Lovin' these Hampshire Blocks from The Jane Austen 250th Anniversary BOM!

 Lovin' these four (4) applique blocks - AMAZING!

Hampshire Block #1

Hampshire Block #2

Hampshire Block #3

Hampshire Block #4

Having LOTS of FUN learning 'How To' cut w/ScanNCut - not quite a week ago today, I had NEVER cut one single/solitary thing w/ScanNCut!  Once I FINALLY got started - there's NO Stoppin' me now!  I even have two - an older one in the house:

and my Disney in the quilting studio.  As HOT as it's been in the MidWest lately, haven't wanted to go out and learn 'How To' run the Disney one that I got 'after' Christmas last year from a friend who won at a Christmas party at work and didn't want OR know what to do with...Thanks, Roxanne!  Recently, an older version - the 350cm came into my life for a song - Thanks, Veronica!  And now I get to have the best of BOTH worlds.

To create my applique templates to 'cut' my applique fabric shapes, I first needed to scan to print the original shapes in black & white, scan into my ScanNCut and then SAVE to my usb thumb drive (it could be done wirelessly IF one has wifi - my metal building where my quilting studfio resides allows NO wifi ;-):

Applique shapes - ready to print from pattern sheet

Once the units were scanned/SAVED, I imported ALL of them into Canvas Workspace and resized each and EVERY unit one at a time according to the sizes given in the original pattern, THEN 'after' each unit was sized properly, I reduced each unit 10% w/aspect ratio LOCKED to account for 'turn of cloth', since I was creating 'raw edge applique' pieces, rather than applique w/seam allowances.  (And I didn't figure this out until 'after' I had cut my first block - the Chawton block, and NONE of the pieces would fit...they were ALL too BIG.  I even had a sleepless night trying to figure this out when it hit me about 1:00 am...turn of cloth...BOOM!)

To prepare my fabric, I did what most of us do w/pressing:

Pressing fabric

Spraying Mary Ellen's on the BACK 'after' pressing:

My fav - Mary Ellen's Best Press

Pressing/steaming the front

I keep two (2) irons on my ironing board - one is STEAM,
the other is DRY - for dry pressing stabilizers like Steam-A-Seam

After pressing/starching ALL my fabrics and making sure they were DRY, it was time to stabilize w/Steam-A-Seam 2 Lite:

Steam-A-Seam2 Lite

I left the Steam-A-Seam2 Lite paper backing on 'until' it was time to load my mat(s) for cutting - I keep the backing for tear-away for machine embroidery AND for loading my freshly cut applique pieces 'until' ready to stitch-down w/cover stitch:

LOW tack mat loaded w/Steam-A-Seam2 Lite backed fabric - 
fabric side facing UP

LOW tack mat is key to part of my cutting success:

LOW tack cutting mat

Just look as these GORGEOUS cuts!

ALL perfectly cut!

It did take me more than a few cuts to realize I could turn my units 'sideways' 90 degrees to get the most cuts and use of my fabric but...once I did, I was off to the cutting races!

Sideways cutting - Gamechanger!

MULTIPLE units can be 'duplicated' w/press of a button on BOTH machines...BAM!  (I'm used to cutting w/AccuQuilt GO! cutter w/MULTIPLE layers of fabric - once I got used to duplicating units, since we can't use multiple layers of fabric on a ScanNCut...just made perfect sense.  And because I'm also used to cutting 'chunks' of fabric for my GO!, now I can cut 'chunks' for my ScanNCut...Oh, yeah, we got this ;-)

350cm ScanNCut - duplicating one unit in seconds

Brayer works great to ensure the fabric makes good contact w/mat and helps eliminate bubbles/creases:

Brayer works great to ensure good contact w/cutting mat and eliminate bubbles/creases

Getting ready to cut units for two (2) of the Hampshire blocks

The cuts are so precise, I can take advantage of scraps for stems, etc.

MAXING out scraps for 'stem' cutting - the Steam-A-Seam2 helps
the scraps stick to the mat for more efficient cutting...Who knew?

Freshly cut fabrics come off the cutting mat ready to be assembled into blocks and stitched down,

Stitching down Hampshire Block #1

Some of my chosen threads for this project - including multiple variegated threads:

Project threads - ALL are 40 wt. cotton

Already checking out those Kent blocks...I have some great ideas and fabrics for them ;-)

Later,

~Deb

PS.. Check out one of the previous posts on this Jane Austen 250th BOM here for additional info - including the F R E E pattern!  https://donebybettyboop.blogspot.com/2025/08/its-time-for-jane-austen-250th.html

It's Time for the Jane Austen 250th Anniversary BOM!

This is going to be challenging and FUN, all at the same time!  Plus, creating an heirloom to commemorate not only the 250th Birthday of Jane Austen but...creating one of my versions to include our Country's primary colors = Red/White & Blue to Celebrate Our Country's 250th Anniversary next year...win/Win/WIN!

It feels really good to finish up this first Chawton/Center applique block - it's been awhile since I took on a really serious applique project.  While many will be crafting theirs w/hand applique, as the 'original' Lori Holt pattern calls for, I've chosen to use our more modern techniques and implement my Beloved Bernice/Bernina with my personal rendition - and she's performing practically flawlessly!

Jane Austen 250th Anniversary Center applique block - the Chawton block

The 'actual' sewing of this applique took just a few hours, broken up into chunks over the course of a day and a half:

Bernina 820 Quilter's Edition machine appliqueing the center units

One of my secret weapons for power sewing/quilting for HOURS:

Secret weapon for power sewing/quilting ;-)

Choosing fabrics for this monolithic project took some time and LOTS of strategic planning! 

Jane Austen fabrics chosen for my rendition of
The 250th Anniversary heirloom quilt - most came from my stash ;-)

Even after weeks of fabric debate, still managed to change my mind during construction - as you can plainly see from this 'original' applique block photo, prior to stitch-down:

'Original' Chawton applique block w/different fabrics

It's not too late to join in the Jane Austen 250th Anniversary BOM Fun - the pattern is actually F R E E!

Jane Austen 250th Anniversary Quilt Pattern
Available for F R E E

Time to check out those Hampshire blocks...

Later,

~Deb

FUN Kimberbell Wallflower Mystery!

 This KimberBell Wallflower Mystery has turned out to be one of my favs!

June Wallflower Mystery block - Pink Sparkle version

Even the background quilting is included w/ALL the KimberBell Wallflower Mystery digital embroidery designs!

All my completed embroidery blocks to date:

- still need to go back and finish up the May pieced blocks - trying to make final fabric decisions ;-)

My version of June's block in PURPLE!

Kimberbell June Wallflower Mystery block - PURPLE Passion!

Time to go grab the July block and get back to embroidering!  

Later,

~Deb

Binding/Broccoli Babies/Baby Blocks and... ;-)

It's been a BUSY as a bee week!  What with binding three (3) quilts, transplanting baby broccoli from hydroponic starter system, starting on the machine embroidery version of Dear Jane/Dear Allison and...

Binding patriotic quilt #3

Baby broccoli plants ready to transplant - one of my quilty friends
corrected me, saying these are ready for Jr. High, LOL!

9-patch/4" Dear Allison block

Embroidering the 4" baby star block

ALL finished!

I snagged the set during a Flash Sale at Sweet Pea's a couple weeks ago...and used up some of the points I had saved up - so glad I did!  They are Fast & FUN - my idea of a good machine embroidery experience ;-).

...and last BUT surely NOT least - we launched our Sweet Freedom Patriot Quilts project!  Really excited to finally get this off the ground, just in time for our Country's 250th Celebrations!  ALL the details can be found at our 'sister blog', aptly named 'Sweet Freedom Patriot Quilts' - https://sweetfreedompatriotquilts.blogspot.com/  Please feel free to join in ALL the quilty FUN - open to ANYONE/Everyone who quilts!  Sweet Freedom Patriot Quilts Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sweetfreedompatriotquilts/

Time for more binding!

Patriotic quilts ready for binding!

Later,

~Deb

It's March and BOTH Old Town Mysteries are FINISHED!

 After spending February dealing w/Family Flu, injuries and weather - complete with an Electric Heat Pump that kept quitting every time the temps dropped Below Zero - was FINALLY able to get back to sewing on these Old Town Mysteries to FINISH!

Bonnie 'Classic Colorway':

Old Town Mystery - Bonnie 'Classic Version'

Patriotic Version:

Old Town Mystery - Patriotic Version

Rows ready for assembly:

Old Town Patriotic Version - ready for Assembly

Attaching the FINAL Border!

Attaching the FINAL Border!

This Old Town Mystery always will hold a very special place in my heart - especially while doing TWO of them!  I'm not sure I'll ever try and attempt to do TWO Bonnie Hunter Mysteries again but...I'm grateful for the experience and I dearly LOVE Both of them... especially how well the Patriotic Version turned out...Thank YOU, Bonnie!

Later, 

~Deb

Please Note:  this Old Town Mystery was conducted by Bonnie Hunter/Mystery Quilt Designer beginning October 31, 2024 until early February, 2025.  The Old Town .pdf pattern booklet is now available for purchase at this direct online web link:  https://quiltville.com/shop.html#!/Old-Town-PDF-Pattern-Booklet/p/724141183

Please Note II:  I 'chose' to go SCRAPPY w/Both Old Town Mysteries - using my stash for 'most' of the fabrics chosen.  Still, there was a need for a delish Cranberry Fat Quarter from Connecting Threads, on Clearance SALE during Thanksgiving/Christmas!

Clue #9 of Old Town Mystery - Building those MULTIPLE Units ;-)

 Yep, there are MORE than a few parts to Clue #9, in fact I was joking w/one of my Quilty friends that Clue #9 of Old Town Mystery could actually be FIVE (5) Clues ALL rolled up into ONE!  No Worries - we'll take it one piece at a time...kinda like eating an elephant...right?

After reading through ALL the instructions a couple of times, decided to construct ALL the sashings for BOTH Versions - Classic Bonnie & Patriotic, FIRST.  I knew IF I didn't, I'd start putting blocks together and once complete, I'd take another look at those sashing instructions and put EVERYTHING away for 'another day'...which would not come for several YEARS, lol!

I must admit - once assembled CORRECTLY, these sashings are GORGEOUS, aren't they?

Sashings - Classic Bonnie version

Sashings - Patriotic version

Once the sashings were complete and I celebrated w/coffee and chocolate, it was time to move on to the Flying Geese units - these were a Piece 'O Cake after those UNFORGETTABLE Sashings...Bonus!

Flying Geese units - Classic Bonnie

Flying Geese Units - Patriotic

...and Finally - those cute lil corner units - again Easy/Peasy 'after' the other parts of this Clue!

Corner Units - Classic

Corner Units - Patriotic

A few pics of assembly:

Snowballing the corners of Sashing unit

Chain piecing HSTs for corner units - my differential feed came in handy
for this unit and especially for assembling the sashings and corner units

Probly would've been done 'building' these units a day or so sooner BUT, we had a snowstorm show up right when I was trying to cut/piece...darn it!  Had to do some scooping in between cutting/piecing/pressing/pruning:

6"+ of that White Stuff!

Snow pile - freshly scooped

The first day got to scoop the sidewalks & driveway.  The second day was the deck and 37 steps to quilting studio...it's time for coffee and chocolate...again ;-).

Later,

~Deb

Ringing in the NEW Year w/Clue #8 of Old Town Mystery!

 What a way to start off a Brand-NEW Year, than w/sewing ALL day on a Mystery Clue...Clue #8 of our Old Town Mystery!

Clue #8 of Old Town Mystery = Classic Bonnie version ;-)

Those following along will remember that I've chosen to not only go ALL scrappy w/my version of Old Town Mystery BUT, I've opted to 'also' do a Patriotic version by swapping out the Corals for GOLDS and the Aquas for Sapphire Blue!

LOTS of wings to assemble!

Wings for BOTH Clue #8's

Chain piecing is the ONLY way to assemble ALL these wings:

Chain piecing the 'second' set of wings

Once I got into the 'groove' of chain piecing these wings, things went fairly quickly.  I assembled the geese for BOTH clues on one side of each goose triangle, pressed and assemble the second wing, then gave EVERYTHING a final press/pruning:

Clue #8 = BOTH versions for Old Town Mystery

After those were complete, decided to finish quilting up some of my potato chip pot holders - these are such FUN to create...can't make just one!

Potato chip pot holder getting quilted
(I use 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" logs for these - SCRAPPY!)

Hope 2025 is a Wonderful Year for Us ALL - Happy New Year, Everyone!

Time to bind those pot holders...

Later,

~Deb