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May 28, 2014Hello all, Mary Ellen here.
This post is a milestone-my 250th post at this blog. I talk a lot I guess. If you read all the way to then end, I’ll tell you how to enter to win a prize from me to celebrate this “achievement”.
One thing you might know if you’ve read these posts for a while is what some of my favorite blocks are. Take a minute, can you name of few of my faves? … Drunkard’s paths should be in the list. Here’s a link (click here) to a modern looking drunkard’s path. I think this one would be great for a fat quarter collection of some of those gorgeous, somewhat solid, fabrics that are now appearing in the shops. How about Grunge from Basic Grey? Love it!
Another favorite of mine … hexagon quilts, not grandmother’s flower gardens–bigger hexagons! I tried the English paper piecing needed for the old-fashioned grandmother’s flower garden and did enough to cover the yoke of a denim shirt. That was enough of that for me! I think I like quicker results. The new trend of cutting the hexagons in half making trapezoids, which makes construction of the rows so simple, is used in so many of the latest hexagon patterns. It does make construction of the hexagon look so much faster, and manageable for a beginning quilter. I don’t like how it distorts the proportions of the hexagons a bit though; on some fabric designs it also cuts right smack into the design which gets spoiled when a seam runs through it. If you want to leave the hexagons whole, the tops can still be pieced on the machine but it requires a Y seam. I don’t mind the Y seams myself, particularly on large hexagons. It’s a trade-off I guess. No seams vs. speed. Both methods are good to have in your quilter’s tool box so you have the option of either one depending on the project you’re making. Here’s a link to a collection of free hexagon quilt patterns. Click here.
If you’d like a chance to win a prize celebrating my 250th post, leave a comment to me answering one of these questions: What is your favorite quilt block or quilt style? OR Who is your favorite fabric designer and why? On June 10 I’ll choose a winner at random from the comments received.
Thanks for reading my ramblings; I hope you’ll stick around for more!
0 Comments
Congrats on hitting the mark. I can’t believe it’s been that many. I’ve looked forward to them all, though. My favorite quilt style? Gee.. ummm…have to think about that one for a sec. Scrappy of course!
Congratulations! I think I’ve read almost every one.
My favorite quilt block or style is…the newest one that I’m trying right now. It may not be “new” to other quilters but if I haven’t tried it, I love the challenge.
Thank you Mary Ellen for saving me a ton of time by directing me to various sites that I don’t have the time to find on my own.
Good Work Mary Ellen. My favorite block is anything I can make using the 60 degree triangle ruler.
Mary Ellen, I enjoy reading your posts! I’m a new quilter and a new member of the guild, so I like to hear about all the different things you post. I have to agree with Robi, I like scrappy quilts the best. The more color, the better!
Congratulations Mary Ellen! I read all your posts and enjoy all the links. Even if it’s not something I’m currently interested in, I look anyways. You never know how your taste will change in the future and it’s always good to be “well rounded.” My favorite quilt style right now is pieced and applique in the same quilt. I love how the addition of applique (machine or hand) adds to the overall design.
Congrats, Mary Ellen. Thanks for the links. I always check out a few. My favorite quilt style is appliqué on a pieced background. My close second is red work.
Congrats on your blog. I enjoy it.
Ummm, picking my favorite child….no, I mean quilt block.I really like applique and piece work, I usually revert back to some star for the piecing.
I agree with others – I have many favorite blocks, especially the humble nine patch which I am currently piecing. I also have what I call my signature block that is a take off of the nine patch. I am not sure it has a name that I can find. Am still researching it.
Congratulations Mary Ellen. I do enjoy your posts. I would have to say my favorite block would have a star in it. I love all the quilts with some sort of star in them.
Congratulations. I enjoy the posts and links.Great information.
Here’s to the next 250………..
Favorite blocks are stars, Moda fabrics, can’t pick one designer yet
Congratulations and thank you! Your blogs are the highlight of my day. I look forward to every word, link and inspiration so keep up the great work. My favorite blocks are pieced blocks that when put together, create an image like a house, a cat, a dog, etc.