Strip and Slash - I LOVE her technique!

 

Strip and Slash, from Jackie Robinson (Animas Quilts) - these blocks are all small HST's and each block finishes to approx. 3 3/4 in.  Yes, they are small, like scrappy jewels!  I was not original in my finished design but made mine exactly as suggested - mostly because I was getting mixed up with all the various options.  Her method is exact and precise - that's what I love, and the construction is unique.  Look closely and you can see the many fabrics I used, all either LIGHTs and DARKs.  I've used this technique previously over the years and viewers are frequently surprised to see how the mixture of small scraps turns into something so precise and attractive.  

I checked my own libraary to find additional suggestions for HST quilt designs, and then found Karen Combs' Combing Thru Your Scraps, in which she includes many examples for HSTs, altho her method for construction is not the same.  (That venture turned into yet another project ... currently a WIP).

Here is a close-up, including a faux flange binding, which eliminates hand stitching and taught by guild member Jody.  (Oops, who sewed those blue pieces?)

Long time, no see!

   

Close up of Strip and Slash project, a Jackie Robinson DVD.  I am still sewing and even have plans for  teaching a class or two.  This Strip and Slash is finished.  Fortunately I have the DVD,  and even more fortunately, I still have a working DVD player!  This technique is one of my favorites for managing leftovers. (The little white bit is my "ElaineAdair" label, folded inward.)   The blocks finish at less than 4 inches.  

Nobody wants to know ... my camera is limping along, and efforts to purchase a new one are so over-the-top with TMI, and no one has answers to camera questions, everyone insists on phone camera.  Terms like "newer and better UYX14" or "Latest DSLR12" or "faster ratio of xyz to abc" scare my brain into la-la land.   There are NO camera shops where I live, only a Walmart and no one seems interested in selling old-fashioned cameras.  whine, whine, whine.  

Computer shop says "the port on my computer no longer works and we don't repair that" but I AM able to transfer photos using that cord that came with the sometimes-working-camera but cannot use the little disc thingys.  Can you tell I'm not good at technical stuff?  

So, that's where I've been - eating worms and being cranky as well as productive with sewing and quilting. 

And just WHO/WHAT is on my roof?  

2468 pieces. MORE Kaleidoscope Blocks!

Finished!  I learned this "system" from Jackie Robinson /Animas Quilts, called Strip and Slash and  purchased her DVD years ago.  Her method is precise, and productive, as well as an effective method to use scraps.  I've made 5-6 quilt using her "technique".   Thank you, Jackie!

A close up ...

You can see the individual block of 12 pieces, less than 4 inches, at the far right, lower corner.  

I'm playing with Kaleidoscopes, again. The wedges have been exchanged with each other on these two, resulting in greater richness.    Not sewn together yet.   The plan is 5 x 7, 14 inch blocks.   No corner pieces yet - I'll save that decision until later. 

I promised myself to STOP playing after 4 blocks - gotta gather tax materials ... ugh.  Let's see ... which  jobs would I rather do?  

Pre Thanksgiving Enthusiasm

Pumpkin bread, served with cream cheese/honey spread.  I made two, one for Guild meeting, and one for us, but due to snow and bad road conditions, our guild meeting was cancelled - yep, more for us. 

I wanted to use up MORE scraps and leftovers, so started this Strip and Slash technique, by Jackie Robinson.  I've made 5-6 of this previously and enjoy her efficiency method.  I tried to concentrate on greens and yellows but a lot of other stuff gets used as well, which helps to add dimension and interest.  It would be FLAT with just two colors.  I have 400 blocks made and need 50 more - no problem. 


My wonderful LQS gave me another HUGE box of scraps, all new fabrics of course, but bits and pieces of whatever - how exciting I was to open the box, almost like Christmas!  I'm noticing a LOT of purples, blues and greens so decided, once again, to make a quilt from fabric from that box, without adding much of my own stash.  This is Bonnie Hunter's Diamond Tile - I didn't like it at first when seeing it in Quiltmaker's magazine but the design grew on me.  I'm thinking of a narrow sashing but ... we'll see.  The yellow block is kinda blahh  - it was my first.    I'll also change the background on some blocks to something with more character.  They don't take long to make and finish at 7 in.



(Why am I starting new quilts at this busy time of year? )

"Bank One - 3700" DONE, a split 9-patch

 

Finally done - I started this in November 2015, and it kept growing.  I said I wanted to use purple and orange, knowing the combination was unusual, but I knew it would work.  There are slightly less that 3700 pieces, but it was not difficult construction, as the entire process was streamlined.  And because the pieces are small, I could blend many scraps.  "Bank One" was embroidered on a lovely blue shirt given to me - see all the beautiful glowing blue color?  -- that shirt fabric was too good to discard. 

My husband looked and looked at the finished quilt and then HORROR came over his face when he realized there are some "odd" layouts to this quilt.   He said I messed up!!!   I laughed because that is exactly what I had planned.  At first it looks like an ordinary layout, but I wanted to "trick" the viewer exactly the way I tricked DH! 

 I did straight line walking foot MQ'ing in the darks and swirly motifs in the lights.  The border is pieced, and MQ'ed with "innies and outies" all around.  It's 304 blocks, 68" x 79" , and I put that info on the label. 

Thanks Jackie Robinson for her DVD and engineering plan! 

Snowblowing for Seniors, and Quilt of Many Pieces, ("Bank One")



Yeahhhhhh - I can still do this job!  What IS it about a heavy snowfall, and feeling closed in?  We have enough food to last until May!

 

The day was cold, blustery, but I WAS having fun, even when I forgot to turn the chute away from my face!  DH decided I wasn't going to have all the fun!   

Below is my current project on my living room "design floor."  There are 3648 pieces, blocks are 3.75 in.  This is a SYSTEM, Strip and Slash, inspired by Jackie Robinson.  Blocks are now sewn to each other and I am getting rows together.  I opted for a less complex layout, hoping the quilting design would not present problems. 

I chose many purple and orange fabrics.  I LOVE that blue glow!  Thank you for your shirt, Sean. (Sean once worked for Bank One and had a company shirt.)  Scrappy quilts NEED one fabric that does not quite "go".   

Here is a closeup.  12 to a block, and 304 blocks, 16 across and 19 rows = 3648. 

 

Another Split 9-Patch,

Oh dear I have fallen behind in my posts!

Here are 3 rows for yet another Strip and Slash (Jackie Robinson), Split 9-Patch.  it will be 16 blocks across by 20 down, but the blocks are small, finishing at about 3.75. in.  My previous similar project was in yellows and browns.   I aimed for oranges and purples in this one.   See that purpley blue?  Another shirt from a friend's son.  8-)))

The macrame Christmas tree has been with be for a very long time - I treasure it for the good memories  when it was made. 

Almost a month with no posts!

I don't know where July went - I was busy doing, doing, ... something, not sure what!

Oh yes, I did complete this Split Nine Patch, scrappy of course.  This has over 3000 pieces, but the "system" is from Jackie Robinson.  It's about 60" x 70".  I started machine quilting with my Janome MC6500 but ran into issues of stitches skipping when quilting over seams, and soon the quality was slipping so I finally quit, but by now there are small issues here and there, and my own satisfaction and patience has deteriorated.  Two trips for tech. maintenance did not solve the problem so I finished the quilt with another machine.  

 


Not knowing exactly what needed fixing, and after routine servicing, timing, threads, etc., I had a new motor installed, figuring all bases need to be covered before thinking of a new machine!  Neither the tech. nor I know how it will work until the next quilt.  The machine DOES sound better, smoother, less labored.  It could be a wear-and-tear issue as I had noticed odd problems during this last year that I thought were my own Senior Citizen issues, but upon reflection believe it IS the machine, not me. 

Above is a bit of the backing.  My quilting is a combination of innies, and outies, various swirls, circles, "bear claws" ... I kept the designs confined to certain "rows" ... I got bored with just one design.  The border is done with  largeundulating hearts, or, "fat ladies on barstools".   I learned to NOT do that border again with variegated threads -- shoulda used a solid color.  (Lesson #843!)

I

A few of my quilting friends gathered at a recent lunch.  Me in left background, next to Alice.  Other side in back is Carol M, then Carol L., then Kathy.   Anita joined us later, after the photo.  8-)))

All Day Sew

Last week, May 19,  another wet heavy snow.  Good grief - spring takes a long time getting here!  Generally, we don't plant petunias or tomatoes until June 1.  We are at high elevation, 4000 ft., which accounts for late snows!  My poor droopy "birthday" Linden tree. 

Below is my finished top, a Split 9-Patch.  I'm loving the final result!  Back to the quilt shop for more batting!  This "system" is a Strip and Slash" by Jackie Robinson. Now, a name for this project of over 3250 pieces!  The value are very rich in person. A blogger (Fat Quarters) taught me how to keep warmth in the light neutrals by adding some pastel pinks, yellows, blues.  

Yesterday was our local All Day Sew and we were working on this design.  Jody made the red one we used for our example - what a great scrap user.  I think this was a free pattern from Blank Quilting called "Hot Flash".  (By the time we were half way done, all of us (10) decided we HAD to make this one for our own use as well!  It's all 2 1/2 strips. 

 One block.  Be careful which way they are cut - easy to cut incorrectly. 

End result was 6 x 7, 12 inch blocks.  Then a plain border, then a checked border and a third plain border.  We managed to get all the blocks together, then sewed the rows together into a top.  Carol took it home to quilt on her long-arm.  This was about 5 hours of work, including lunch time.  We have a talented group of ladies, each of us with various skills and talents.  And yesterday we had a new "joiner" -- 8-)))  Many thanks to our hosts and hostesses, Gene and Nancy.  This quilt will be raffled to support Masons children's programs.  We are all waiting for the tickets - we'll each be first in line! 

 Uh oh, I didn't want to stand on a chair for this photo (below)! 

Scrappy and growing Strip and Slash

It's growing - this is my "Design Floor"  This project is a bit over half way lengthwise, and the width is done.  I LOVE how the small pieces, despite the colors used  just blend into each other, especially when one uses small pieces.  There is a seafoam green that pops, and the gold also stands out.  My dark colors are browns, greens, purples, eggplant (maroon) a few checks, a few polka dots, only a bit of blues but no reds.  On the light side, a LOT of plain pastels, pale turquoise, pinks, a few soft oranges and yellows.   I didn't purchase anything for this quilt.   Despite the word "Scrappy", which I ALWAYS make, I do plan my colors and values to some degree, but I am not fussy.  That's me, "not fussy Elaine Adair." 

This is a Strip and Slash, by Jackie Robinson, and as I've previously noted, the entire project is a "method".  I LOVE her pressing plans that ensured the blocks would fit together.  When completed, and putting blocks into rows, it's not possible to have them all pressed perfectly because the options are many.  The pieces are very small -- each block is only 3.75 inches and I have close to 300 ?? HST blocks.

Here are some Quilt Pro options.  I liked the first one, but thought I'd go crazy trying to follow it and the design would be lost on this small quilt.  Second one has several possibilities, but I chose the third (below) because from far away it looks like squares on point, but when close up, the viewer will be drawn closer to see they are all very small pieces that create the illusion, and also because stars appear. 

I'll probably add a border or two.

GREATS, Strip and Slash, GFG (Grandmother's Flower Garden)

We had young guests over the weekend - 2 1/2, and 10.  We are out of practice with little ones!  These are greatgrandkids.

This one  (below) is not a kid -- he is the great grandfather!  totally engaged in a game of rubber band shooting.  I was waiting for "someone" to land on the floor, but nothing critical happened, except that all my rubber bands are gone.  There is a 10 yr. old out of sight in this photo!

OK, now for more "great stuff", here is the beginning of the layout I chose for my latest 300 or so blocks of split 9-patches.  This is an entire "method" from Jackie Robinson, "Strip and Slash".  I've made it 3 times previously.  These blocks are small, about 3.75 inches.  

 and .... I have become addicted, as previously posted.  I think I have 30 rosette blocks so far.  Again, I have to say, these are not as hard as we have been led to believe.  I invested in a paper punch for perfect paper forms, which made the job so much easier and precise.  These hexagons finish at 1 inch (length of each of the 6 sides).    I stuck with a lot of pinks and blues.  Since I am sitting waaay more than I used to, trying to watch/find something decent on TV, I am using my time for something  useful. 

OK, one more thing.  I've had to change browsers from IE to Firefox for posting on this blog.  For some reason, I couldn't "sign out" from my Gmail account to access my Yahoo account which is what I use for Blogger -- just another one of those mysteries.  Thank you to several of you who made that suggestion.  

Today, off to Walmart for a Wi-Fi printer.  Oh dear, another mystery that requires courage!

What Shall We Do Today?

Mom would wake up each morning, and ask of us kids, "What are we going to do today?  She wanted us to think about a project, of which there were many on a small farm.  We learned to NEVER say "I'm bored" because if we mentioned that statement, she'd find something really AWFUL for us to do, which might involve a shovel, manure, weeds, dead chickens or heavy lifting --- you get my drift. 

 

So, a few days ago,  feeling a bit bored, I asked myself, "What shall I do today?"  especially something that wouldn't use the word "Money" or "go to my favorite LQS" so this is what I started, using only what I had on hand, my lights and my darks.  I DID try to stay within certain colors.     

This is the THIRD of this type of quilt, called Strip and Slash, by Jackie Robinson.  I purchased her DVD years ago, from 9-Patch Media.  A few days ago, it was under $10.00. 

 

This starts with "a lot" of strips, both narrow and wider, sewn in two configurations, pressed appropriately, and then cut in more strips, and sewed back together, clipped, pressed, then cut diagonally!  Whew - a lot of steps, but they are easy .  I'm using up my scraps -- so it's FREE, right? 

 

Below is my basket of lights, all sewn together and cut diagonally, and now I'm working on collecting my darks, reddish browns, purples, etc.   I couldn't stand waiting to see how they would look together and made a few of the darks so far.  These little blocks will finish about 3.75 - small!  But holy smoke, do they make excellent use of scraps.  Chances are YOUR scraps will be in the colors you already like.   I am aiming for 12 x 14 blocks, plus borders. 

 

These blocks kinda match because I used the same strips.  They will be more mixed up when I have a few hundred!

"ENUF!" is DONE, and a spring visitor

Look who is back!  Or, at least one of the family.  We had given up on them, decided we'd go back to feeding the birds who have left our yard due to owls, then we had a squirrel deterrent BUILT, bought bird feed, and, the very next day .... this guy appeared.  Same tree, he stayed the whole day and left at dusk, and had returned the next morning.  Oh well, most likely, no birds this summer.

Below is the back of "ENUF!", using 10 1/2 in. (raw) squares of stash (Jackie Robinson, Strip and Slash).  This backing makes nice work of stash reduction.

All quilting is on my domestic sewing machine.  3026 pieces on the front, size is about 54" x 68."   The squares finish at 1 1/4 in.  I used almost anything very light, or very dark, with a few non-conforming extras for "twinkle."  Thanks Ms. Jackie Robinson!!!  This is the second quilt I've made using her method.