Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 5 No. 4 Online Quilt Magazine · elaborate bedspreads that need to maintain a smooth, flat finish on the surface because there is virtually

Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 5 No. 4

© Online Quilt Magazine.com All Rights Reserved P a g e | 1

Online Quilt Magazine.com

Premium Issue Vol.5 No.4 – April 2014

Leah’s Basting,

Batting &

Backing Tips

PROJECT –

Pieced Tulip

Placemats

“Flowering Gums”

Block of the Month

Project– Month 2

Pattern

PROJECT –

Cross

Window Quilt

Pattern

5 Ways To

Use Your

Digital

Camera



Online Quilt Magazine Table of Contents

Basting, Batting and Backing Tips ……………………….…..…………………………………………………….………………………………………..…………………………………..………. Page 4

Quilting Tips – 5 Ways to use Your Digital Camera ……………………………………………….…..…………….…………..………………….…………………….………………...…. Page 8

PROJECT – Pieced Tulip Placemats ….…………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 11

Do You Iron Before You Cut? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Hints and Tips From Brannie …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………….

PROJECT – “Flowering Gums” BOM Wallhanging – Month 2 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4, 5 and 9 Patch Blocks Explained ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

What’s New from The Fat Quarter Shop ……………………………………..…………………………….………………………………………………………………………..……………….

PROJECT – Cross Window Quilt Pattern ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5 Challenges When Making A Quilt …………………………..…………..……...………………………….…………………………………………….………………………………………….

Page 21

Page 23

Page 25

Page 29

Page 31

Page 34

Page 40

Book Reviews ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………..…………………………………..………….……………………………...

Recipe Corner – Old Fashioned Hot Cross Buns .…………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Reader “Show and Tell” …………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….……………………………….………………………………...…

Page 43

Page 47

Page 50

BLOCK OF THE MONTH –Rolling Squares Block ………..………….………………….……..…..……………..................................................................................... Page 54

Today's Tips.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Page 57

YES – We Want To hear From You .............................................................................................................................................................................. Page 58

Cover – “Pieced Tulip Placemats”



Letter from the Editor

Jody Anderson

Hi!

You’ve got to love April! It’s always feels like a month of change – half the world is embracing spring (and

the other half is cooling down!) and kids are on school holidays (yes, again) to change up my working

days… And best of all, I can finally stop resisting the lure of Hot Cross Buns. I’ve been holding out since

they first appeared in the shops in January (!), but I figure with Easter only a couple of weeks away, that

now is the time to indulge. Speaking of which – what’s not to love about the fact that for this month, I

need no justification at all for eating lots of chocolate!!! Helps the creative process they say…

As usual, we’ve got a jam-packed bumper issue for you this month too. We have Part 2 of our new

“Flowering Gums” BOM wallhanging, there’s a lovely quilt pattern from Rose, and of course, our featured

Pieced Tulip Placemats.

There’s plenty of hints and tips, and some ‘how to’s’, new fabrics and more. Oh yes – there’s also a

recipe for Old Fashioned Hot Cross Buns if you’re inclined to make your own too!

Happy Easter, and Have a Great Month!

Jody



We're learning about the three B's today: basting,

batting, and backing!

Here's a short video to walk you through the

basting process: http://youtu.be/S40Z7TLHDVQ

Because the blocks from our Building Blocks

Project are so small, you really don't need to tape

them down. Just smooth the fabric on both sides

and then secure the layers with a few pins.

I'm using clover straight pins and Pinmoors, which

I love because they're easy to use and easy to

remove as I quilt. I used safety pins for years, and

they certainly work, but I didn't like how hard

they were to remove while free motion quilting.

A note about spray basting - I get loads of

questions about this stuff and frankly, I hate it. If

you use it and love it, that's just fine. Just do me a

favor and make sure you are spraying OUTSIDE!

Even if you have a non-smelly brand, that is often

an aerosol glue you are spraying into the air and

it is dangerously toxic.

Now I'll jump off that soapbox and let's talk about

batting!

Batting is the middle layer of your quilt, and the

one thing not seen once the quilt is finished.

Unfortunately this has led to a lot of quilters

assuming it doesn't really matter.

Truth is, the batting is what will determine the

softness, drape, and warmth of your quilt. If

you're planning to make a summer throw for the

couch, picking the wrong batting could mean

your quilt is only suitable for the depths of

winter!

Of course, there's a million choices out there, and

Basting, Batting and Backing Tips

By Leah Day from www.FreeMotionQuilting.blogspot.com.au



I kept the video focused on the two arch rivals:

polyester and cotton.

Cotton Batting - If you want your quilt to finish

super soft and cuddly, with your quilting lines

softly hidden in the wrinkly surface of an antique-

looking quilt, then cotton is the way to go. The

natural shrink to these battings will soften the

fabrics and create a cuddly drape.

If you want a super warm quilt, go with a higher

loft. If you want a super lightweight quilt, go with

a low loft.

I did get a question about pre-shrinking cotton

batting last week. If you want a super wrinkly,

crinkled effect, don't pre-shrink the batting (I

honestly have never bothered to pre-shrink as

I've never liked the idea of soaking a batting in my

washing machine).

Polyester Batting - If you want a totally flat,

totally smooth finish with no shrink or crinkly

effect on the surface, go with poly. This batting is

ideal for wall hangings, show quilts, and

elaborate bedspreads that need to maintain a

smooth, flat finish on the surface because there is

virtually no shrink to polyester batting.

You can make bed quilts out of poly too, you just

might find the finished effect is a bit on the stiffer

/ flatter side.

If you want to debate the merits of wool, silk, soy,

and bamboo, you certainly can try these too. I've

never had the time to compare all of these new

materials, but I certainly want to give them a try!

So how do you go about checking to make sure

you like your batting?

Pick one block from the Building Blocks Pattern



and piece an extra block. Baste it with the batting

you're testing, and quilt using one of the designs

in the pattern.

Zigzag the edges to finish, then throw the block in

the wash and treat it the exact same way you will

treat the finished quilt. After it's washed and

dried, pull it out and take a look. Does it feel the

way you want? Is the surface wrinkly or smooth?

The point here is to TEST - to know what a

batting will do, you have to put it in a block, quilt

it, and wash it.

I have had horrible experiences with both cotton

and polyester battings bearding, and I could have

easily avoided these issues if I had tested the

batting first.

Bearding is when the batting fibers begin to pull

out of the quilting holes, creating a visible fuzz

over the surface or back of the quilt. Sometimes

this is caused by a blunt needle, sometimes by

weird thread, but mostly because the batting was

cheap and unstable and happy to migrate

wherever it could.

Of course, we're working block by block in this

quilt along, so if you notice your batting acting

funny in the first few blocks you will have time to

switch and remake those blocks.

But for a normal bed quilt created in one piece -

once the batting is in the middle of that quilt and

you've started quilting it, you're pretty much

committed to whatever effect it's going to give

you.

So what are we using?

For Josh's beginner quilt, I cut squares of Quilter's

Dream Cotton Fusion in the Select loft, which is a

100% cotton batting with a layer of fusible web

on the back side which I've fused to the backing

fabric.

The batting doesn't have glue on the opposite

side, so you still have to secure the top with pins,

but the layer of fusible did create a slightly stiffer,

more stable base for the quilt. Josh noticed

immediately that the quilt was easier to handle

and less wibbly-wobbly!

For me, I'm using Quilter's Dream Poly in the



Select loft. This is pretty much my go-to batting

of choice and use it in everything from throw

quilts to show quilts. I'll likely need my quilt to

hang up straight and flat and be photographed,

so I want a flatter finished effect.

Okay! That's it for the three B's! Let's get our

blocks basted and ready to go, and next time I'll

share another video on the settings and tools I'll

be using for free motion quilting!

Let's go quilt,

Leah Day

About the Author: Leah Day is the author of the Free

Motion Quilting Project, a blog project dedicated to

creating new free motion quilting designs each week and

sharing them all for FREE! Leah is also the author of From

Daisy to Paisley - 50 Beginner Free Motion Quilting Designs,

a spiral bound book featuring 50 designs from the project,

and she now has three Free Motion Quilting classes

available through Craftsy.com. www.daystyledesigns.com

3DollarBOM.com

Imagine Downloading An Exclusive

Quilt Pattern For Only $3 Per Month!

That’s Right – for Less than the Cost of a Cup of

Coffee per Month, You will Receive the Pattern for

One of Three Original Block of the Month Quilts,

emailed Directly to Your Inbox Each Month.

Check out the New Quilts Available

Now!!!

Register Now at www.3DollarBOM.com



If you are interested in quilting tips for using your

digital camera, you have come to the right place.

Most of us think of our digital camera as a tool to

capture family memories. It can also be used to

document and help you with your quilting

projects.

Here are five ways of using your digital camera

that you may not have thought of before now.

Quilting Tip 1 - Determine Fabric Values

Do you have a hard time telling what is a medium

fabric versus dark fabric when it comes to quilting

projects? You can use your digital camera to help

you out.

Simply, set your camera to take a black and white

picture. Then, take a picture of the fabrics next

to each other. When you view the fabrics in

shades of gray, you can better tell if there is a

nice contrast.

Example – photo from http://sweetbriarsisters.com/blog/color-value-can-improve-quilting/

Quilting Tip 2 - Choose Layouts

Sometimes you are just too close to a project to

tell which quilt block layout will work the best. By

taking pictures of the different layouts, you will

not have to remember.

Quilting Tips-5 Ways to Use Your Digital Camera

By Irette Patterson from www.easyquiltingcentral.com



You can look at different possible layouts

objectively and make the right choice.

This makes a digital camera invaluable for scrap

quilts. By taking a picture, you know exactly

where you want each unique, scrappy quilt block

to fit into your design.

Sometimes it is easy to get these blocks mixed up

as they make their way from the design wall to

the sewing machine.

Quilting Tip 3 - Christmas Store

For Christmas, set up a Christmas store that

contains the quilts you plan to give as gifts on a

picture-sharing site.

Take a picture of each quilt and invite your family

and friends to select their gift. This way everyone

is happy.

They get the quilt that they want and you won't

have to guess if your hard work will be

appreciated.

Quilting Tip 4 - Blog It

Consider starting a blog documenting your

projects.

Blogging is a great way to broaden your quilting

network and learn new quilting tips and tricks. It

is also good for getting an objective opinion when

you are trying to decide what border fabric to use

or if you are having a hard time making the call

on a layout.

Quilting Tip 5 - Second Opinion on Fabric

OK. I have seen this last tip in action. Have you

ever been in a store and sent a trusted friend a

quick picture of a dress you were thinking of

buying for a second opinion from your camera

phone?

You can do the same for fabric in a fabric store if

you are not sure of making a purchase.

Better than that, if you see a piece of fabric that

would be perfect for a friend, you can send a

picture of it to her to see if she would like some

of it and how much.



In some cases when it comes to quilt fabric, what

you see at your local quilt shop one day will be

gone tomorrow.

So, there you have five quilting tips for using your

digital camera.

Use it for pictures to determine fabric values,

decide on block layouts, open your own

Christmas store, blogging and sharing possible

must-have fabric purchases.

As you begin using your digital camera with

quilting, I am sure you will come up with more

uses. This is just to get you started.

Now, get snapping!

About the Author: Interested in more easy quilting tips,

techniques and tricks? Visit

http://www.easyquiltingcentral.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irette_Patterson



Project – Pieced Tulip Placemats

By Jody Anderson from www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

These pretty pieced tulip placemats bring a breath of fresh air into your home. Made from a solid colour

and a handful of batik 5 inch charm squares, these modern drunkard’s path blocks are fairly quick and

easy to make. They could be great too for a non-traditional Easter!

Placemat 1

Placemat 2

These placemats measure 12 inches wide x 16 inches long.



You Will Need:

Placemat 1: (Grey tulip on coloured background)

½ metre (½ yard) plain grey fabric (this is a generous fabric allowance)

10, 5-inch charm squares. (You will need two of the same fabric for 2 square sets)

Piece batting at least 14 inches x 18 inches

Placemat 2: (Bright tulips on grey background)

½ metre (½ yard) plain grey fabric

8, 5-inch charm squares

Piece batting at least 14 inches x 18 inches

Spray starch - recommended

Construction:

First, piece the Drunkard’s path blocks. Piecing these is exactly the same for both placemats – just the

colour placement changes.



Use the attached templates to cut the pieces

for your Drunkard’s Path blocks.

For Placemat 1, cut 4 different charm square

fabrics.

For Placemat 2, cut 8 of these pieces in the

plain grey fabric.

We found it easier to piece these using Linda

Hahn’s method in her fabulous “New York

Beauty Simplified” book. Keep the curve of the

template, but allow extra fabric at each end as

shown.

Using the other template, cut the quarter circle

pieces.

For Placemat 1, cut 4 plain grey fabric pieces.

For Placemat 2, cut 8 from different charm

square fabrics.

Again, follow the curve, and allow extra fabric

at the sides.



Before sewing, press each piece well. Using spray

starch helps a lot with sewing these curves, and

avoids any unnecessary stretching of the fabric.

As shown, lay the convex curved piece (with the

curve sticking outwards) on top of the concave

piece (curve going inwards). Start at the top and

line up your ¼ inch foot with the raw edges.

Sew a few stitches, then lift the foot (keep the

needle down) and move the top piece over

slightly, so that the edges line up again.

Work your way around the curve, stopping every

few stitches to adjust the edges and line them up

again with your ¼ inch foot.

It will curl up a bit behind you as you sew, but

this is perfectly normal.

Sew around until you reach the other end of the

curve.



Open out and press.

Your block is wonky, but the curve is

perfect!

Now trim the blocks.

Line up your ruler so that the 3 inch mark

on either side just meets the curved piece

as shown.

The block needs to be trimmed to 4½

inches, so you need to make sure that

measurement fits on the block too, but the

angle doesn’t matter, as long as you stick to

the 3 inch points on the curve.



Trim the top and right side.

Turn the block around 180 degrees and

square your block up to 4½ inches.



Ta Dah! One finished perfect Drunkard’s

Path block.

Finish all blocks in this way.

To make the top of the tulip, you need to

trim one side and add a strip to the other.

For Placemat 1, you need to trim 2 blocks.

For Placemat 2, you need to trim 4.

Position the block as pictured, and cut a

strip measuring 1¼ inches from the right

hand side. The remaining part (with the

curve) should be 3¼ inches wide.



For Placemat 1, cut 2 strips measuring 4½

inches x 1¾ inches – one from each of the

second of the charm square fabric pairs, so

that the background is the same fabric.

For Placemat 2, cut 4 strips 4½ x 1¾ inches

from the plain grey fabric.

Sew the strips to the left hand side of the

block as pictured.

Press well.

Finishing - Placemat 1:

Trim the remaining 4 charm squares of batik fabric to each measure 4½ inches x 4½ inches. Refer to

the photo above, and arrange and piece the top, with the tulip block in the centre and a pair of plain

charm squares to either side.

From the plain grey fabric, cut two strips measuring 2½ inches x 16½ inches, and sew one across the

top of the pieced placemat centre, and the other across the bottom.

Press well.



From the plain grey fabric, cut a backing piece, approximately 14 x 18 inches. Also cut sufficient 2¼

inch strips for the binding.

Lay the backing face down on a flat surface. Smooth the batting on top, and then lay your pieced

placemat top on top of that, facing up. Smooth all layers and pin or thread baste.

We echo quilted a couple of rows inside the grey tulip, and then filled in the batik background with a

medium sized stippling. Quilt in the ditch along the top and bottom strips. Quilt yours as you wish.

Trim to square it up.

Join the binding strips with 45 degree seams. Press the ¼ inch seams open, then fold the strip in half,

right sides out and press.

Join the binding to the right side of the quilt edge with a quarter inch seam, mitring each corner as you

go. Turn the folded edge of the binding to the back and slip stitch it in place with thread that matches

the binding to finish.

Finishing - Placemat 2:

Refer to the photo above and arrange your two tulip blocks as you like. Sew the pieces together and

press well.

From the plain grey fabric, cut two strips measuring 2½ inches x 16½ inches, and sew one across the

top of the pieced placemat centre, and the other across the bottom. Press well.

Also from the plain grey fabric, cut a backing piece, approximately 14 x 18 inches. Cut sufficient 2¼

inch strips for the binding too.



Lay the backing face down on a flat surface. Smooth the batting on top, and then lay your pieced

placemat top on top of that, facing up. Smooth all layers and pin or thread baste.

We echo quilted a couple of rows outside each of the batik tulips, and then filled in each tulip shape

with a fairly fine loopy design. Quilt in the ditch along the top and bottom strips. Quilt yours as you

wish. Trim to square it up.

Join the binding strips with 45 degree seams. Press the ¼ inch seams open, then fold the strip in half,

right sides out and press.

Join the binding to the right side of the quilt edge with a quarter inch seam, mitring each corner as you

go. Turn the folded edge of the binding to the back and slip stitch it in place with thread that matches

the binding to finish.

For more Block of the Month Quilt Projects, go to www.OnlineQuiltMagazine.com

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Ironing before cutting is important. Quilting

requires accuracy and the finished product will

reflect the chain of events from the very

beginning.

It reminds me of when you cast a stone into a

lake and you see how the ripples get larger and

larger from the impact of the stone toss.

Most quilters prefer to wash their fabrics on

delicate cycle in the washing machine. After

washing the fabric the truth of an irregular cut or

shrinkage will be known.

The washing process also lets you to see how

straight or irregular the fabric yardage is. As the

fabric cutter you will need to make adjustments

accordingly.

Drying your fabric is important. I prefer to open

the entire width of the fabric and let it dry on the

clothes line. If you choose the dryer; remove

fabric while still a bit damp, then iron or press the

cloth.

Straightening fabrics to prevent irregularity is

very important and ironing or pressing your

fabrics will not only remove wrinkles, but will also

allow you to insure your fabric is truly thread or

grain straight.

Depending on your quilting fabric, you may

decide to lightly starch or use sizing before or

during the ironing procedure.

If you are creating a quilt that will not be washed

you may prefer sizing as the starch sometimes

may attract bugs.

Do You Iron Before You Cut?

By Tricia Deed from www.Infotrish.com



Some people press before cutting and after

cutting. Pressing at every stage of the quilting

process will prove to be very valuable.

Steam ironing your fabric will remove wrinkles

and flatten the fabric for more accurate cutting.

The fabric should be free of any wrinkles or

threads in order to cut single or multiple layers of

fabric for measurement and pattern accuracy.

It has happened to me and I am sure it has

happened to you; wrinkled fabric towards the

end of the bolt. I have lucked out with wrinkles

released in the normal wash cycle or with steam

ironing.

However, there are some fabrics that do not

want to get rid of their wrinkles. If the spray

starch does not work, add a small amount of

white vinegar to your water and let it work its

magic.

I have used vinegar to clean my steam iron;

however, often times the particles in the iron will

be jetted out with the steam flush causing my

fabrics to stain with unwanted spots. I

recommend that you use a separate spray bottle

to hold your vinegar and water solution.

Experiment on a sample piece of fabric before

using this method.

About the Author: Learn to quilt today. Visit the hobby

page of Tricia Deed at http://www.Infotrish.vpweb.com/

Review Quilting Gems. Do not forget to download your free

quilting pattern. Tricia Deed brings you through internet

marketing, hobbies for your leisure and recreation and

business hobbies to increase your household income. I

invite you to my web pages to visit and review hobby

companies of your choosing. Do take advantage of their

free giveaways.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tricia_Deed

LUDLOW QUILT AND SEW

Discover new and exciting projects to quilt

and sew each month with clear and easy to

follow instructions.

Visit our website and subscribe to Ludlow

Quilt and Sew’s free monthly newsletter now.

www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk



My Quilty-Mum is washing the big quilt from her

bed.

She's on her knees, hanging over the edge of the

bath and sloshing the quilt in warm water and

soapy bubbles. She has to stop and lean back

every now and then to let me teeter past on the

edge of the bath because I am VERY interested.

I'd like to jump in, but I'm not game. Apparently a

previous Burmese in this household liked

swimming in the warm water when Auntie J was

a little person. I'm sure it would be fun.

Then there is that little hole she makes in the

bath at the end and the water goes out. Bubbles

go round and round. That looks great! Very

exciting. I meow a lot at that bit. "Where's it

going Naow?" "Haow??"

She has put water in and out several times. It's

really brown after she's sloshed the quilt around

a bit and is letting the water out again. Where

did all that dirt come from, I wonder?

I don't see her doing anything really dirty on it.

No shoes or anything. She just puts it on and off

the bed - and I just sleep on it for hours - or

under it - or I jump on and off and across a few

times a day. Sometimes fast; sometimes slow.

Bit of a roll every now and then. You know how it

is, Quilty-cats. I can't understand where all that

dirt came from. Maybe she walks on it when I'm

not around. That must be it. How strange!

I am waiting with great interest now to see how

she's going to get that wet quilt outside to dry. I

Hints and Tips From Brannie

By "Brannie" Mira-Bateman



don't think she is sure either. There is a lot of

standing and pondering going on.

Later......She wrapped it all up in a soft thing and

ran with it to the washing machine - dripping all

the way. Now it is going bomp-bomp-bomp in

that. I think water is being squeezed out

somehow as I can hear it gurgling down that hole

in the floor.

She is standing, muttering at the door. I can see it

is raining lightly. I wonder what will happen

next?

It's always interesting in this house, isn't it? It will

be nice to have a clean, fluffed-up quilt to sleep

on again.

Love Brannie,

the Quilt Block of the Month Club Cat!



Project – Flowering Gum Wallhanging – Month 2

By Annette Mira-Bateman from www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

This month we work on the second part of our “Flowering Gums” Block of the Month quilt, and this

month you will start layering, and add the applique to the centre panel.



You Will Need:

½ metre ( ½ yard) plain light green fabric for leaves, hexagons and pinwheels

1/3 metre ( ½ yard) grey-green fabric for leaves and hexagons

1/3 metre ( ½ yard) darker olive green fabric for leaves and hexagons

Fat Quarter mid-brown mottled fabric for branch and hexagons

Small amount plain pale pink fabric for applique

Very small amount plain yellow fabric for applique

Fusible webbing for applique

Mid green and light brown machine threads for appliqued leaves and stems

Applique:

This next layer is raw edge appliqued on top of the stitchery you did last month.

Print off the templates from the separate pattern file and join the two main pages together as you did

last month. The other pages are templates for the individual leaves and branches. There are three

different leaf colours and the template sheets have been separated into these colours to make it easier

when cutting the pieces out.



Each leaf is numbered, and using that number and the colour coded templates, you can locate the

position of it on the main applique template diagram.

Add the fusible webbing to the back of your fabrics, and using the templates, cut out the pieces as

required.

There are separate sheets for the stem and flowers.

As shown, carefully cut out each of the shapes

and peel off the paper backing.

Take your time and position them on the

stitched centre panel carefully before fusing

anything in place.

Remember, these are leaves, and you can’t

really go wrong with placement, as it won’t

really matter for the finished project, but do try

and be careful with overlapping, to achieve this

same finished look.

When you are happy with the arrangement,

press.



Using your machine threads, raw edge applique the leaves and stems. Go around each leaf with green,

and use the brown thread for the stems and centre leaf vein.

Do not applique the pink or yellow flowers at this point.

(Note – the stitchery leaves from month one are shown on the full template in pale black to help with

the applique positioning.)

Next Month, you will add the flowers to complete your centre panel.

For More Original and Exclusive Block of the Month Quilt Patterns, go to

www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

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Facebook Page – Do You Love Quilting Too?

Bonus blocks, hints and tips added all the time!!

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You-Love-Quilting-Too/271888039492644



You've no doubt heard quilt blocks being labelled

as 4 patch, 9 patch, or maybe even 5 patch

blocks. But, what does that mean, and why

should it matter - after all we just want to sew

the pieces together, don't we?

It's easy to tell which is which in some blocks - 5

patch blocks usually are divided into 5 squares

across and 5 squares up and down, for a total of

25 patches.

It gets a little complicated when each patch is

made up of half-square triangles or quarter

square triangles, or any other shapes. But 5 by 5

is the basic division.

Things change a little when you look at a 9 patch

or a 4 patch quilt block.

Nine patch blocks start out by having 3 patches

across and 3 patches up and down, for a total of 9

patches in the block.

Four patch blocks start out with 2 patches across

and 2 patches up and down - for a total of 4

patches in the block.

4,5, and 9 Patch Blocks Explained

By Penny Halgren from www.How-To-Quilt.com



But, you say - you've seen 4 patch blocks with 4

patches across and 4 patches up and down.

And that's what happens. You start out with the

basic grid (2x2, 3x3, 5x5, or something else) and

then each patch can be divided into its own little

grid.

Each patch in the 4 patch gets divided into a 2x2

grid, resulting in 4 patches by 4 patches, making

16 patches in the block. And all blocks follow

along.

But, really, what difference should it make?

For years, I just merrily sewed my quilt blocks

together, making the patches and sometimes

noticing whether it was a 4 patch, 5 patch or 9

patch. But I really didn't pay much attention.

Then when I started using a quilt design software

program, the difference became apparent, and I

started to pay attention. It's nice to be able to cut

patches using somewhat normal measurements -

1 inch, 1/2 inch, 1/4 inch, etc.

When you make a 9 patch quilt block into an 8

inch block, and you have 3 patches across and 3

patches up and down, each of your patches

would be 2 2/3 inches square (plus seam

allowances). Those 1/3 or 2/3 measurements

aren't marked on any ruler I have, and it just

seems inconvenient (at the least) to work with

those numbers.

Why not just make the 9 patch blocks a size that

can be easily divided by 3 or 9 - like 9 inches?

And the 4 patch blocks into a size divisible by 4 -

like 8 inches?

About the Author: Penny Halgren is a quilter of more

than 27 years, and enjoys sharing her love of quilting

with others. Sign up for her free quilting tips, quilt

patterns, and newsletter at

http://www.How-to-Quilt.com



We're pleased to be able to bring you a selection

each month of the Newest Fabric Releases and

the new season fabric "must haves".

30s Playtime 2 by Chloe’s Closet for Moda

Fabrics

It’s time for some vintage fun! Pop back into the

1930s with bright colors and playful prints!

The new 30s Playtime 2 collection by Chloe’s

Closet for Moda Fabrics will look adorable in

vintage-inspired quilts!

Check it out at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/moda-fabric/30s-

playtime-chloes-closet-moda-fabrics

What's New from The Fat Quarter Shop

From Kimberly Jolly at www.FatQuarterShop.com



Jelly Bean by Laundry Basket Quilts for Moda

Fabrics

Stunning prints and batiks to inspire your next

quilting masterpiece. Jelly Bean by Laundry

Basket Quilts for Moda Fabrics elegantly mixes

color and prints for a stunning new collection.

See the Range at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com//moda-fabric/jelly-

bean-laundry-basket-quilts-moda-fabrics

Winter Wonderland by Bunny Hill Designs for

Moda Fabrics

It’s never too early for Christmas sewing! Winter

Wonderland by Bunny Hill Designs for Moda

Fabrics is perfect for cheerful Holiday projects.

Fill your home with red and white elegance

during these holidays!

View this Collection at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/moda-fabric/winter-

wonderland-bunny-hill-designs-moda-fabrics



Token of Friendship by Kansas Troubles Quilters

for Moda Fabrics

Rustic colors and lovely floral prints fill the Token

of Friendship collection by Kansas Troubles

Quilters. Celebrate your friendships with this

heart-felt fabric collection.

See More at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com//moda-fabric/token-

of-friendship-kansas-troubles-quilters-moda-fabrics

"Achieve Machine Quilting Perfection

on Every Quilt You Make . . .

While Learning How

How to Make the Most of Fat Quarters,

Fabric Scraps, and Fabric From the Bolt"

Machine quilting made easy!

Your friends and family will be amazed to see what you

can do with small bits of fabric, whether they come

from brand new fat quarters or cut up shirts from

the thrift shop.

http://www.how-to-

quilt.com/machinequiltingperfection.php



PROJECT – Cross Window Quilt Pattern

By Rose Smith from www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk

This quilt is made from a few very simple blocks. The

colours are very different from my normal choices, but

purple and gold do give a wonderfully rich look to a quilt.

I’ve been told that it looks a bit like a stained glass

window – hence the name.

The quilt measures 58 inches square and I have used 1¾

yards of the purple fabric and 2 yards of the gold.

I’ve used a lot of strip piecing to speed things up.

Cutting requirements

6.7/8 inch squares: twelve each in purple and gold

6½ inch squares: eight each in purple and gold

2½ inch strips: twelve strips of both fabrics cut across the width of fabric, plus an additional six strips of

gold for the border.



Making the half square triangles

Make half square triangles with the 6.7/8 inch

squares. Place one purple and one gold square

with right sides together and mark a line along the

diagonal. Sew a seam 1/4″ either side of the

marked line and cut along the line. This produces

two half square triangles. You will need twenty

four half square triangle units (made from twelve

purple and twelve gold squares).

Making the nine patch units

These units are much quicker to make if you use

some strip piecing. Sew together 2½ inch strips in

one panel of purple, gold, purple and another

panel of gold, purple, gold.

Press the seam allowances all the same way on

each panel – it will make it more easy to nest

them when you sew strips together.

Cut at 2½ inch intervals so that you have strips 2½

inches wide by 6½ inches long.



Each nine patch unit can be made with one strip

of gold/purple/gold and two strips of

purple/gold/purple.

Sew the three strips to each other to complete

one nine patch quilt block.

You will need twenty-eight nine-patch blocks, so

cut fifty six of the purple/gold/purple strips and

twenty eight of the gold/purple/gold strips.

Using the light/dark/light panels only, cut at 6½

inch intervals to make 6½ inch square stripy quilt

blocks. You will need twelve of these.

Along with the plain 6½ inch squares in both

purple and gold, you now have all the blocks

made ready to begin making the quilt.



Assembling the quilt top

This quilt design is symmetrical in all directions which makes it more easy to put together: once you

have laid out all the quilt blocks, you can keep checking one side against the other to make sure that

you have everything in the right place and facing in the right direction.

The first row has a purple square at each end and

in the middle. On each side of the middle square

there are a half square triangle, a stripy block and

a nine patch unit.

The second row has a half square triangle at each

end and a nine patch block in the middle. On

either side of the central square are a plain gold

square, a nine patch unit and a half square

triangle.

The third row has a stripy square at each end

with the stripe placed vertically and a plain gold

square in the middle.

On either side of the central square are two nine

patch units and a half square triangle.



The fourth row is made with a nine patch at each

end and a vertical stripe in the middle. On either

side are a nine patch unit and two half square

triangles. The two half square triangles are placed

to form a diamond shape.

Row five is the central row of the quilt. It has a

purple square at each end and a nine patch in the

middle. On either side there are a nine patch, a

plain gold square and a stripey block with the

stripe horizontal.

Row six is where the quilt pattern begins to repeat

itself, so it is made with the same blocks as row

four, but with the triangles placed differently.

Row seven uses the same blocks as row three.

Row eight uses the same blocks as those used in

row two and the ninth row has the same blocks as

the first row. In each case the triangles are angled

so that the design draws in towards the middle.

Sew all the blocks together across each row and

then sew the rows to each other.



Quilt Border

For the border I have just used a simple gold 2½

inch strip.

You will need two lengths of 54½ inches for the

top and bottom of the quilt and two lengths of

58½ inches for the sides.

The quilt top is now ready for layering, quilting

and binding.

About the Designer: Rose Smith was born and brought up in Zambia in Africa. She moved to the UK when she was

18 and now lives in Shropshire, indulging her passion for quilting and sewing. She has sewn all her life - ‘anything

that stood still long enough’ in the words of her children - but now finds that patchwork and quilting have taken

over her life. She indulges this passion by posting patterns and tutorials on her website for all to share.

www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk

http://modernquiltrelish.blogspot.com.au/



As a quilter there are many challenges you face

when designing, sewing and ultimately quilting

the finished product.

Here are the 5 most important steps that you

need to complete before the finished product can

be proudly displayed and viewed by others.

Step 1

Choosing the fabric for the quilt can be one of the

most challenging and exciting tasks facing the

quilter or one of the most frustrating.

Color choices can indeed determine the overall

success of your quilt because it can either be alive

and sparkle with its color or be dull, drab and

boring due to the lack of it.

Since you might be like most quilters and wish

you were wealthy enough to have the complete

"stash" that contains every fabric that you ever

could want to use, choosing your fabrics carefully

is important. Colors chosen for the background

should be quiet and more neutral so as not to call

attention to this part of the quilt and allow for

the printed colors to jump out and shine.

There are two recommended quilter color tests

that will help in your selection. First, place the

colors next to each other to be sure they

compliment and do not detract from each other.

The second and equally important is to stand

back at least six feet and look carefully to see

how the fabrics melt or mix together. Select

fabrics that will enhance your pattern. Use the

color wheel to help in the selection of colors that

compliment or intensify. The hot colors of yellow

and orange will dominate the quilt and

conversely, the cool shades of blues will add a

depth dimension to your quilt. Remember that

5 Challenges When Making a Quilt

By Sharon Camp at www.uniquebabyquiltboutique.com



the neutral shades are pleasant to the eye and

allow for the other hues to show their true color.

Be sure to prewash all fabric, dry and iron prior to

cutting for your projects.

It is always wise to buy a little extra fabric in case

of wrong cuts than to be short. This way you can

add the extra to that fabric stash for your next

project!

Step 2

Whether you plan to use a pre-cut pattern, draft

your own blocks, use a template or cut out pieces

with a rotary blade, the design of the quilt

becomes your true masterpiece.

Whether your blocks are pieced or appliqued,

simple or complex, each can be connected block

to block or with sashings and cornerstones.

Another alternative that frames the blocks and

gives a three dimensional look to your block is a

framed or window block. Blocks can be set on a

horizontal pattern running crosswise or

lengthwise. Another alternative would be the

zigzag effect which is produced by placing the

blocks diagonally.

Enhancing or enlarging a block or the size of the

quilt can be easily done by the adding of borders.

Well-designed borders add to the colors in the

quilt blocks, as well as bring out designs and

shapes featured in the blocks. Interesting borders

can be pieced, appliqued, and mitered corners

add stunning results that frame the blocks in the

center.

Step 3

No matter the colors or the design that is chosen,

the construction or the sewing of the quilt has

rules that need to be followed carefully to

guarantee a great result. Be sure to sew exactly ¼

inch seams from edge to edge. If possible, keep

the straight of the grain on the outside edges of

the quilt section.

Press the seams in what is called "opposing

seams." This pressing of the seams in opposite

directions allows the matching of the points or

corners and always pin the these points prior to

sewing.



Step 4

Once the quilt top is completed, a layer of batting

is then sandwiched between this pieced top and a

lower layer of fabric.

Once the fabrics are arranged and stretched

smooth, they are basted together with long

running stitches to hold the layers together until

the quilting can be completed. Choosing to quilt

by hand or to machine quilt is an individual

preference.

When quilting by hand, since the stitches create

the design, it is important that each one be made

carefully. A simple running stitch is used, though

the size differs from one quilter to another in the

number of stitches to an inch, it is more

important that each stitch be uniform in length.

Usually 5 - 8 stitches per inch is considered to be

pleasing and attractive hand quilting.

As a machine quilter, you have the option for a

quicker and oftentimes stronger stitch since the

machine is being utilized.

Work is done in small areas at a time, since

manoeuvring the material under the arm of the

machine can be cumbersome and tricky. An

alternative to this process would be to use a

quilter's long arm machine, which is designed to

not only work on a larger quilted area, but makes

sewing more intricate designs easier.

Step 5

The final and sometimes over-looked step is

giving your quilt a name. Many quilts may be

placed in a quilt show, or sold online, but some

may be just meant to be loved and cuddled by

that special person who was lucky enough to be

the recipient of a handmade quilt.

After the many hours you’ve spent making the

quilt, take time to personalize it by giving it a

unique and special touch - its very own name.

About the Author: Sharon Camp has been quilting for over

30 years. Come and choose one our handmade children's

quilts, a lasting keepsake, a unique birthday gift, or

Christening gift, for that special "little one." Visit my

website: www.uniquebabyquiltboutique.com and chose a

unique handmade children's quilt from my collection for

your child's birthday or other special event.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Camp



“Redwork Embellished” by Joan Shay

In this fourth book of Joan's she has combined

traditional Redwork stitcheries with her "Appli-

bond" technique using iron-on adhesive to make

3-D leaves and flowers and then adding them to

Redwork designs.

This really enhances her work and adds a whole

new level of interest. Beading is also used to

great effect.

Redwork needn't always be red either. Blocks in

black and white, blue, pink, or purple look equally

pretty. Different colourways are pictured in the

book.

Joan Shay has shown the projects as individual

blocks, but suggests you can combine them to

make very striking quilts.

Book Reviews

By Annette Mira-Bateman from www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com



A history of Redwork embroidery is included in

this book and also full explanations of the fabrics,

supplies, threads and stitches, beads, glue and

equipment needed.

Her "Appli-bond" applique technique is explained

in full. Detailed photos show the quilting designs

used.

These embellishments and additions to Redwork

designs will really provide the "wow" factor for

your next quilt.

"Redwork Embellished" by Joan Shay is

published by AQS, P.O. 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-

3290 USA and is available through your local

craft book shop or online from:

[email protected]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Strip Savvy – 2½” Strip Quilting Designs” by

Kate Henderson



Kate Henderson explores the options for creating

unique quilts in this book, with 18 fresh projects.

While Kate loves Jelly Roll strips, she also saves

every last bit of her fabric scraps and cuts them

into 2½ inch strips.

”Kaleidoscope”

She explains several quick piecing techniques to

help speed up the process of making flying geese

and half square triangle units. She suggests many

types of borders using these strips. Included is a

lot of good basic quilting advice.

This book is suitable for beginners, but the

projects will also delight and provide inspiration

for experienced quilters. Her instructions and

cutting diagrams are clearly set out and you'll

have many ideas for using up your stash with

these pretty quilt designs.

Quilts without borders are shown to be just as

attractive as those with. All the patterns could

also be enlarged if you wish.

Kate lives in the southwest of Western Australia

and also likes knitting and spinning. She's

currently wondering how to sneak a loom or

longarm quilting machine into the house

unnoticed. You'll love her quilt designs.



"Strip Savvy" is available from Martingale,

19021-120th Ave. NE, Ste.102, Bothell, WA

98011-9511, USA and is available through your

local craft book shop or online from:

www.ShopMartingale.com

”Butterflies”



This recipe is from the Australian Country

Women's Association, and is sure to be a good

one!

Ingredients (in Imperial measurements):

1 lb flour

1 oz compressed yeast

1/2 pint milk

pinch salt

2 oz sugar

2 oz butter

2 oz sultanas

1 egg

Method:

Place yeast, milk, 1 teaspoon flour and 1

teaspoon sugar together and stand for 20

minutes. Sift flour, rub in the butter, add the salt,

sugar and sultanas.

Beat the egg well and add to the milk and yeast.

Stir this into the dry ingredients and mix into a

fairly soft dough. Leave in the basin, cover with a

Recipe Corner – Old Fashioned Hot Cross Buns



clean cloth and place in a warm place to rise from

35 to 40 minutes.

Turn onto a floured board and knead well. Cut

into about 16 - 18 pieces of equal size. Form each

into a bun and place on a slightly greased tin,

evenly spaced and rather close together. Cover

and place again in a warm place to rise for 10

minutes.

Mark a cross on top with a knife. Make a glaze by

mixing 1 heaped teaspoon icing sugar and 1

tablespoon boiling water. Brush over the buns

and bake in a hot oven for about 15 minutes.

** You may like to add some spices to your buns

too - try cinnamon, ground cloves and mixed

spice.

Happy Easter!!

Join The Club!



We Made the Paper – a Quick Breast Cancer Bags Appeal

Update: (Northern Star, March 2014)

Bags are still coming in, and going out to Hospitals around Australia,

and other individuals and groups of dedicated sewers are keeping

their local areas supplied with these much needed and greatly

appreciated bags, in various destinations around the world. We would

like to recognise your efforts and thank you so much for helping out.

There’s been some fantastic personal efforts, and this includes Miriam

(above right) who’s up to more than 600 bags made personally!



This month we continue our regular segment of

“Show and Tell” quilts made by our Online Quilt

Magazine Readers. It’s been another busy month

too!

We will include them as long as you can send

them to us, and that way we can all share in the

wealth of creativity and inspiration abundant

within our quilting community.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I just wanted to send you a picture of a quilt that

I have just finished for the ‘Undies for Better

Understanding – Gynae Cancer Awareness’. The

individual blocks were made by the Ladies of the

Herald Ave, Willetton WA, Quilters Group and I

pieced and quilted the Quilt together. We

presented the Quilt to Kath Mazella, OAM,

founder of the International GYN Awareness Day

on the 28 February 2014.

As a group we are now working on a ‘Corset’

Quilt. As a group we are enjoying the challenge

and wonder if some other quilting groups would

love to make a quilt as well? - Monika

W., Australia

Reader “Show and Tell”



“I have just made a new bag in shell motifs and a

Km-quilt. The “Km-quilt” is a technique to utilize

your scraps and it is very nice to do.”

- Jacqueline B., Belgium

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



“I just thought I would send you a photo of my

completed "Fire & Ice" quilt which I think should

be renamed "Two Worlds Collide"!

I didn't like the idea of using solid colours, so I

opted for batiks, which was a bit of a headache,

however I do like a challenge!

Also, I changed some of the blocks and created

some of my own. I also put it together as a quilt

as you go, but in three sections, with no binding

strips on the back.

I quilted it myself, using different threads for the

different sections - a mammoth task, but it really

turned out well and I am very proud of the end

result.

As you can see, I didn't use any sashings between

the blocks, which made it "flow".”

- Helen W., Australia



”I Wish….”- Annette

Annette and I went on a weekend quilt retreat

last month, and we’d had a discussion about the

next quilt we were going to make. As usual, we

both pictured it differently, so we decided to

each make our own as a small retreat challenge.

The idea behind the design was the same

(random blocks falling through a funnel to make a

9-patch quilt), and we agreed on the ground-rules

– quilt size, blocks to be used, and that pieces

could be cut, but nothing sewn before the

retreat.

We had heaps of fun making these, and they

turned out quite differently after all!

”I Wish…” - Jody



This month’s block is a star block with a

difference. It makes a lovely big border block, or

try arranging more spaced out for a simpler look.

To make this 12 inch block as shown, you will

need 5 different fabrics, and once you have

rotary cut the pieces according to the Cutting

Diagram, you can piece them together as shown.

Block of the Month







Today’s Tips:

* To reduce seam allowance bulk when machine

piecing, seam allowances that meet should be

pressed in opposite directions whenever possible.

* When doing stitch-in-the-ditch machine

quilting, stitch as close to the seam as possible,

on the lower side of the seam (the side of the

seam opposite the seam allowance bulk).

* To keep bobbin thread from tangling on the

back when machine quilting, always bring the

bobbin thread to the top of the quilt before

beginning to sew.

* Before adding binding, stitch near the edge of

the quilt to stabilize the layers so that the binding

goes on smoothly.

* When designing quilting patterns, don't forget

these items to draw around: cups, saucers,

plates, cookie cutters, baking plans, jelly moulds,

knick-knacks.

The annual Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) is

set to celebrate its 10th birthday as the biggest,

most celebrated quilting event in the southern

hemisphere!

Returning to Melbourne from April 10-13, at the

Royal Exhibition Building, AQC will provide a

spectacular array of international tutors leading

seminars and workshops for every skill level,

together with stunning displays of the unrivalled

talent of quilters from both Australia and around

the world. The event also presents a unique

shopping opportunity with an exceptional array

of quilting products including many at bargain

prices.

Dates: April 10-13, 2014 from 10am – 4.30pm

Royal Exhibition Building Melbourne, Carlton

Gardens. www.aqc.com.au

Keep the tips coming! Send them

all to

[email protected]



YES, We Want to Hear From

You!

As our Online Magazine continues to grow each

month, we need your feedback in order for us to

continue to improve our publication for you.

• We want to know how you liked it.

• We want to know the topics you're

interested in.

• We want to know if you have any

suggestions, Hints or Tips of your own that

you'd like included, or if you know anyone

we should include a story on!

Please send me an email with your Testimonial,

Tip, Suggestion, “Show and Tell” Quilt or

Enhancement – I'd love to hear from you!

Send all emails to:

[email protected]

If you'd like to submit an Article, or a Project for

Publication, or take advantage of our Very Very

Reasonable Advertising Rates, please email details

or queries to Jody at

[email protected]

To subscribe to our Monthly Online Quilt

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"Quilt-y" Quotes…

* A messy house is the sign of a happy

quilter

* I love sewing and have plenty of material

witnesses.

* God put me on this earth to sew and finish

a certain number of things. I am so far

behind now I will never die!

Documents

Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 5 No. 4 Online Quilt Magazine · elaborate bedspreads that need to maintain a smooth, flat finish on the surface because there is virtually