It has been a while

Well it has been a while since I even opened this blog. I have been busy with doctors, hospitals, and other medical business.

It was September 3rd that I learned I needed to take care of a cancer issue. That unforgetable day a tumor was found in my colon. The next week brought appointments with doctors and then a trip to the operating room. Surgery went well, and there were weeks for rest and healing, but the need to do chemotheray lay ahead.

Chemo has begun and I find that I need to spend as much time as possible communicating with quilter/crafter friends so I am back to share new things, find out from you what is going on and generally enjoying my favorite past time.

So enough about the icky stuff lets get on with the fun.

Oh before I move on I must mention that on October 16th I was blessed with the most precious grandson ever. Gavin Isaac is the most beautiful little guy and I hope you allow me to be a proud GRANDMA (I love that!)
Take care for now.
Jan

Waiting

Why is everything hurry up and wait? I really think that I don't idle well, so I really don't like to wait, but for just about everything there is a wait. Well the wait is almost over for a special delivery. In about 6 weeks we will be GRANDPARENTS! This is a new adventure I am really looking forward to.

There will be baby quilts and many fun things to show, coming soon

String pieced fan block

There are many blocks that would lend themselves well to string piecing. The fan block is a good one. If you want to have the "blades" of the fan follow in the same arc as the fan there are a couple of tricks.
You will begin by working on a paper foundation. Unlike regular paper piecing you will work on the front or printed side of the paper.
Here is the way you piece the fan:
First draw a line through the center of the fan, diagonally. Begin piecing here by laying a "string" or strip of fabric right side up with the future seam allowance on the drawn line and covering the top arc of the fan. Pin the piece in place and make sure the piece extends to the bottom point of the fan. Pin at this point with the future seam lining up with the point.
Next lay another string on top of the original string matching the raw edges, pin through all layers.
Stitch from the top arc of the fan to just past where the bottom arc of the fan is. Flip open. Add another piece making sure it covers the fan and the future seam allowance is pined to the lower point.

Work on both sides of the original pieces, covering the entire fan.

I have attached a pattern of a fan block with lines draw in on it. I will have more examples that show how this is done. This is not a difficult block, but there will be more examples coming.

Australian art, craft & design

Take a look at the Udessi site. This is an awesome blog about Australian artists and their designs. The fresh look at things they are doing is quite exciting!

Link to "Just Us Quilters

http://

Fan Block

The fan block is a good choice for those of us who have strips and strings of fabric that we can not throw away. The pattern will be available soon, but here is just a peak! (One could even add a selvage edge for interest)

O.K. I have been told that the last post sounded like the last political campaign. So I thought I should set the record straight! We all have time when the ground under our feet feels like quick sand. Well that is kind of were I am at right now.

I usually don't like to do the same thing twice and get very board when life just keeps grinding on, but a bit too much change can play with one's normal thought processes Through all this "change stuff" I am learning that there are many opportunities within a challenge. I really like that part! I can tell you that because of new opportunities my sketch book is beginning to fill up with ideas!

I am working on new "string" patterns, new pillow ideas, and even new embroidery (and mock embroidery-more about that soon) projects. The pattern for the String Quilt is the original, but there will be more!

Time is moving on!!

Time is moving on. It seems we were just finished Christmas and now we are looking at things of spring! With the change of seasons there are also changes in life. I know my family and I are experiencing change way beyond anything we could have imagined. I look forward to my drive to work because it is the only thing that seems constant. I know many of you also have experienced new things, new challenges and will be embarking on new adventures because of change. With all that is new I often find myself dreaming up new quilt patterns, new home decor projects and new ways to display what I already have. I look forward to having time to put them on paper and pictures. Hopefully this will happen in the coming months.

One thing new that I have recently learned about is the use of "selvages". This is an interesting idea, sew the printed selvage onto foundation paper, Hum-who would have thought. If you want to learn more-head to your local quilt store and ask about the book "Quilting from the Selvage Edge" by Karen Griska. Or check out the Selvages blog http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/

We will be publishing a "selvages" challenge in the coming months. If you would like to participate let me know!

If you are wondering about the Christmas Quilt, it still needs binding! Just need a few more spare evenings during the week and it will be finished. (If you have any to spare evenings let me know!)
Talk to you all soon,

Jan