Nerdy Nine Patch Tutorial

Well, I just completed a quilt in under a week's time!  It was a simple one but great for using up some FQs of your favorite prints that are just sitting on your shelf waiting for you to cut into.  I purchased a Geekly Chic Bundle from Stash Fabrics a while ago and then Geekly Chic Returns just came out with some new prints, so I added in some high tops, cameras and swatch watches (my fave) to round out the assortment.  In a last minute decision to create one more quilt before the upcoming craft fair this Saturday, I knew it had to be a quick, simple design.  And that is how Nerdy Nine Patch came to be.

Here's what you need to make a nice lap size quilt:  (after washing mine measures at 63inx63in)

11 Print  FQs
5 Coordinating Solid FQs

Cut each FQ into 9-6" squares

For each nine patch block you will need 5 of the same fabric and 4 of the same fabric, therefore cutting 9 of each FQ will yield each fabric to be in two blocks.  You need 16 total blocks, for a 4x4 layout.  (Of course I cut too many solids and had extra to play around with)

Next, lay out your 9 patch blocks with high contrasting fabrics to create each block.  Think about the values when making your blocks especially the ones that don't have a solid.  Only 10 of the 16 nine patch blocks will have a solid.

Sew your 6" squares into 9 patch blocks together.  Press.  The blocks should measure at 17" unfinished.  Press, then rearrange until you are happy with your layout.  Mine changed from the beginning layout to the final.

Lastly, sew all your 9 patch blocks together. Press, baste, quilt, bind, wash!

I just thought I'd share an easy one with very little waste!  

Happy SPRING sewing!  

(Follow me on Instagram as cyclingjanes)

Melissa

Simpatico Spinning Stars

This quilt has been a long time in the making.  I started it probably at least a year ago.  I fell in love with Simpatico by Cloud 9 and bought my first FQ bundle of the whole collection.  Then, joined in on a spinning stars QAL.  

It wasn't the best piecing job so I thought I should quilt it lightly with some spiderwebs and swirls.  Quilted with aurifil light gray.  I have to say, in my rush to complete as many WIP as possible I may have rushed too quickly through quilting this one.  That is definitely something I need to work on... Taking my time while quilting.  I have limited time to quilt bc I only do it when my son is at parents day out and my husband is at work.  So I rush to get it done while they are away but that technique isn't working.

I'm also searching for new photography options.  I can't seem to figure it out where, when, phone, camera... Editing?! I'd rather be sewing.  Ha!  I love how it turned out.  It's very girly and pretty.  This one will go to my sister.  Can't wait to give it to her!

Notes from my Economy Block Quilt

I made my son, what I was calling, a 'Square in a Square' quilt for his second birthday in September.  I bought some great Kokka prints from FreshModernFabrics on etsy.  Now, seeing everyone's gorgeous 'economy blocks', I thought I'd share my experience making 8.5" unfinished blocks. 

 

  I didn't do paper piecing.  I started by cutting lots of squares in the following measurements:

48- 4 3/8" squares for the centers

96- 3 3/4" squares for the middle square (2 of each 48 prints)

96- 5" squares for the outer square (2 of each 48 prints)

I did cut extra of the outer layers so I could pick and choose and change things as I wanted.  I used the fabric values to create my blocks: dark center, light middle, dark outside OR light, dark, light.  But then it was getting super busy.  So I added solid white to try and slow things down.

 

I made my blocks like Rita @ RedPepperQuilts but used different measurements, and trimmed to a larger size.  My blocks finished at 8.5" with very little trimming necessary.  I was able to use a 1/4" seam throughout.

The only thing that bothers me about this quilt is the backing.  I don't like it.  But I LOVE my quilting on this one.  You can't really see it but it makes the coolest secondary pattern.  It finished at 45x60 after washing.  Good luck everyone working on these great economy blocks!  I love seeing them.