What do you get when quilters give themselves a head start on a class project and come with stacks of blocks already made?
MORE time to make MORE!
And MORE to play with in layout phases!
We did do an Easy Angle tutorial and demo to fine tune some things, resulting in better sized units ---to exclamations of “They’re PERFECT!”
And cheers going up all around when new tools have been mastered --- not just ANY new tool, but ones that will have an impact on every quilt made in the future that requires half square triangles.
We aren’t just teaching “A PATTERN” here – we are building skills that we can use in any project down the road!
The fun came when we gathered together to play with several options for laying out these simple 9-patch blocks. Start with the simple star layout above, and repeat it to get this:
Alternating diagonals in mirror image!
Add one more row and see the repeat increase!
Let’s shift them and set them in the very popular CHEVRON craze!
Take a look at it SIDEWAYS!
What if we mirror imaged the Chevrons?
((Oooh, this has definite possibilities!))
Oh, I love ANYTHING set in Barn Raising!
Straight Furrows is really interesting for these blocks too!
The pattern for Playing with Jacks is found under the Free Patterns Tab at the top of the blog.
For a short half-day class, we made good use of every minute and had so much fun ---and we all agree, the next time I come to visit, I need to STAY LONGER!
If you have a chance to find yourself near Missouri City, Texas ((Which is no where near Missouri, whatsoever!)) look up the Coastal Prairie Quilters Guild and see if you can drop in on one of their meetings. You will be welcomed with open arms.
Click the image below if you can’t view the slide show on your mobile device. You’ll be taken directly to the photo album for viewing.
7 comments:
Playing with block layouts, what fun!
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie
So many options, I'd never be able to decide! Beautiful!
I found out one of the hardest parts of just finding your wonderful patterns and blog is picking one to get started on. I opened each and thought I'd make a list of my favorites...good idea right!?...ended up with a page and a half of favorites and loving all of them!!!...oops!...but watching all the fun you are having with all the ladies everywhere for two months now I've decided on a couple I will start with but my all time fave is the Playing with Jacks...thanks for all the layout options...think I'm going with the mirrored chevrons. I love the name of this quilt because I was a Jacks playing kid and remember working hard to master every move. I remember proudly showing my Grandma, whom I only got to see a couple times a year, how I could work my way through the jacks...tossingthe ball ...only one bounce..scooping the jacks. LOL...good memories! So!! Soon as I am back home on Mon. from our winter perch I am going to be Playing with Jacks. :) Thanks Bonnie...you are awesome!
I love this with the red fabrics. This pattern is going on my to-do list!!
I think all the blocks are amazing...... but I REALLY like #28 and #31!!
Once again, the difference in fabric can make ALL of the difference in the look of a quilt!
This is an interesting easy block that appears to be so difficult ... Bonnie strikes again ;).
Thanks Bonnie, love your patters and of course ... you also!
It will take 3 lifetimes to make up each quilt ... better start right now!
smiles, JulieinTN
After coming to your retreat in Fairhope, AL in January, I am definitely a fan! I love love the easy angle ruler. Your instructions make it sew easy to use. My guild is doing a challenge using a simple 9 patch to make a quilt, Guess what? Playing with Jacks certainly fits the bill and it is such an easy block! I am having fun cutting my stash of older fabrics into usable strips for this quilt. We have to use 14 different fabrics, easy when you are working with Bonnie! Thanks sew much!
Post a Comment
If you are commenting as "anonymous" please leave your name at the end of your comment.
Did you know that ad space on this blog provides for all of the free patterns and free mysteries and challenges at no cost to you? Without ads, this blog would not be possible.
Thank you for understanding the many hours that go into this blog 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year. :)