HomeMy WebsiteAbout mePocket PatchworkFreebie Patterns

Friday, May 29, 2020

Antebellum Sew Along ~ Part One

Antebellum ~ A Quilt Archaeology Sew along by Pam Buda ~ Heartspun Quilts
The day has finally arrived to begin my new Quilt Archaeology sew along called Antebellum.  I'm so glad you've decided to 'dig in' with me!  (If you are just joining us now, you can catch up, and read more details about this sew along, including yardage requirements here.)

Let's get started!  
I used four of the fabrics in my Bess' Flower Garden collection to make Antebellum
This week, we will make the LeMoyne Star center of the quilt.

Cutting Instructions

From light print
Cut (4) 1 3/4" x 3" rectangles
Cut (4) 1 3/4" squares

From red print
Cut (2) 2 1/4" squares for Half Square Triangles (HST)
Cut (4) 1 3/4" squares for Flying Geese 

From blue print
Cut (2) 2 1/4" squares for HST
Cut (4) 1 3/4" squares for Flying Geese

Directions

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of (2) red print 2 1/4" squares.  Match each with a blue print square and sew 1/4" on each side of the drawn line.  Cut apart, press to the blue print.  Make (4) red/blue HST trimmed to 1 3/4" square.
Arrange the (4) HST into a Pinwheel unit.  Sew together into rows; press for opposing seams.  Sew rows together; press.
If you know how to do a Four-Patch-Press (photo above), that will help a lot to reduce the bulk, which always means better accuracy.  
Make (1) Pinwheel unit measuring 3" unfinished.
Using the (4) light rectangles, (4) red and (4) blue 1 3/4" squares; draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of all red and blue squares.  

Place the blue square on the left side of the light rectangle, paying specific attention to the direction of the diagonal line.  (See the first sample in the photo above.)  Sew the connector corner square on the diagonal line (scant); press and trim.  (See second sample in the photo above.)

Repeat these steps with the red square on the right side of the rectangle.  Make (4) Flying Geese measuring 1 3/4" x 3" unfinished.
Arrange the pieces for the LeMoyne Star block as shown.  Sew together into rows; press for opposing seams.  Sew rows together; press.

Your LeMoyne Star center block should measure 5 1/2" square, unfinished.  

That's it for this week.  The next step is coming next Friday.

In the meantime, I need to pass along a huge Thank You to everyone who placed an order last weekend for a FREE Antebellum quilt kit.  All of the orders have been processed and the kits are on their way to you.  I can't tell you how I appreciate your orders and your business.  They quite frankly keep me able to do things like this sew along with you!  And, I'm so grateful for that 'cause it's so much fun!  If you decided to use your own stash....great!  I'm happy you're sewing along with me as well.  

Over the Memorial Day weekend, my family and I finally had a chance to move into the brand new patio addition to our home.  It took one year to complete...not because it's grandiose...No!    It's the dumb luck that seems to plague all construction jobs of never-ending delays.  Sigh....that was last year!  Now, we can begin to enjoy.  I'll be posting photos on Instagram and Facebook here and there.  Are you enjoying the end of spring/early summer?  Well....as much as we can during this quarantine.

I plan on stitching a whole lot on that patio this summer.  I hope you find time to enjoy the weather and stitch, too.  

Stay safe and keep creating!  

 Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes posts that don't appear here on the blog.  

Be well....










Thursday, May 21, 2020

Antebellum ~ Quilt Archaeology Reveal!

Finally!  Today is the day I can reveal my new Quilt Archaeology sew long project called Antebellum!

This will be a long post, so plop in a comfy chair and grab your favorite drink (Iced tea for me!) and read on....
Here's the old quilt we will replicate.  It may be a block in a larger quilt, but I think it makes a pretty great small quilt.  
As a country, we're all coping with this quarantine together, and being it's Memorial Day weekend, the summer is around the corner, and so is July 4th, I thought an Americana theme was appropriate for our little quilt.  #USAStrong

I named this project Antebellum, which means 'before the war', most often referring to the period of peace before the Civil War.
Not many projects qualify for this time period, but I know that the original antique fabric I used to design these fabrics are all of the Antebellum period, so I felt it was justified.  Can't you just see the ladies in their fine hoop dresses?!
I hope you love this little quilt as much as I do, and I have a way you can get a kit with exactly the same fabrics absolutely FREE!

Beginning right now and through Monday, May 25th,  place an order of $35 or more (shipping not included) on my website for anything you'd like, and you will receive a kit for Antebellum free, free, free!!   You'll also receive advanced cutting instructions.  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:  1/3 yard for background

Blue Fabric:  7" x WOF for blocks
Red #1:  5" x WOF for blocks
Red #2:  8" x WOF for borders & binding

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'll post our first block instructions Friday, May 29th 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 June 19th so you'll have plenty of time to sew the blocks together, and have it ready for summer, and July 4th.  I'll post more about quilt finishing that week as well.  

Time to go shopping!  Here's what's new....
In the mood for Americana quilts?  I have quilt kits and patterns for my new Freedom Trail quilt.
Another great summer quilt is Wash Day.  Quilt kits and patterns are also available for this quilt.

There's a whole new crop of color bank bundles in a wide variety of colors.  Loads of light and shirting bundles, too!
Check out six different options for Circa 1880 Nine Patch...
...and don't forget I have a new book, Vintage Treasures.

It won't be hard to qualify for your free Antebellum kit!  Just spend $35 (shipping not included) on my website and I'll automatically pack your Antebellum kit in with your order!  

I will have your orders processed and packed up to ship to you next week as quickly as possible.  I am so excited to begin this next Quilt Archaeology sew-along on May 29th!  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!   Click here to go shopping.



I encourage you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes posts that don't appear here on the blog.  

Be well, my friends....keep on stitching!




Monday, May 18, 2020

Spring Finally Sprung

After what seems like rivers full of rain, Spring finally gave us a beautiful day yesterday with sunshine and mild, warm temperatures.  I hit the ground running early in the morning and didn't stop until dinner time.  
This is a rare May to be home the entire month because I'm usually preparing for quilt market, attending quilt market, or unpacking from quilt market.  I planted flowers all day, and today, we're back to soaking rain all day.  (This is the view out my sewing room window right now.)  I guess it's good for the flowers and the new sod we planted. This week promises to be much nicer!  Yay!

I sure hope you liked my scrappy little runner, Safe Keeping sew along....I haven't heard much from you all.  Please let me know if you enjoyed it and if I should keep doing them?
I did receive an email from S Bennett from TN who inquired weeks ago about the first little runner I shared....a small Log Cabin.  She asked the size of the block and logs.  About a week later (no kidding!) she sent me this photo of the Log Cabin runner she made for her sideboard.
WOW!  It's really lovely and fits this spot perfectly.  Thanks for sharing your photo!  
Don't forget!!!  I'm announcing  my next Quilt Archaeology this coming Friday, May 22nd.

Antebellum

Can't wait until then!!  In the meantime.....stay safe and keep on creating!
  

Friday, May 8, 2020

Safe Keeping Sew Along ~ Part Four

Here we are....the final week of my Safe Keeping Sew along.  Week four?  Already?  These weeks seem to have flown by.

Our block this week is another favorite of mine....Cake Stand.
I adored this block long before I became a quilter.  There's something about a basket block that I just love.  Can't think of a version I don't like.
Cake Stand fabrics are from my New Circa Essentials and Bess' Flower Garden collections.
Let's get started....

Cutting Instructions for Cake Stand block


From the light print

Cut (1) 3 1/4" sq for large Half Square Triangle
Cut (1) 2 7/8" square - crosscut once diagonally
Cut (2) 2 1/4" squares for the small Half Square Triangles
Cut (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles
Cut (1) 1 1/2" square

From red print

Cut (2) 2 1/4" squares for small Half Square Triangles

From black print

Cut (1) 3 1/4" square for large Half Square Triangle
Cut (1) 1 7/8" square - crosscut once diagonally

Directions

1).  Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of (2) 2 1/4" light print squares.  Match with (2) 2 1/4" red print squares.  Sew 1/4" each side of the drawn line.  Cut apart and press to the dark.  Trim (4) Half Square Triangles to measure 1 1/2" unfinished.


2).  Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of (1) 3 1/4" light print square.  Match with (1) 3 1/4" black print square.  Sew 1/4" each side of the drawn line.  Cut apart and press to the dark.  Trim (1) Half Square Triangle to measure 2 1/2" unfinished.  Save the remaining HST for another project.

3).  Using the (2) light print rectangles and the (2) black print triangles (previously cut once diagonally,) sew the triangles to the rectangles exactly as shown; press to the rectangle.

4).  Arrange the units for the block as shown.  Sew the small Half Square Triangle units to the large Half Square Triangles first.  Then, sew the rectangles to the HST unit, followed by the light print triangle at the bottom of the basket.  
Your Cake Stand block should measure 4 1/2" square.
Safe Keeping Runner 
Here's what you've been making!  I separated my blocks with (3) 1" x 4 1/2" strips.  I auditioned the black and light prints but chose red strips for my quilt.  You should audition fabrics for your strips, too.  Red seemed to work the best for me for the binding as well.  Cut (2) 1 7/8" x WOF binding strips.

Do you like it?  Oh, I hope you love your scrappy little runner!
These little runners seem to work well in numerous places in my house.  
This antique spool cabinet is right next to my favorite family room chair.  After awhile, I get tired of looking at the same 'ol quilt and like to change things up.  Easy to do with a little runner like this.  
You can move them all over the house...even the kitchen near the stove.  

I hand quilted my runner because I love hand quilting.  You can easily machine quilt this baby, too.  I would love to see your Safe Keeping runner when completed.  Please post to your favorite social media using hashtag #SafeKeepingRunner 
That way, we can all see them anytime!  

It is my pleasure to bring fun, little projects for your stitching pleasure as a big, giant THANK YOU for all you do for me!!!! Please know how I appreciate your support, patronage of my business, emails, blog, Instagram and Facebook comments.  You keep me in business to be able to keep doing what I love, and hopefully what you love, too!  Thank you, thank you!
My next Quilt Archaeology kick-off will be May 22nd.  

In the meantime, did you know my friends at Red Crinoline Quilts are about to start a series of Monthly Mini Mystery quilts??  YES!!!  They don't often do mini's, so I intend to get them all!  The first mini is coming Monday, May 11th.  Check out the details here.

As we begin another weekend, stay safe and create at home.
I sincerely hope this sew along has brightened your day.  I'd love to read a comment from you.

I encourage you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes posts that don't appear here on the blog.  

Be well, my friends....keep on stitching!

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Wash Day

One of the things I really like in a quilt is a positive/negative block.  That means, using the same block but swapping the fabrics in the background and the block design.  Some blocks work well for this while others don't.  I really liked the effect with the block in my Wash Day quilt.

It's a simple block to piece....and set alternately with an Quarter Square/Hour Glass block, the positive/negative really stands out!  And....you get the big stars in the secondary pattern.  Winner, winner, chicken dinner!  Not to mention how I love that paisley border print!!  

The fabrics in Bess' Flower Garden really gives a pretty range of reds....
...and a lovely variety of light prints, too.

Oh, how I love me a red and light quilt!  
Truth is...you can swap colors and make Wash Day in blues and lights just as easily!

Support your local quilt shop and buy some Bess' Flower Garden for your stash.  They could really use a mail or curb side order from you right about now.  

If they don't have it, (I always want you to buy from your LQS first!!) you can order it on my website.

I have full Wash Day kits here.

Bess' Flower Garden Fat Quarter bundles here.

Bess' Flower Garden yardage here.
Don't forget to come back Friday for the 4th block and BIG reveal of our scrappy little runner sew along, Safe Keeping!  Ooohhh...I can't wait!

In the meantime, I hope you're well, finding good things to do to pass the time, and keeping your needle and sewing machines happy!  

Above all...be well!

Friday, May 1, 2020

Safe Keeping Sew along ~ Part Three

This is the third week of my Safe Keeping sew along.  Already?!
It seems time has flown when you think of this as week three, yet in so many ways, time seems to be standing still right now as we so wish this horrible virus would go away!  

Well...I'm hoping this little sew along is helping to keep you busy with something you enjoy doing.  

This weeks block is also a favorite for me.....
Colorado Beauty
It's very similar to the LeMoyne Star in the units we make for it.  Relatively easy, especially when I don't screw up the cutting instructions!  Sorry about that!  

Cutting Instructions for Colorado Beauty block:

From the light print
Cut (4) 2 1/4" squares for Half Square Triangles
Cut (4) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles for Flying Geese

From the red print
Cut (2) 2 1/4" squares for Half Square Triangles
Cut (8) 1 1/2" squares for Flying Geese

From the black print
Cut (2) 2 1/4" squares for Half Square Triangles

Directions

1).  Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of (4) 2 1/4" light print squares.  Match (2) with a 2 1/4" black print square, and (2) with red print squares.  Sew 1/4" each side of the drawn line.  Cut apart and press to the dark.  Trim (8) Half Square Triangles to measure 1 1/2" unfinished.

2).  Sew (4) black and light print Half Square Triangles into a Pinwheel unit measuring 2 1/2" square.

3).  Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of (8) red print 1 1/2" squares.  Using the Connector Corner method, sew the red print squares to a 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" light print rectangle; press and trim.  Repeat on the other side of the rectangle with the remaining (4) red print squares.  Make (4) Flying Geese measuring 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" unfinished.  

4).  Arrange the units for the block as shown in the photo above.  Sew together into rows; press to Flying Geese units.
Sew rows together; press.  Your block should measure 4 1/2" square.
I received a few emails asking what fabric collections I used in making my blocks.  The reds come from Bess' Flower Garden.  Some of the backgrounds come from Bess as well.  The black print and the background in this week's block are from New Circa Essentials.  All are still available on my website....just in case they are call you.  

My quarantine organization continues.  It's getting boring now, but I carry on as this is the best time to do this.  Once the weather is nice here, I won't be doing anything like that until the fall.  So...I make myself continue up to one hour a day.  Little by little, it will get done.  What is keeping you busy?

Next month, I will be hosting another.....
I sure hope you join me!!  

You'll see the first sneak peeks on Instagram and Facebook, so please follow me there.  Once I decide on an official start date, I'll be sure to post that info here as well and a peek at the antique quilt we will replicate.  

In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend.  Next Friday is our last block and the reveal of what our sweet little scrappy runner looks like.  

Stay safe and keep creating!  Be well....