Quilt Block Library

I am a visual person.  I want to see the block, and click right on the "how-to".  Lately, I've spent a lot of time "aimlessly" searching flickr, etc for ideas and the right tutorials.  If I'd had a list like this, I could cut down my surf time and get out my rotary cutter!  Now I can start brainstorming for my next quilt.....

This is my Quilt Block Library!  It's a list of some of my favorite blocks, linked right to the tutorials.  Hopefully, this is an ever-growing list....

QUILT BLOCK LIBRARY

Hoop Quilt Along Week2: Half-Square Triangles

Hoop Quilts Pattern now available. (PDF Download or the Printed Pattern)

It's Week #2 of the Hoop Quilt Along.  We had a nice slow start - perfect for those long lazy days of summer.  Last week, we began with Gathering Supplies and Choosing Fabric.  Hopefully, you have some fabric to start playing with, even if you haven't picked up a hoop yet. This week we are making the mother of all classics - the Half Square Triangle.

To join the HoopQAL, go here (to get the Free Coloring Sheet) and get the Pattern here. (PDF Download or the Printed Pattern)
(It's never too late to join in btw.)

Week 2. HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES

Last week, we picked out fabrics to work with for the project.  If you are using a charm pack like me, you may need to narrow down how many prints you will use within the piecing in the center of the hoop.  It's really up to you..... ultimately, you could make all your half-square triangles (HSTs) from just one fabric and a background.  OR you can choose up to 16 prints/colors.  In my case, I wanted my prints to fit into 4 basic color groupings.  I didn't have enough yellow prints, so I am using 15 prints instead of the full 16.

The charms I am using are 5" square to start, but I didn't need squares that big for the size hoop I am making (I'm using the 12" hoop piecing instructions).  So after selecting my fabrics, I cut the charms down to size (listed in the Cutting Requirements chart) and cut my white background squares.

I use the common method of making HSTs from squares that yield 2 identical HST units.  If you are not familiar with this method, you can watch the video tutorial below to see the details.  I love this fundamental piecing skill - it's so versatile.  Our hoops only require 1 of the 2 HSTs you make.  You can save the extra HST for another project (read: hoop #2 - cause I know you're gonna get addicted!)

SQUARE UP
Be sure to trim your HSTs and square them up after sewing.  I oversize my cutting instructions so you'll be able to square them up at the end.  I find it's the most important thing I do to make my block measurements accurate.  The units sew together so much better when they are squared up prior to piecing.

I love to use this Quilt-in-a-Day HST Square Up Ruler while doing this.  It allows you to trim each block to size before you press it open.  Genius!  I have this ruler in both the 6" and 9" size.  :)
 Here they are looking pretty.  That's all for this week.  Easy peasy.
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Let me know if you have any questions or if I left any details out.  Remember to share! #hoopquilt  #hoopquiltalong 

Improv Fabric Hoop Quilt

Hoop Quilts Pattern now available. (PDF Download or the Printed Pattern)

Amy Friend, of During Quiet Time (and one of nicest people you'll ever meet), has released her first fabric line with Benartex called Improv.  I was honored and excited when she asked me to be a part of the blog hop to celebrate her collection.  And you know it's all HOOPS up in here, so of course, I brought some hoopy goodness with the Improv collection.

Improv's palette shows such calm and gentleness with great modern prints.  It's a contrast from so many modern fabrics that scream at you with intensity.  Amy's prints beckon you to play with the soft palette that reads as solid from afar.  I always love tone-on-tone or tone-and-white prints, so these fit perfectly with my quilt personality and stash.

The organic feel of the Improv collection led me to think of nature.  I decided to shape the HSTs in the HOOP QUILT in the shape of an octagon.  The earth.  An orb.  I rather like how it came out.  The four distinct colors with in the orb remind me of the four elements: earth, air, fire and water.

And to top off that theme, I used one of these labels I've had in my stash for years to emphasize the renewal of nature. (It's from the Sweetwater Label Club - slightly changed now from what it was back in the day.)  In addition to sewing and quilting, Amy is a talented gardener and she often showcases her lovely flowers and garden on her IG feed.  I thought this sentiment on the label perfectly captured the feel of Amy's art and Improv.

Follow along with the Improv Blog Hop:

Tuesday: Stephanie @Spontaneous Threads

Wednesday: Sharon @Color Girl Quilts

Thursday: Charise @Charise Creates

Friday: Nicole @Wild Boho

Saturday: AnneMarie @Gen X Quilters

There is a giveaway of a bundle of Improv FQs at the Benartex blog Sew In Love.

I found this beautiful park, perfect for picture taking.  I didn't realize until I walked up, it is a restored cemetery.  No wonder it's so calm and picturesque.  And a little creepy?