We haven't been talking about it— and it's over and all is quiet…but apparently there are a few of you who are still plugging away and finishing them up!!!

Di over on –Quilting is Blissful-   finished her Round Robin!!! She is the first one— yay for you Di!!!!

Here is her photo + a blurb from her blog:

Everyone run over to Di's Blog and give her a pat on her back. 

If you missed the rows and designers– Clickety click here to make your own Patchwork Round Robin.

{That was sooo much fun to do— definitly doing that one again in the future.}

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I have never recieved a random package from anyone before- this one was the first MaryJo!  It is kind of fun I have to tell ya.

She sent a wonderful pile of cherry fabric:

After digging through for a bit, I found a chunk that was connected:

Can you believe?  I just need to finish it up —quilting, that is all!   Thanks Mary Jo,  I totally love them and they are just in time for the Annie Cherry Themed Swap I am in!! {i'll show ya later how cute she is}.  I of course didn't use all of it and have some nice sized pieces left.  Maybe enough to do a coins quilt….that would be cute!

Thanks Mary Jo!!!   Check out her goods here.  Mary Jo's blog and say a 'hello'.

And just because I got a random package– how about some random photos, from the camera thief of course:

Have you ever gotten a random, surprise package from someone?  Have you ever sent one?  Tell me all about it!

pst— I have a tutorial coming up tomorrow and I made the cutest elephant for Focus Friday!!!  Can't wait to share…….

pst–pst  Did you see this? How fun is that?

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Didn't want to leave you hanging with a project that will hang in limbo land for eternity like mine.

Quilting:

Basket Block Quilting

Friendship star block quilting

border quilting. I did a leaf motif and in the 4 patches I did a straight feather {I used to really not like feathers— my simple brain just couldn't wrap around that pattern…..but it has finally clicked.  I am not a pro at the feather, but I don't mind doing them now}

The back. Click the photo to make it BIG.  I echoed the center block and around the other flower pots.

Front:

As for the label.  I have yet to get mine done…..but I thought I'd share a quick secret and then I'll do a tutorial on it {next week}.  I'll share more info and photos, but until then.

Here is a list of all the designers, their rows they were in charge, and their links if they had one. You can make your own label without having to write it all down……. you will need them a little big so they are legible. I added a few things that you need to write in the answers before printing or after with a fine tip sharpie.

Patchwork Round Robin 2010

Pieced by:

Quilted by:

Borders Designed by:

Becky– Center Block and Basket Weave  patchworkposse.com

Konda– Scrappy top and bottom border  moosequilts.blogspot.com

Joy– Applique flowers and pots  jjsgiftsandcrafts.com

Donna– Flying Geese institchesdesigns.wordpress.com

Robin– Friendship Stars   robingallagher.blogspot.com

Angie– Basket Blocks   quiltingmelodies.blogspot.com

Molly–  Rail Fence     mollyscottage.blogspot.com

Becky– 4 Patch   patchworkposse.com

So here is a quick how-to:

1) Copy and paste the list into a word program

2) Iron a piece of fabric to freezer paper

3) Stick into printer {ink one not a copy machine} and push print. 

Your fabric will be printed!!!  Cut around the words.  Iron all sides under 1/4" and hand stitch to the back of the quilt. TA-DA!!

I'd love to see your finished Round Robins— or even those that are still in progress.  Share them here!!!

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Last week a package arrived with instructions to give it a border, do a bit of quilting and send it on to the family reunion in Washington.  His favorite shirts were Hawaiin prints.

I really do love making and quilting memory quilts….there is something peaceful about them. {except when they hover over you when you are quilting them} 

So, I will tell you what I felt and understood from Mr. Adventure.

He was a confident man. One that could wear these kind of shirts and get away with it.  He loved to wear them them because they showed off his spirit of playfulness. His spirit of adventure. His spirit of love of life. 

He was that 'favorite Uncle'.  The one that always gave you extra long squeezed hugs and maybe a tussle of your hair. 

One that understood you.  He manages to get a smile no matter how glum things were in your life. 

He made you feel wanted, loved, and included when everyone else rolled their eyes.

I love this guy–

I don't think he ever realized how lovely his shirts would be in a quilt that others could love, hold and remember the 'good times'.

quick shot of the back and some quilting.

Thanks Janna for letting me do this. 

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This is the final row for the Patchwork Round Robin. This is a large quilt girls! Did you notice that?

I am finishing up with a final row of 4 patches and then a stop border all the way around.  This will make it calm down just a bit and then add something that won't fall apart when you are quilting it. {I hate it when that happens}

Clickety Click here for Border #9

Check out the progress step by step:

Are you making the Patchwork Round Robin with us?

Share it with us & Post your pictures here

Did you miss a previous border?

• Center Block Pattern

• 1st border pattern

• 2nd border pattern

• 3rd border pattern

• 4th border pattern

• 5th border pattern

• 6th Border Pattern

•  7th Border Pattern

• 8th Border Pattern
• 9th Border Pattern

So, I don't want everyone to be all stranded and flipping around with just a top…..so I have decided that in 2 weeks I will do one more post to the Patchwork Round Robin Series.  The last post will be on how I quilted it, maybe some binding references….AND a printable label!!!

I will gather all the names, with their border #, and their state, blog whatever. I'll show you how {quick little tutorial} to print and stitch it on your finished quilt so you will remember where all the patterns came from.

I seriously love this and just have to say 'thanks' to the wonderful girls who took the time out and designed a border for us. They turned out totally cute!!!

Just to mix is up how about a little giveaway to go along with the super last post. ok?

I will pick a winner out of the flickr group pictures {round robin photos only}.  So, get stitching girls— get those tops done and show them off!!!

You have 2 weeks {JULY 12th} to get moving on it….. crack that whip– stitch.

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Tall Grass Studios was putting on the Spring to the finish your patchwork crafts contest.

1) messenger bag for Ammon

2) christmas blocks from swap- put into quilt top.  They are still in a pile waiting for me.

3) letter "O" quilt for show in Sept.   I am going to count this! I started it!!!!

4) Quilt Ammons 8th birthday quilt

5) Quilt 2 quilts of my own! that's right. mine.  I got halfway there!!! I finished 1 quilt for myself and 2 for others……

6) Mystery quilt for my Sewing Group. Do i have to show this one? It's a mystery.

Want to play along with they mystery? Become a member today!

7) Keep caught up on Block of the Months.  I have to put together the Pinwheel quilt and one group project still.  waaaaa I tried!

ok. so let's see  I lost ….no money for me waaaa!!   maybe next time I'll just put one thing down so I can be a winner. hee hee.

Did any of you play along? Did you finish your list of items?

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HMQS is a big part of Patchwork Posse membership. {Online sewing group} THANKS HMQS!!! Glad the show was such a hit!!!

The premier quilt exhibition & hands-on educational conference  for all machine quilters, embroiderers & those who love to sew!     May 6-8, 2010 Salt Lake City, Utah  www.hmqs.org HMQS Draws ThousandsThanks to Tremendous Support from All! Growing in Leaps & Bounds! This year’s show boasted 5,000+ attendees – an increase of 25% in just one year from the 2009 attendance. It was so exciting to see you all there! This year’s theme “Every Quilt Tells a Story” made for fun exhibits such as Corey Kunde’s Storybook Quilts, a gigantic book for attendees to walk through at the main entrance – complete with a quilted bookmark, and hundreds of beautiful quilts and garments each with their own special stories. To read a full review of this year’s show click here.   Quilts, Quilts, Quilts! This year’s show was packed from wall to wall with outstanding quilts, quilted garments and dozens of special exhibits! More than 275 quilts and garments were on display for attendees over the three days of the show. “The quilt exhibit is always the highlight of the show. Showcasing tremendous quilting, rewarding outstanding quilters, and offering the highest quality machine-quilting and embroidery education is the entire purpose of HMQS,” says Ann Collet, Show Director.   A Little More About This Year’s Best of Show…  “Unfolding” by Anna VanDemark is pictured above. Anna VanDemark grew up surrounded by art and artists.  Study at a private fine arts college was followed by two decades of easel painting.  Finding art quilting changed Anna's life.  Now, through her textile art, Anna is able to combine her love of fabric, nature, color, and design.  "Unfolding" was inspired by the shape of spring ferns and serves as a symbol of our unfolding lives and creative spirits.  This 60" x 83" wall quilt includes extensive foiling, bead embellishment, and decorative free motion quilting. Congratulations to Anna on her stunning, quilted work of art! She won $2,000 from Handi Quilter Inc.   Congratulations to all Quilt Award Winners!! $24,000 in awards was given out this year, thanks to our generous sponsors. We were pleased to add two new categories to this year’s competition – a Mixed Technique category and a Quilted Garment – Ensemble category.    To view the complete list of quilt award winners click here. To view all the quilts from HMQS 2010 you may order a Quilt Photo CD here. The CD will contain high-resolution pictures of every quilt in the 2010 competition, and will be mailed out no later than August 15th. HMQS & Show Partners Dedicated to Educating Youth in the Art of Machine Quilting!  Perhaps no one was prouder at the awards ceremony than Council High School teacher and councilor, Fran Ogden, who helped her students create and submit 18 quilts to the Youth category this year! Imagine her surprise when Mark Hyland of Handi Quilter Inc., this year’s Youth category sponsor, informed her that their classroom would be receiving a new HQ machine!  A big thank you to Kim Brunner for her Teacher Scholarship and to the International Machine Quilters Association for their 2010 Student Quilters sponsorship. HMQS is thrilled to encourage machine quilting education among our youth! HMQS 2010 Teacher of the Year Awarded to Linda V. Taylor HMQS was pleased to present the second annual “Teacher of the Year” award, sponsored by On Point Training & Development, the International Machine Quilters Association and Ruby River Steakhouse to Linda V. Taylor. Linda was honored during the ceremony for the exceptional teaching, talent and professionalism she has offered her students since the inception of HMQS seven years ago.  “Linda is a master teacher. She is an extraordinary machine quilter, and just has a way of teaching her techniques that gives her students confidence and enthusiasm,” says Ann Collet, HMQS Show Director.  Linda is a highly awarded professional longarm machine quilter whose work has been displayed in many venues and published widely in several quilting magazines and books.  Linda has been quilting for over 35 years and is known and respected as one of the pioneers and innovators of the art of longarm machine quilting. Congratulations, Linda! “Best Booth of 2010” Award Goes to My Fair Lady!  My Fair Lady, a beautifully decorated booth showcasing Shelly Smola’s original elegant embroidery designs stood out in the vendor mall as a beautiful beacon. Complete with a small trundle bed, adorable baby’s clothing and even a mini Christmas tree, this booth was a delight to behold! My Fair Lady is based in Pocatello, Idaho. Congratulations, Shelly!  She received a package including an $80 gift certificate to Ruby River Steakhouse, $100 off her vendor registration and the $250 Patchwork Promenade promotion free for HMQS 2011! You can view Shelly’s embroidery designs on her web site – www.myfairladydesigns.com.   Challenge Quilts Raised More $$$ Than Ever Before!!  This year’s Riley Blake Designs Challenge quilts were beautiful! After the $1,000 in cash prizes were awarded by sponsor, Christensen Wholesale, these quilts were live auctioned off on Saturday at the main stage by Brad Silcox of Silcox Auction! The auction action was fun and lively! And two of the quilts went for more than $850 each!    Additionally, Roberts Manufacturing donated a beautiful quilting / sewing table that was raffled off for those attendees who donated with their show admission. Total, an incredible $4,800 was donated by HMQS attendees and patrons!  This is three times the amount we have raised any other year!  100% of this was given directly to PJ’s Forgotten Children, a local non-profit organization whose mission it is to alleviate the burdens of families with mental illness. These donations will buy Christmas toys, backpacks, school supplies and more for hundreds of children in need.   Thank you to all for your generosity. Thank you to Christensen Wholesale, Riley Blake Designs, Doohikey Designs, designer Shari Butler, Brad Silcox, and Roberts Manufacturing. If you would like to help PJ’s you can visit their web site at www.pjsforgottenchildren.com.  HMQS  1472 W. Duck Pond Ln. Salt Lake City, UT  84123  www.hmqs.org

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This week I thought I would share the technique of the book.  You most definitly need the book to figure out patterns and the massive possibility of layouts.

With my ever increasing talents that I share with you girls— let me show off my paint program talent:

this frightful image just might push me over the edge and buy that EQ pattern design program.

Anyways……  It is a fairly simple idea….. you should give it a try.

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So today girls– I'm unfolding that quilt that is hanging on the ladder in my room {to hide that binding of course} and sharing it with you + some additional tips.

In defense of this poor thing being exposed as the worst bind ever….it is one of my first quilts.

I raided my mother in laws fabric stash for a few of those goodies.

It fits our bed and I still occasionally still use it. :)

Apparently I was ahead of my time and pieced the back too. weeee!

How NOT to bind a quilt

• Keep the backside/binding fabric too large
• Start it by machine stitching….what it doesn't all work out? Finish it by hand to coax it a bit.
• If it too big, just keep folding it

• Pucker? Who cares? Just keep going

• 2" binding is 'in'

Anyone have a How not to bind a quilt story? Even better do you have pictures? I need someone to share so I don't think I am alone in the world with the worst binding ever made.

pst- comment and leave a link if you want to share.

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Do you have a story like this? It starts with buying fabric 2 years ago–thinking, i love this…i will make something out of it. 

After a year I found this pattern– Geese in the Forest Quilt by Twiddletails– and go ahead with the plan of using it. The center gets finished and then waits for the borders.

yup, I had the border fabric. Sitting, waiting. But, because of my awesome organizing skills they didn't stick together and i ended up using the border for something else!! I know, the horror!  This last month I decided to get it out and finish it…..where is that border? only scraps left? How did that happen?

I hop in the car for a quick ride to the fabric store—this gal has had that fabric for 2 years and it has always been downstairs on sale…cross the fingers something is still there.  I had to dig, but girls……it was there!!! WEEEEE  What are the odds?

So here it is…finally finished. I love it. It's all washed and crinkly. yum.

The backside—I used the wrong side of the fabric because the right side was just too much color. I did a quick meander quilting. I started to do something fancy, and let me tell you girls- there comes a point in time when you think- I don't want to do fancy on 150 triangles {don't really know the #, just know i sewed forever} so meader it got with some variagated thread on the front.

I also made up the block from the Jelly Roll Sampler by Konda– I am in love with this fabric.

 Now, I know that really you are all visiting today to find out who won the Fabric Pack from last weeks {of course it was tied to a survey}.  

 The winner is——

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The flock of triangles quilt is an interesting one.  It is definitly not a pattern for beginners. It deals with bias edges, and points, points, points girls!! There are so many of them—they are everywhere!   I love the idea of the triangles, but and all.  Do I want to make one larger than I made? never.

Taking the square and cutting it twice so you get 4 triangles- fun. But after… you have a monster pile of triangles.

I decided to give it a try on a smaller scale…doll quilt. But then when I started adding the strips it was longer than wider…and so I added a border…and then another. You know how it goes…do one thing…it just keeps going. So now I have a finished size of 36" X 32" baby quilt.

It isn't my favorite. I am a symetrical kind of person…..left is the same as the right. Clearly with this quilt that is NOT the rule.  It is more like a improv quilt.   And, don't get me started on those points! Please, I beg…do not look at the points. They are so horrible. And Don't look at the top row. It is sooo off.  There really isn't a great way of lining those rows up so the points all match. ugh.

You looked didn't you? Shame on you. I shouldn't have said anything, then you wouldn't have noticed. Isn't that how it goes?

*pst–Monday I am introducing some new designers for the premium membership for Patchwork Posse. Don't miss out.

*pst-pst– March Focus Friday— BINDING!!! I will be sharing a different kind of binding each friday of the month.

*pst-pst-pst– Please go and fill out the Survey. There is a giveaway attached to it !!!!    Go, Now. There is still time.

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pros- easy enough. one fabric. no mistake in matching and all that stuff. 

fabric suggestions:  Make sure you ‘audition’ your fabric. In the store you can turn the fabric back on itself and see if there is enough difference to use the piece. Don’t go for the ones that have a small repeat in the pattern. And the ones with fat and skinny lines work the best, and do the best visually.  Also- go for the ones that have a lot of contrast. You don’t want something where all the stripes run into each other value wise.

cons- if you aren’t used to a big and i mean big, bulky center than this one might give you some issues. There are a lot of points in those centers….it doesn’t really matter that they match {that is a pro}, but they can be very bulky when ironing and especially when quilting. Those will give you a bit of a headache if you are quilting this on your own machine. You will most definetly want to avoid the centers. I ended up quilting mine in a box pattern. Kept away from all those bulking centers.

changes i made: I made this with 2 yards!! i know, 2 yards is more than 1…but it makes it a very nice lap size in the end with a few borders.

I really had fun with this one. You could make this in a weekend {not counting quilting} and it would make the perfect present for weddings, kids or friends. It is  can-do pattern.

I added a 2 inch stop border and then a 4 inch outside border.

Finished size: 54 inches X 54 inches

total cost: $25.00 + back {used a stash piece}  I bought the 2 yards on clearance at the quilt shop, and the last green border was a remnant piece. So not too pricey for a present either.

pst- don’t tell, but the green is really shiny like glittery on the one side. didn’t know until i opened it {it was a rolled remnant} and found out. hee hee too funny! it is a cotton/linen blend though and has some great variation in it that competes nicely with the center business.

pst-pst— It is the first quilt finished for the year!!! weee haaaa!!!  I am going to add this little goal for the new years resolution thing. When i finish the top, i finish the quilt!  That way my pile of un-quilted tops doesn’t grow.  Do you think that will work? Well, ok. so far so good.

Have you made a one yard wonder book project? Want to review it for the rest of us?

Send me an email— patchworkposse @ yahoo . com

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