It only took 1 elephant, 8 elves, and the CEO of Product Development,

To help me get this VERY SIMPLE PATTERN . . . together.

Actually the original length of fabric was 70".  (Now down to 38")

I think I took it apart 3 times.

And I'm really not sure how many times I sliced off the pie shape.  But it's quilted now so I'll do the binding tonight.  Simply put, I'm good at making up my own patterns, but have a difficult time following others.  Even when the instructions are clear and concise, as they are in this pattern.

Another lesson in humility, and yes, I was kidding about the elephant.

Dolly has a new toy.  I cleaned out the sock drawer.  2 non-matched socks get shoved in the toe of the 3rd and a knot is tied.  Then it's play time.

Except once Dolly gets a hold of something,

She absolutely, unconditionally will not let go.

Unless of course she smells a hamburger cooking.

I hope none of you were caught in the 5-hour back-up / pile-up on the PA turnpike recently.

And to all of those out West affected by the storm, L.L. Bean sells those ice grippers that clip on the bottom of your boots.  There are even some boots for pups!

Stay safe out there folks.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Does anyone know how New York gained the title, "The Big Apple"?

 Jeremiah doesn't really care, he just wants a slice of the real thing.

 To enjoy while resting on his bench.

 While I try to capture the moment on digital.

We can't say film anymore can we?

And since it's such a lovely gray and rainy day out, AGAIN, ugh.

I decided to take a photo of the latest finished QOV quilt top.  I'm trying to learn better lighting techniques with the new camera.

Evidently I need to keep practicing.

Enjoy your weekend everyone.  Please remember to salt your elderly neighbor's porch and icy steps.  A box of rock salt is much, much cheaper than an ER visit.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

There is another way to measure the diagonal on a square.

Some of you may already be familiar with it.

Simply align the ruler from top to bottom point on one block before it's sewn and deduct 1/2".

There are 9 different fabric squares cut in 4ths to create set-in triangles.  Notice I balanced the colors by placing them on opposite ends of each row.

It helps to have a design wall when doing this, as rows with 17 blocks need to alternate a bit.

I did get one top laid out and and the 2nd assembled half way.  Ahhh progress!

Peter asks that everyone drive carefully in that snow storm out west.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Dreary weather is perfect for staying inside to sew.

So when I discovered I was off today, Dolly reminded me that I hadn't as yet given you the layout requirements for the latest QOV.  Silly me.  Sew sorry.

Here is the basic layout, albeit a bit cockeyed.  You will need l79 rail fence blocks.

That means a total of 18 units done from chains each 47" long.  (A UNIT is a Dark, Light, Dark strip sewn together).

In other words, 47" allows 10 blocks per UNIT.  10 x 18 = 180 rail fence blocks.

Starting in the upper left hand corner, laying rows diagonally:

Row 1 = 1 block (missing from picture)
Row 2 = 3 blocks
Row 3 = 5 blocks
Row 4 = 7 blocks
Row 5 = 9 blocks
Row 6 = 11 blocks
Row 7 = 13 blocks
Row 8 = 15 blocks
Row 9 = 17 blocks
Row 10 = 17 blocks
Row 11 = 17 blocks
Row 12 = 15 blocks
Row 13 = 13 blocks
Row 14 = 11 blocks and continue to decrease until your down to block 1.

Now for the side triangles.  Or set-in triangles if you prefer.  Here I've pulled out a back vest panel piece probably from the 1990s.  It's washed, starched, pressed, and the top section was torn to create true grain.

The basic math formula for determining set in triangles is really simple.

Determine the diagonal measurement on the finished square and add 2-1/2".

The rail fence block is 4-1/2", but when SEWN/FINISHED, will be 4" (minus seams).

Are you with me so far?  (Carol, please stop texting during class. Judy, you're awake aren't you? )

Calculate 4" x 1.4142 and you get 5.65.  Round up to 5.75.  That's your diagonal measurement.

Add 2-1/2" + 5.75", and you get, 8.25".

The size square for set-in triangles is 8.25".

I was able to cut 3 squares from the vest panel.

I need a total of 36 set-in triangles for my QOV top.  Therefore, I'll need 9 squares  (9 x 4 = 36).  I'm using a mix of black, gray and green.  Fabric that will blend well with the top.  I could use one color, but I chose to be scrappy.

 Cut the 8.25" square in half on the diagonal.

 Then half again.  Wallah, 12 set in triangles from 3 squares.

Why are they cut on the diagonal you ask?  So the straight of grain stays on the outside.  (Bias edges are on the inside seam).

 And up on the corner square you'll need one set-in triangle on each side.

I'll teach you how to measure and cut the last outer corner triangle later this week.  The one that goes on the top left and bottom right.

Shhhhh, don't wake Dolly, math bores her to tears.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Did someone say pie?

 I was fortunate to be invited to join dear friends for Thanksgiving dinner.  These folks are international travelers and cooks.  Here we have Chef Paul carving the turkey.

 My contribution was apple pie, which is always a hit largely due to the crust.  The recipe can be found here.

In between cooking and cleaning, some sewing occurred.  There are now enough rail fence units for 2 quilt tops.  Yahoooo-eee.

Today's cute pet picture features Samson, enjoying his holiday treat.

I surely hope you're finding some time to sew this holiday weekend!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .