Quilt Archaeology ~ Old Fashioned Christmas ~ Week 4

Here we are....week 4 of my Old Fashioned Christmas sew-along.  Our final week!

From your light print:  Cut (3) 2 7/8" light print squares - crosscut once diagonally.  Also cut (5) 2" squares for Half Square Triangles.

From red print #3:  Cut (3) 2 7/8" squares - crosscut twice diagonally.  Also cut (5) 2" squares for Half Square Triangles.

Follow the piecing directions from week one.  You can find them here.  Make a total of (3) red print #3 pieced Flying Geese units measuring 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished.  

Here is the sweet antique quilt that has been our inspiration.  Since I wanted to replicate the quilt exactly, I laid out my blocks the same way.  

Looking at the antique quilt from left to right, row one has (5) red print #1 blocks and (1) green block.  

Row two has (1) green block, (2) red print #1 blocks and (3) red print #2 blocks.  

Row three has (3) red print #3 blocks, (2) red print #1 blocks and (1) green block.  

Sew each row of (6) blocks.  Each row should measure 4 1/2" x 12 1/2".  Sew the rows together.  Your sweet Old Fashioned Christmas quilt should measure 12 1/2" x 12 1/2".

It's hard to see if and how the antique quilt may have been quilted from the photo I have, but no doubt it was rudimentary at best.  I chose to hand quilt mine because I love hand quilting and it's just the right size for me to do so.  I'm a novice hand-quilter, but practice makes perfect, right?  As you can see from the photo above, I only quilted the large light print triangles.  That is all this little quilt really needs, and with little quilts, the more quilting, the stiffer they get.  I like them to be soft and flexible so they drape.  

You can certainly machine quilt yours the same way to get it finished so you can display it in your home!  I just wanted to offer a suggestion for quick finishing.

Here's a photo of how I am displaying it in my home.  I love it!!!  I hope you love yours as well. 

I'm already planning another Quilt Archaeology for the spring.  Now....I just need time to plan, piece, and take measurements and such to share with you.  

Dear Santa.....what I'd like for Christmas is world peace, and more sewing time, please!

Thank you so very much for sewing along with me!!!  I sincerely hope you have enjoyed it and that it wasn't too much to do during this busy holiday season.   I appreciate you reading my blog, and supporting my little business so I can keep creating fun and inspiring quilts for all to enjoy.  

The countdown to the Big Day continues!  Be well.......

Circa 1880 Nine Patch Blocks

Here are this week's blocks!  

I'm either sewing or am out shopping.  How about you?  Busy, busy....see you Friday for the last week of my Old Fashioned sew-along!

Quilt Archaeology ~ Old Fashioned Christmas ~ Week 3

Welcome to Quilt Archaeology ~ Old Fashioned Christmas ~ Week 3!

From your light print:  Cut (3) 2 7/8" squares ~ crosscut once diagonally.  Also cut (5) 2" squares for Half Square Triangles.

From your green print:  Cut (2) 2" x WOF strips for binding.  Cut (3) 2 7/8" squares ~ crosscut twice diagonally for blocks.  Also cut (5) 2" squares for Half Square Triangles.

Follow the piecing directions from week one.  You can find them here.  Make a total of (3) green pieced Flying Geese units measuring 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished.  

Thank goodness it's only three blocks!  This is a really busy week for all of us.  After this, we have only a few more blocks to make, and then we can assemble this cutie!  

If you're just finding out about my Old Fashioned Christmas sew-along, it's not too late to join us.  Click here to read more about it.  

Are you following me on Instragram and Facebook (under Heartspun Quilts?)  I try to post new and fun stuff several times a week and you'll see things you don't see on my blog.  I really like it because I can be more interactive there.  So look me up and follow me on Instagram.

This week, I received my sample fabric of my new Cheddar & Chocolate collection!  I've been so anxious to get it and start cutting it up.  I've posted photos of Cheddar & Chocolate this week, and today I will begin piecing one of two new quilts made with it.  Yay!

All of that in between decorating the house and cyber shopping.  In the next few days I will go out and shop the old fashioned way....in the car to the actual store!  It's nice to see the stores all decorated and listen to Christmas music in the car.  Hoping to get my shopping done by Sunday.  

I know you're all busy, too.  Let's make a pact to take some time for ourselves to sew.  So good for our souls, and it helps so much to get away from the hustle and bustle!

Be well......

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend.  I'm still stuffed!  We began decorating the house for Christmas on the inside.  Weather didn't cooperate to do much on the outside but we hope to have a few nice days later in the week.

Here are this week's Circa 1880 Nine Patch blocks.  As I look them over, I see so many of my favorite fabrics, and lots I never had before, given to me in my exchange with friends.  Those blocks are just so dear to me!  

My new Cheddar & Chocolate fabric sample yardage arrived!  So darn jazzed to begin working with it.  It's all starched and ready to cut.  Can't wait to dig in!  

Have a wonderful week decorating, shopping and planning your holiday.  Let's all take some time to stitch.  It's always so good for our souls!  

Be well......

Quilt Archaeology ~ Old Fashioned Christmas ~ Week 2

Welcome to Quilt Archaeology ~ Old Fashioned Christmas Week 2!

From your light print:  Cut (3) 2 7/8" squares ~ crosscut once diagonally.  Also cut (5) 2" squares for Half Square Triangles.

From red print #2:  Cut (3) 2 7/8" squares ~ crosscut twice diagonally.  Also cut (5) 2" squares for Half Square Triangles.

Follow the piecing directions from week one.  You can find them here.  Make a total of (3) pieced Flying Geese units measuring 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished.  

That's it! That's all for this week....just three blocks.  We're all happy about that as this is a busy weekend, but....all those Thanksgiving leftovers to eat for dinner means...no cooking!  And maybe we can fit in some sewing time between the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping and decorating the house? 

If you would like to join the sew-along, it's not too late.  Click here to get yardage info.

Hoping you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.  I am grateful and blessed to have so many wonderful quilting friends like you!

See you next week.  Be well and Happy Stitching.....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your family many blessings!

Circa 1880 Nine Patch Blocks

Here are this week's blocks.  I can't believe we have only 5 more weeks to go and it will be a year that I have been posting these photos.  More to the point....almost a year since we all began making the Circa 1880 Nine Patch quilt.  And....I'm almost out of block pictures.  

I had a pile of new fabrics to cut up and work with since the arrival of my New Circa Essentials & Shirtings collection.

The fabrics are in your local quilt shop right now!  

Ask for New Circa Essentials & Shirtings at the shop on your next visit.  I always encourage you to buy from your LQS first!!  If they don't have it, then please order from me here.

I'll post pictures of the new set of blocks when they're all done.  Have a wonderful week!  
Be well and Happy Stitches!

Quilt Archaeology ~ Old Fashioned Christmas ~ Week 1

Let's get started!   Read all my hints and tips below before cutting.

From your light print: Cut (9) 2 7/8" squares.  Cross cut them once diagonally.
Also cut (14) 2" squares 

From red print #1: Cut (7) 2 7/8" squares.  Cross cut them twice diagonally.
Also cut (14) 2" squares.

We have only one block to make for our little quilt.  It's a pieced Flying Geese unit, and as with all Flying Geese, the accuracy of the block will depend on accurately cut and sewn pieces.  The angles will make or break your block.  So...I'll walk you through all my hints to make those blocks the best they can be.

Before you begin cutting and sewing, I highly recommend that you starch or size your fabric yardage!!!  The benefits are many for the time you invest.  You can read all about how and why I spray my yardage with sizing before beginning every project.  Click here to read my blog post all about starching/sizing fabric.


Our first task....making Half Square Triangles.  We're making them larger so they will be trimmed to the perfect size.  I do this for each and every HST I make and have been for more than 15 years.  You can't beat the results!  This is my favorite way to make HST's.  If you prefer another method, go with it!

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the (14) light print 2" squares.  Match each with a red print 2" square.  Sew 1/4" on both sides of the drawn line.  Cut apart; press to the red print.  You'll have (28) HST.

Trim your Half Square Triangles to 1 3/8" square.  (Photo is before trimming)

My preferred method of trimming HST down is with a Bloc-Loc ruler.  The cut-out channel in the ruler accommodates your seam allowance so the ruler "locks" on to the seam to keep everything tight and the ruler does not rock back and forth.  It's easy to read and makes trimming super fast. You can read more about them and order one here.

Accurately crosscutting squares diagonally once or twice is far more important than you may think.  This applies to any task where you crosscut squares like setting and corner triangles.  It is VERY important that you cut perfect pieces.  The Creative Grids ruler above, which is one of my all time favorites (3.5 x 12.5), is my go-to ruler for crosscutting.  In the photo above, note the black arrows pointing to the 1/2 inch gritty area on the ruler.  That 1/2 inch of grip really holds the fabric in place so you get a very accurate cut.  The 1/2 inch grit is on almost all of the newer Creative Grid rulers, so while you may not have this particular size, look to see if you have a square ruler with this wide grip.  Anything you can do to keep the ruler in place while you cut is important.

Position the ruler so it's on the very point of the square.  These are the angles I referred to earlier that are so important for success with your block.  Be certain that you cut the 2 7/8" square to a perfect 2 7/8" square.  Position the ruler on the very tip of the points.  Press down on the grit of the ruler to hold the fabric in place and cut. (Press hard on whatever ruler you're using.)  I can't emphasize this enough...crosscutting has to be perfect!!!  Personally, I never stack fabric when I crosscut afraid things will move underneath.  If you'd like my favorite Creative Grid 3.5 x 12.5 non-slip ruler for yourself, you can order one here.

If your ruler moved and you have a tiny 'squared' tip (see arrow above) - my advice....do not use any piece from this square.  The angles of all of the triangles are not correct and your block will likely be imperfect.  This is the main reason for trouble with pieced Flying Geese.

Arrange (3) Half Square Triangles and (3) red print triangles as shown above.  

Piece the units into rows; press.   I pin my pieces with my Fine Patchwork pins to keep those pieces in perfect alignment.

Because I treated my fabric yardage with sizing before cutting, I can spray starch or sizing anytime in the piecing process.  I do this as I press each unit and block.  Stiff fabric/units/blocks give much better control which is always welcome, but even more so with these small pieces.  I use Best Press with the fine mist pump while piecing.  Read more about it here.

Sew the units together; press.

Take good care and crosscut the light print 2 7/8" square once diagonally.  

Sew (2) light print triangles to the previous unit; press to the light triangle.  

This is where the Seam Align Glue and Fine Patchwork Pins really help a lot.  Just add a tiny dab of Seam Align Glue to both the light and red triangle points to keep them together as you sew!  (See white arrow in photo above.)  It will help to sew slowly and take your time.  Sew a nice, straight perfect 1/4 inch seam.  You will be rewarded for your effort!  

Repeat these steps to make a total of (9) red print #1 blocks measuring 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished.

Done until next week!  So....did you pick up some helpful tips?   Taking the time to starch/size your fabrics, cut them accurately, check and double check measurements, and use all the tricks you can will help you not only with this pieced Flying Geese, but with everything you do.  You can find a lot more of my favorite tips, tricks and hints in my Hints Book.  Read all about it here.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support and for your business throughout the year.  Now that I won't be traveling as much, I have more time to do fun things with you!  Sounds good to me.  

Circa 1880 Nine Patch Blocks

Here are this week's blocks.  A very fine batch, indeed!  

Are you getting ready for the start of my Quilt Archaeology on Friday?  I'm so jazzed to begin!

Old Fashioned Christmas ~ Quilt Archaeology Reveal!

Today is the day to reveal my Quilt Archaeology project called Old Fashioned Christmas!

This is going to be a long post, so grab your favorite beverage (Iced Tea for me) and settle in for some fun!

Here's the old quilt we will replicate.  I love it and it was the perfect quilt to make for this busy holiday season.  One block, one background, one green and three reds....done!

Here is my replica of Old Fashioned Christmas.

I chose a sweet little shirting print in red and green to give the background a touch of color.  

There are three reds and one green in my quilt....exactly like the antique version.

If you like the way my quilt looks....I have great news for you!

How would you like a kit for this quilt absolutely free???!!  

(That's 3/4 yd of fabric ready to cut, piece, enjoy!  Red & green fabrics may be substituted...shirting will be the same, but are all fabrics I have designed.)

Beginning right now and through Sunday, November 17th,  place an order of $35 (shipping not included) or more on my website for anything you'd like, and you will receive a kit for Old Fashioned Christmas free, free, free!!   

I'll get back to my free offer in a moment.  If you'd like to make the quilt from your own fabrics, here are the fabric requirements:

Light Fabric:  10" x WOF
Green Fabric:  8" x WOF includes binding
Red #1:  4 1/2" x WOF
Red #2:  3 1/2" x 22"
Red #3:  3 1/2" x 22"

I highly recommend preparing your fabric with spray starch or sizing as this helps immensely with cutting, piecing and pressing.  The half square triangles will be made larger and trimmed to size.  I used a Bloc-Loc ruler which you can find here.  I also used the seam align glue which was a huge help with the light triangles which you can find here.

I'll post our first block instructions Friday, November 22nd right here on my blog.  No need to sign up for anything....just visit the blog every Friday.  (The easiest way to receive the instructions is via email and you can read how to do that here.)  The last post will be December 13th so you'll have plenty of time to sew the blocks together.  I'll post more about quilt finishing that week as well.  

Time to go shopping!  Here's what's new....

Village Square Quilt Pattern & Kit

My Village Square quilt kits are now ready to ship and you can order here!  This quilt features all of the fabrics in my new collection called New Circa Essentials & Shirtings.  If you'd like to order the Village Square pattern, you can do so here.

I also have Fat Quarter Bundles of my New Circa Essentials & Shirtings collection ready to ship. 

A whole new collection of 12 new shirtings.....

...and 18 brand new dark prints.  Lots of small prints and some real beauties for borders, too!

Click here to order the New Circa Fat Quarter bundles.

There are tons of quilt patterns, kits, 10" precuts, fabric by the yard, notions and loads of bundles!  

There are lots of color bank Fat Quarter bundles, too!

It will be easy to qualify for your free Old Fashioned Christmas kit!

I will have your orders processed and packed up to ship to you next week.  I am so excited to begin our first Quilt Archaeology sew-along on November 22nd!  I hope you are as well.

I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting my little business making it possible for me to offer fun things like this.  I know you have many choices for quilting goodies, and I appreciate each and every order I receive, as well as the fabrics you buy at your local quilt shop.

So...let's get ready to have some fun!  

Circa 1880 Nine Patch & Quilt Archaeology News!

Here are this week's Circa 1880 Nine Patch blocks.  Another good batch of fussy cuts.  I have more strips all chosen and ready to piece.  Now....I need just a little time to sew!

Here's the news all about Quilt Archaeology.....

Be sure to come back to my blog on Thursday, November 14th.  I will reveal our special project, the yardage needs, and the start date of our sew-along.  

All of the sew-along instructions and photos will be posted here on my blog.  You don't need to sign-up, but........

The best way to receive each weeks sewing instructions is by email.  That way you can print them if you'd like.  If you don't receive my blog posts via email, you can do so here.  

Scroll down on the right-hand side bar until you see the icon "Follow By Email".  Then type in your email address and follow the instructions.  You will receive a confirmation request from Feedburner, the email subscription service, and you must accept the subscription to enrolled.  That's it!  From then on, you will receive my blog posts in your email inbox.  You'll be all set and ready to go on Thursday.  

Oooooohhhh!  I can't wait!  See you Thursday!

Rachel's Tribute BOM ~ Quilting

My new Block of the Month, Rachel's Tribute, made her debut at quilt market last week.  I thought I'd show you the drop dead beautiful quilting my friend Val Krueger (Las Vegas, NV) put into my quilt.  

I designed this quilt to replicate and honor the many, many green & red quilts that were so popular in the 1850's.  Often those quilts were appliqued, but many were pieced like Rachel.

I kept the lighting in the room low as it makes the quilting easier to see.  Val did a truly spectacular job!

This quilt has tons of space to show off beautiful quilting.  Yours will, too!

There's just one light print in the collection to replicate the look of the muslin used in the vintage quilts.  The light print isn't a solid like muslin.  It has a very soft print making the color even yummier.   There are also nine new red prints and nine new green prints.  You can see the entire collection here.

Rachel's Tribute begins next March, and is only available from a participating quilt shop, so ask for Rachel's Tribute at your local shop!  They want to know what you're interested in!  

Big, big thanks to Val Krueger for putting all that beautiful quilting into Rachel.  Love your creativity and talents, Val! 

Circa 1880 Nine Patch Blocks & Quilt Archaeology

There are some fun fussy cut fabrics in this batch of blocks.   I never tire of them....so cute!

I hope my last post piqued your curiosity about Quilt Archaeology.  I thought I'd give you a few hints.

I love Pinterest as I'm sure you do as well.  I have 'dug up' some old quilts on Pinterest that I would very much like to replicate.  They're on the simple side....quick and easy.  I thought perhaps you might like to replicate them, too!  

My first Quilt Archaeology sew-along will begin Tuesday, November 19th.  (I'll post yardage requirements ahead of time.)  I'll show you what we're making that day.  Nope, this is not a mystery sew-along!  Instructions will post once a week for four weeks.    I chose a very easy quilt to make seeing as how we're sewing during the holiday season, and we all have so much to do to prepare.  I'm hoping you will welcome a few minutes of sewing time from the hustle and bustle, and you'll have a sweet quilt to enjoy this Christmas!

What do you think?