Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Glorious Autumn Block Party..

Hello and welcome to my turn at the Glorious Autumn Block Party.  Thank you Michele at Quilter's Gallery for putting on such a fun event.  Be sure to run over to Quilting Gallery and check out my profile.  This is my first jump into the blog party lake and I am excited.  This is my block:  Yikes!
Download the pattern for free from my Craftsy store.
This was a fun block to design.  It's an easy applique pattern.  The spider legs can be a little tricky, especially if you are a perfectionist.  I'm not !  I hand dyed the background a nice indigo.  The block can be constructed using any applique technique.  I used needle turn, except for the eyes (fused).

Spider Tutorial
  He is placed in the top left hand quadrant of the block.  The key to the spider is to mark the background.  Trace the body of the spider and it's head.
I'm using paper and colored markers to make it easier to see.

How to make a spider:
Use the corner of a sheet of paper (cut it to about 1 1/2 inches by 2 inches) to mark the spider legs. Mark 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch on one side of the paper.  Each leg is bent to form an L.  The front legs bend toward the head and the back legs bend toward the flat ribbon.  Don't over think this part.  It does not have to be perfect!  Basically, the small front legs are 1/2 inch, bend, 3/4 of an inch.  Each leg is a hair longer than the one before it.  You will not use the whole 3 inches of rickrack given per leg.  Larger pieces are easier to use.  Have each piece of rickrack go inside the circle 1/4 of an inch.  That way one edge is covered by the spider body.

Step 1: trace the spider body and head onto the fabric.
Step 2: draw the line for the ribbon.  Place the corner of the paper on the spider body so that the 1/2 mark and the corner is outside the circle.

Step 3: Trace that edge.

Step 4: Reverse the paper square to draw the legs on the left side of the spider.
Step 5: The same technique is used for the back legs.  Remember to change the direction of these legs and make them longer.  They should point toward the ribbon (pink line).
Step 6: After the legs are drawn onto the fabric, sew the ribbon down and sew down the rickrack.  Remember to have the rickrack inside the body (piece H).

Reminders for rickrack.  I love rickrack, lately I am using it a lot.  It can be problematic.  It tends to fray, so using an anti-fray product may be useful. When folding under, match the humps of the rickrack.  Pin one end of the leg and bend as you go.  Try to stay on the line or use a washable marking tool!

I hope you have as much fun as I did making this block. 

Now for the giveaway.  Only residents in the continental US can win.  I can't afford to ship oversees.  All you have to do is become a follower and leave a note in the comment box.  If you are already a follower leave a note to tell me so.  Giveaway is open until October 22 at midnight central time.  I will notify the winner on my blog on October 23.  What can you win, you ask.  This beautiful turned seam ripper made by my Sweetie Pie.


You must leave a comment AND be a follower to win.

Please be sure to visit the rest of the blogs on tour this week:
Oct 16- Cynthia at Quilt Doodle Doodles
Oct 17- ME
Oct 18- Melissa at Happy Quilting
 
Happy Quilting
Caren

28 comments:

Sandra said...

Good Morning. I just love your block. So darn cute and will certainly capture any kid's heart. I can see this as a cute wallhangning or even as a Halloween centerpiece. Thank you for the chance to win this priceless seam ripper by your own Sweetie Pie. What a very thoughtful and useful man he is. Lucky you.

Sandi T.
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

VickiT said...

What a cute block. I love the expression on the pumpkin face and the rick rac legs on the spider. How cute. Thank you.

I am a new follower.

Unknown said...

Your block is darling. I am now a follower and am looking forward to seeing more of your creativity.

Bamasphynx said...

I really like your block. It is so cute! what a beautiful seam ripper! He does beautiful woodwork. thank you for giving it away.

Lori said...

Im not a follower. Just wanted to say that I love your block.

Bamasphynx said...

I forgot to tell you i am now a follower.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'm a new follower. I would be screaming too, if that spider hung out by my head.....Yikes is right.

Bette said...

I just signed up to follow your blog. I like your Halloween block, and would love to win the beautiful seam ripper.

Bette

Pam McDonald said...

Ok, that block is hilarious. I just pinned it also! I am now following your blog as well. Too dang cute!

The Village Queen said...

Very cute block, Im a follower, nice seam ripper too! Thanks for the chance.

ritainalaska said...

yikes! spiders are not my thing, but that ripper is! my rippers are my most used tool, so i need sveral; but i like unique, eye candy pieces. love this ripper! thanx for the opportunity to win it.

Lee said...

Your block is very cute! thank you for the tutorial and pattern and for being part of the blog hop!

Jennifer said...

I'm now a follower and really am enjoying this blog hope/mystery quit. Very cute pumpkin on your block with such a personality. Thanks

LeAnne said...

Very cute block, although I am not a spider fan. I am new a follower.

Pat S. said...

I love your block! It'll be a wonderful addition to the other's from the"Block Party". And the seam ripper that was made by you sweetie is awesome! Thanks sew much for this chance to win!

Pam said...

Hiya! I am deathly afraid of spiders, but yours is cute. I think I could live with him. I an a new follower. Thank you for sharing your beautiful block and for having the giveaway. Blessed be, hugs!!!

playamom57 at yahoo dot com

thepiececorps said...

"Bwa ha ha" said your block! So cute and TIA for the chance to win your awesome ripper giveaway! B-)

thepiececorps said...

whoops, forgot, follower, too

Sandra said...

Yes I am a true follower of yours.

Sandi T.
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

Brenda said...

hulseybg@gmail.com
I'm a new follower. Your block is so cute!

Kathy H said...

Great block . I love how your pumpkin is scared not scary! Beautiful seam ripper. Thanks for the chance.

Kathy H said...

I forgot to say I am a new follower.

apple blossom said...

like the block. thanks for the chance to win this beautiful seam ripper.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Jeanne Gwin said...

Your block is so cute. I love pumpkins and spiders. They just seem to go together. I am a follower of your blog

Cecilia said...

Great block! I'm a new follower and I can't wait to see what else you make.

Patricia said...

You solved a spider leg problem for me! Thanks! I'm a new follower. I love the seam ripper too!

Edna Kidd said...

I am a follower..Your block is very cute.. Thanks for the opportunity to win...I

Sand and Sunshine said...

I'm a follower! Thanks for the extension. That has to be the most beautiful seam ripper I have ever seen. What sort of wood did he use? The design within is really breathtaking.