Wednesday, September 17, 2008

virtual quilting bee and a call for ideas


The quilt block shown above is for the Virtual Quilting Bee. This one is for Melissa. Yesterday I googled how to make flying geese and I came across this fabulous tutorial. I don't have the ruler, but I didn't really need it. This technique made flying geese construction so very easy. I'm completely hooked. I am planning to start a new spectrum quilt of sorts...one inspired by this masterpiece...using my stash. You know, in my spare time. (Ha!) I don't know how far I will get with it. I'd really love to make a king sized quilt like this, but I will be happy if it only ends up being a baby size. A big thank you to moving hands for posting such inspiring quilts year after year for all of us to see, since it is highly doubtful that I will ever make it to Tokyo for the International Quilt Festival in my lifetime.

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I couldn't decide for the life of me which tutorial to do next for my series. I have several ideas, but nothing that I was super excited to work on today, you know? I plan to come up with the tutorials that have been requested, like a Christmas tree skirt and Christmas stockings, but I am still working on formulating the designs for those. And they will take a little time. Anything else you would like to see tutorial wise? I'm not making any promises, but I'd love to hear your ideas.

51 comments:

Gretchen said...

I just want to know when I can come to your house and play!

Last year I couldn't find the kids' stockings, so I made some up right quick. It was a fun and easy project.

Looking forward to seeing what others are looking for!

TaraB said...

I just love your ideas - I wouldn't mind a week with you on a retreat!!! I love the quilt with the flying geese. Quite Inspiring!!!

Myra said...

Thanks for the link to the Flying Geese technique, and I love the "masterpiece" you linked me to... Wow!
Great tutes you're doing! Keep up the great work!
Happy stitchings! 8-)

Unknown said...

I have seen that technique before, but never have tried it before. Now after seeing what you have made and are planning on making, I may just have to try it! By the way, I just love that Spectrum quilt. I don't have any ideas for tutorials, but I am sure whatever you decide will be fantastic, as usual!

Trisha said...

That's my favorite technique too! I have never used that ruler and I have found it very doable. In fact I didn't even know there was a ruler for that technique. I am making some flying geese blocks for a swap I am in and have found that technique to be so fast. I love it!

Linda said...

Love your tutorials! Would you consider an Apron?

LYN

MichelleB said...

Holy Cow! That is some inspiration. You go girl!

Julie said...

Looove your block! How'd you do the oddball bit?

Also, I now want to do a spectrum quilt just like yours. I'm going to a quilty gathering on Friday and may just cut up some stash tomorrow to take along to get started — thanks for the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

What a nice block. I have planned out a quilt like that Liberty one from the quilt festival...for over a year now. Time. Not available.

Next show is in January, and I will be sure to post photographs! It has turned into a happy tradition for me.

Christina Lane | The Sometimes Crafter said...

I love doing flying geese that way - I use this tutorial (no ruler required): http://www.patchpieces.com/Flyinggeese.html It is such a time saver and they always turn out perfect. I love the block! Looks like a great idea for a Christmas Tree block... How about a winter/Christmas wall hanging tutorial?

Amanda said...

Would you be interested in trying other people's tutorials and linking to them or changing them and making them your own?? Here are a couple that I am planning on trying soon:

Crayon roll - this will be so nice for the kids at restaurants!
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2007/04/25/on-a-roll/
Fabric Headband-
http://www.heatherbaileydesign.com/Headband.html

I also want to make a sewing machine cover, but a couple of the tutorials online use bias tape over the seams and I'm looking for something that is easier!

Okay, that's what you get for saying you want ideas!! Thanks for the great tutorials - I just finished my star quilt along top finally!!

lera said...

Love the quilt block. When I first saw it, I thought they were Christmas trees.:-)

Nancy said...

I know you already mentioned it, but I would love a tutorial on a tree skirt. What about decorations like ornaments or garlands?

Anonymous said...

love the flying geese, especially because it's green. I just love greens...

how about a tutorial for something to use in the kitchen? maybe a potholder with a twist (not so sure what the twist is, but I'm sure you can think of something).

or maybe a wall organizer with 3d pockets, I mean not the flat kind of pocket.

tutorial for any kind of bag is also great. hope you find some more great ideas!

Amanda Jean said...

julie,

I did the oddball tree free hand.

aj

Mama Urchin said...

I love that block! I was thinking about triangles too.

rachelmp said...

I just loved quilting along. I'm looking forward to seeing what's next, and hope it uses up heaps of scraps! I made your storage box for my son and it's up on my blog. Thanks Amanda Jean!

Lauren The Artist said...

I've seen that method for the geese before, called No Waste Flying Geese, and you don't need the ruler- you're right. They are so addicting after learning that technique! I can't wait to see what the fly into next. ~jen~

Tamara said...

okay, so I get i might be a year or so behind but if it's okay can I tag along with your virtual quilting bee? tam x

aSprinkling said...

I'd love an easy bag that could be used for a diaper bag - something smallish. I usually carry a wipes case, a couple diapers, a change of clothes, and a sippy cup. (of course other random small things as well)

Anonymous said...

Ooo! oo! I second the apron!! Something easy and versatile that could be a motherly woman's or a frilly girls. :-) Oh, and big pockets! :-D LOL, sorry. I've been looking at a lot of apron patterns lately but I find them all intimidating. You have a way of making things sound simple and easy. :-) Thank you for all the work you do on your blog!!

Thimbleanna said...

That tree quilt is amazing. The way you crank out quilts, you should have that done by Thanksgiving LOL!

Roxanne said...

Wow - that quilt is amazing. Can't wait to see your version!

SuzyQSparkles said...

I really like the variety a few stretched / skinny blocks add to the Flying Geese!

What about some kitchen things... cut two towels in half, and make a holder.

Grocery bag holder.

What about something for kiddos?

I saw some cute coasters that are made with four fabrics folded in half and overlapping, to create a sort of "pocket" you can tuck the bottom of stem-ware into... or just use regular. (Does that make any sense?)

I know these aren't really "original" ideas like your other fabulous ones, but they are simple, gift-able projects.

Oh yeah! I've been meaning to make some cute cloth headbands like I'm seeing in the stores... can't be hard, but just need to figure it out. You can make bands, wider (4-6") pieces that gather when worn, and or kerchief style with a triangle hanging off the back. :D

Hope these ideas spark something for you. :D

sarah, rsm said...

I am looking forward to the stocking tutorial and I hope it's easy!! :-)

Several people mentioned headbands ~ there is a wonderful tutorial by Dana over at Old Red Barn Co.
http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/2008/08/headband-tutorial.html

sarah, rsm said...

PS How about an EASY tutorial for those great pajama pants you made for you and your little one???

mary grace said...

I second (or third) the apron idea -- i've been looking for a good tutorial on aprons for a while now -- definitely necessary with all of the fall baking we'll be doing at my house! We've got an overload of apples... got any good apple recipes in the meantime? :)

and btw... i've been (slowly) working up to joining your star quilt-a-long (albiet quite late). feel free to add me to your list :) i'll get done with it one of these days!! maybe i'll have more time after Christmas. yikes... not much time between now & then! better get working :)

Tine said...

You do so much for us!!! It's fantastic! I think the apron tutorial would be a great idea.. Placemats? oven-mitts? sewingmachine-cover?

The Calico Cat said...

All I can say is "great minds" because as soon as I saw your block (lovely BTW) I was going to tell you about the one from the Tokyo quilt show. I really like that one too!

dee said...

I first saw this technique in Quilter's Newsletter about 10 years ago. I went so crazy making flying geese that weekend that I made 2 tops and still have a bag of geese left over in the stash somehwere.
Thanks for all the tutorials. You really are very kind to do this for us. Can't wait to see what's next.

mlc2boys said...

Do you have any ideas for boys? I always find the cutest "girly" ideas, but my 2 boys won't put up with dresses or pink- go figure! Great ideas- thanks for sharing and being such a great instructor!

Anonymous said...

Love that block! The odd one is so cool in there!
Do you have any ideas for boys? Two boys in here and the only girl is a dog, well, and me :)
Got the package yesterday -thank you so very much! I love it! I can't wait to get to the store just so I can write a check:)! Have a great day!

Julia said...

I love that way of doing Flying Geese. I have that book and ruler, it is the best!!!!!

Amy Jo said...

That quilt is spectacular!!!

Tutorial ideas...hmmm...lounge pants, tree skirt is fabulous (I need a new one this year and bought fabric on clearance last year)...lap top bag (didn't you make one of those)...car organizer...

Something that 9 & 7 year old boys would love..... :-)

Miss you friend!

Anina said...

I love that block. I'm still pondering what to do for mine.
As for the tutorial, I'm sure you'll come up with someting wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that huge flying geese quilt that you linked to is beautiful. I love the odd different ones, like you alluded to in your block for Melissa. Wonderful. I could see myself wanting to do something like this someday too.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to see a tutorial on the tissue holders you made awhile back! Please!!! =)

Anonymous said...

thank you for that tutorial link... i have been going about these things ALL WRONG.

i really love that block. i'm so excited to see them come together.

jacquie said...

that's a great block! love the little surprise in it. thanks soooo much for this tutorial link...i really needed a better method for making these. thanks!

Sarah said...

I love your block! That quilt that you linked to is one of my favorites too. I find it so inspiring and hope to make one some day also.

Robin said...

That flying geese block is gorgeous!!! And that quilt is certainly inspiring. No wonder you want to create your own.

Nanette Merrill said...

I've tried probably 3 methods for flying geese. I'm not a precise sewer so I've not been 100% happy with results so far. I'm going to try this. What a great idea. We always use flying geese in quilts - it seems.

Thanks Amanda

Jane said...

I'd love to know how to make one of these Crayon/Paintbrush rolls.

http://anyonecanquilt.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/crayon-roll.html

~jane

SuzyQSparkles said...

I did Crayon Rolls about a year ago. Here are some of my links from it:

I made this one and even made it a little larger for colored pencils... http://www.skiptomylou.org/2007/04/25/on-a-roll/
http://sew-crafty.blogspot.com/2007/04/pencil-crayon-roll.html
http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/featured-products/Crayons-and-Coloring-Books-Tote.htm

Hannah said...

Tutorial ideas:
*aprons
*mail organizer (something with a few pockets that hangs by the door)
*boy stuff (I have an almost 4-year-old...maybe capes, dress-up stuff, anything)
*car-seat covers
*notebook/book covers

Hedgehog said...

You're so right about not needing the ruler - I'm glad the tutorial was useful!!

QuiltNut Creations said...

i'm not a flying geese fan but i love these!

Rebekah said...

cute block! I've been dying to make the Denyse Schmidt geese quilt in green and white...this looks so similar to that :)

Ida from Central PA said...

I'm looking for gifty ideas that could be given for the holiday(s):

Coordinated Kitchen:
pot holders (Heart/leaf) ... that 'fold' in half not mitten, and not 'flat' (like two half-mittens together? that make sense?)

Placemats

coasters

napkins / napkin rings


Relaxation:

sleep mask/eyecover filled w/ .. hmm ... rice? lavender ... soothing spices


Paperback book cover (similar to checkbook? fit standard trade paperbak book)

slippers?


Other:

Did you do luggage tags? (Could also be 'backpack identifiers' for those in school

Locker organizer (hang from bar in locker -- hang from 'hook'?

Meagan said...

I third (fourth?) the request for pajama bottoms. I feel like that would be a great Hannukah gift for all of those people in my life who are so hard to shop for!

p.s. as always, looooovely work :)

sulu-design said...

Whoa. This square has me super excited. That link! What an amazing piece of art the inspiration quilt is. I can't wait to see where you'll go with this... you know, in your spare time.
I'd love a tutorial for a simple little craft apron. Not a long cooking one, but a short one, almost like a pocket on a belt, that could hold little supplies while working on a project.