Turning Twenty…

Book:
Turning Twenty… Again/ by Tricia Cribbs

Time to reveal my next project... I choose: "9 Blocks – 3 x 3 setting" from the book.  [We can use the Turning Twenty technique using 9, 12, 16, 20, or 30 blocks.]

Book, Fabrics

The fabric requirements for this technique use fat quarters. If you are making the quilt with 20 blocks then all you need is 20 fat quarters.

Also, if you like to do scrappy quilts, then this quilt pattern would be a perfect choice. Just go through your fabric scraps and start cutting until you have the required pieces.

All the Pieces Cut - Labels show the Size

Stitching Together the Units

A Complete Block

After the blocks are sewn together, you can decide if you wish to just add the binding or if you want to add borders. Go ahead and experiment…

I particularly like quilt projects that either have a variety of sizes to try or can be easily scaled down to make a smaller one. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with a new technique before deciding whether you wish to make one in a larger size.

ASSEMBLY:

When sewing the blocks together, it doesn’t matter which side they are placed on… this makes each quilt unique.

The thing that I had the most trouble with was the quilting portion. I prefer to use 505 spray instead of safety pins to baste the layers together. However, I didn’t have any left and was determined to make it work without the spray, this time.

So after considerable time stitching and ripping out stitches, I decided on stitching in the ditch around each main block. Then, I stitched a square in the center of each of these blocks. I used a scrap piece of paper for a template.

Template for Block Centers

Center of Block Stitching

I usually breathe a sigh of relief when the layers have been stitched together. Then, I can enjoy stitching on the binding.

Binding

 

MY OBSERVATIONS:

I believe I have decided on two things in this quilt challenge:

<>  My favourite quilts to make are ones that are small enough to fit on my 24” x 36” cutting mat.

<>  And, I think that those that are not totally square, are most preferred.

While the most challenging part of this particular project was the quilting of those layers, it was good to finally dig this book out from my collection of quilting books.

What is the most interesting about this quilt challenge for me, is that I am utilizing quilt books that are on my bookshelf. No longer will they stay there just to decorate my sewing room.

My Finished Quilt

Finished size: 29” x 29”

I choose fabrics to match one of the quilts in the book. However, it would be fun to try a scrappy quilt with no set colors.

Next Week...
It is time again to do a three month review of the five books I've reviewed. If you wish to see what books are being featured you can also check out my website for more details.


Enjoy your quilting journey in 2010!