Thursday, November 16, 2017

It's time for a road trip...

A virtual road trip that is, especially since I'm still under the weather.

This blog tour will take on a journey to view the blogs of some very inspired designers.  What am I talking about?

This is Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks - edition SIXTEEN.  And I was lucky enough to have a block chosen for the magazine. It's hard to believe that this is edition Sixteen.  I have coveted all the previous volumes as there are some amazing blocks.



While I'm sure that some of the other bloggers had their posts written weeks ago, I'm a bit of a last minute person. I'd invite you into my studio (or at least show you a picture), but it's still in a wee bit of disarray after a major sewing storm as I prepped for Quilt Market and Quilt Festival at the end of October. Come back over the next week as I plan to share all the goodies that I acquired over the two weeks. 

I guess I should show you my block. I'm number 1593 and the name of my block is Any Which Way.




Hopefully, you get the idea - this is a 12" block and definitely hard to see white block background on white computer screen background.  AHA - let's recolor the block to make it easier to see.



Now that has a bit more of a roadside sign feel.  You have to love the capabilities of EQ7 (and now EQ8) to make the life of a quilt designer a whole lot easier.

It's also a challenge sometimes even with computer software providing the cutting guidelines. I got my original block together and put it on the design wall and realized that those arrows were a bit out of whack. Now how did that happen?  I didn't snap a photo - who wants to air dirty laundry? 

So what can you do with this block? Patti from Patti's Patchwork beat me to the punch with blogging about the block.  Check out several versions of quilts that she designed using the block alone and in conjunction with other blocks. I have to say that I'm impressed - some very neat designs. Thanks Patti for playing with my block.

Here are a couple of versions that I came up with. I'm experimenting with a modern aesthetic in my quilts these days and somehow that translates into white backgrounds for me.  Have you ever worked with a white background?  It's hard!  Hard to keep clean and hard to keep the threads from showing through.  Note to self: you can go darker and still have a modern aesthetic!



Version one with negative space
 I used a number of greens from Northcott's Premium solid Collection called ColorWorks. I love the quality of the fabric and love the wide range of colors. In the photo above, the ends of one set of arrows runs into the other set (we'll talk about pressing in a minute) and I didn't worry that the ends and the beginnings were different colors, but you could plan it out so that ends and beginnings created a double pointed arrow in the same color. 


If you're into square quilts, you could place the blocks in this configuration where the pressing of the seams becomes a non-issue.

A square version using Any Which Way block

And the third version provides a bit of an optical illusion. That right-hand border looks like it's leaning, but it should be straight.  Perhaps it's my eyesight that is going.

Blocks on point with no sashing

Now let's chat about pressing. If you are making the first version, the rule that we've been taught is to always press to the dark side!  That sounds so ominous.  Now imagine if we would have done that in this case. I've used both colors just for the fun of it!  But you can see what would happen if you pressed those horizontal seams to the dark.  You would have a lot of bulk where the bodies of the arrow met.



My rule of thumb is to press the seams to eliminate bulk even it means pressing to the white. GASP!  Really?  You bet!  Think about it - there will be quilting on top of the fabric and you can use the quilting to help disguise the seam.   If the seams are pressed well, they will disappear as the surface of the quilt will be flatter, seams will line up more easily and a whole lot of other good things. 

Below is a photo of the back of two of my blocks. The other thing I should mention is that I'm always creating a pressing plan for my blocks. How will block A be positioned relative to Block B?  How will that affect the pressing?  There are times when I've had to reverse press some seams, but I'd rather have a smooth top than a lumpy one.

As you can see in the photo, I pressed all the seams in one direction. 

All seams pressed down
 When every second block gets rotated 180 degrees to be sewn to the next block, the seams are now going in the opposite direction and all the seams butted up nicely which makes for some smooth and matching intersections.
Alternating seams


And that makes me a happy quilter!

Now the best part - giveaways!!   I have three giveaways today and all you have to do is write a comment on the post.  Comments posted before midnight on Saturday, November 18 will be eligible to win.   I have one copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks - Volume 16.  And there are two Gradations Chip packs up for grabs from Northcott's latest colorway (Mystic) of Stonehenge Gradations.  That's three chances to win.


It's been great fun to be part of this blog hop and I hope to see you again real soon!

Have a super day!

Ciao!

And if you missed the blog tour earlier this week, you can check out the links at this web site.


95 comments:

  1. Bridget Smith nanasmith@telus.netNovember 16, 2017 at 10:39 PM

    I would love to make a quilt using your block...this would be quite the challenge for me to get everything to lie flat but with your directions in this blog I think I could do it!

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  2. I love that such a simple looking block and be turned into such complicated looking quilts.

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  3. Love the layout with the blocks on point. Onward and upward!

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  4. Love this block. Always moving forward! I read your blog every morn, it's a great start to my day. Would love to win this magazine too!

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  5. Interesting block. I wonder how it would look with batiks. funnylady93@comcast.net

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  6. Arrows have always been my favorite, they are always pointing in the right direction!
    The square version is awesome.

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  7. I like your block and really like the setting where they are pointing in different directions. I agree with the pressing away from the bulk even if it's towards the white.

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  8. This would make a great quilt for my grandson! I particularly like the on point version.

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  9. I love the on point version. Sometimes I feel that I'm going in all those directions at once!

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  10. Love the different setting possibilities and your pressing tips!

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  11. My niece is crazy over arrows. I'll have to seriously consider using this block if I ever get around to making her something.

    dlk3265 @ gmail . com

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  12. Congratulations Elaine.. when I saw your block, I thought what would it look like if you pointed the arrows at each other - and in one of your designs, I thought flying geese would go well with this quilt design - the one where the arrows look like they are flying to the sky.

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  13. I echo Maria's Congratulations! This is like hitting the bigtime- Now all you need is a book deal;.
    What no pictures of someone else's messy creative space!! Come on - I live for those,lol. Helps me realize I am not alone:). (still going for the "sew my way out" solution! Don't ask if it is working;

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  14. What an interesting block! I really love the square quilt. Congratulations and thank you for the giveaway.

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  15. Great Name. Great Block. I really like it. Thank you for being a part of the Road Rally Tour. Plan on making this one for myself. Need a quilt that is cute yet catchy. Remember the movie.Wishing you Happy Holidays.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal,net

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  16. Who would have thought that three arrows could turn into such a complicated looking quilt. That is amazing.

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  17. I love arrows, you hit a win with me! Thanks

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  18. Love your block. Thanks for sharing the different settings. I always try to plan out how I'm going to press my blocks ahead of time. If you open one of my quilt magazines, you'll see little hand-drawn arrows. And thanks for the chance to win.

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  19. Congratulations on a wonderful block!

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  20. Great block. I'm afraid of white since I've scorched it a couple of times. For the modern feel, I would probably use grey for the background.

    Pat K
    yfg3749@yahoo.com

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    1. My thoughts exactly---I love using grey for backgrounds!!!

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  21. What a fun and colorful block! It really does make some optical illusions when laid out in a quilt. Thanks for sharing your work.

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  22. Great block, thanks for sharing and the giveaways! cork@pa.rr.com

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  23. I love the block and the arrangements you've shown. Absolutely stunning

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  24. Congratulations. I may make the arrows on a pillow for my grandson.

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  25. I would love to win a copy of this book, there are so many blocks to choose from. I love your choice of green

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  26. Love your block and yes, I get it. Thinking about a mixed up table runner - any which way! Hope you feel like your old self soon. Take care.

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  27. Thanks for the tips on pressing. Sometimes I do have too much bulk in my seams. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

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  28. I like your modern block...I find white (which I have used more than once) as a background hard to keep clean. I'm starting to lean toward different shades of gray. On my current project which has a lot of intersecting 1/2 square triangles, I am pressing seams open. It takes longer but I am finding that the overall look is better. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity.

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  29. Which Way to press, ugh, to the dark, them you forget which way to press for the second row and how to does one remember? I just want to sew and press which ever way works out the best for each block. Someday soon I will have a system to get the pressing going the right way. I could make your block and use your arrows as a guide.
    djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. That was a good tip, about pressing to avoid bulk.
    Congratulations on having your block in the latest volume of 100 blocks.

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  31. What a great modern quilt block. I sometimes struggle with figuring out the best way to press. It sure pays to plan the layout ahead of time. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  32. "Simple", but very effective. Maye would be cool to have rainbow arrows on a black background...hmmm.

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  33. The square version is really great! So many options with this block. And pressing to the lighter side is not the end of the world!

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  34. Congratulations Elaine! I am going to look for 100 Blocks whne I go shopping this weekend.

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  35. I really like the square version. I can see a single square as a mini quilt. Choosing fabrics would be so much fun. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  36. Oooooo, I am having fun already thinking about which colors to use with your block for a grandson's quilt. Thanks!!

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  37. Fun block. Thanks for sharing all of the quilt design ideas.

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  38. I like your Block . It's gorgeous. You did great job with designing this block

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  39. Like your block and the RWB one Patti did. Good job.

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  40. What a striking block! Thank you for the giveaway. jskbloomers@gmail.com

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  41. Your block has inspired me! I'm going to make a quilt using your block and another pattern and combine them!

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  42. I like the square version, with the arrows ponting 'Any Which way'. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  43. Fabulous! Incredible variety of applications for this "straightforward" (LOL) design. Thank you Elaine. - Trixy
    PS not sure if my first post went through so this may be #2 of 2

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  44. I like this block, it's unique and FUN. I love seeing the different settings.

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  45. Love your block and colors. I am amazed at the back of your blocks....they so look like the front and so neat! If you embroidery, is that as neat also. I really like your square version...so creative you are.

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  46. Cool block! Thank you for sharing! Enjoy your day! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom

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  47. Thanks for your neat block pattern--hope you are feeling better.
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  48. Thanks for showing the different colourways and settings for your block "Any Which Way". My favourite is the "blocks on point with no sashing".

    lin.web.28 at gmail dot com

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  49. I really appreciate all the versions of blocks people are sharing. Very inspirational.

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    1. Laura - your comment came up as a winner for the charm pack of squares. Can you please send me your address so I can forward the package to you. elaine.theriault@northcott.com

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  50. Arrows are not easy to think for a quilt but I have been thinking about quilt lay out I saw yesterday that a road was the border now I could add the arrows on the road to show the direction for the game using quilt blocks making it also I spy. So arrows you make become part of that quilt. If it happens for credits I will let you know. lkcquilts@hotmail.com

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  51. I can see this arrow block being paired with another block for a really fun quilt. And made in Stonehenge fabrics... oh yea,

    tushay3 (at) mahoo (dot) com

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  52. Wow, you can use your block to create so many different layouts.

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  53. Cute block, thanks for sharing and the many layout options. odiane79atyahoo.com

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  54. What an interesting block! The square layout is my favorite. Thanks for sharing. bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  55. Great fun block! So many ways to use it!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  56. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.netNovember 17, 2017 at 7:24 PM

    What a fun block. I especially like it with the stars and stripes that Patti showed.

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  57. A block that can be used multiple ways is a good thing. I enjoy reading about your pursuits! Thanks so much.

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  58. Love the bright colors of this fabric! Endless possibilities - like the square version! Thank you for sharing, Susan

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  59. Great pressing ideas, nothing worse than a shadow showing thru. Kathy in colo repzjratplainsdotnet

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  60. The square version is my favorite layout using the Which Way block. What a cool block and so modern!

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  61. I really like the first version of your block in a quilt. Fabulous.

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  62. Nice block! So versatile! I like it on its own and also in combination with other blocks. hanks for the design!

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  63. I think this woud make a great quilt for my 15 year old grandson... thanks for the chance to win.. drhodes9@cox.net

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  64. Love all the layout possibilities of your arrows. Looks like a fun one!

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  65. Nifty block! Like the different configurations of your layouts. Thank you for sharing, hope you are feeling better.

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  66. Fun quilt block. I keep thinking it would make a good graduation quilt.

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  67. Congratulations on having your block included in Quiltmaker’s 100, Vol. 16! What a fun block! I love the square layout.

    Super giveaway! Thanks for a chance to play!

    usairdoll (at) gmail (dot) com

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  68. Congrats on having a block in the book! That's special! I'd love to win a copy.

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  69. I love your square and on point version of your block. congratulations on being chosen for the magazine!

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  70. Nice block! I especially like the square layout with the 4 squares.

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  71. Very modern design. Thanks for all the different versions for inspiration. prycek(at)mymts.net

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  72. Elaine M.
    Your block gives lots of ways to play with placement as well as colour. It's also quite unique.

    remills (at) amtelecom (dot) net

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  73. Great block. I do agree with pressing as needed for flatter seams. Thanks.

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  74. I like the square version! I usually use white for backgrounds, unless I use a dark background. My favorite blocks are stars, so I like using dark backgrounds so that my quilts look like the night sky with shining stars.
    Thanks for talking about pressings seams. I think that really helps newbies and experienced quilters alike, especially when trying new blocks and designs for the first time.
    reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  75. Definitely have to make this block; I seem to have a thing for arrows of all kinds! pjrquilter(at)msn(dot)com

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  76. Love your Any Witch Way block. I can see this travelling block in my future. Such a modern look.

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  77. I am really enjoying this blog hop! And I love your block and all of the variations in the layout schemes. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  78. I like your modern block, especially the square layout. Thanks for the pressing tips. I am always looking for new ways to improve my quilting.

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  79. Thank you for sharing you block. These arrows have big potencial in quilt. I love it.

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  80. Neat block! Congratulations on being included in the magazine.

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  81. I really like the square layout version of your block :) Congrats on being published in the issue :) Hope your Thanksgiving is filled with laughter, love and quilting moments :)

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  82. Hiya Elaine!!! I love using darker colors for backgrounds so a black with bright arrows would look amazing (IMHO). Thanks for having the giveaways. Blessed be, hugs!!!
    pamspretties57 at gmail dot com

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  83. This is my first time here, so thanks very much for the useful info and great giveaways. I'll be back!
    bookboxer1 at gmail dot com

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  84. I like this block...very modern. k2sews@hotmail.com

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  85. You've designed a great block!! I think it would make a wonderful modern quilt. I am like you, I like to press my seams so they are not bulky. I like when a pattern tells me which way to press. I have "reverse" pressed too. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

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  86. You have really designed a winner this time. I love this block - so many possibilities. Great job. sewcat08@yahoo.com

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  87. I am trying to figure this out. I have tried to comment many times but am computer challenged when it comes to this stuff.

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  88. Looks like I finally pushed enough buttons to make this work - - my accomplishment of the day. By the way loved the block. Congratulations to lucky winners who won the goodies.

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