I decided to design a Storm at Sea border around my August Calendar Girl. With Hurricane Isaac pounding our southern shores - this was definately an appropriate pattern choice.
Although not at all pleased about the hurricane - I think that August's block is my very favorite to date.
every quilt tells a story....
Quite often I am asked how to mirror image a pattern. When paper piecing quilt blocks or working with certain freezer paper or fusible applique' techniques it is often necessary to Mirror Image the block. So here is a guidline/tutorial on When and How to Mirror Image a pattern.
When do you need to Mirror Image? If a block is perfectly symmetric there is NO need to Mirror Image. Here are 2 ways to check - #1 draw an imaginary line down the center of the pattern. Does it look identical on both sides? If the shapes and placement of pieces are not equal then you will need to mirror image. #2 look at the block and then hold it up to a mirror. If the image has changed in any way - such as now the points face left vs right or the red patch is now on the right instead of the left..etc. then you will need to Mirror Image the pattern.
How to Mirror Image - You have several options here:
#1 If you have a graphics program such as Photoshop, Paint Shop etc. you will choose to edit and then FLIP your picture either vertical or horizontally.
#2 Many of today's inkjet printers have the capability to mirror image. If you have a digital read out screen on yours then either find your manual or click onto Properties or Settings in the control panel and begin searching thru your options. You'll be looking for wording such as "mirror output, or flip horizontally".
#3 Here is the easiest remedy - Print your patterns onto Vellum paper or "other" very thin sheer paper. Flip the paper over to the reverse side. Now your image is reversed. Be sure to mark this side as mirror imaged.
I don't have a large printer screen. If I'm working on an applique' piece that is larger than 8.5" and I need to reverse or Mirror Image it - I will either flip the pattern over and trace the reversed images onto freezer paper or I will take the pattern to my local Office Supply store and have them copy it for me.
I hope you find this information helpful!
every quilt tells a story...
I've never been a "Christmas in July" quilter. Something I've often regretted during the holiday season. But I've ALWAYS been an "Autumn in August" quilter. Fall is my very favorite season and I typically make several small Fall projects in August. This year will be no exception. So imagine how excited I was yesterday to receive my very first block kit (shown above)for this amazing quilt:
The pattern is called Baltimore Autumn designed by Pearl Pereira. I will be working on one block a month, along with fellow members of my sit-n-sew group.
I'll be sure to share updates on my block progress later this month - as well as a few small Fall finishes.
every quilt tells a story...
Here are a few of my newest Jane blocks. Most of the blocks this month had Y seams or interesting angles to them.
M3 Fireweed Flower was perhaps the biggest puzzle for me to solve when it comes to piecing these little Jane blocks.
It may not be perfect but I'm happy with how it turned out.
every quilt tells a story....
I can't believe I've gotten my first block of Sarah's Revival done and it's only August 2nd! I just couldn't help myself - I pulled this block out early and worked on it while watching the Olympics over the past 3-1/2 evenings.
I spent 10 hours working to complete this block.
That I've actually completed a block by hand this quickly is a feat of Olympic proportions for ME! lol
(below is the orginal quilt designed by Sue Garman)
I pulled my stitches a little too tightly while getting used to needle turning the red batik fabric. (which is much thinner than traditional cotton prints) Hopefully as I progress with these blocks - there will be great improvement.
There are enough blocks to give me PLENTY of practice!
Every quilt tells a story...
I can't believe it's August already! This summer has been as busy for me as it's been HOT!
This is certainly not one of the more detailed blocks in the quilt - but I'm fond of it just the same.
As a child - I lived near the ocean and LOVED playing in the sand and surf.
Some of my favorite memories are of days at the beach collecting sea shells with my family.
I have the perfect border design in mind for this block already so hopefully I will have an early finish posted here this month.
every quilt tells a story...
