HMQG Medallion Quilt Along - July & August

Over the next two months we will be making the fifth round, which consists of twenty-four Raspberry Kiss blocks, each measuring 8” finished. The Raspberry Kiss block, pictured left, is another fantastic scrap buster, but also works well with planned fabric choices. You can find the cutting instructions below followed by the piecing instructions.

Cutting Instructions for One 8” Finished Raspberry Kiss Block Kiss fabric: 1 rectangle 2 ½” x 6 ¼” and 2 squares 2 ½” x 2 ½” Background fabric: 4 squares 2 ½” x 2 ½” and 2 squares 5” x 5” cut on the diagonal to make four triangles. Piecing Instructions for One 8” Finished Raspberry Kiss Block Sew one background square to each side of a kiss square, taking slightly larger than ¼” seams. Then sew the rectangular kiss fabric between the two rows of three squares, also using a slightly larger than ¼” seam.  You should end up with a block approximately 6 ¼” square. Next sew a background triangle to two opposite sides of the kiss block using a normal ¼” seam.  Press seams toward triangles.  Then sew the remaining two background triangles to the two remaining sides, using a normal ¼” seam.  Press seams toward triangles. Square up your block as needed, remembering that if you do not leave ¼” on each side beyond where the corner triangles intersect then you will cut off those points when you sew your blocks together. Once you have your twenty-four blocks completed, sew them together into four sections, two having five blocks each, and two having seven blocks each.  You should then have two sections each measuring 8 ½” x 40 ½” and two sections each measuring 8 ½” x 56 ½”. You should note that as we continue adding rounds, any deviation in your seam allowance can really start to add up!  You should pin each section to your medallion prior to sewing it on, and then you can take in or let out a seam or two as needed. Next, sew the two shorter sections to the top and bottom of your medallion. Then sew the two longer sections to the remaining two sides.  At this point your medallion quilt top should measure 56 ½” square. Don’t forget that our only rule for this QAL is “Make it Your Own” so if you don’t feel you can make all 24 Raspberry Kiss blocks, make 12 and alternate with 8 1/2" squares of coordinating fabrics, or make four and use those as cornerstones with solid pieces of fabric in between.  Or come up with something all your own! Bring your medallion to the next meeting for Sew and Tell, so we can see your progress, and tag your pictures on instagram with #hmqgmedallion too.

Christmas in July Workshop - Saturday July 30th

Come celebrate Christmas in July!

It's time to get a head start on the holidays! On Saturday, July 30, we will have our Holiday Head Start at Trini Mendenhall Community Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event will feature four short mini-workshops from members of the guild. Descriptions of each are given below. Each will take about one hour to learn and complete.  The schedule for the day is listed below, feel free to join for the workshops you are interested in. Kits are available as indicated - you must pay for your kit before the day of the workshop, via Paypal, cash or check. Links to Paypal options are listed below.  If you have any questions, contact Kate White. Get excited to get ahead for the holidays!         Workshop features quick tutorials on making Pattern Weights, Quick Pillowcases, Self-Binding Baby Blankets, and a darling Mouse Pincushion Saturday, July 30: 9:00 - 10:00 Pattern Weights with Tammy Blackburn (@karamatsews) Requirements: No sewing! Just washers, ribbon, and some glue! You can provide your own ribbon or purchase some in your kit. Kit available for a small donation to our programming committee Kit: 8 washers (2 per weight) and enough ribbon for 4 weights. $5.50 via Paypal, $5 cash or check discount 10:30 - 11:30 Quick Pillowcases with Hilary Jordan (@youngtexanmama) Requirements: You should bring two coordinating fabrics for this project. This pillowcase is made using the burrito method with no exposed seams. One 3/8 yd cut of fabric One 7/8 yd cut of fabric No kit available 12:00 - 1:00 Self Binding Baby Blanket with Stephanie Freeman (@HoustonDIY) Requirements: You'll need two coordinating fabrics for this project. One will serve as the main front fabric while the other will be the binding and backing. Flannels and cuddles are great for this project. Using cuddle as the main fabric with flannel or quilting cotton as the backing is a great combination. 34" x 34" square main fabric 40" x 40" backing/binding fabric (Roughly: 1 yd main, 1.25" backing) No kit available 1:30 - 2:30 Holiday Mice with Liz Pawlik (@fatchickquilts) Requirements: This cute mouse pin cushion or cat toy requires just fabric, some contrasting thread for the face, and very small pieces of felt for the ears. You should bring: two small pieces of fabric Kit available for a small donation to our programming committee Kit: Embroidery thread, felt for ears, filler $3.50 via Paypal, $3 cash or check discount Would you like to pre-order a kit? Please consider buying your kits in advance to help us get an accurate count.  Also, we cannot exchange money at the Trini Mendenhall Center due to Harris County law , so please order through PayPal with the following links. Pre-order Kit - Pattern Weights Pre-order Kit - Mice Pre-order Both Kits