Feels Like Fall Blog Hop: Day 2

Welcome back for day 2 of our blog hop! We're looking ahead to Halloween today as Christina from Sometimes Crafter shares her tutorial for a Halloween Medallion Quilt made using a kaleidoscope ruler. She pairs novelty Halloween prints from Spooktacular with coordinates from both Harvest Song and Palm Springs for an eye-catching orange, black, white and purple wall hanging. Enjoy her tutorial and then find out at the bottom of the post how you can win a bundle of Spooktacular prints!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays of the year.  For me it means lots of decorating and crafting.  I'm not sure how it happened, but I am without a Halloween quilt to grace my couch and I knew that needed to be remedied this year.  I think this kaleidoscope quilt was the perfect way to display a few Halloween fabric favorites.  The finished size of this quilt is approximately 48" x 48" - just the right size for curling up on the couch with a scary movie.

Kaleidoscope quilt blocks are quick and easy to make and give so many different results depending on your fabric placement.  I especially love how the straight lines gives the illusion of curves when the blocks are placed together.  For this quilt top you will be cutting and placing fabrics to create a center medallion encased within a "circle."  This quilt is a great time to use low volume, or small prints for your background, so be sure to choose a fun background print.

Kaleidoscope quilts are full of funny little measurements of 1/16th to 1/32nds of an inch, so for this tutorial I will be using From Marti Michell's Kaleido-Ruler to make 16" blocks.  The ruler makes the task of cutting out pieces for a kaleidoscope quilt not only more accurate, but also faster.  The Kaleido-Ruler I'll be using makes blocks from 6" to 16".  I was so glad for my impulse buy of this ruler so many years ago.  Once you see how quickly these blocks and the quilt top go together, you'll be glad you have this ruler to make even more kaleidoscope quilts.  

To make this quilt you will need the following Benartex fabrics:

1/4 Yard (or 1 FQ) Spooky Spider Orange (Spooktacular collection) 

1/4 Yard (or 1 FQ) Dot Orange (Harvest Song collection) 

1/2 Yard Spider Web Black (Spooktacular collection)

5/8 Yard Fraidy Cat Purple (Spooktacular collection)

1-3/8 Yard Dot All Over Black (Palm Springs (contempo) collection)

Backing - 3 Yards (I suggest Creepshow Black/Orange from Spooktacular II)

Binding - 1/2 Yard (I suggest Dot Orange from Harvest Song)

Before we start, I want to talk about seams.  ​For this quilt I pressed all of my seams open.  I know that this is not generally considered a "proper" way of doing things, but you will be so much happier with your end result if you press your seams open.  After all those triangles come together in the center of the block, it can get quite bulky when pressing seams to the side, which not only makes the block bump up considerably, but can also stall a machine when quilting over it.  I plan on quilting this top with a moderate to slightly dense pattern, so I won't be worried about seams coming open​, and today's battings are so well made that I have never had trouble with bearding of my batting through the seams.  Keep all of this in mind, and make the choice that is right for you.

Cutting Your Fabrics

Begin by pressing all of your fabrics with a hot steam iron to work out all the wrinkles.  This step is important when working with the kaleidoscope ruler to ensure our cuts are as accurate as possible.  Following this, I will give instructions for cutting your isosceles triangles (we will refer to them as Triangle A from here on out) and your right-angled triangles (we'll call these Triangle B).  After these step-by-step instructions you will then see a list of strips needed from each fabric, as well as the number of triangles that need to be subcut from those strips.  To save time, you can stack your strips of fabric when cutting your triangles, just be sure to not stack more than two folded strips at a time (in other words, no more than four layers of fabric).

Triangle A (Isosceles) Cutting Instructions

From each of the fabrics, cut the specified number of 8.5" x width of fabric strips, being sure to square up the edge of the fabric before cutting the strips.  (If you are using a fat quarter for this, your width of fabric will be the 22" length.)  Lay your cut strip in front of you so that the length runs parallel to you and the bottom edge of the cutting mat.  Go ahead and leave your fabric folded when working from yardage.  Using the Kaleido-Ruler, line up the black line on the isosceles triangle side for the 16" block (this is the side with the Marti Michelle logo on it) with the bottom edge of the fabric strip, as far to the left as possible, and cut along both sides of the triangle.  You will discard the piece on the left and set aside the triangle under your ruler.  

This image shows you the 16" Block line on the ruler lined up with the bottom edge of the fabric strip.  That is the line you will use to make all of your Triangle A's.  You should also notice, when this line is on the bottom of your strip that the top, blunt point of the ruler is flush with the top of your strip.

Rotate your ruler so that the black line for the 16" block is at the top of your strip.  Line up the left edge of the ruler with the last cut you made on the fabric and cut along the right side of the ruler.  Set aside the triangle under your ruler.  

Rotate your ruler around again, so that the 16" block line is on the bottom of your strip, and the left edge of the ruler is lined up with the edge of the fabric, and cut on the right of the ruler.  Set aside the triangle under your ruler.  Continue rotating your ruler until you have the right number of triangles.  Each 8.5" strip yields 9 triangles (for the 9th triangle you will need to unfold your strip)

You will repeat these sames steps to cut all of your equilateral triangles.  

Fabric cuts for Triangle A pieces:

* Spooky Spider: 1 - 8.5" x WOF strip; 4 Triangle A pieces.

* Dot Orange: 1 - 8.5" x WOF strip; 4 Triangle A pieces.

* Spider Web Black: 2 - 8.5" x WOF strips; 16 Triangle A pieces.

* Fraidy Cat Purple: 2 - 8.5" X WOF strips; 12 Triangle A pieces.

* Dot All Over Black (Background): 4 - 8.5" x WOF strips; 36 Triangle A pieces.

Triangle B (Right-Angled) Cutting Instructions

To cut your strips from the fabric yardage for these triangles, you will be using the Kaleido-Ruler to achieve the correct width of the strip.  Orient the fabric with the selvage edges towards you and the bottom of your cutting mat, and the fold at the top.  Square up the RIGHT edge of your fabric.  Using the purple lines that run parallel to the long edge of the ruler (you will see "Cut Strips for Corner Triangles" on the ruler, with the lines for your block size you're making above it), line up the purple line for the 16" Block on the RIGHT edge of your fabric.  The 90 degree point will be to the right of the fabric and the long edge will be on your fabric several inches in from squared edge.

Using a 24" long ruler, and holding the Kaleido-Ruler in place firmly with your right hand, slide it up to the left side of the Kaleido-Ruler, flush to the long, straight edge.  

Hold the 24" ruler firmly in place and then slide the Kaleido-Ruler out of the way and cut along the right edge of the 24" ruler.  This strip, to the right of the ruler, is the strip you will use to cut your Triangle B's.  

To cut the triangles, lay the strip of fabric on the cutting mat so that the long edge is parallel to the top and bottom of the cutting mat.  If you left your yardage folded, make sure the fold of the fabric is to your right.  Using the 45-degree, pointed tip of the ruler, find the 16" Block purple line and lay that onto the bottom edge of your strip.  The point of the ruler should be flush with the top of your strip.

This photo shows the purple line for the 16" Block flush with the bottom of the strip.

Using your rotary cutter, cut on both the right (straight) and left (diagonal) side of the ruler.  This will give you two triangles (or four if your fabric was still folded in half).  Repeat until you have the desired number of triangles.  Each width of fabric strip will give you 14 triangles.

Fabric Cuts for Triangle B pieces:

* Fraidy Cat Purple: 2 - 1 - Kaleido-Ruler 16" Block strip width and leftovers from Triangle A strip; 16 Triangle B pieces. (Each width of fabric strip will make 14 Triangle B pieces.)

* Dot All Over Black (background): 2 - Kaleido-Ruler 16" Block strip width; 20 Triangle B pieces.

If you would like to see videos of how this ruler is used, this link has a 4 part series on using the Kaleido-Ruler (Cutting and Making the Kaleidoscope Block).

Quilt Block Assembly

Once all of your pieces are cut, I recommend placing them into 9 separate piles, one for each block.  

Working with one block at a time, I like to lay them out as they will be sewn together.  

Begin by sewing the center Triangle A pieces together, sewing a print to a background piece, keeping with the pattern of the block.  Repeat for all four pairs.  

After these pairs are sewn together, I finger press the seams open at the points of the block, up about an inch or so.  

Matching two pairs together along their sides, sew together.  Repeat for the other two sets.

At this point you will have two halves of an octagon sewn.

Finger press the seams open at the blunt points, up about an inch or so, and match the center seams on both halves to each other and pin in place along the seam allowance. I prefer to pin on each side of the seam allowance so there is no shifting when sewing.  

Sew the two halves together.  You will now have a completed octagon that needs its seams pressed. This photo shows what the back of your block will look like.  

Press all of the seams open with a hot steam iron.

Finally, sew the four corner pieces to the octagon piece, matching the centers of the corner pieces with the center of the triangle it will be sewn to.  

I find the easiest way to do this is to fold the pieces in half and finger press and then match the centers and pin.  

After stitching all four sides, press your seam allowances open with a hot steam iron.  You may find there is a small amount of wrinkling at the center of your piece.  Simply spray with water and press with a hot steam iron until you are happy.  I was able to get mine to lay flat without any wrinkling.  Assemble all of your blocks in the same fashion, referring to the diagram below as you sew for proper fabric placement.  Your block should measure 16.5" square when finished.

Quilt Top Assembly

Once all of your blocks are assembled, lay them out in order, making sure blocks are turned appropriately, so there are no mistakes when sewing.  Sew the blocks together in rows (top row, middle row, then bottom row) and press seam allowances open.  Sew all three rows together, and press seam allowances open.  

Quilt Backing

To create your backing, cut your backing fabric yardage in half so that you have two pieces measuring 54" x width of fabric.  Sew the pieces together along their 54" length.  Press your seam as desired.  Your backing will measure 54" x 88".  Trim if desired to 58" x 58", making the backing approximately 4" wider on all four sides than the quilt top.

​Quilt Binding

To bind this top you will need approximately 6 strips of fabric.  I like to cut my fabric 2" wide x width of fabric, but enough yardage is provided for wider binding widths.​  For a thorough tutorial on creating quilt binding, and sewing it to your quilt top, I suggest checking out my 3 part binding tutorial series.

I think you will be surprised just how quickly this quilt goes together.  It can easily be cut and pieced in a day.  I had hoped to have the quilt quilted by the time this tutorial went live, but as a professional longarm quilter, I can never seem to get my own quilts loaded and quilted.  I do hope to have this quilted in the next week or two, so I hope you will keep an eye on my blog where I will share photos of the quilting.  I'm thinking spider webs!  I will also be sharing a photo of another quilt I made using black and orange fabrics from my stash in a slightly different layout, so please stop by and take a peek.  Happy quilting!

Thanks Christina! Love the kaleidoscope look! Head over to Christina's blog and enter to win a fat quarter bundle of Spooktacular so you can get in the fall spirit! 

This is the second of six autumn and/or Halloween themed tutorials coming your way, from Wednesday, October 1 through Wednesday, October 8. Be sure to check out all six and enter for a chance to win a fun fall fabric bundle!

Here's the line-up:Day 1: Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation featuring the Harvest Song collection
Day 2: Christina from Sometimes Crafter featuring the Spooktacular collection
Day 3: Melissa from My Fabric Relish featuring the Daily Zen collection
Day 4: Benartex blog design team featuring the Fall Festival collection
Day 5: Debby from Debby Kratovil Quilts featuring the Spooktacular collection
Day 6: Erin from Why Not Sew featuring the Indian Summer collection

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Solar Stars: A One Block Wonder

Sometimes the best way to try a new technique is just to make one block, rather than an entire quilt's worth. That's the thought process behind Wendy Sheppard's "Solar Star" table runner in the new book Dazzling Diamond Quilts from Annie's Crafts. Wendy designed this runner using a combination of warm and cool colors from Contempo's Palm Springs collection. 

Photo: Annie's Crafts

How would you describe the style of this project?

Hmmm.  I would describe the style of this project as modern without sacrificing on tradition and technique - modern because of the fabric choice, traditional because of the feather star block.

Can you talk about how you made your fabric choices?

To me, picking colors for my designs is not always scientific as far as being predictable. I look for contrast in my quilt colors. I thought inserting the black in the block center would first really draw the eye to the block center and pique one's interest to want to look at the rest of the block and quilt. And then, the attention will start to move from the center to the rest of the block (hopefully!). So, instead of a blend of warm colors, I played with the idea of using a cool color to give a bit of unexpected element to the block. I carry that idea of to the borders as well with the green borders.

Why did you choose to use just one block?

This is sort of a one block wonder project.  So often, quilters don't feel like attempting a huge quilt to try out a new technique. I used this runner project to introduce the idea of template piecing in a feather star. Someone making this block will find it easy to finish up the project because she would only have to make the block once and not 25 times in order to finish up a project.

Any tips you'd like to share for diamond piecing?

I find that pinning is essential (I have written about it here and here). I always tell quilters to just jump in and try out a new technique. One never knows unless one tries. The Dazzling Diamond Quilts book is a great primer for those who want to try out diamond piecing for various projects - it was a great honor to have Solar Star featured in it.

To read more about Wendy's table runner (plus additional close-up photos!) and see her other work, click here.

To see the entire Palm Springs collection from Contempo, click here.

To find out more about the Dazzling Diamond Quilts book, click here.

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Day 2: Flower Favorites Blog Hop

Hello! We're back with Day 2 of our Flower Favorites blog hop. We're featuring blocks made with flower fabrics and/or blocks that are themselves flower-themed. We're excited to share these tutorials with you, and hope they'll inspire your next quilt, wall hanging, or table runner! 

Today, Erica from Kitchen Table Quilting is sharing a bright and cheery block she made using 4 prints from Contempo's Palm Springs collection. This block can't help but make you smile! Enjoy Erica's tutorial and then head over to her blog to see how you can enter to win some fabric for yourself!

Here's Erica: 

I was really excited when I got an email asking if I wanted to participate in a floral-themed blog hop. Especially when I saw this fabric line, Palm Springs. Since the color blue and tulips are two of my favorite things, this collection was perfect.  Plus those blue dots are such a fun low volume background fabric.  

Cutting instructions:

(1) 6.5" square focus fabric

(2) 3" squares green print

(4) 2.5" squares green print

(2) 3" squares blue dot print

(4) 2.5" x 6.5" stripe print

1.  Using a washable pen, mark a diagonal line across the wrong side of the 2.5" and 3" green squares.

2.  Pair the 3" green squares with the 3" blue dot squares to make them into half square triangles..  Place them right sides together, with the green print on top so the diagonal line is visible, and sew a line 1/4" from both sides of the drawn line.

3.  Cut along the drawn line.

4.  Press the seams open and trim the block down to 2.5".

5.  Place the 2.5" green squares onto the corners of the focus fabric square right sides together and sew along the drawn line.

6.  Trim the seam allowance to 1/4".

7.  And press the seams open.

8.  Piece the half square triangles to each side of 2 of the striped pieces and sew the remaining striped pieces to the focus fabric.

9.  Piece the top and bottom strips to the main piece.  

This creates a 10.5" unfinished block.  I didn't want to wait to put this block to good use so I added some borders and quilted it up so that I could place it on the end table in our living room.

Thanks Erica! Love your little quilt--those polka dots make a great border! 

Stop by Erica's blog to find out how you can enter to win 
a bundle of Palm Springs to play with yourself. And be sure 
to visit Sew in Love with Fabric each day this week for another inspiring 

flower block tutorial.

Don't miss the other tutorials featured in our Flower Favorites Blog Hop!

Day 1: Debby Kratovil from Debby Kratovil Quilts featuring Fossil Ferns and Palm Springs

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Day 1: Flower Favorites Blog Hop

Welcome!! We're celebrating spring with a Flower Favorites blog hop, featuring blocks made with flower fabrics and/or blocks that are themselves flower-themed. We're excited to share these tutorials with you, and hope they'll inspire your next quilt, wall hanging, or table runner! 

First up is Debby Kratovil from Debby Kratovil Quilts. She's paired a 
classic favorite (Fossil Ferns) with a fresh tonal print from Contempo's 
Palm Springs collection using oh-so-hot hexies. Enjoy her tutorial and 
then head over to her blog to see how you can enter to win some 
fabric for yourself!

Here's Debby:
I LOVE FLOWERS!

Yes, I still love FOSSIL FERNS

Spring colors make me happy. I love the greens and the 
purples and pinks, and - well - all of it!

I made these 2" EPP hexagons in the past few months using 
my bits and pieces of Benartex's Fossil Ferns. Did you know 
that Fossil Ferns have stayed strong for over 15 years? And 
there are 100 colors. That's unheard of in the quilt fabric 
world. I didn't know what I wanted to make, but I knew 
something would hit me eventually.

I was asked to join in the Benartex Blog Flower Favorites 
Block Hop and use any fabrics to make any flower. Now 
that's what I love! I have the brand new Palm Springs 
Collection and selected a neutral background for my block 
and two other fabrics which will become sashing and border.

3 fabrics from the new Palm Springs Collection

I have enough hexies to make at least 4 blocks. First, let's see 
it from the back:

All those hexies sewn in a Grandmother's Flower Garden variation

Notice my basting. I never sew through the papers; just 
stitch in the folds at the corners.

Background is cut 12-1/2" x 18-1/2"

This is a BIG block. I love big blocks (hence the title and 
theme of my second book, Supersize 'Em Quilts). Notice 
that I've taken the papers out of the patches and it's pinned
for stitching. How did I stitch it?

I used monofilament in the top and white thread in the bobbin
- all machine sewn

Notice that the patches were joined by hand. There is no need 
to remove the basting. Saves time!

Stitched onto the background and then background fabric 
is trimmed away

Nice big piece of fabric to be used for another project

And how does it look stitched?

Grandmother's Flower Garden Variation block: 
12" x 18" finished

Thanks Debby!

Stop by Debby's blog to find out how you can enter to win 
a bundle of Palm Springs to play with yourself. And be sure 
to visit Sew in Love with Fabric each day this week for another inspiring flower block tutorial.

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