Posted on by agilejack

Finishing the Green and Chasing a Squirrel

I had intended to get my green quilt top all sewn together today… at least to the point of being ready to add the borders. I didn’t quite get that far but I did get it all sewn with the exception of two of the long seams. This quilt top is still in three pieces.

You might ask why I didn’t finish it. Well, I started chasing a squirrel instead.

Last night I mocked up some blocks for the “swirly” quilt using left over Brandon Mably fabrics that used a little wider strip of the sharks teeth. And I like it better with a little wider strip.

I love the way the sharks teeth give almost a star effect in those black and white centers. And it looks so three-dimensional.

This next photo shows the comparison between the mock-ups with the wider strips on the left, and the narrower strips on the right.

It might be hard to see the difference in those small photos. You might just have to take my word for it.

I was actually going to leave my sewing room to take my boys for a walk and instead I cut into those Brandon Mably leftovers and started cutting the centers for these blocks. I pulled a few Brandon pieces from my stash to supplement the leftovers and in no time I had 80 pieces cut forthe centers of the blocks I want to make.

I just LOVE those fabrics! Brandon’s designs are so fun and light hearted. I’m really having a blast creating with them.

Once these were all cut I decided to head out for a nice long walk with my boys. We really moved our butts and I was able to maintain a pace under 19 minutes for the first two miles! It’s been a while since I’ve been able to walk that fast.

We walked three miles by the time we got home. My boys were happy to see that the first azaleas are starting to bloom.

When we got home I decided that I would dig in and cut all the strips I’ll need so laid a couple of these pieces on top of the sharks teeth with spacing of 1-1/2 inches on the left, and 1-1/4 inches on the right. There’s not that much difference, but that quarter inch makes a difference! I prefer the one on the right.

So I pressed, cut, and sub cut some of my sharks teeth into 10 inch strips that are 1-3/4 wide. They will finish at 1-1/4 inch.

I was on a bit of a productive jag so started sewing the strips to the center pieces and with some focus and efficiency I got them all sewn and pressed in about 90 minutes.

I’ll just need to cut the striped squares and sub cut them into triangles and then sew them on. It won’t take long when I dedicate time to this project again.

I have promised myself that I will finish sewing the rows of my green quilt together and trim all four sides before I do any more with these fun blocks. We’ll see if I can stick to that promise when tomorrow night rolls around.

Back to work tomorrow but it’s a short work week. I’m taking two days off and will be busy with lambing on Thursday and Friday! I’m really looking forward to it and the weather looks like it’s going to be perfect! You can read about last year’s lambing adventures here and here.

29 Replies to “Finishing the Green and Chasing a Squirrel”

  1. I can see the difference, I just never would have thought of that!

    Perhaps one day when you slow down šŸ˜‰ you could do a post about your sewing machine/s? I know that *I’d* like to know what you use

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    1. Amazing how a small change can make a big difference. It’s always good to look at options to see what works best.

      I’ll have to remember to talk a little about my sewing machine. I will never live up to its potential!

      Anne

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  2. want you to know how much I look forward to your posts and seeing all your lovely creations. Thank you so much for the work you put in to sharing your creations. They bring joy and color into my life and I am forever grateful.

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  3. In your previous post, I loved the sharks teeth fabric with the narrow width. There was just enough fabric peeking out to be interesting. Today, when I read how you were planning to experiment with making it wider, to be honest, I couldn’t imagine the design looking any better and thought the wider might overtake things too much. As usual, your ideas are spot on, and I have to say, the wider width is perfect. Just that little extra gives the design a whole new look. There’s more movement, the star in the middle is more defined, and it’s also more 3-dimensional. A definite win. It’s amazing what changes a small amount of fabric can do! In my opinion, this quilt has a “Brandon worthy” comment written all over it. Side note… I hope you were able to take advantage of the Missouri Star Quit Co. Kaffe fabric sale last week. I sent a message to your email but never know if messages go directly to the junk mail folder or not. Happy sewing – can’t wait to see this new creation!!!

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    1. It’s amazing how much that extra quarter inch of sharks teeth changes this. It just gives a little more of the wave effect.

      I checked out the MS sale but didn’t see anything I needed. I am keeping my eye on sales for a good price on Brandon fabrics for backing for these two quilts. I would love that bright yellow with the blue flowers for the backing of my interweave quilt!

      Anne

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  4. your quilts look lovely!ā€‚The green one is on my to-do list, I have all the fabric in a stack ready to start!ā€‚I love the black and white fabric ā€œpopā€ in those blocks.ā€‚
    Re your dogs: We sold the Lupine Brand leashes/collars at our veterinary practice.ā€‚They have a lifetime guarantee.ā€‚You can trade in your faded leash for a brand new one!ā€‚(Also, includes chewed-on leashes as well.) Vicki

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    1. those blocks really needed that black and white treatment. This quilt would be very blah without it.

      Bender’s leash it in bad shape because I let him drag it on some of our walks… he’s so good at sticking around and checking in. But it’s. been hard on the leash. I’ll have to see about getting it replaced.

      thanks!

      Anne

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  5. The green quilt is absolutely gorgeous; can you give me the names of the white fabrics that you used as the low-level color blocks? I desperately need them! Incredible work, as always.

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    1. I can’t give you the names of them. I used 20 different white fabrics I this quilt. I just bought fabrics I like when I saw them in a store or online. I would recommend doing the same… if you’re in a fabric store, look at their black and white fabrics and buy a piece of what you like. Even a small piece. Then you’ll have a good collection in no time.

      Anne

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  6. i laughed to myself when you diverted to making the new Brandon quilt.ā€‚That’s the Anne I’ve come to know. Just checking out what might be the next quilt and then bam!ā€‚You need that high energy quilt fabric that Brandon provides.ā€‚Don’t get me wrong the black white and green is gorgeous but you so seem to function on a faster level when it comes to these other ones.ā€ƒI love your enthusiasm.ā€‚You go girl.

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    1. I really do enjoy quilts more when they are more impulsive. The ones I play for a long time are never as fun. I like this green quilt, but I’m getting bored with it! Time for something fun!!

      Anne

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  7. I think you are absolutely right with the wider sharks teeth, and youā€™re a 3D artist in addition to master quilter. Enjoy the lambs, and I wager those strips on the green squares will be done PDQ, as youā€™re probably itching to get going on that 3D Mobley Magic quilt! šŸ˜±šŸ˜ā¤ļø

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  9. I love how you use color with black and white! Both these quilts are amazing!

    What is the wider width that you cut the Brandon fabric?

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      2. The photo is just a mock up of folded fabric. So they’re all different and not accurate. I cut my pieces 4 inches wide, which is what I did for teh blue one… I’m pretty sure.

        Anne

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  13. Do you have directions for making the “swirly” quilt…can I purchase those directions. Is there a podcast? I love that quilt. Thank you. ________________________________

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