2019 Gypsy Wife QAL - Section 1 Puss in Corner Block

Before beginning each block, I strongly suggest you read through the entire directions and look at the pictures to be sure you understand each step and to ensure that you cut correctly.

As always, remember your accuracy in cutting…

keeping the measuring line of your ruler ON the fabric.

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Looking at the fabrics I have chosen for this block I decided that some fussy cutting was in order.  I picked a feature in two of the prints and carefully cut out the required sized square.

Here all my pieces are laid out.  Now it is just a matter of stitching them together.

I began by sewing the two-patches that surround the center block.

Next I stitched the corner HST triangles together using a scant 1/4inch seam.  

#tip ... HINT... What size should the HSTs in the #puss block square up to. Think about this.... What is the length of the 2small square unit that is sewn between them... The HSTs have to be the same length as them.

Now I begin assembling the block.  Think of this as putting together a 9-patch.   Take the center units and stitch them to the right sight units.

Then stitch the far right units to the center units to complete the horizontal rows.

I then stitched the vertical rows together to complete the block.

Here is the back so you can see how I opted to press my seams.

You can leave comments and questions below.  I will reply to your questions ASAP.

Thanks for following along.   Click on "newer post" to see the next block.

2019 Gypsy Wife QAL - Section 1 Square in a Square Block

Before beginning each block, I strongly suggest you read through the entire directions and look at the pictures to be sure you understand each step and to ensure that you cut correctly.

As always, remember your accuracy in cutting…

keeping the measuring line of your ruler ON the fabric.

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This tutorial is for the Square in a Square block.
Cutting directions can be found on Page 22 in the right hand column.

Draw a diagonal line on the four corner squares.
Place two squares on opposite corners of the larger square and stitch next to the drawn line.

Fold up the square to form the corner triangle. 
 If the top triangle meets or slightly exceeds the edge of the large square.  You are good.   
If it doesn't, unstitch and resew, adjusting where your stitching line is to make it work.
You can then cut off the back triangles leaving approx 1/4in seam.

Place the next two squares on the opposite corners and repeat the process, sewing next to the drawn line.

When the triangles all match the edge of the large triangle, then you can remove the back triangles (leave approx 1/4in seam)

You can now square up your block.  You should have a 1/4inch seam at each of the four points of the center square.

You can leave comments and questions below.   I will reply to your questions ASAP.

Thanks for following along.   Click on "newer post" to see the next block.

2019 Gypsy Wife QAL - Section 1 Hourglass Block with two borders

Before beginning each block, I strongly suggest you read through the entire directions and look at the pictures to be sure you understand each step and to ensure that you cut correctly.

As always, remember your accuracy in cutting…

keeping the measuring line of your ruler ON the fabric.

If you have the First Edition copy of the pattern, be sure to check the Errata page.

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We begin with the Hourglass block with two borders.
Directions and cutting measurements can be found on page 21.  Do not add seam allowance to your cutting...  sizes given include seam allowance. 

#tip #Hourglass corrections on pg 21 are for the right hand column smaller size block NOT the top left column larager size we need for section 1

#tip HINT>>>> When making the #hourglass block... the pattern indicates you need to make 2 blocks. You can make them both at this time....   Only one will be used in Section one....
be sure to add the two border rounds as indicated in the top right hand column page 21.. . . . . . . . . . .
The borders added in the bottom left hand column will give you the incorrect size block for section 1, but will be used elsewhere in the quilt.

We start by cutting our two squares and laying them together facing each other.
Draw a diagonal line.

  

 



I also drew a faint line 1/4inch on either side of the diagonal line.  Our goal is to stitch  beside  the outside lines for a scant 1/4 inch.

You will then cut on the  center line forming two triangles.

Open the triangles and lightly press to form two Half Square Triangles (HSTs)   
 


Next you will lay the HSTs on top of each other with opposite colors facing each other and butting the center seams together.

 Draw a line diagonally across the center seam.  Again,  I drew a light 1/4 inch line on either side of the center.  Stitch a scant 1/4 inch seam by sewing just to the inside of both outer lines.  Cut on the center line.

 If you gently pick out the 2-3 stitches in the seam allowance on both sides of the block, you can then "spin" the seams for a flatter block.  You can see a tiny 4-patch in the center if you do it correctly.

Give a light pressing and you have two Hourglass Blocks.

 

You can check your measurement at this point.  In your pattern booklet, the dark printed line below the title "Hourglass blocks" tells you the finished block size.  Add 1/2 inch to that number to find what these unfinished blocks should measure, and you can trim them to size.

To add the two borders to this block we go the the top right hand column on page 21.   We will be adding two rounds of strips.

Round 1:
Sew the top and bottom strips on first.  

HINT:  You can check your measurement here... The top to bottom measurement should be the same as the length of the two side strips you will add on next.


Next we will add the two side strips.

     

Hint: Your block should square up to the size of your next border strip length.

Round 2:
Sew the top and bottom strips on first.

HINT:  Again... you can check your measurement top to bottom... it should be the same length as the two side strips you are about to add.

Add your two side strips and you are done.









Your block will measure 6in when finished in your quilt. Add 1/2in for the unfinished size.


And you will have an extra hourglass block that can be use for a filler block elsewhere in the quilt.



One thing I have begun doing as I make a quilt is to save some shavings and bits/pieces.  I found some clear plastic hollow ornaments at Hobby Lobby or WalMart.   I fill them with fabrics from the quilt.  When I'm done I will add a piece of paper stating the name and date of the quilt.  It will be a nice memory to hang on my tree each Christmas.

You can leave comments and questions below.  I will reply ASAP

Thanks for following along.   Click on "newer post" to see the next block.

2019 Gypsy Wife - Section 1

We start this adventure with Section 1.

There are five blocks in this section.

Hourglass block ..  Page 21 .. 6in finished
Square in a Square block with border .. Page 23 .. 5in finished
Puss in a Corner .. Page 13 .. 5in finished
Square in a Square block page 22 mm ..  3in finished
Pinwheel block Page 19 ..  4in finished.






Sizes posted here are FINISHED sizes... this means the measurement of the block once it is incorporated into the quilt.  

Add 1/2 inch to the finished size to determine the unfinished size of each block as you make it.  If your blocks don't measure correctly, the usual culprits are inaccurate cutting or the size of your 1/4inch seam allowance.  It is recommended that you sew a scant 1/4inch seam. 

My tutorials for each block will go live, here, one after the other about 2 minutes apart.

Links to individual block tutorials will also be posted on the facebook page after they go live here.  

I will also post PDF files of each tutorial on the facebook page that you can download and print.   

Remember, to protect the copyright of the designer, no measurements will be given here.  YOU MUST PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY OF THE PATTERN.  I will, however, attempt to give you hints to figuring out the sizes of the sub-units whenever possible.

IF YOU HAVE ORDERED BUT NOT YET RECEIVED YOUR PATTERN.... go back to the facebook page and type #ordered in the search box.  Sue has started a closed group with extra tips and information so that you can begin with us.  You will have to email or message her your receipt to be admitted schulzpsy@yahoo.com.  Please be patient for acceptance as we are about to get extremely busy here.

To advance through my tutorials here you just click on "newer post". (If you are here early, you may have to wait 2 minutes until the next one goes live... please be patient).


I would love to see you like and follow my page.

2019 Gypsy Wife QAL - Introduction

Welcome everyone, especially those who have come over here from facebook to see my tutorials for the 2019 Gypsy Wife Quilt Along.

First, let me tell you a bit about myself.
My name is HelenMarie or you can call me HM (BUT.. not Helen).
I was born in NYC and raised about an hour outside the city in the burbs. I am a wife, mother of 3 and grandmother of 4.   After marrying and having my son, my husbands job transferred us to northwestern Virginia.  Several years later the job had us relocate again, this time to middle TN where my quilting career began with a class.  I  met lots of new friends and with their encouragement, I bought my Pfaff Grandquilter in 2006 and had a blast!  I upgraded to a Nolting Funquilter 20 in 2010 and just recently, in December 2018, I upgraded again to the Nolting Funquilter 23 to make working on those king size quilts my customer's love, easier.  

Enough about me.... lets get started by telling you how this will work....

Each Admin member will be taking turns as lead demonstarator for  the blocks in each section.  At the moment, I am scheduled to be the lead demonstrator for Sections 4 and 5.  

However, I (and other Admins) plan to make demos throughout this adventure for our personal blogs to share with you and our followers.  People learn in different ways, therefore, if you see a variety of demos of techniques used, you have the opportunity to choose the technique that best suits you.


Because my demos will have directions and photos for each individual block, I will write separate posts for each.  Making one long post for all the blocks will be too cumbersome and difficult to follow.  You have time to work on each block and ask questions as they come up.

Remember, this isn't a race.  We have a month to complete each section.  Work slowly and as accurately as possible to insure success.  

In summary,  my next 5 posts beginning at 8am Feb 2, will demonstrate how to make the individual blocks for each section.... followed by a post dealing with the background strips.

You can leave comments below each post and I will reply to any questions ASAP.

You can advance through my tutorials by clicking on "newer post" or click on the link that will be posted on the facebook page as soon as they go live here.


PDF files of the demos will also be uploaded to the facebook page under the "Files" tab for you to download after they go live here.

I would love to see you join my followers by clicking on the follow button on the top right of this page.

Super Full Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse

This is some information I dug up on the internet...

Last night was a Super Full moon ... meaning that the path of the full moon was closest to the earth.

The Indians call it a Wolf moon... because it is the first full moon of the year and the wolves come out.

There was also a Lunar Eclipse... the Sun, Earth and Moon line up and Earth's shadow darkens the Moon surface.

It was also a Blood moon... because of particulates in the air (or was it atmosphere?)  Earth's shadow casts a red tint to the moon.

We went out onto the porch and tried a few pictures.  

My phone, didn't capture the redness.

 I tried taking a picture with my phone and got this. 

Then, I tried zooming in and got this

Then I dug out my camera.   It is very difficult to balance on crutches and stand still. I even tried leaning back against my husband to stablize myself; but no go. The camera captured the color, but I kind of wobbled all over the place and got some interesting exposures.

My husband tried and I think he got the clearest, most stable shots.

Did you get out to see the moon.... it won't happen again until 2037 or 2057... depending on which article you read.  :)

2019 Gypsy Wife Quilt Along... preparing

If you are planning to join along you should have your pattern, or at least have it ordered and on the way.

I hope you have pulled some fabrics and are thinking about your colors and placement using the  coloring sheet I posted earlier.

Clean and oil your machine and put in a fresh needle.  

Clear your table and put a fresh blade in your rotary cutter

It won't be long before we start.... February 2nd.  At that time we will be posting links to blogs or PDF files that demo how to make each block.  You will have to refer to the pattern for measurements as we are not allowed to violate the copyright.  



Come join me on the facebook page for more tips and information, discussions and pictures of other members fabric choices.  

2019 Gypsy Wife Quilt Along


Don't be concerned that you are behind... Several experienced quilters that have their patterns have already made some blocks to test their accuracy.  Check out my earlier blog for tips on accuracy.

https://madakamom.blogspot.com/2018/12/2019-gypsy-wife-qal-my-tip-for-accurate.html

2019 Gypsy Wife QAL - My tip for accurate cutting

First, I want to show off my baby.... 1921 Singer model 66 treadle.  I do most of my home sewing on her.  She is a real workhorse, easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.

For those that have trouble with rulers slipping.... 

I went to my local CVS and bought the store brand version of clear Nexcare Tape.  I put it on the back of my rulers and I feel it helps keep the rulers from slipping.  You can also purchase dots and other sticky stuff made especially for quilters... but this is my go to  product.

 

Now for cuttting...   

I am using some scraps and I'll show you how to make accurate half square triangles.   These blocks may or may not be in the quilt we are making.. I don't have the pattern yet.  BUT the techniques I show you here can be used for all of your cutting.

Lay two fabrics right sides together and trim the edges straight.

  

We are going to make Half Square Triangles that will finish at 2 inches in your quilt. There's a "rule" about adding 7/8 to the size of the finished size you want.  So we will cut our square to 2 - 7/8.  This method will make two HSTs that measure 2.5in... but when sewn into our quilt will finish at 2in... the extra 1/2 in is the seam allowance.  (yes, you can just go to 3in and trim a bit more off if you want a little extra leeway in your cutting and don't want to mess with 7/8 marks that may or may not be on your ruler.)

 
Can you see that tiny vertical mark just before the 3in line?  That's 7/8 and it's ON the fabric.  If it were next to the fabric or off beside the fabric you would be loosing those few threads of fabric from your square. It doesn't seem like much, or worth the trouble, but if you are making a quilt with lots of pieces ... as we are with Gypsy Wife...  Every block would be  that )( much smaller... you could be loosing 1/4 in .. 1/2 in.. or even more by the end of the quilt.   It all adds up. 

I blew this picture up to extra large ... Look by the "tips" of the blue tape... they are pointing to that 7/8 in mark.  All my lines are ON the fabric.

Next we will take our ruler and draw a line diagonally across the square.

Then take your ruler, placing the 1/4 ruler line ON the line you just drew, draw a second line on either side of that first one.... so you will have 3 lines.

   

Now we go over to our sewing machine and stitch on the inside of the two outer lines(yes my stitching isn't perfect, but it is close enough to work)

    

Cut on the center line and you will have sewn triangles.

Here we finger press them open and you can see they are just marginally larger than the 2.5in unfinished square we need.

Now we "sliver trim" the excess fabric, turn the square and "sliver trim" the other side.

  

Repeat with the other block and Voila!  Two perfectly measured Half Square Triangles!