my red fabric would not transfer.

4 in 40 Block 2: Red, White and You

I have designed my second block for the 4 in 40 challenge. It is going to be called "Red, White and You." It will be red, white and blue (the same fabric I used for my first block). It will be a strip pieced american flag with a blue block in the corner. I will post a photo and a tutorial once I am finished.

A Star Is Born

I finally finished my star of valor. I went back in and ripped out the triangles. I cut new ones, and it solved a lot of problems I was having. I may still add a white outer border. What do you think?

Tutorial coming soon...

Why, oh why, did I try to "Y"?

I am almost finished with my Star of Valor. I cut the squares and 1/4 triangles per F&P instructions. My squares seem too large and my triangles seem too small! Arrrgh!

I set in the triangles last night. I will set in the squares tonight. With the set in pieces, the block will be 11". I will trim up and add a red border. The block should end up 12.5" unfinished. Hopefully, I can finish tonight and post a photo. Then it is into block 2 of the 4 in 40 challenge. I will also post a tutorial for anyone else that may be interested in making this block.

4 in 40 Challenge #1

Here is my first block in the 4 in 40 Challenge. Still have to set in the squares and triangles. They will be blue. I am also thinking about adding a red border. Will keep it 12" finished, though, so I can submit it to the Valor Quilt Bee.

www.valorquiltbee.blogspot.com

Where to start when you want to get started

Start Quilting with Alex Anderson

This is an excellent text for beginning quilters. It has been a very useful resource and reference for me getting ready for my first projects.

Some days you do. Some days you redo what you did the first day.

I am a beginner quilter, a very enthusiastic beginner, but a beginner none the less. One thing I have learned since starting on this journey is that most things can be avoided by paying attention to what you are doing and taking your time doing it. However, even then, you can still screw up royally. Don't worry. Most things can be fixed. If not, it is okay to start over. Forgive yourself and enjoy. I will start a section in this blog for quilting bloopers and fixes that I experience.

4 in 40 Challenge

Today is the first day of Lent. Lent is a time for fasting, prayer, contemplation and service. This post is where the service part comes in. I have a challenge for all you quilty bloggers and followers out there: complete 4 different quilt blocks in the 40 days of Lent.

Try something new or something you just love and want to share. Whatever you choose make sure they are 6, 9 or 12" finished, 100% quality cotton and are in patriotic colors.

Monday after Easter, send the blocks to the online quilting bee for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. All the blocks collected will be joined together into one or more quilt tops, quilted and sent to the Quilts of Valor program. This program awards quilts to members of our armed forces who are wounded as the result of service to our country.

There is nothing like quilting with a purpose. Doing something you love and sharing it with those who will truely appreciate your efforts. As you sew, remember those who have served us so valiantly by serving others with love and compassion. I can think of nothing better that sums up the meaning of Lent and honors why Christ died for us.

For more information about the Quilt of Valor Foundation, go to http://www.qovf.org/

For more information about the online bee, go to http://www.valorquiltbee.blogspot.com/

Happy Quilting!