Alaska by Edyta Sitar
https://www.laundrybasketquilts.com/onlinestore/search%3Fkeyword%3Dalaska
The group will meet on the last Tuesday of each month. The first meeting is Tuesday, October 25, 2022. Contact Maryellen to join.
….. Alaska………………………………….Alaska Holiday……………………………Alaska Rainbow…………………………Alaska Magic
Hi, and thanks for your interest in the Alaska Focus Group. You will need to purchase your own copy of the pattern to participate. Copies of the Blue version are available for $13.50 to guild members from me, and I’ll donate 10% of sales to the guild. I also have the Alaska ruler by Edyta Sitar, and can get more, or the templates. Not required, but very handy.
I’ve looked over the pattern, and have the plan ready. Makes a 71.5” quilt.
Here are the details: There are 3 different 9” finished Kaleidoscope blocks within the pattern. There are 4 of each colorway that make up the stunning design, and one center block, 13 designs. I think we can bundle 2 different colorways of the same block on some months, so you’ll either be making 4 blocks or 8 per month. The more we do, the faster we finish. You can use stash or yardage, or purchase a precut kit from Laundry Basket Quilts if you prefer to go the easy way, lol.
The blocks can be cut using the paper templates included in the pattern, or with a variety of tools that cut 60° triangles or 45° diamond shapes. All blocks are made with 60° triangles, some include diamonds, and all have a half square triangle on 4 corners. Examples of other brands of rulers include Wedge Star by Studio 180 Designs and Super Sidekick by Jaybird Quilts. I know there are others on the market that are 60° and most other rulers have a 45° line, so those work for the diamonds. I plan to use the Studio 180° Wedge Star along with my Creative Grids rulers.
Additional Suggested Tools: Wash out or brush off fabric pencil or marker. I don’t recommend a Frixion pen. I like Sewline pencils or the blue wash out marker. Rotary cutter and mat, machine where you know you get a consistent 1/4” seam allowance (Love my foot with the guide). I also suggest a storage box for the blocks as we go, and the fabric you’re using, so they don’t get confused with your stash. A wooden iron (finger pressing tool) is helpful, and I love Best Press and my wool pressing mat, but those are optional.
What I’ll do for the participants: I’ll do the blocks ahead, so when we meet on Zoom one Tuesday night a month, I’ll show you the tricks and tools I used to make my blocks. We’ll have a show and tell and a chance to chat and share your ideas, suggestions, or questions. It’s casual and fun, and there may be give-aways of Island Batik fabric along the way. I’ll tell you how many strips you’ll need to cut for the blocks that month, based on how many pieces I was able to get from my strips. I’ll share tips about the Wedge Star tool I’ve discovered, and share links to the videos by Edyta and Deb Tucker that I’ve found helpful. If you want to make the quilt larger, I’ll share my suggestions for block size or additional borders, and how to figure the yardage required for it.
What the participants do: Sew on your own time (you can do 4 blocks in a few hours, so plan a day or 2 to get them done each month, before the Zoom, so you’ll have time to email your show and tell photos.) Ask questions if needed, and have fun making a stunning quilt. I’m hoping they’ll be done for our next Harvest of Quilts show.
So, are you interested? Send me an email to marymackmademine@gmail.com to get on the list for the Zoom links. If there’s a particular Tuesday each month that works better for you, let me know. We’ll meet from 7 pm until about 8 or 8:30 pm, depending on the chat.
Thanks, and let’s go Alaska Crazy! It’s going to be a stunning project, and you’ll push your skills and have fun.
Maryellen
MEETING DATES:
October 25, 2022
November 29, 2022
December 27, 2022
January 31, 2023
February 28, 2023
March 28, 2023
April 25, 2023
May 30, 2023
June 27, 2023