Cherry Blossom Quilt pattern, hexagon fun and three more nine patches

 

Cherry Blossom Quilt,  2013   61 1/2" x 73 1/2"

 



My Cherry Blossom Quilt pattern is now available! I am afraid the instructions are rather longwinded but when writing I assume that the reader is a novice so I provide more detail than is necessary for an experienced quilter. I hope you liked my quilt and the pattern and please feel free to share with others by linking to my blog!

Are you addicted to hexagons? If so there a spectacular hexagon quilt that you can see at Grit's blog. Her quilt is called "La Passion" and there are instructions and lots of wonderful how-to pictures to tempt you! Here's a little peek at this exciting hexagon quilt!

Now how about a little hexagon fun? This is another diamond from my hexagon quilt Loopers in the Sky with Diamonds.

Loopers in the Sky with Diamonds, 2005

This block reminds me of a Ninja star! Or a pinwheel! It is very easy but effective. I think a border of these spinning stars would be very lively!

And this is the template I used to make this block! The numbers indicate the order of fabric placement.

I always shorten the stitches on my sewing machine when I foundation piece the hexagon and once it is done it is English paper piecing as usual. If you want to read more about this method there are several posts on my blog including May 30 and 31, June 3, 4, 13 and 28. I have to get these all put together in one place....soon!

I'm still working on updating my two instruction booklets that explain these techniques and when they are done I'll publish them under tips and tutorials!

And for those of you who are addicted to nine patches, this is what I made while working on the binding for Mom's Anna quilt!

As you know I cut up scraps into 1 1/2" squares and lay them out as nine patches on 6" squares of flannel. I use these pieces as leaders and enders when I'm sewing. The result is a 3 1/2" (3" finished) nine patch. I made three when I made and applied the binding to Mom's quilt. They will be added to the box of nine patches just waiting to be turned into a quilt. That's how my Cherry Blossom quilt was made...from the stash of nine patches which were made as leaders and enders!

And speaking of Cherry Blossom, when I mitered the corners I had a bunch of scrap triangles. I used one of them to make this nine patch and I have four light coloured patches that will go into another nine patch block! Nine patches can be every bit as addictive as hexagons....I know this from personal experience!

Until I post again, happy sewing!