Inhaltsverzeichnis für November/December 2018 in Modern Patchwork

Not to be too philosophical, but those are words I truly believe and try to live by. Some choices are easy: get up early and go to the gym or hit the snooze button and benefit from the extra rest? Others really aren’t that straightforward. Each choice we make, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in the outcome of our day. As quilters who love the modern design aesthetic, we can also apply this philosophy to our work. Every quilt begins with a choice. Large or small? Prints or solids? Improv curves or paper-pieced points? Symmetrical or off-center focal point? Some of the most important design decisions we make when starting a new project make a huge difference to the overall impact of our finished pieces. The…

One doesn’t need to be a seasoned longarmer in order to quilt beautifully. Just master these five freehand designs and you will be well on your way to tackling your UFO pile. Before you begin, practice each design with a pencil on paper (or use a marker on a whiteboard). Hold the pencil in your fist with your thumb up and the point of the pencil down while you draw. Why the fist? It may seem awkward at first, but this motion mimics the way you move when driving the longarm, making use of your whole arm and shoulder. Longarming is a full-body sport—get used to using all of your muscles! Practice doodling while sitting in the carpool pick-up lane, watching TV, or eating breakfast. As you practice in your…

Make the most of the prints you love with the chunky pieces in this quilt. Basic squares and rectangles with some fresh, angled blocks allow the prints to take center stage. MATERIALS Finished Size: 50" × 72" ½ yard ofmulti-coloredblocksongray (1) and light gray grid (6) ¾ yard ofredgrid2) and aqua scallop (5) ¼ yard red/white checkerboard (12) Fat quarter* ofgreengeometric3), aqua grid (4), teal floral (7), medium gray geometric (8), multi-colored blocks on yellow (9), teal geometric (10), and green floral (11) 3 ¼ yards backing ½ yard black/white checkerboard (13) for binding Twin-size batting * Fat quarter = 18" × 20" Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown are the Printology collection by Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr of Modern Quilt…

Foundation Paper Piecing 1. The shapes on paper piecing blocks are numbered. 2. Using fabric pieces that are larger than the numbered areas, place fabric 1 on the unprinted side of the paper, right side up. 3. Position fabric 2 on top of fabric 1, right sides facing and edges aligned. Make sure the edges of fabric 2 will extend at least ¼ " beyond the printed lines when pressed back into place. 4. With the paper on top, stitch directly on the pattern line between pieces 1 and 2, extending the stitching into the seam allowances at the end of the seams. 5. Press fabric 2 back. Fold the paper back along the stitched line and trim the seam allowance. 6. Continue to add pieces in numerical order. 7.…

The inspiration for this quilt was a drawing by Doron Serban, who creates a drawing every day and posts it on social media. —Jean Nolte The large circles in this quilt are easy to create by breaking them down into manageable units. This variation on the Drunkard’s Path block includes an off white arc, and when four blocks are placed together the circle appears! MATERIALS Finished Size: 60" × 80" 2 ½ yards gold print (Sunspot/Art History) 23⁄8 yards blue print (Morning/Art History) ¾ yard off white (Cream/Palette) for accent circles Templates A + B Template material ¼ yard gold stripe (Sunspot/Line) for binding ½ yard blue stripe (Cerulean/Line) for binding 5 yards backing Twin-size batting Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown…

Half-Square Triangle Blocks Eight at a time Half-Square Triangles (HSTs) are a staple in the modern quilter’s toolbox. This time-saving method helps you make 8 HSTs at a time—quickly and accurately. 1. Using a ruler, draw diagonal lines on the lighter square from the upper left to lower right and from the upper right to the lower left. 2. Draw center vertical and horizontal lines. 3. With right sides together, pair a dark square with the marked light square. 4. Stitch ¼ " on each side of the diagonal lines only. 5. Cut along the drawn diagonal lines, and again at the center vertical and horizontal line, creating 8 HSTs. 6. Press the seam allowances either open or toward the darker fabric. Trim the dog ears. 7. Voilà! You now…

Curved Piecing Curved piecing is ubiquitous in modern quilts, but some quilters ignore it because they’ve avoided learning how to sew curves. Like many things, piecing curves takes a little practice. With these tips, you’ll soon be creating smooth curved seams like a pro! NOTE: These illustrations show the Drunkard’s Path block but these tips are true for all blocks with curved pieces. 1. Cut a convex quarter circle piece and a concave L-shaped piece from contrasting fabrics. Fold each piece in half. Finger press at the curved centers. 2. With right sides together and the L-shaped piece on top, align press marks and pin in the center of the block. 3. Pin the outside edges together with the straight edges matching. 4. You might find it necessary to add more…

Wanderlost is a play on the line, ”Not all those who wander are lost“—a phrase taken from the poem ”All That is Gold Does Not Glitter“ in J.R.R. Tolkien’s THE LORD OF THE RINGS. These shapes truly are not lost: a path of fused triangles wanders from side to side, and then purposefully changes direction leaving plenty of negative space for opulent, free-motion quilting. MATERIALS Finished Size: 50" × 60" 3 ¼ yards white for background 3 ¾ yards gray for backing and binding 17 (10") precut squares or 5" × 10" scraps in a variety of prints and colors Template A Template material 1⅜ yards (20"-wide) lightweight fusible web Non-stick pressing sheet Fabric-safe marker Twin-size batting Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt…

French-fold Binding A well-made binding will protect the edges of your quilt, add to the overall design, and make it last longer. The following technique is for creating a French-fold binding, also known as a double-fold binding. PREPARE THE BINDING 1. Measure the perimeter of your quilt and add approximately 24". The additional length will accommodate the mitered corners and the finished ends of the binding, and give you a few inches to spare. 2. Cut enough 2 ¼ "-wide strips to equal the desired length. 3. Join the strips together using diagonal seams. To do this, place two strips, right sides together at right angles. The area where the strips overlap forms a square. Sew diagonally across the square. Trim the excess fabric ¼ " from the seam line…

Foundation paper piecing is a terrific way to get perfect points and incredible accuracy in your piecing. You may look at this pattern and wonder why we suggest paper-piecing such a seemingly easy block. The bottom line is: We want you to be successful! The angle in the block is unusually sharp and the length of the stitched line is long. Paper piecing will save your pointy points from getting cut off and keep the stitched line from bowing. Because of the size of the paper-piecing patterns for this quilt, we recommend drawing them on large paper—such as 11" × 17" copy paper—to avoid taping smaller sheets of paper together. Tape is not a friend to the paper-piecing quilter. Other sizes of extra-long paper can be substituted. Once you have…

As an artist, I am always seeking ways to express the individuality of anything I make. The simplicity of repeated blocks in a quilt is something that has thrilled me for over 30 years, but I’ve grown toward wanting the repetition to be irregular in size and location rather than a standard set of rows or columns. This has led me to improvising with intention. As I define it, true improv piecing leaves many of the decisions made during the piecing process to chance. I prefer to set simple ‘rules’ that guide my piecing, make lots of individual blocks, and use a design wall to view those blocks while I create them. The design wall allows me to keep track of what I’ve made. It helps me follow my rules…

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Raw-edged, fused appliqué half circles create their own rhythm as each block balances the light, medium, and dark values of the fabrics. Simple but intriguing—no two versions will be exactly alike. MATERIALS Finished Size: 56" × 56" Finished Blocks: 49 (8") blocks 15 fat quarters* in a full range of values from light to dark Templates A and B Template material 1 ¾ yards 20"-wide lightweight, paper-backed fusible web 4 yards backing and facing Twin-size batting Optional ■ Fabric-safe marker * Fat quarter = 18" × 20" Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown are from the Sedona and Nashville colorways of the Tie One On Collection by Scott Hansen for Banyan Batiks. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Templates A and…

These Flying Geese can’t decide if it is spring or fall. (Maybe the well-placed Drunkard’s Paths blocks got in the way!) No matter, their confusion is this quilt’s delight. Bonus: The large pieces are perfect for showing off your favorite prints. MATERIALS Finished Size: 70" × 70" ¾ yard ofgoldfloral1), blue-and-gold print (4), dark pink solid (2), and yellow solid (5) 1 yard black-and-white geometric (6) 3⁄8 yard ofpinkprint9), aqua solid (7), and blue solid (11) ¼ yard ofcharcoalsolid10), charcoal print (12), and blue floral (8) 1 yard black-and-white small print (3) for blocks and binding 25⁄8 yards tan print for background (13) 2 yards white print for background (14) Templates A + B Template material 4 ½ yards backing Full-size batting Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric.…

This quilt plays with the question, “What is negative space?” Is the negative space the large partial Churn Dash block that first draws your attention—or is it the numerous smaller blocks that compose the background? MATERIALS Finished Size: 45" × 54" Finished Blocks: 25 (9") pieced blocks plus solid squares 2 ¼ yards light blue (Niagara) for blocks and binding 1 ½ yards medium blue (Paris Blue) ¾ yard dark blue (Riviera) 3 yards backing Twin-size batting Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown are Kona® Cotton Solids from Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Color names are in parentheses. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Label pieces as they are cut. From light blue, cut: 4 (8 ¼ " × 40") strips. From the…

This contemporary quilt is inspired by one made for Lesley by her mother from leftover blocks and scraps—a beloved quilt that has seen daily use for many years. Familiar friends, the Nine Patch and Rail Fence blocks are fresh and inviting when seen in a new way. MATERIALS Finished Size: 47" × 56" Finished Blocks: 99 (4 ½ ") blocks 2⅛ yards gray for background and borders 1⅛ yards orange for block accent 50 (5") precut squares of coordinating prints 3 yards backing Twin-size batting Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown include prints from the designer's stash, plus background fabric from the Gleaned Collection by Carolyn Friedlander and Kona® Cotton Solid “Tiger Lily” both from Robert Kaufman Fabrics. CUTTING Measurements include ¼…

Curved blocks precision cutting and sewing will make a difference in piecing success. Here are some tips for troubleshooting them. Smooth curves: Always sew with the L-shaped piece on top so you can see the fabric as it eases into the curved shape of the quarter circle as you sew. Off-kilter blocks: If the fabric is pulled when sewing, the block might stretch out of square. Try trimming the block to size, or pick out the stitches, press the pieces with starch, and sew again. Tucks: Sometimes small tucks may get sewn into the seam. If this happens, pull out the stitches around the tuck, ease the fabrics back together, and re-sew the open portion with a smooth curve. Save time: Making a single block can be time consuming. Batching…

This quilt creates a dynamic overall rhythm with basic components—Half-Square Triangle and Half-Rectangle Triangle blocks. The design lends itself to color exploration within a single fabric collection or by mixing up choices from your own collected fabrics. MATERIALS Finished Size: 56" × 75" Finished Blocks: 84 (4") and 84 (4" × 8 ½ ") blocks ■ ⅜ yard each of light pink, green, medium aqua, blue, and dark blue■ ⅝ yard dark green, light aqua, and dark aqua■ 1 yard medium pink■ 1 ¼ yards dark pink■ 4 ¾ yards backing■ ⅝ yard binding■ Twin-size batting Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown are from the Zuma collection by Tula Pink for FreeSpirit Fabrics. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. From each…

MATERIALS Finished Size: 56" × 70" 1 ½ yards dark blue (Storm) for blocks and binding ¾ yard ofmediumblueCopen) and light blue (Cornflower) 1 yard orange (Kumquat) 6 ½ yards white (White) 3 ¾ yards backing Twin-size batting 54 sheets of foundation paper Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown are Kona® Cotton Solids from Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Color names are in parentheses. Spinning Stars is a geometric, paper-pieced pattern with a secondary star design that emerges as the quilt comes together. The stars twinkle along the quilt like stars shooting in the night sky. PLANNING Measure twice, cut once Each quilter has a different preference for the size of the fabric piece relative to the size of the paper-pieced block section. It…

The instructions here are for the quilt pictured, but I challenge you to make one that fits your needs or the fabrics you have on hand. A few trees in a row would make a delightful table runner or 25 trees with a single cabin and star are perfect for a baby quilt. Experiment! As I worked on this project I got an itch to make another version where one or two of the trees are chopped down and there’s a crescent moon shining from above! MATERIALS Finished Size: 57" × 60" 4½ yards total of various navy and dark blues for background and binding 7 fat eighths* in a variety of green and chartreuse that contrast sharply with the background for trees, trunks, and cabin 2 fat eighths in…

This quilt is reminiscent of those fading warm weather days spent at the lake watching the last sunsets. With a quick change of color here and there, it’s easy to customize for every season of the year. MATERIALS Finished Size: 60" × 72" 2 ½ yards white (White) 1 ¼ yards navy (Indigo) ½ yard ofblueSky, green (Pistachio), peach (Nude), and gray (Warm Grey) 7⁄8 yard orange (Golden Ochre) for blocks and binding 4 yards backing Twin-size batting Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown are Me + You batiks from Hoffman Fabrics. Color names are in parentheses. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Label pieces as they are cut. From white, cut: 10 (37⁄8" × 40") strips. From the strips, cut…

This beautiful modern mini quilt made with solids is perfect for an office or child’s room. Paper pieced for accuracy, make an extra for yourself and add some color to your home. MATERIALS Finished Size: 20" × 20" Finished Blocks: 16 (5") blocks 1 yard white (White) for blocks and binding Fat quarter* black (Black) Fat eighth** ofgreenLimelight, blue (Oasis), and pink (Pomegranate) ¾ yard backing Craft-size batting Paper-piecing pattern * Fat quarter = 18" × 20" ** Fat eighth = 9" × 20" NOTE: This project uses solids. If using prints, more fabric may be needed. Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown are Kona® Cotton Solids from Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Color names are in parentheses. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances.…

Flying Geese Blocks Four at a time Flying Geese blocks are made up of the ‘Geese,’ which is a large, centered triangles in the unit, and the ‘Sky’ which are the triangles on the sides. There are several ways to make Flying Geese blocks, but if your quilt pattern calls for several in the same color combination, this method can’t be beat. There is absolutely no wasted fabric, and no need to work with unstable bias edges. The Geese section begins as a single large square and 4 smaller squares make up the Sky. 1. First, to determine the size of squares to cut, write down the size of the finished block. For our example, we’ll use a 2" × 4" finished block. For the large Geese piece, cut a…

Modern quilts frequently include lots of negative space, which can be intimidating to quilt. When choosing a design, try to take its functions into account. Aside from holding the quilt together, the quilting in negative space can help unify the quilt, guide the eye, and create movement. Emphasize the important piecing. Consider stitching in the ditch around those elements that should pop out and choosing an all-over design for the rest. In this quilt, the dark blue partial block is the most striking element, and the background blocks add interest. My quilting emphasizes the dark blue with straight lines echoing the shape and uses concentric circles in the background without regard to the piecing. Guide the viewer’s eye. Here, the first thing that catches a viewer’s attention is likely the…

Spikey succulent plants, such as the agave, served as inspiration for this paper-pieced design—but the color palette in shades of purple is distinctly Amy. The completed blocks are set off center and, in each column, one purple spike in the block is removed. The quilt has a lot of movement as the design radiates from the off-center line. MATERIALS Finished Size: 40" × 48" Finished Blocks: 40 (4" × 12") blocks 4 yards background fabric for blocks and binding ⅝ yard dark purple ½ yard medium-dark purple ¼ yard mediumandmedium-lightpurple ⅛ yard lightandpalepurple 2¾ yards backing Crib-size batting Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. BEFORE YOU BEGIN Print 24 copies of the Block A foundation paper-piecing pattern and 16 copies of Block B. Each pattern must measure 4½…

MODERN PATCHWORK is packed with informative articles and beautiful projects for today’s quilters and sewists. The contemporary and fresh aesthetic of these projects pays tribute to the modern revival of patchwork, integrating traditional and innovative techniques. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Feature article submissions To submit a proposal on topics related to modern quilting, send a detailed outline of your idea with related images, websites, or resources. Feature articles are up to 1,500 words. We are particularly interested in: Creative machine quilting: longarm, domestic, ruler-guided, free-motion Functional design hacks for tried and true techniques Exploring elements of design Innovative group quilts Working in a series Color theory Evolution of the Modern Aesthetic Project submissions What are we looking for? Distinctive and unpublished original projects in today’s fabrics to suit every room of…

Half-Square Triangle Blocks Two at a time Half-Square Triangle blocks (HSTs) are some of the most versatile blocks we use in quilting, but the bias-edge seam makes them a bit of a challenge. This quick method for making two identical HST blocks at once eliminates the need to sew along a cut bias edge—you get more blocks with less fuss. 1. Cut 2 squares 7⁄8" larger than the desired finished size of your block. 2. Using a ruler, draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the lighter square from the upper left to the lower right corner. 3. With right sides facing, pair a dark square with the marked light square. 4. Stitch. “on each side of the drawn line. 5. Cut along the drawn line, creating 2…

This moody, horizontal design evokes the many colors of nature—especially those that make up ice and snow when the light hits just right. The long Half-rectangle Triangle blocks are paper pieced for no-fuss accuracy. MATERIALS Finished Size: 64" × 64" Finished Blocks: 64 (4" × 16") blocks 1 ½ yards ofwhitePFDWhite) and dark blue (Deep Blue) 1 ¼ yards ofgrayQuicksilver and light blue (Bluebell) 7⁄8 yard blue (Ocean) ½ yard binding 4 yards backing Twin-size batting 11" × 17" paper for drawing paper-piecing patterns Fabric requirements assume 40" usable width of fabric. NOTE: Fabrics used in the quilt shown are Kona® Cotton Solids from Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Color names are in parentheses. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. From each of dark blue and white, cut: 2 (18" ×…