Hope Stars BOM 5

 I have heard of quite a few people who are doing this BOM and can’t wait to see the results.  Some people are doing quilt as you go, some are bordering their blocks, some are making more than one version (like me!) and some are repeating favourite blocks.  Her are this month’s blocks and another layout possibility. 

The Martha Washington block is a traditional one, named after the US president George Washington’s wife.  Martha was a quilter, and at least two of her quilts survive in American museums, although neither of them feature this block, which was published in 1926.  Martha grew up on a tobacco plantation in Virginia and brought 80 slaves to her marriage with George in 1756.  Some of these slaves accompanied her when George became president and the couple moved to Philadelphia, the then capital. The law in Virginia was that any slaves brought to the city could claim freedom after six months.  The Washington’s rotated their slaves at five monthly intervals to avoid this.  An incident which we find shocking is the fact that she gave a slave, Oney Judge, to her granddaughter as a wedding present in 1796. Oney didn’t want to go back to Virginia, and actually refused to go, much to Martha’s annoyance, and ran away!  Like the rest of us, historical figures are a product of their times. 

Hope Stars Block 3

 I hope you are all staying well and enjoying this BOM as much as I am!  The blocks are such fun that I’ve started another set!  I found some great elephant fabric amongst the donated Linus fabric and chose my colours round that.  Lots of brights - my favourites! 

I remembered to fussy cut the centre of the Girls’ Favourite block, and got as many elephants in it as possible. 

I hope you enjoy these blocks, and we’re half way through this challenge already!  Happy sewing. 

 

‘Hope Stars’ BOM block 2

 I hope people had a pleasant Christmas and are in line for a happy and healthy New Year.  I also hope that you enjoyed the first instalment of our Block of the Month.  There are only six parts, so it’s not too demanding.  If you would like to add photos of your blocks in the comments section of the blog, that would be lovely. 

Here are my blocks (including some yellow fabric which Father Christmas brought me!). 

 Hope Star BOM –January 2021

 Block 3 –Eccentric Star 6½”

1.Choose two colours and a background.

2.Cut a 2½” square of colour 1 for the centre.

3. Cut four 3” squares of colour 2.

4. Cut four 3” squares of background and draw a diagonal line on the WS of each square.

5. Place background and colour 2 squares RS together and sew either side of the drawn line.

6. Cut along drawn line and press open.  Trim to 2½”.

7. Sew together in rows as per the photo. 

 

Block 4 – Eight-pointed Star 12½”

1.       Choose four fabrics and a background.

2.      Cut two 4” squares from each colour.

3.      From the background cut four 4” squares and four 3½” squares.

4.      Draw the diagonal on the WS of each background 4” squares and pair them RS together with one square of each colour.

5.      Sew either side of the drawn line, make into HSTs (as above) and trim to 3½”.

6.      Draw the diagonal on two of the remaining colour squares and make into HSTs with the last two colour squares. Trim to 3½”.

7.      Assemble as in the photo. 

Some people have contacted me as they are a bit confused about the layout diagrams we have suggested.  In order to give people as much freedom in assembling their quilts as possible, we have designed several different layouts, some very easy and some more complex.  The large squares represent the 12.5” blocks and the small ones represent the 6.5” blocks.  You will have to make all the blocks before you need to decide which one you like.  Her are a few mock ups, using some BOM blocks and some similarly sized blocks to give you a better idea. 

Layout 1without sashing. 

Layout 1 with sashing.

Layout 2 without sashing

Layout 2 with sashing.

Hope that helps.  Please contact Lynda or any member of the committee if you have any concerns. 

 

Block of the Month 1 ‘Hope Stars’

 The COVID-19 virus has had devastating physical effects but also has the necessary lockdown has taken mental tolls.  The committee have been trying to find ways to keep the group together and provide some interest for those who feel isolated.  In the summer we had an outdoor meeting, and one indoor meeting, all socially distanced, of course.  Now we are in lockdown 2, we have had our lovely Christmas ornament swap.  Twenty people took part in this, and it was heart warming to see the efforts put into these little gifts.  Now we are running our Block of the Month, called ‘Hope Stars’.  There are six instalments of this, and each month you will get instructions for one 12” block and two 6.5” blocks.  Here are the first two, Swamp Angel and Friendship Stars. 

I’m using a blue and yellow palette, which is perfect for star blocks! We hope you will all enjoy it! 

Some people haven’t received the instructions for the blocks, so here they are. 

Sorry the quality isn’t better.  My computer skills failed me!  If you tap on each image, you can make it bigger and still keep it legible.  At least you have the measurements.  I’ll try harder for next month’s blocks, which will be here in the new year. 

Christmas is on its way!

 Thank you to everyone who took part in the Christmas Ornament Swap.  It was great fun to make something sparkly and festive, and even nicer to receive a gift in the post!  

Here are a few of the swaps. 

What a lovely selection! 

Christmas tree decoration swap

 We had planned another socially distanced get together for November, but it wasn’t to be.  We need to keep in lockdown to contain the Corona virus.  However, we aren’t disheartened, and have plan B in the wings (and plan C!). Plan B is a Christmas decoration swap, where people make a decoration and then send it to a swap buddy!  Perfect. 

I’m definitely up for it and here I am gathering supplies to make my creation.  If you would like to join in, check your inbox, or your spam folder for the instructions, or if all else fails, comment on this post and I’ll contact you.  We are very inclusive in Piecemakers.  

In other news, plan C is a BOM called Hope Stars which will launch at the beginning of December.  A fun project, so look out for it!  Happy sewing. 

Social distancing in October

 Since our usual hall was now open Covid secure for socially distanced get togethers, we decided to test the water.  There was a small but significant number of members who missed their monthly quilty fix, so we invited members to a meeting.  The invite specified no speaker, no raffle, no refreshments but bring your show and tell.  There were seven of us, and we had a lovely time!  

I took some Linus rummage, and everyone had a chance for a bargain. 

Then the fun began!  The hall was quite echoey with such a small number of people, but sometimes fewer people can be even nicer than lots of people, and this was the case. 

Lesley had used a jelly roll to make two quilts.  It’s from a Pam and Nicky Lintott pattern.  Both versions look great. 

This is another jelly roll quilt made from an ombré jelly roll.  This pattern is perfect for this kind of fabric.  

Janet had had fun with this cute deer cushion.  It is beautifully quilted. 

This cherry blossom quilt had foundation pieced large flowers and appliqued small ones.  Janet quilted it with rulers in an apple core design.  

What a useful pocketed bag!  I love the different fabrics in the same colour way! 

A clever motif for a bag. 

A clever motif for a cushion! 

Ann has been attending some virtual workshops and retreats, and made several small quilts.  This is my favourite one - you can’t go wrong with lime green! 

We then had more quilty chat, EPP, sewing machines, walking feet etc and then a demonstration of the Accuquilt cutter.  We felt quite energised when we left and are planning another meeting in November.  Why not join us?