Holiday Ninepatch Tutorial

For our upcoming December meeting, we have asked everyone to bring in a "holiday" ninepatch block for a swap.  It can be any holiday, not just December-based ones!  I made two blocks the other day and wanted to share some ideas with you.

A few people in the last meeting mentioned the site 15 Minutes Play, and the concept of "making" fabric from scraps.  It is a great way to use up your scrap bin and add a modern, freeform element to your quilts! HERE is the basic tutorial.

I decided to use up a bunch of my red scraps and make a basic Valentine's Day ninepatch block!

Step one:  find lots of fabric scraps!

Step two:  sew scraps together to make larger pieces.

Step three:  slice and dice into smaller segments!

Step four:  sew into larger pieces.  You've just "made" fabric!

Step five:  cut the "made" fabric into 4.5 inch squares.  I got a bunch of squares out of the scraps (you only need five for the ninepatch block).

Step six:  add four 4.5 inch squares of other fabric (plain or patterned).

Done!  Measures 12.5 inches square.

You can use this technique for any type of patchwork block.  I had a few "made" fabric blocks left over, so I decided to make a July 4th themed block as well.  I just added some 4.5 inch Half-Square Triangles in blue and white:

Another block done!

You can make any type of ninepatch you like (it does not have to be a basic one).  Please feel free to send me an email of your completed blocks, and I can add them to the blog!

Like this concept of "making fabric" and want to try more?  Check out the 15 Minutes Play site and their block of the month tutorials!

~ Nicole Kaplan

Palm Beach Quilt Show!

Save the Date:  the Palm Beach Quilt Show is coming to town on November 10 - 12, 2011!  You can find their official website HERE.

Here are photos from quilt shows that Mancuso Show Management presented in other cities.  Looks fabulous!

Here is the official information about the show from their website: 

"Mancuso Show Management is excited to announce the return of the World Quilt Show - FLORIDA! This show will be host the 2011 World Quilt Competition Tour, one of the most internationally diverse exhibitions in the world of quilting and the textile arts. Join us for a magnificent quilt and textile art experience. This spectacular site is the perfect location at the perfect time of year for this new and exciting venue.  The show will boast a Merchants Mall with exhibitors offering everything needed to start those creative projects swimming in the heads of every quilt and textile artist. Also, for inspiration or simply eye candy, attendees won’t want to miss the stunning collection of quilt, wearable, fiber and textile art.  Workshops and lectures will also be offered up to round out this spectacular event."

Happy quilting!

~ Nicole Kaplan

Kaffe Fassett in Florida - October 23rd and 24th

I just wanted to alert you all about a great event that is occurring next weekend.  Kaffe Fassett, who designs unbelievably beautiful fabrics, yarns and quilts, is holding two workshops in Florida! 

The workshops will be held on Sunday, October 23rd and Monday, October 24th at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting.  You can register (a few seats left) or put your name on the waitlists: 

http://www.sunshinesewing.biz/cgi-bin/Store/store.cgi?&lastmenu=&product=KaffeFassett2011

Want to see quilts inspired by Kaffe Fassett and his beautiful fabrics/patterns?  Click on these galleries:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/949098@N24/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/kaffefassettinspiredcreations/

Enjoy, and happy quilting!

PS:  Have news about an interesting quilt-related event?  Feel free to email us at southfloridamod (@) gmail.com, and we'll post it on the blog!

 

~ Nicole Kaplan