Well, I think it looks good in black too. Today I did a bit of experimenting, and it is clear that I can make very good use of my half square triangle "mistakes". The red and white version on the cover of the APQ magazine I showed yesterday has the same lights in the background of each square (but the reds are scrappy). I think a totally scrappy version of both lights and darks will work just fine.
Does anyone know the name of this block? Is it "Hovering Hawks" or maybe "Anvil"? I think the pattern I am using tells what they think it is called, but I am too lazy to go down to the studio to check at this time, as it is dark out as I type this. I will have a look later and see if any of you guess right.
My sweet little high school student came over yesterday to work on her baby quilt. She was so pleased to have gotten three rows sewn together! She was so enthusiastic, she has asked if she can come over to sew more often!
I taught her the importance of lining up the seam allowances perfectly, which she was on board with. She was so surprised when she pinned her first row that even though she had paid attention to perfect seam allowance match ups, her raw edges were sometimes as much as a quarter inch apart. It was amusing to me to be reminded of how many things we had to pay attention to when we were learning to sew!
I would give her an "A" for following directions and for her attention to trying to get things right. And her attitude is outstanding too. Here's a confession: is it ever nice to have someone listen to me and actually do what I say! I could get used to this.
30 responses to “Black is Beautiful”
I think your student’s baby quilt is adorable…tell her “good job!”
I think your student’s baby quilt is adorable…tell her “good job!”
What fun! and I think the block is double x.
What fun! and I think the block is double x.
Your student is probably having so much fun. You are so sweet to be helping her. AND I am in love with your black and cream – oh no, another to add to my list of must do.
Your student is probably having so much fun. You are so sweet to be helping her. AND I am in love with your black and cream – oh no, another to add to my list of must do.
I just found your block on my iphone app and it says double x as Ginny posted above.
You must have a great way if teaching if your student wants to spend more time sewing.
I just found your block on my iphone app and it says double x as Ginny posted above.
You must have a great way if teaching if your student wants to spend more time sewing.
Isn’t it rewarding to be able to teach a life skill to someone! She will always remember who taught her to sew–what a neat ‘legacy’ for you! I have an adult quilt-making ‘student’ (in her early 50’s) and I am so proud of all she’s accomplished in just a few short months! You just never know, do you?
Isn’t it rewarding to be able to teach a life skill to someone! She will always remember who taught her to sew–what a neat ‘legacy’ for you! I have an adult quilt-making ‘student’ (in her early 50’s) and I am so proud of all she’s accomplished in just a few short months! You just never know, do you?
According to Barbara Brackman’s Block book, p.212 and 213, the lower blocks has several names:
Jacks on Six
Old Maid’s Puzzle
Double X (as Ginny and Mary said)
Three and Six
Kindergarten Block
Where you put your lights, mediums, and darks causes the block name to change and I found no block with the dark center as the top block has.
Love your student’s wonderful progress and cheers for her enthusiasm!!
When I put blocks together these days, I use Mary Ellen Hopkin’s idea of sewing block pairs together, then pairs together into 4s, and so on until there is one last seam that goes the full length OR width of your quilt top. It’s so much more manageable under the machine needle and easy to press. Mary Ellen calls it sewing next door neighbors together, then sewing them to the neighbors across the street, then into neighborhoods, two neighborhoods sewn together make a town, etc. There is probably a better explanation on-line somewhere.
Hugs!
According to Barbara Brackman’s Block book, p.212 and 213, the lower blocks has several names:
Jacks on Six
Old Maid’s Puzzle
Double X (as Ginny and Mary said)
Three and Six
Kindergarten Block
Where you put your lights, mediums, and darks causes the block name to change and I found no block with the dark center as the top block has.
Love your student’s wonderful progress and cheers for her enthusiasm!!
When I put blocks together these days, I use Mary Ellen Hopkin’s idea of sewing block pairs together, then pairs together into 4s, and so on until there is one last seam that goes the full length OR width of your quilt top. It’s so much more manageable under the machine needle and easy to press. Mary Ellen calls it sewing next door neighbors together, then sewing them to the neighbors across the street, then into neighborhoods, two neighborhoods sewn together make a town, etc. There is probably a better explanation on-line somewhere.
Hugs!
Love both of your black-and-cream blocks! But I’m partial to the one with the dark center.
Your teenager is doing well. (Thinking of my own DD and her sewing projects!) What color is she going to use for the border?
Love both of your black-and-cream blocks! But I’m partial to the one with the dark center.
Your teenager is doing well. (Thinking of my own DD and her sewing projects!) What color is she going to use for the border?
How kind of you to teach someone the art of quilting. She is one lucky young lady to have such a good teacher and to learn at such a tender age.
LOVE the black and cream. I love red but I’m looking for other combos.
How kind of you to teach someone the art of quilting. She is one lucky young lady to have such a good teacher and to learn at such a tender age.
LOVE the black and cream. I love red but I’m looking for other combos.
Yes students who actually listen are an absolute pleasure! Glad you are enjoying your mentoring – it looks like both of you are getting something positive out of it x
Yes students who actually listen are an absolute pleasure! Glad you are enjoying your mentoring – it looks like both of you are getting something positive out of it x
I think that your “mistake” quilt will be beautiful.
I think that your “mistake” quilt will be beautiful.
I do love the way the black center square changes it entirely! These are yummy.
Only people you are not related to will do what you say, when you say it 🙂 This is why it is easier to teach other people’s children! I’ve known a few teacher’s kids who were total brats even though the teacher was fantastic in the classroom and all the kids and parents loved her!
I do love the way the black center square changes it entirely! These are yummy.
Only people you are not related to will do what you say, when you say it 🙂 This is why it is easier to teach other people’s children! I’ve known a few teacher’s kids who were total brats even though the teacher was fantastic in the classroom and all the kids and parents loved her!
lol, my bff says, “No one listens to me but they all come running to me for help!” ;p
I love the blocks in black. Very nice!
lol, my bff says, “No one listens to me but they all come running to me for help!” ;p
I love the blocks in black. Very nice!
With you premade half square triangles, if my math is correct, you have enough for 64 quilt blocks. That should make a good sized quilt!
With you premade half square triangles, if my math is correct, you have enough for 64 quilt blocks. That should make a good sized quilt!
What a LUCKY girl to have you as a teacher!!
What a LUCKY girl to have you as a teacher!!
I am loooving the black blocks! Love your cutie patootey teenager too! Hopefully she’ll get her own sewing machine for Christmas if she doesn’t already have one 🙂
I am loooving the black blocks! Love your cutie patootey teenager too! Hopefully she’ll get her own sewing machine for Christmas if she doesn’t already have one 🙂