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Quick Strip Quilt - Variations

One our most popular posts continues to be our Quick Strip Quilt tutorial, so we wanted to share a few variations on that fast and easy quilt. We've created four new and equally simple variations, all made from our Oregon themed batik strip rolls. For basic quick strip quilt technique, and detail photos of all the steps see our original post. 

Aren't they a pretty bunch?

Our first, and simplest, option is to follow the original quick strip quilt instructions, but in the first step sew the short ends of your strips together at a 45 degree angle. You can subcut and repeat the process for more color variation, as in the original, but we felt these quilts didn't need it. 

The quilt above is made with our Douglas Fir roll, with strips placed randomly.

This quilt uses the same technique, but arranges the colors placing the lights in the middle, with mostly green on one side and blues on the other. The quilt is made with our Blue Pool roll. 

We did the same with our Rainbow roll, putting the strips in rainbow order. This one would be such a wonderful children's quilt with all it's bright colors.

In the last version of this technique, we placed all the strips from the Walk in the Woods roll in an order to simulate a picture of just that, walking through the woods.

Our next quilt uses the Sage Meadow roll, and saves the variation until the end. After completing the basic Quick Strip top, measure from the top left of your quilt 19” to the right and cut from top to bottom. Then measure the same amount down and cut from side to side. This divides your quilt top into four parts, two of them square and two rectangular. Rotate both squares 90 degrees, then sew all the pieces back together. 

Our Oregon Sunset roll quilt is all about those gorgeous colors. Strips are divided into five groups - two light, two middle, and one dark. The dark strips are sewn together to form the center, then the middle groups are sewn together and attached to each side of the dark. The lightest strip groups are sewn together and cut until you have long strips approximately 8 1/2" wide. Sew each strip on the outsides and you're done.

This last quilt is made from a free pattern called Jelly Roll with a Zinger and uses the Coastal Fog roll. It's another longtime Stitchin' Post favorite and a simple way to jazz up a strip roll.

Hopefully all these quilts inspires you to try one of these fast and fun beauties for yourself. 

Quick Strip Quilt Tutorial

If you're looking for quick quilting satisfaction and a beautiful finished project, a quick strip quilt is your answer.

All you need for the quilt top is one 2 1/2" strip roll, thread, and a free afternoon. That's it. This quilt is so easy there is no need for a pattern. Don't worry, I'll walk you through the steps...

First, unroll your strips and organize them to your preference, within easy reach of your sewing machine. Try grouping your strips by pattern, color, or value. Go completely random if your prefer, just place your strips in a paper bag, shake them up, and pull them out as you sew. 

My Marmalade Dreams roll came organized by color, and I split my strips into five color groups to pull from for my project. Beware, this quilt is a little addicting. I've already finished two and am working on a third from our Autumn Leaves batik strip roll (to match my rug). For the batik quilt I sorted my strips into seven groups. 

Once your strips are organized, you're ready to sew. Grab two strips and match them up, right sides together. Sew a 1/4" seam across one short end.

You should now have a 2 1/2" by 87 1/2" long strip (assuming your strips started at 44" long). Continue adding strips until the entire roll is sewn together in a very long 2 1/2" wide strip. 

I chain pieced my strips by folding over the end of the strip from the top of the last pair sewn, so it is right side up. Then I placed my next strip on top, right side down, and sewed. The pictures below show you how I did it. 

 

You'll end up with something like this (only lots longer).

The most basic version of this quilt has you sew all your strips together, then go right into the next step. I wanted more color and pattern variation in my quilt so I added an extra step. Starting at one end of your long strip and make a cut across the strip 14" from the end.

Move to first seam, measure 14" into the second strip and cut. Repeat for the entire strip length. You'll have a pile of 39 strips, each with 1/3 of  one strip and 2/3 of another.

You will also have one 14" and one 29 1/2" piece left over. Sew your two leftover pieces together. Now you have 40 strips again. Sew them all together exactly like you did in the beginning. 

Pat yourself on the back. That was the hardest part of this quilt. 

Next, find both ends of your long strip and put them right sides together. You are folding your strip in half lengthwise (it's still 2 1/2" wide). Ensure you don't have a twist in your strip as you are folding it. Now, sew a 1/4" seam all the way down the length of your folded strip. Cut the folded end and open up your strip. Press if desired. You should now have something 4 1/2" wide by roughly 850" long. 

Repeat folding your strip in half, stitching along the the length on one side, and cutting the folded end, until the quilt top has 64 rows of strips. The number of rows will double each time you sew: 1 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 8, 8 to 16, 16 to 32 and 32 to 64 making it a total of six seams. 

The pictures above show you the progression from sewing your two row strip into a four row strip, through folding the strip to begin the next seam.  

That's it, press and your quilt top is done!

Teyla says, "What? You made this for me didn't you?" 

Add batting and backing, then quilt and bind it, and you have a great quilt for minimal effort. Finished size is 50" x 60". 

The finished quilt is a great size for couch cuddling, and is quick and inexpensive enough that I don't mind it being used by kids, dogs, and guests. 

The back of this quilt is one third Marmalade Dreams theme fabric and two thirds dark blue Shot Cotton (sold out). I wanted the large solid color area to show off Annette's amazing quilting. I asked her to add our new logo bird, and I think it looks amazing! This quilt is a great project to try out some new quilting designs you've been considering. Almost any design will look good with the basic shapes of the quilt top. 

Besides the two quilts already pictured, I also used up an old Christmas Fabric Strip Roll from my stash. 

 

I told you they were addictive!

Cheers,

Samantha

Alchemy of Fabric - Equinox

Our gorgeous central Oregon sunshine is in abundance during the day, but now that the Autumnal Equinox has occurred, our nights are longer and down right chilly. It's perfect for getting in some quilting time, and cuddling up under the results. 

October's Alchemy of Fabric collection of Indah Batiks nicely walks the line between summer and winter, light and dark, and batik and modern. Equinox signifies both balance and transition, and this collection is an embodiment of both. 

Our project this month is a table topper, made by Kim. The table topper is based on the pattern Sidewalk Chalk, by ThenCameJune's Meghan Buchanan. Kim used the baby quilt block size, and constructed four rows for a finished size of 20" x 40". 

The pattern calls for five fabrics, but Kim's version uses fat quarters from this month's collection and companion fabrics, with some extra bits from her stash.  

I would not have put this collection together myself, but I think the results are stunning. Sometimes having a set starting point (fabrics & colors in this case) can really spark creativity and push you to try something new. 

Fabrics are available as a collection or individually.

All Equinox fabrics are Indah Batiks by You + Me for Hoffman Fabrics. In order from left to right:

• Lines - Fire
• Chevrons - Honeysuckle
• Buildings - Lagoon
• Mosaic - Chalk
• Crystals - Zebra
• Lines - Sunset
• Mosaic - Wade

Our companion fabrics are mix of styles and fabrics lines chosen to coordinate with the Equinox collection.

From top left they are:

• Designer Solid Solar - Free Spirit
• Outer Space Navy - Alexander Henry Fabrics 
• Quilter's Linen in Delft - Robert Kaufman
• Add It Up Mustard - Cotton + Steel
• Bali Batik Cherry - Hoffman
• Cyan - Kona Cotton
• Natural Kitten Lines Gingiber Catnip - Moda
• You + Me Chalk Ts - Hoffman
• You + Me Moons Black - Hoffman

Let us know what you make with your Equinox fabrics! Tag us on Instagram #stitchinpost, share on our Facebook page, or email photos to social at stitchinpost.com. We'd love to see your work and share it with others.

Cheers,

Samantha

Row by Row is Back

Many people who are following us, whether online or in the shop, know that this is the time of year when we are really gearing up for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, but we are also working hard to make up Row by Row kits! Row by Row begins on June 21^st, 2017 and kits will be available through September 5^th.

Last year, we made 1,832 kits for Row by Row throughout the course of the summer. This year, Edie has folded and packaged 954 Row by Row kits already and she assured me that by the end of the day today, she will have over 1,000! Isn’t she adorable surrounded by all this fabric for the kits?

June and Cheryle designed our row this year, June designed last year's row as well.  If you are interested in last year’s pattern, we do have those available on our website and in the store. We also have the Fabric Plates again this year.

New this year is the Row by Row Junior which we are participating in! This is designed for kids between the ages of 6 and 14 and the time frame is the same as regular Row by Row, however the child must be present when picking up the pattern (but a kit can be purchased by anyone). We chose the “High Tops” pattern for our Junior Row.

The first five kids who bring in a project using our Junior Row will get a ribbon. But the adult who brings in a completed quilt (quilted, bound, labeled) with 8 rows from 8 different shops will win a fabric prize! But the rules say you must go into the store to pick up the pattern and/or to purchase the kit. Luckily for those who cannot make it to the store, we can take orders that can be shipped out after November 1^st, 2017.

We want to see your row!  Share it with us using #SewMuchInspiration when you share on social media.

If you are interested in purchasing our older rows, please call the store.  Here they are in reverse chronological order:

There is still time..."Of The Earth" Workshop with Jean Wells in Tucson, Arizona

Of The Earth

I am very excited to be invited to teach for MISA in their Tucson program. I picked my "Of the Earth" workshop as I felt it would fit in with that part of the country. Come see me February 1 - 5, 2016 held at Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. 

Registation for the workshop is through MISA at www.madelineartschool.com

Land --- stone --- wood --- water ---plants ---inspiration is anywhere you choose to look. Peaks, valleys, ancient earth, rich colors in a sunset, the possibilities are endless in this exploration of design possibilities. Nature's lines shapes, and colors are unique unto themselves. Let the magic "Of The Earth" be your beginning as you explore design possibilities in an abstract like process of simplifying what you see. Find your own voice through a series of mini assignments and move on to interpret what you feel about the earth. My books Intuitive Color and Design and Journey to Inspired Art Quilting are good references.

Jean Wells Keenan

[email protected]
www.jeanwellsquilts.com

Supply List:

The workshop will begin with some small assignments that will explore techniques that might be used in the following days. Bring pictures that inspire you in terms of line, shape, and color. You will work on a sketch combining ideas from your pictures and proceed to create a quilt. Print out pictures, do not try to work off the IPad.

To help you with you fabric choices try working from a photograph or picture from a magazine with a color palette that interests you. (It is almost easier to work with a palette different than the earth itself or to push an "earthly" palette to make it more interesting.) Objectively look at the color families and values within the photo. Look at the proportions of the colors in relationship to the total. Feel free to bring other pictures to analyze. This will help you in your selection of fabric. It is always good to throw in those zingers that you are not sure about. For a wall hanging 1/4 to 1/2 yd cuts will probably be enough. You will want a total of 4 to 6 yds. Solids, solid like textures, hand dyes all work well. Bring a much as you can. Bring neutral thread for piecing. Bring four or five spools of thread that could be used for top-stitching detail lines on the fabric during piecing.

Sewing machine in good working order, (embroidery foot or free motion quilting foot if you think you will get to the quilting), medium or large size cutting mat, medium size rotary cutter with new blade (no large cutters), 6" x 12" ruler or longer, scissors, box of pins, chalk marking pencils, 1 1/2 yd or more of flannel or quilt batting for a design wall, unlined journal style notebook at least 8” x 10” for notes and pictures, glue stick, mechanical pencil, fine tip sharpie pen, tracing paper. Consider bringing backing, batting, and basting pins if you think you will get to the quilting. Optional: digital camera and colored pencils. Contact me with questions: [email protected]

 

Rates for accommodations at the Ranch can be found here:
https://secure.madelineartschool.com/MISA_West_Accommodations_Rates.cfm

 

Fabric Shipments are Arriving Daily

"Gridlock" *
Batik quilt, made by Jean Wells from a pattern by Kaffe Fassett. 
Pattern available in the book "Kaffe Quilts Again."

* Upon requests we are working on a starter kit for this quilt. 
Stay tuned and we will let you know when it is ready!

 

 Summer is arriving, along with all of the new fabrics for Quilt Show!  We are busy rearranging the shop to find space for it, and working hard to get it on the website for all to see....Exciting times.

 

Just Arrived.......

 

Valori's newest line Quill is in the shop and on the website. A beautiful collection based on friendship & generosity, inspired by distinct personalities on a journey to embrace their lives with gratitude & clarity. Also both the Quill Essex - Cotton & Linen Blend Fabrics and the Quill Knit Fabrics  have arrived.

 

 

We have all 50!

Beautiful collection, beautifully priced check out our web site!

 

Quilters Affair Update.....

We still have classes and lectures open for Quilters Affair 2014, check it out on the website. 

Be sure to click on "Workshops" at the top of the page.  A menu will drop down, then click on the day of the week, you will see all the classes, a brief description and which ones are open. You can register online.

 Happy Quilting!

 

Let's Finish the Sochi Quilt with Jackie

 Sochi Olympic Quilt Week 4

 

Well, I’ve already changed my mind on how to sew the top.  I laid out the first 3 rows and realized how many small pieces I was dealing with. Every time I moved the quilt some of little pieces dropped off.  So I decided to start sewing the rows. I would lay out 2 or 3 rows and then sew the row pieces together. Just the row pieces together, not the rows together.

 

 

Continue laying out the rows and sewing together.

 

   All of the rows have been laid out and sewn.  Now you need to go back and fill in the sides, top and bottom edges before the rows are sewn to each other. 

 

Quilt before the outside diamonds have been added, and the rows have been sewn together.

 

 In adding the outside edge pieces, I used all the leftover diamonds I had pre cut.  Then went back and cut extra diamonds as needed. If I had to do over again Iwould use all large diamonds around the outside. As you can see in the photo my quilt started to look quite strange with all the odd diamonds hanging off the edges. Most of these odd diamonds will be cut away when I square up the quilt. Sew all the rows together.

 

  Quilt top sewn together before I cut the extra diamonds away.

 

Time to square the top up! I pinned my top to a design wall (It needs to lay as flat as possible). To get the vertical straight edge I used a piece of ribbon pinned on the wall with a weight tied to the bottom.    The diamonds should run vertical with the ribbon. I used masking tape to tape my cutting lines. Tape across the top, bottom and sides.  Measure from the top to the bottom in three places, both sides and the middle. The quilt should measure the same in all three places. Repossession the tape until they all measure the same. Now do the sides the same way.  The quilt corners still need fabric. Well take care of this after the edges have been cut away.

  The quilt top with the masking tape and measuring tape pinned on it.

 

Almost the last step, cutting the edges away.  Leave the masking tape on the quilt. Using the tape as your cutting guide cut the extra fabric away. Cut all four sides.

                               The quilt with the four corners that need to be finished

 

 

 Finished!

  The Sochi Quilt  -  61" x 75"

 Until next time, Happy Quilting, Jackie

Related articles

Creating your own Sochi Olympic Quilt

Part 2: Sochi Quilt Pattern

Part 3: Sochi Olympic Quilt with Jackie

Part 2: Sochi Quilt Pattern

Part 2: Sochi Olympic Quilt with Jackie

See the post from Feburary 20, 2014 for Part One:  Creating Your Own Sochi Olympic Quilt

 

Now that I have my quilt design drawn out I’m ready to enlarge my mini templates to full size.

I’ll start with the large 8” x 16” diamond.  Using a large piece of paper (at least 9” x 17”) I’m going to find the middle by folding the paper into quarters.  Un fold and mark the center.  Measure 4” to left of the marked center and mark.  Measure 4” to the right of the center and mark.  Use the edge of the paper as a straightedge so your marks will line up correctly. Measure from the center mark up 8” and mark.  Measure 8” down form the center and mark.  Connect the four dots around the outside.  You now have your 8” x16” diamond.

Layer three pieces of large paper together and cut the large diamond out with a rotary cutter.

 You should have three full sized diamonds. 

 

Cut the smaller diamond templates from two of the large paper diamonds.

For a refresher on how to cut the smaller templates see Part One:

Creating Your Own Sochi Olympic Quilt

 

 

Next I add the ¼” seam allowance.

I tape each of the paper templates to the template plastic.  Making sure to leave at least a ¼” around each piece for the seam allowance.  I lay my ruler along the paper template edge and add the seam allowance as I cut. You can draw the ¼” seam before you cut but I like to save time and just cut.  Check out all your new cool templates! 

 Now I’m ready to cut the fabric but I have to pick it first.  I like all the colors used in the Olympic art posters but my favorite is the blue pallet.  It was the first one I saw and it depicts winter so well. I’m not sure but I believe if you could count all the patterns in the posters you would find 89 different ones. Each one representing a region of Russia. Anyway I’m going with blue and I don’t have 89 fabrics. You can see my pallet in the photo. I will still add more but can start with these.  I’m using fat quarters and should be able to get two large diamonds and some smaller diamonds from each one.

 

Remember your templates are made from thin plastic and a rotary cutter will cut them.  Use your heavy ruler to on top of the thin plastic when cutting for diamonds.  I’ll talk more about cutting your fabric next week.

Happy designing,

Jackie

 

 

Jackie's Quilted in Honor Challenge

 

 

 

 2014 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show’s
“Stars Over Sisters” Challenge sponsored

by

The Stitchin’ Post

 

Check out the quilt I just finished for the Quilted In Honor “Stars Over Sisters” challenge!

Entry information following the block turtuioial.

 

I updated one of our patterns by making one change and surprise…a whole new quilt.  You can make the same quilt with this little update. If you already own the “Phoebe” quilt pattern just follow these easy steps. Or you may purchase “Phoebe” with the update included.

Phoebe Quilt Pattern

Valori Wells Designs
60" x 60"

 

Replace step #1 & #2 in the Phoebe pattern with the Sawtooth Star blocks. You will need 8 blocks to complete the quilt. Directions are for one block:

 

 

Cutting Information:

Star Background - White

4 – 2 ½” x 2 ½” squares  (8 blocks 32 squares)

4 – 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles  (8 blocks 32 rectangles)

 

Star – Blue

8 – 2 ½” x 2 ½” squares  (8 blocks 64 squares)

1 – 4 ½” x 4 ½” square  (8 blocks 8 squares)

 

 

Constucting the block:

Star points:

Lay a 2 ½” x 2 ½” blue square right sides together on the left side of  a 2 ½” x 4 ½” white rectangle. 

Sew diagonally from the upper left corner to the bottom right corner of the blue square.

Trim away the excess fabric leaving a ¼” seam allowance.  Press.

 

Repeat on the other side of the 2 ½” x 4 ½” white rectangle.  This time sew from the upper left corner down to the lower left corner.  Trim and press.  Make 4 of these.

 

 

 

Lay out the star block.  Sew the rows together first and then sew row #1  to #2 and then #3. Press

Block will measure 8 ½” x 8 ½”

 

 

 

 

I made all my stars the same blue but mixed up the white backgrounds.

My Tula100 quilt is at the quilters getting quilted. Next month We’ll post the completed quilt!

Happy Quilting! Jackie

 

 

 2014 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show’s
“Stars Over Sisters” Challenge sponsored by

 

The Stitchin’ Post

PRIZES:  First Prize $200 Second Prize $100  Third Prize $50
            Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Viewers Choice: $100

These rules apply to the 2014 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Quilted In Honor  “Stars Over Sisters” Challenge:

1. Quilts must be at least 36”x 36” and no larger than 80” x 80”
2. 60% of the fabric on the top of the quilt must be from Island Batik’s Quilted In Honor Collection, available from The Stitchin Post. Shop in store or online. 
3. You can help support the additional Challenge Sponsors by using these products: Aurifil thread, Pellon batting, OESD embroidery designs, Giving Quilt Pattern by Carol Doak & Sharon Pederson at PatternSpot.com.
4. There is no limit to the number of entries per person.
5. QUILT REGISTRATION:  Go to www.SistersOutdoorQuiltShow, Click on the QUILT ENTRY tab and follow the instructions for E-Registration.  An original registration form is required for each quilt.  This form will serve as a Quilt Show Tag and bust be completed entirely.  The “Quilt Story” section of the registration form is for interesting information about your quit and is limited to 200 words.
6. A label must be attached to the back of the quilt with the following info: Title of quilt, name and address of maker, size of quilt. 
7. Quilts will be judged by a committee of three people on design, use of color, construction, and interpretation of the theme, “Stars Over Sisters.”
8. All accepted quilts will be eligible for prizes, which will be awarded on July 12 at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.
9. Finished Quilts must arrive at The Stitchin Post by May 31, 2014.  No Exceptions!

PLEASE NOTE:  You may designate to donate your entered quilt to Operation Homefront, to benefit Central Oregon service men and women and their families.

Island Batik’s Quilted In Honor Collection, available from The Stitchin Post. Shop in store or online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a "color" thing

There are days when I walk around the store and I think...Holy Moses! I can't believe I am lucky enough to be surrounded by all of these beautiful fabrics everyday. 

It actually affects you on a sensory level. You see the fabulous designs and the amazingly rich colors, and we use them all to tell our stories. But there is something in the touch and feel that draws you in and connects you to it.

So today, I just wanted to take you on a little journey around the shop. Hopefully it will make you smile just like it does for me.

 

The land of Batiks...

Even the Fat Quarter table is inspiring...

Kaffe, Kaffe everywhere! It's hard to ever get enough of him.

 

Even down to the cleaning products...color is everywhere. And you can use every color in the crayon box if you want.

Thank you for taking this stroll with me. I hope you say "YES" to your creative adventure.