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And Hello May! There's such a happy feeling in the air now that the days are getting longer, the sun seems to be showing itself more, and so many beautiful flowers and trees are in bloom. It truly lifts one's spirits.
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The Beginners Quilting course that I'm teaching locally is going well. The participants are a lovely group of ladies who are eager to learn how to quilt. I'm happy to say that they are all coming along beautifully.
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Our two older grandchildren (Charlotte age 9 and James age 6) visited us for a week this past month. It was lovely to have them, and of course they had to spend some time at their three favourite places when here--Galway Atlantaquaria (which sits right on Galway Bay in Salthill), Smyths Toys (a huge toy superstore in Galway), and our local playground (daily visits there).
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Also, I recently had to have minor surgery to correct a "trigger finger" on my left hand. In fact, I'm still wearing the very large dressing (running from just below the tips of my four fingers right up to the middle of my forearm) while the sutures dissolve. I am supposed to be resting my hand, so I have been dictating my recent posts as well as the major part of this newsletter. Luckily, the painkillers have been working, but they also cause drowsiness. The surgeon said that a trigger finger is often caused by a repetitive motion of applying pressure downwards with the hand. Well, I've been doing that for years now when cutting fabric for quilting. I apply a downward pressure with the fingers of my left hand on the acrylic ruler to hold everything in place while I make a cut with a rotary cutter using my right hand. Read about another injury I sustained a few years ago while quilting. Quilting should come with a warning label!
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Earlier this past month, Red Bridge Quilts was able to participate in two craft fairs with Burren Arts & Crafts in Ballyvaughan (Co. Clare). Several new vendors have joined us this year, so there are even more exciting and beautiful offerings. Every Sunday from 10-5.
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As a result of my grandchildren's visit and the finger surgery, plus a longarm service order (see below), I haven't been able to add much recently to my product offerings. I'm hoping to be back in form this month.
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Just a reminder that Red Bridge Quilts offers free standard postage to anywhere within the island of Ireland, as well as a free local pick-up service.
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New this month
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Following are the new posts up on the website this month. They are a gathering of various topics from the world of quilting. I hope you find them of interest.
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FEATURED CONTENT THIS MONTH
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Quilting news and tips
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1
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If you sew or quilt, you most probably need to use a seam ripper from time to time. But what's that little red ball on it? Is it actually useful or just a pretty decoration? I'm ashamed to admit that I used a seam ripper for many years before I knew what it was. Read here to find out more.
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2
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Many women turned to their quilt-making skills in response to World War I. They created wonderful quilts and textiles that reflected the war and added to the war effort. By doing so, they were able to rouse the patriotic spirit in their countries and also raise funds to support the Red Cross.
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3
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Quilters are hoarders. That is a known fact. However, this is not a criticism. If you are a quilter, then it’s good to be a hoarder. Just what are we hanging on to? Fabric scraps! Every time we make a quilt, we will undoubtedly have leftover bits of fabric. We never throw them away. That's an unwritten rule!
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You may or may not recall a wall hanging I made entitled "Jabiru Dreaming". It was made with a fabric print of an Aboriginal painting of the same name. It sold very quickly. I'm happy to say that I've added a similar one made with the same "Spirit of the Bush" line of fabric designed by the Aboriginal artist, Chern'ee Sutton. This one is called "The Jabiru and the Kookaburra". It is available in the Shop.
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Red Bridge Quilts offers a Longarm Quilting Service. This means that if you are a quilter, and either don't have the time, are afraid of doing the quilting yourself, or perhaps you would like to have a professionally finished look to your quilt, then you might have a "longarmer" do the job for you. I managed to get this job nearly done before my finger surgery, and I think it came out nicely. I just need to pull out the basting thread and trim it. The quilter herself will finish it off with the binding.
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HSTs (Half-Square Triangles)
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A half-square triangle (or HST) is one of the most versatile blocks in quilting. Once you understand the easy formula and know how to make them, you will be amazed at the many ways they can be assembled. What is more, they can be made in any size needed. Furthermore, you can create an almost endless number of patterns with these handy squares. Creating a quilt top with them is like putting a puzzle together. And it is so much fun!
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So exactly what is a half-square triangle? It is simply a quilt square consisting of two triangles sewn together. You might have to remember a bit of geometry for this, but it is really quite simple. For example, draw a square on a piece of paper and then draw a diagonal line from one corner to the corner diagonally opposite. You have just drawn a half-square triangle.
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How do we make an HST? For our purposes here, we will learn the super simple method of making two HSTs at a time using two fabric squares. This method can be used with any size square you wish.
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First, we need to decide what size we want our FINISHED blocks to be. Then, we add 7/8" to that number. For example, if we want both of our finished blocks to measure 5" square, then we will add 7/8" to that desired finished block size and so start with two fabric squares which measure 5 7/8". Or, to make it simpler, we could begin with two 6" squares and then cut them down later. Let's use one dark fabric square and one light fabric square.
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Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the light fabric square. Use a water soluble marker, a heat erasing pen, a simple pencil, or your favourite quilt fabric marking tool to do this. Be sure to test it first to make sure the mark will come out. I often make just a very light mark with a pencil.
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Place the two squares RST (right sides together) with the light fabric on top. Pin together. Stitch 1/4" away on each side of your drawn line. If you prefer, draw a broken line 1/4" away on each side of your drawn line, and use these lines as your stitching guide.
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Cut down the SOLID line, open up the two new squares and press the seams to the dark side. Your two new squares should measure 5.5" each. Trim if necessary, making sure to line up the diagonal line of your ruler with the diagonal seam on the blocks. This includes a 1/4" seam allowance all around, so your FINISHED block (once it's sewn into your quilt) will measure 5" square.
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There are also quick methods for cutting HSTs 4 at a time, 8 at a time, and even 16 at a time! These methods are perfect if you need to make lots of HSTs. Combining this with chain sewing or chain piecing will help your quilt top come together very quickly! But we'll leave that for another day.
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Earlier I mentioned the versatility of HSTs. Just look at the many different ways they can come together to make a quilt top. Amazing! Let your imagination run wild!
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Under my needle
As mentioned at the beginning of this newsletter, I haven't been able to get a lot of quilting done this month. I'm still working with these beautiful vintage 100% cotton Laura Ashley fabrics and hope to get them made into a lovely quilt. So watch this space!
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Another quilted tote bag is underway! These totes are always very popular. I have made one before with frogs, and it sold very quickly. This is a different fabric, but it sure is full of happy frogs! And it's a perfect colour for May when everything is greening up!
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Looking for a Gift?
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Do you know someone who loves quilts? Or someone who appreciates a handmade item for the home? A Gift Card from Red Bridge Quilts takes away the hassle of trying to choose just the right gift. You won't have to worry if they will like what you choose or will want to return it or exchange it. Let them decide what they'd really like!! See RBQ's Gift Card options.
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Did you know?
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With every online order from Red Bridge Quilts you will receive a free quilted glasses case. These sturdy 100% cotton cases will protect reading glasses as well as sunglasses. The photo shows a few of the cases from the current selection.
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I hope you have enjoyed reading this newsletter. Thank you very much for being here.
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