Improv Wonky Cross Quilt

This 40 x 50 baby quilt is the product of my blocks from guild friends in the Whatever Bee.  I made a practice wonky cross version (a maquette, if you will) a few months ago which helped me to identify the features I liked in this sort of a slice and insert block.  Like the practice quilt, I kept the blocks the same height but varied the widths.  I also added a few half blocks and stacked them in pairs, just for fun (hint: this is a great fix for a block that may end up being slightly too small).  Improv quilting is awesome like that. Here a fun tutorial by a guild member Carla on how to make this type of block, two at a time.

This type of improv block is perfect for a bee.  It gives the quilters specific instructions while allowing them some flexibility to experiment.  My friends were all kind enough to make me two blocks, so I had some extra to use on the back of the quilt.

I am donating this quilt to one of our guild's community service projects, Birthday Blessings, a local charity.  I am also submitting it to 100 Quilts For Kids.  This annual quilt drive is great because it allows you to donate locally to a children's charity of your choosing.  Just add a link to an online photo of your quilt, and you can participate.  There are prizes!  The link is open through the end of the month, so you still have time.  The post even includes ideas for simple quilts to make.

Thanks so all my friends who contributed blocks!  I know this is going to be well used by some little guy in our community.

Back to Bees

It's been a few years since I've participated in a virtual quilting bee.  I'm excited to join a couple of new bees with friends from my local KCMQG.  My first blocks are for Shea in the Crossing Borders Bee (at least I think that's name we settled on), who requested 6" x 6 " or 6" x 12" spool blocks and sent us some scraps to work with.  I was very happy to get to work with my favorite color.

I just had to make an Aurifil spool too.

The next block is a wonky log cabin in Quilt Con colors.  This is for the Blessing Bee which is a project for the guild as a whole, put together by the Community Service Committee.  Each month, members may make any number of 12" x 12" blocks they wish in one of three styles: wonky log cabin in these colors, wonky stars in pink and lime, or square in a square in orange and aqua.  Other members have signed up to assemble tops, make backing, quilt and bind.  I think this is such a great arrangement for a a bee, allowing everyone to help as they are able.  The types of blocks may change every few months, and of course, members are welcome to donate completed quilts they have made themselves.

Finished baby quilts will be donated to a local organization that gives birthday cakes and other things  to children who would otherwise not have a birthday celebration.  We are hoping to provide enough quilts for all the children turning 1, with hopes to expand if we are able. I'm looking forward to more bee blocks!

Personalized Shirts - Two Ways

I discovered, when my son turned three, that kids love shirts with their age on them.  It's a way to tell everyone how old they are now.  I think it's only cool with the 10 and under set, but with them - great birthday gift.  I've made them each year for my own boys, their friends and family. Here is one I made today for a little cousin who has his first birthday coming up on Halloween. I used the traditional fusible web, machine applique method. 

I've been wanting to give reverse applique with knits a go, so I tried it out on a stegosaurus shirt for my five year old.  And I've found my new favorite way to personalize tees. It's so easy, since raw edges are no problem with knit fabrics.  

There are a lot of tutorials on the web describing this method, but here's a brief run down of what I think it the quickest way to go.  Trace your image onto freezer paper.  Iron the paper to the front of the shirt.  Use spray baste to temporarily adhere a contrasting knit fabric to the inside of the shirt (the wrong side).  Stitch around the image outline on the freezer paper.  Tear away the freezer paper, and trim 1/8 inch from the stitching to reveal the contrasting knit fabric.  You can also trim away the excess contrasting knit on the inside of the shirt.  So easy!  I will definitely be doing this again.

Tiny Chefs

About a dozen are set to come to a certain boy's cooking themed birthday party. And every chef needs an apron right? Only another half dozen to go.