I just finished Studio 180 Design pattern “Starget” by Deb Tucker. This quilt finishes at 88″ x 104″. It requires V Block, Square/Squared, Wing Clipper I & Split Rects tools.
I made this quilt for my sister Mary. She came with me to every doctors appointment and every cancer treatment for nine months. Mary had to wait in the car during these (winter) appointments because of COVID restrictions. She loves this pattern and I was so happy to make it for her.
I love Christmas & I love Christmas Tree Quilts! Over the years I have made several and decided to share some with you. Studio 180 Design tools gives you several ways to easily make Christmas Trees.
I made this 7 years ago for my Granddaughter Samantha. I Believe uses the V Block tool. Below is the supply list:
I made Deck the Halls for Northcott Fabrics in 2019. It is made with Tucker Trimmer I & Wing Clipper I. Below is the supply list:
The Split Rects Christmas Tree wall hanging is made with the Split Rects tool. The supply list is below:
The Wing Clipper wall hanging is made with 4 Flying Geese using the Wing Clipper I. The supply list is below:
This Skinny Christmas Tree was made using all 10 sizes the Wing Clipper I makes. Supply List is below:
Happy Holidays everyone!
The fabrics shown in this post were given to me by Island Batik.
Last January Island Batik gave me a secret bundle to hold onto till November, it was Tropical Escape shown above. I sat and looking at the bundle of gorgeous fabrics, waiting for them to talk to me. The goal is for me to introduce the Tropical Escape fabric line by making a quilt showcasing as many of the 20 fabrics as possible.
I decided to use Studio 180 Design’s BlockBuster pattern #29 Pointsettia. This block requires the Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star, Split Rects and Tucker Trimmer I tools. You can download the BlockBuster pattern below:
I loved that the Poinsettia block could be made in 7″, 14″ or 21″ finished blocks. I chose the 21″ blocks.
Time to break out the paper plates. I sorted my fabrics by color and value, pairing a light/medium value with a darker value. This would allow me to use 16 different fabrics to form the flowers. I would use the lighter value fabric for the Lemoyne star quarters and the darker value fabrics for the split rects units.
My tip for staying organized while making Lemoyne stars is to label two paper plates, one “A” & one “B”. Follow the Lemoyne star tool instructions. When you come to Step 7, make one 45 degree cut – then imediateley reposition your ruler to cut the side triangles as you go.
If you are right handed the “B” strip was on the bottom & the “A” strip was on top. Place the “A” unit on the plate marked “A” and the “B” unit on the plate marked “B”, place one triangle on each plate also. (If you are left handed the “A” strip would be on the bottom and the “B” strip would be on top). Continue cutting your units, placing each unit on their assigned plate. Construct the Lemoyne units as instructed. Throughout the process you will always know which units are “A” and which are “B”. This is important for knowing which way to press your seams. Another tip for pressing the lemoyne star units is to “remember, the Lemoyne star point should always be pointed to the left”. To make Lemoyne star quarters you will square them up using your Tucker Trimmer 1 before stitching them to the split rects units.
Layout your Lemoyne quarters with your mirror image split rects units and stitch together.
Press seams as shown above.
Continue making your Lemoyne star quarters/split rects units. They are all constructed the same way.
Stitch a background rectangle with each Lemoyne quarter/split rects unit as shown. Follow block assembly instruction in the BlockBuster #29 pattern.
At first I decided to make 6 – 21″ blocks measuring 60″ x 83″.
But I discovered I had enough units to make 9 blocks with left over Lemoyne quarters for the use in the outer border. Quilt measures 83″ x 83″.
It’s funny how this quilt came about. It stared with Island Batik’s fabric line: Tropical Escape; BlockBuster’s Pointsettia block (a Christmas flower); and it is named after a canyon in Arizona. I named this quilt Copper Canyon Blooms as I think they look like desert blooms! In the supply list below I’ve given you fabric requirements for both the 6 block top and the 9 block top.
#islandbatik #bestofbali #tropicalescape #studio180design #blockbusters #EQ8
I visited the Oneida County Historical Society to take this photo on the steps.
Deb Tucker’s “Steam Engine” fabric line from Island Batik is simply Gorgeous.
Card Shark: what a great block, made with Half Square Triangles, Non Mirror Combo units & a Stacked Square. Constructed using Studio 180 Design Tucker Trimmer I & Square Squared tools with Stacked Squares & Non Mirror Combo Units Technique Sheets.
Download your Cutting instructions here:
Half Square Triangles:
Your Tucker Trimmer Tool Instructions give you the information you need to complete your Half Square Triangles. Cut your squares and using your Magic Wand draw two diagonal lines. Match up your dark and light fabric squares aligning the raw edges. Stitch on the lines, cut apart and press to the dark fabric. Remember: whatever you are pressing toward, goes on top. Trim your Half Square Triangle units to 4 1/2″.
Non Mirror Combo Units: Past construction methods would result in mirror image units. Sometimes we need combination units that are the same as in Card Shark which requires two of each units below:
Determine your color placement. Follow the instructions in the Non Mirror Combo Units Technique Sheet.
Make the half square triangles first by using the Magic Wand and mark 4 diagonal lines from corner to corner. Follow the stitching instructions in the technique sheet. Cut apart.
Press toward the dark triangle.
Cut squares for large triangles once diagonally.
Pair small triangles with the large triangles, center and stitch. Press toward the large triangle.
Trim units to 4 1/2″.
Stacked Square:
Layout your Stacked Square unit pieces.
Start by making a four patch and swirl the center. Our Stacked Square is a 4″ finished unit. Check the chart on the Stacked Square Technique sheet to find the Cut size for the center square, which is 2 1/2″. Using my my Tucker Trimmer I trimmed the four patch to 2 1/2″.
Check your color placement and stitch two triangles. Press toward the triangle and add the two more triangles pressing toward the triangles as before.
The Large Square Squared Tool is broken up into two different parts. Part “A” & Part “B” to include guidelines for making 12 different sizes. The chart in the Stacked Squares Tech sheet tells us what size to cut our side triangles and how line up for trimming. The first trim uses Part “A” to trim before adding the second round of triangles.
After adding the second round of triangles, use Part “B” to trim the stack square to a cut size of 4 1/2″.
Lay out your units, stitch together in to rows.
Card Shark is now ready to add the quilt!
I use my Groovy Seam Rippers made by fellow quilter Nancy Townsend as my little helpers while quilting.
The Whistle Stop Quilt is made up of 12″ blocks and 6″ finished blocks.
This is “Roll the Dice”. It is made with Studio 180 Design Square Squared and Split Rects tools. Click below to download the cutting instructions.
Using your Split Rects tool, cut 4 side triangles for Type 1 units, per your tool instructions from your two fabrics making sure your fabrics are right side up. Stitch triangles together and press seams open.
Trim your Split Rects to 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″, rotate and trim again.
Square Squared
Cut your center square using Part “A” for a 2″ finished unit.
Trim to the cut size of 2 1/2″ using Part “B” of your Square Squared tool. Rotate and trim again.
Layout your block units.
Place the center square/squared unit right sides together with a Split Rects unit aligning the raw edges of the top and sides. Stitch a partial seam along the dark fabric of the Split rects stopping just past the center of the Square/Squared unit.
Now add a Split Rects unit across the top. Be sure the dark fabric of the Split Rects Units are against the center square/squared unit. Press toward the split rects unit.
Add a third split rects unit and press as before.
Add the fourth Split Rects units.
Fold over the split rects unit with the partial seam and align the raw edges. Stitch meeting up with the partial seam.
Below is the complete schedule for the Whistle Stop Tour:
Monday September 9th
Tuesday September 10th
Wednesday September 11th
Thursday, September 12th
Friday, September 13th
Saturday, September 14th
Sunday, September 15th
Monday, September 16th
#studio180design #SteamEngine #Islandbatik #WhistleStopTour
The beautiful fabrics featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik.
The Island Batik Ambassadors assignment for September is “Childs Play”, make a quilt inspired/designed for a child.
Included in Island Batik Ambassador’s Box 2, I was given a gorgeous fat quarter bundle from the Enchanted Forest line. These fabrics are so beautiful and the name “Enchanted Forest” reminds me of being a child at my grandparents house. My sister Mary and I would go through the backyard, past the little league field, playground and into the woods. For my sister and I, those woods were magical. We imagined we could find a fairy floating by around every tree & magical creatures of all sorts living in our Enchanted Forest along the Saquoit Creek. The many shades of green in the variety of trees and moss were amazing. In the Spring, we couldn’t wait to go hunting for violets, and would come home with beautiful bouquets for our Grandma Bessie.
I pin orphan blocks to the ceiling in my quilt studio. As I was contemplating what to make I spotted a favorite block. For me the creative process usually begins with EQ8, so off I went to see what I would come up with.
I love the flower affect that is created by using Shaded Four Patch & Split Rects units. I decided on a 10″ finished block using 4″ finished Shaded Four Patch units & 2″ X 4″ finished Split Rects Units.
I used all the fabulous fabrics in the fat quarter bundle and made each flower unique. Vivi’s Flowers was constructed with Aurifil Thread and completed with Hobbs Tuscany Silk Blend Batting. This quilt was made for my friend Cher Green’s beautiful Granddaughter Vivi. I named this quilt “Vivi’s Flowers”. It measures 46″ X 58″. If you would like a supply list for this quilt you may download it here:
#islandbatikambassador #islandbatik #iloveislandbatik #quilting #sewingforkids #kidsquilts #quiltingproject #hobbsbatting #doyoueq #aurifil #aurifilthread #juki #olfacreates
The Island Batik Ambassador’s December challenge was to create a project that is Whimsical & Wonky”. Well, I settled on Tipsy! My Holiday Tipsy Tree is based on BlockBuster pattern # 27 Roll the Dice . This year I have made many quilt projects using Split Rects Units so it is only fitting I end the year with Split Rects.
For this quilt I used Island Batik’s “Alpine Jungle” line of beautiful batiks. I also used Studio 180 Design Split Rects, Square/Squared, Wing Clipper I & Lemoyne Star tools. I chose four different green fabrics, 9 for block centers.
Cut your elongated triangles according to the Split Rects tool instructions.
Cut your background side triangles the same way.
Lay out your split rects, align and center the two pieces with just a bit of overlap at the ends. Stitch and press seams open. I love using my “Stick Strip” for pressing seams open.
Following the tool instructions trim, rotate & trim again.
Make the 9 Square/Squared units following the Square Squared tool instructions. I chose 9 different unit centers but you could make them all one color if you like. Each side of the square/squared unit will be different to match the fabric used for the split rects units.
Lay out your units as they will be stitched. Choose a square/squared unit for the center, rotating the square/squared unit so the side triangle matches the same fabric used in the split rects unit.
This block is constructed using a partial seam. Place the square/squared unit right sides together with one of the split rects units being sure to match the fabrics and stitch half way down the square/squared unit.
This gives you the next complete edge to stitch another split rects to, again matching the square/squared unit fabric with the split rects fabric.
When stitching the split rects to the square/squared unit, always place the precision cut square/squared unit on top be careful to stitch using the unit center as a guide.
Continue stitching the split rects units and complete the partial seam, pressing toward the split rects units. Make the other 8 blocks the same way.
Tree Trunk: Make one set of 2″ x 4″ finished flying geese using the Wing Clipper I tool instructions. Only 3 flying geese units will be needed.
Tree Star: Make the 6″ finished lemoyne star using the Lemoyne Star tool instructions.
Lay out your quilt blocks and construct the quilt center. Once the borders are added the finished quilt measures 38″ x 38″.
Happy Holidays!
#islandbatik #thebestofbali #islandbatikambassador #alpinejungle #iloveislandbatik #debtucker #studio180design #whimsicalandwonky
The products in this post were given to me by Island Batik.
Back in February when I received my Island Batik Ambassador Box 1 it contained a secret bundle that could not be shared until now! Through out the month of August “The great Outdoors Blog Hop” is featuring Island Batik Ambassador’s creations using fabrics that were introduced at the 2018 Spring Market. Go to Island Batik for links to all the Ambassador Blog Sites.
I was given fabric from the “Spring Blossom” line:
I managed to use 20 different fabrics from this gorgeous line in my quilt as shown above.
I named my quilt “Firefly”. It is my original design, and uses Studio 180 Design Split Rects & Corner Beam tools. It measures 66″ x 78″. It is designed using one 6″ finished block.
Each block contains 1 – 4″ finished Corner Beam unit, 2 mirror image 2″ x 4″ finished Split Rects units & a 2″ finished square.
I chose 7 different fabrics for the Split rects units and 10 more fabrics for the Corner Beam units and squares.
I got one star block by place the corner beam units in the center and a 2nd star block by placing the 2″ squares in the center which created the “Firefly” in the center, how cool is this? I had so much fun making this quilt.
To celebrate the great out door places in Utica, NY, my sister Mary & I went all over taking pictures of my travelling quilt. We went to the historical Utica Train Station, Forest Hills Cemetery (the tree was up the hill from John Quincy Adams granddaughter’s grave), Rutger Park 1 & 3, Franklin Square, Liberty Bell Corner, Bagg Square & Utica Bread (fabulous bakery) and then upstairs to Jay Groah Realtor Group (his office has the coolest 70″s vibe), we finished up at the Eagle with a beautiful view of Utica.
GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment about this post and I will choose a winner to receive this Island Batik Spoolin Around Charm Pack! (Giveaway is US Only and ends September 5, 2018. Please leave your email in the comment.)
#greatoutdoorsbloghop #islandbatik #islandbatikambassador
The fabrics featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik.
The Island Batik Ambassador’s challenge for June is “Modern Batik”. Lord have mercy! I had no idea what to do. I love all types of quilts. For some reason I wondered……what colors were popular in 1953? A search on Pinterest revealed an O’Brien Paints Color Card from 1953! It must be a sign!
I racked my brain. I had these really cool precut rolls of 5″ WOF strips I’d received in my box “O” fabric from Island Batik.
Last year I was constantly looking for quilt blocks containing Shaded Four Patch units. This year it seems to be Split Rects units that have my mind whirling.
The above photo’s are my teaching step outs that explain the process of making Spilt Rects Units in case you weren’t sure what I was talking about.
I chose 8 – 5″ WOF strips of color & cut 8 – 5″ strips of neutral. Each strip yielded 12 pair mirror image elongated triangles for a total of 192 – 2″ x 4″ finished Split Rects Units that I will put together to make a multi-faceted Diamond unit.
I Combined the Split Rects units to make multifaceted diamonds.
I was very closely supervised during this part.
I had an idea of what I wanted, but wasn’t sure how to get there. I had 48 diamond units but needed to add something more. I decided on Rapid Fire Lemoyne Stars.
I went to Island Batik stash and used 2 1/2″ strips from Spoolin’ Around. These beautiful pieces of batik have been hand dyed by skilled fabric artists in the garden village of Sanur, Bali.
This is what I came up with. Is it modern? The challenge description was “must incorporate ONE of the characteristics of modern quilts as defined by the Modern Quilt Guild: the use of bold colors & prints, high contrast & graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, alternate grid work”.
I may have hit one or two points! But if you look to the past for inspiration what can you expect! “Blast From The Past” measures 42′ x 62″.
As always, my quilts are lovingly pieced with Aurifil thread!
#islandbatik #debtucker #studio180design #aurifilthread
The fabrics featured in this post were given to me by Northcott.
I have been chosen to participate in Northcott’s Creative Club. If you have not used Northcott fabrics before you will be pleasantly surprised. Just like their logo says “Cottons that feel like Silk”!
I chose to make Prism, a pattern created by Pam Goggans of Sager Creek Quilts. Prism is a companion pattern for the Studio 180 Design Split Rects Tool.
One of my favorite Disney movies is “Pollyanna”. Remember this scene when they discover “rainbow makers”? I do, and that is the inspiration for my version of Prism.
My fabrics are from Artisan Spirit Shimmer By Deborah Edwards Northcott Studio. Aren’t they just yummy, looks like a rainbow to me!
I am a purveyor of paper plates! I use them to stay organized throughout the quilt making process. I cut everything out but the borders (I save that till the end so I can verify my measurements) and place them on their labeled paper plate. I can stack them up in a tub or place them in gallon size storage bags when I’m not working on them.
Split Rects Units
To make mirror image split rects units, lay the fabric strip “right sides together OR wrong sides together. Position the ruler on the strip with the broad black line against the trimmed end of the strip and the desired finished size guide and trim along the slanted edge. For the second cut, rotate the tool one half turn and align the small second trim “nub” line on the long edge of the strip and the “Second Trim” guide along the just-trimmed edge. Trim along the straight edge of the tool.
I am right handed, so my strips are placed horizontally and I cut from left to right. Left hander’s would place their strips vertically. See tool instructions for complete left handed cutting.
Continue to cut all the pieces for the split rects units.
Lay out the pieces as they will be stitched together. Stitch the elongated triangles by placing them right sides together with the long, bias edge of the pieces aligned. Center the two pieces with just a bit of overlap at the ends.
Press the seams either toward the darker fabric or open. As you can see I press mine open.
Align either the “Common Diagonal” or the “Size Diagonal” with the seam you have sewn. These will vary depending on the slant of the seam in your unit. Check to make sure that the fabric unit is completely contained within the trim down lines. For right hander’s trim up the side and across the top.
Rotate the unit and reposition the tool on top. Align the correct “Cut Size” measurement with the trimmed corner and the same diagonal line used in the first trim. Trim the remaining two edges of the unit.
Above I have laid out my trimmed mirror image split rects units.
Double Split Rects Units
After trimming the split rects units to the correct “Cut Size” choose 24 mirror image units to make special Double Split Rects!
According to pattern instructions trim away the excess of the colored triangle. Make sure to position the left leaning units right side up and the right leaning units right side down.
Using the Split Rects Tool, cut triangles from the accent fabric according to pattern instructions.
Lay out the trimmed units and the replacement triangles.
Stitch the dark triangles to the trimmed units. I press my seams open.
Trim as before. Place right leaning unit right side up and left leaning unit wrong side up.
I laid out my units on the design wall, and then I noticed two units were missing! Tucker my Chihuahua decided I had ignored her long enough. This is her way getting my attention. I found the units upstairs by a guilty grinning Tucker!
I stitched the units for the quilt center together and then added the borders. The secret to this quilt is to use your best accurate 1/4″ seam!
I quilted Prism with a meandering stitch. (All that meander are not lost.)
The Northcott Artisan Spirit Shimmer fabric line was perfect for this quilt! I love it!
Even the quilt back is beautiful Northcott fabric!
I used Quilter’s Dream Blend Batting, and I do all my piecing with Aurifil thread!
First things first… I am an Island Batik Ambassador!!! I am so excited to have been accepted as apart of this talented group of quilters. Island Batik Company has been around for over 15 years providing quality products and outstanding customer service.
Island Batik Ambassador’s are from all over the world. As an Island Batik Ambassador, I will be sharing their fabric lines and projects to help inspire you. Every month there will be something new to share.
I am one of those people who can’t stand to be late. Even when I try to not to be the first person at the party, I’m always on time! The 2017 Island Batik Ambassador’s just ended their year with the Four Season Blog Hop January 31st. The boxes filled with Island Batik goodies for the 2018 Ambassador’s have been mailed. Unfortunately mine will be delivered while I’m away at a quilting retreat. I can’t stand to be late so I pulled out some Island Batik fabric from my stash to share my GALentine’s Day project with you.
If you were a Parks & Recreation’s fan you’ll remember when Leslie Knope created “Galentine”s Day” as a celebration of our best gal pal’s and lady friends! So this February 13th (that’s right, the day before Valentines Day) let’s celebrate our fellow females who encourage and inspire us.
I heart you.
I am also a Studio 180 Design Certified Instructor, so the way I roll is with Deb Tucker Tools! This Mug Rug was made with Deb’s Split Rects & Corner Pop Tools.
I started by choosing my Island Batik fabrics from the Drizzle Collection and my favorite thread from Aurifil. I made this Mug Rug by making two 3″ x 6″ finished mirror image Split Rects units. First thing was to check the size chart in my Split Rects instructions. I had fat quarters of dark purple & light purple, and yardage of my background fabric. The tool instructions will tell you that for 3″x 6″ finished units you will need 7″ wide strips of each color. I cut a 7″ strip from each of my purple fat quarters, and a 7″ WOF strip from my background fabric.
For Mirror Image units I placed my purple 7″ strips right sides together and trimmed off the selvages.
Right handers place strips horizontally on the cutting mat and position the tool on the strip with the broad black line against the trimmed end of the strips and the desired finished size guide line along the raw edge of the strips. Trim along the slanted edge of the tool. You will now have mirror image elongated triangles. (See tool instructions for left handed cutting.)
Repeat the process and cut two mirror image elongated triangles from your background fabric. Place the background triangles with purple triangles as shown above.
Stitch the elongated triangles by placing them right sides together with the long, bias edge of the pieces aligned. Because they are oversized there is no need to fuss, just center the two pieces with just a bit of overlap at the ends and stitch. I press the seams open, but you can press to the dark if you are morally opposed to pressing the seams open.
First trim, for right handers, position the unit horizontally on the cutting mat (see tool instructions for left handed trimming). Align either the “Common Diagonal” or the correct “Size Diagonal” with the seam you have sewn (this will vary depending on the slant of your unit). The photo above has the common diagonal lined up with the sewn seam. Check to make sure that the unit is completely contained within the trim down lines for 3″x6″ unit. Trim up the right side and across the top. Lift the tool and rotate the unit. Reposition the tool over the unit. Align the cut size measurement with the trimmed corner and the same Common Diagonal line used the first time. Trim the two remaining edges.
For the second Split Rects unit you will use the “Size Diagonal” line (this will vary depending on the slant of your unit) positioned over the sewn seam making sure the unit is completely contained within the 3″x6″ trim down lines. Trim up the right side and across the top. Lift the tool, rotate the unit. Align the cut size measurement with the trimmed corner and the same Size Diagonal line used the first time. Trim the two remaining edges.
You now have two perfectly trimmed mirror image Split Rects Units. For the top of our heart I used Deb Tucker’s Corner Pop tool.
Cut two 3 1/2″ squares, one from the dark purple & one from the light purple fabric. Cut two 2″ squares from the background fabric, and then cut them once diagonally ( the size of the replacement triangle squares varies per cut away size & is found in the chart in the tool instructions).
With the Corner Poop tool you can choose from 22 size options and remove a 90 degree corner from your base unit while leaving the 1/4″ seam allowance. For this project I popped off a 3/4″ corner from the dark purple 3 1/2″ square. Place the 3/4″ ruler lines over the corner you wish to remove as shown above and trim.
Center the replacement triangles right sides together with the base shape and stitch. Press toward the small triangle.
Locate the Trim Down Section on your Corner Pop tool and find the diagonal line that corresponds to the Cut Away Size, which is 3/4″. Trim away the excess replacement triangle fabric, returning your base square to its original size.
Repeat the process and pop off one more corner as shown above. Center & stitch the replacement triangle, press toward the replacement triangle.
As before, locate the Trim Down Section on your Corner Pop tool and find the diagonal line that corresponds to the Cut Away Size, which is 3/4″. Trim away the excess replacement triangle fabric. Your unit should look like the one above. Repeat this whole process and pop off the corners of the light purple 3 1/2″ square.
You should end up with the four units above.
Stitch the light purple heart top to the dark purple split rects unit and Stitch the dark purple heart top to the light purple split rects unit. Press one seam towards the split rects unit and press the other towards the heart top. Re-Press one seam of the heart top unit that was pressed toward the split rects so the seams will nest when the unit halves are sewn together.
I pressed the center seam open to avoid bulk.
Measure your heart. Mine measures 6 1/2″x 9 1/2″. I cut two strips 1 1/2″x 9 1/2″ and sewed them on either side. Measure your heart gain. I needed 2 strips 1 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ and stitched them on the top and bottom of my heart.
My mug rug top measures 8 1/2″ by 11 1/2″ so I cut a piece of scrap batting & backing one inch larger, 9 1/2″ by 12 1/2″. Using my walking foot I quilted the 3 layers using a simple cross hatch design with Ivory Aurifil thread.
I finished it with 2 1/4″ binding cut from my left over fat quarter.
Tucker tried her best to keep me from finishing my GALentine’s Day Mug Rug, but I am pleased with the finished product.
#islandbatikambassador #islandbatik #iheartislandbatik #happygalentinesday #happyvalentiesday #galentinesday #valentinesday #thebestfrombali
If These Threads Could Talk 