Just Strippin' along! Hidden Wells Quilt Grows

I cut four more strips from each fabric for more strips sets.  I ran out of the yellow center fabric and have substituted another fabric.  I don't think this will be too noticeable, as it is a "scrappy" quilt anyway.  I have plenty of the added fabric, so I can always add a border to tie it all together.  I plan to scatter these blocks around the quilt to make them less noticeable.

Experience:  What you need right before you get it.......

Happy quilting!

Gwen

Hidden Wells Block Construction & Photos

Here is a photo of my strip set (a scrap end).  I keep this by my machine when sewing additional strip sets.  Here are a few tips:

*When choosing fabrics, putting a dark or "standout" fabric on the outside of the strip set makes for a very striking finished block.  I chose two different dark fabrics for mine. 

*If you have a problem with bowing of the strips cut selvage to selvage, cut each strip in half before constructing the strip set.  

*Sew strips together from the center strip out, alternating sides so that you sew up one side and down the other.  Helps with bowing and stretching of the strips.

*Cut the center strip larger than the others.  I cut mine 1/2 inch large (2" instead of 1 1/2").  The center strip becomes the very center of each completed block.  If cut too small, this "center' becomes just a little dot.  Next time I will cut strips 1 1/2" and the center strip 2 1/2".

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After I cut squares from the strip set, I labeled one square.  I used this throughout the construction process to help identify any pieces.  It is very easy to confuse the B and D pieces. 

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When constructing the blocks, keep in mind that you are basically alternating the A piece with the B and D pieces and the C piece with the B and D pieces. Some online instructions number the resulting triangle squares.  I found it less confusing to refer to them as A and C blocks with the B and C pieces alternating. You choose your method.  Also, pay close attention to seam pressing.  Good instructions are given in the link in an earlier post, so I will not repeat it here.

Look closely at the photo above.  The first couple of blocks I assembled, I didn't note the placement.  Needless to say, the blocks didn't work out correctly.  The top row has the D piece on the left and the bottom row has the B piece on the left.  This is very important! The blocks will go together other ways, but this is the only way that works.  Note the diagonal strips match up on either side and the "tiny triangles" formed at the middle outside corners at the same fabric.  This is the best way I found to "check" my placement.

Below is a completed "A" block and a completed "C" block. 

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Here is a potential layout for the blocks.  I just alternated A and C in a checkerboard pattern.  I love the "hidden" blocks that appear.  Also note the yellow strips form an X pattern, too.  Love, love, love this quilt block.  More to come later!

Happy quilting!!

Hidden Wells Quilt Block

Here are the measurements on my block:
For each strip set cut all strips the width (selvage to selvage) of the fabric.  I used a 7-strip set.  I cut 6 strips at 1 1/2 " wide and 1 strip 2" wide.  The wide strip is the center strip.  This needs to be a little wider, as it works out to be the center in each finished block.  When I make another quilt, I plan to cut the center strip twice as wide as the outside strips.  My block centers are really tiny.

After sewing the strips together, measure the width of the strip set.  Mine measured just a hair over 7 1/4".  Cut squares the width of the block.  I got 5 strip set squares from each strip set.  

I assembled the first two blocks before I completely understood the directions given in a link I am sharing below.  I don't believe my mistake will stand out when the quilt is finished.  Like a wise woman once said, "Mistakes are there for the benefit of those looking for them." 

http://www.reddawn.net/quilt/hwells.htm

Take a look at the photo from yesterday's post and see if you can find my mistake.

Keep on quilting!
Gwen

Hidden Wells Quilt Block

This may be my new "favorite" quilt block!  Lots of fun to create and so many possibilities. 

Jacksonville Florida Quilt Fest

I only had a short time to look at the quilts and vendors booths, but enjoyed it very much.  Here are a few of the beautiful quilts that were on exhibit.  Some were ribbon winners, some I just liked.  These include the bargello quilts.  I am planning a bargello project in my near future.

Jacksonville Quilt Fest

Headed out to Jacksonville, FL tomorrow for the Quilt Fest 2012.  I'm taking my camera and will post photos when I return.  I'm looking forward to meeting fellow Yahoo quilt group quilter Annette Kosis of Clearwater.

Vintage Texas Star Flower quilt

I chose a pink on pink fabric for the background diamonds and half hexagons.  I am thinking about a bright blue border and binding in the same pink fabric.  My friend, whose mother made the blocks, said she knows her mom is happy to see them finally set in a quilt top. 

Vintage Texas Star Flower Quilt

I finished the top of the quilt! Trying to decide if it needs borders and, if so, what fabric. It is beautiful and I can't wait to show it to my friend whose mother made the blocks. Happy quilting!

Speed Piecing Old Blocks

I have been looking at old fashioned quilt blocks that were originally made with templates, cutting out each piece. Now there are quicker and easier ways to create these blocks. I am working on designing them using 5" charm squares and 2 1/2" strips. The first I tackled was one with half square triangles and flying geese and no templates. I decided to use one-seam dimensional flying geese to add a little spark. Photos to come later. Happy quilting!

Found the fabric

Found the fabric I needed to finish up the vintage quilt at JoAnn's in Orange Park yesterday. I'm going to St. Pete for an overnight stay tomorrow and will get to explore Rainbow's End Quilt shop in Dunedin. If you are ever down that way, it is amazing! http://rainbowsendquiltshoppe.com/ Check it out. Happy Quilting!

Ashley's Wedding Day!

My niece is getting married today.  Headed to Orlando with my sister-in-law to attend the outdoor, early evening wedding.  Chance of thunderstorms is 50% with temps in the mid-80's. 

Tomorrow is quilt shop hop in the Orlando and Jacksonville areas.  A girl's gotta have fun, right?
I am looking for fabric to coordinate with the vintage Texas Star Flower blocks.  And,  "Lazy and Lovin' It" quilt book.

Happy quilting!

Rainy day!

Today is a rainy day at the Quilt Barn so I got sprinkled a couple of times making the trip from the house.  Today's project was to decide the layout for the vintage quilt blocks a friend gave me.  The unfinished block is a 14 inch hexagon, with only enough old blocks for the middle of the quilt.  I cut half hexies for the short spots.  Since this is a surprise for the friend, I will wait to post photos until I present the quilt to her.
Stay dry and happy quilting to you all.