A Cincinnati Reds Shirt for the Playoffs

For my birthday, a friend gave me a Reds messenger bag and a great T-shirt.

The shirt is very special to me because on the back is “Applegate – 80” (my maiden name and my age).  I haven’t used the Applegate name for over 60 years.  The shirt is the right size but was cut in a way that it would even be snug on my skinny 9-year-old granddaughter.   I really wanted to wear this shirt for the Reds’ playoff games and had to quickly come up with a way I could keep all of the key elements but have it in a comfortable size.

I had a new T-shirt that was about two sizes too big and used one of my tried and true patterns to trim the sides and to trim down the sleeves.

I cut the side seams of the Reds shirt ….

… then lay it on top of the white  shirt and pinned at the shoulder, down the center and around the neckband.

I drew a chalk line, allowing for a ½ inch seam, from the shoulder to the bottom of the front and back on each side and trimmed along that line.

I turned under the ½ inch allowance and top stitched the red shirt to the white one.  Then, I  VERY carefully trimmed away the center white portion front and back.

I sewed the side seams, sewed in the sleeves, sewed the hem and the shirt was finished.

Now, I have my shirt ready to wear and watch the Reds win the playoffs (sorry, St. Louis granddaughters).

Civil War Quilt – Block 53 – Union Shield

This is block #53 in the Civil War block-of-the-week series offered by Barbara Brackman.  It is called Union Shield.  Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern and to see the story and pictures related to this block.
http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2011/12/53-union-shield.html

This is an easy block.  This is how I assembled the block.

• Download and save templates from Barbara’s post.  Print 2 copies of the page and cut out the 3 templates.

• Using the templates, cut out the pieces.

• Note that you will need a mirror image of triangle C to fit on either side of D.

• Lay out the pieces on a mat in the proper order.

• Stitch the corner triangles A to B on either side.  There should be a ¼ inch tail on either end.  Piece should measure 8-½ x 3-¼ inches.  Press and trim tails.

• Stitch triangles C to either side of D.  There should be a ¼ inch tail on either end.

• Piece should measure 8-½ x 5-¾ inches.

• Join the top and bottom sections.  Block should measure 8-½ x 8-½ inches.

See the previous blocks in this series in my category list on the right hand side of the page – Quilting – Civil War Quilt.

This is the last block for this commemorative Civil War quilt.  There will be more posts on Barbara’s blog following the progress as the quilts around the world are completed.  I’ll be continuing my own posts describing how I finish my quilt.

Thank you, Barbara Brackman, for this series of 53 blocks along with interesting historical stories and pictures throughout the year of 2011.

Civil War Quilt – Block 52 – Christmas Star

This is block #52 in the Civil War block-of-the-week series offered by Barbara Brackman.  It is called Christmas Star.  Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern and to see the story and pictures related to this block.

http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2011/12/52-christmas-star.html

This is a very pretty block with a lot of half-square triangles.  For new quilters, this is how I assembled the block.

I cut and sew the A pieces a little differently.

• Cut the A squares as directed but not cut diagonally.  Place right sides together 2 background squares and 2 light green squares.  Draw a diagonal line on the background square on each set.
• Stitch ¼ inch from the line on both sides.  Cut on the line to make four background and light green half-square triangles.  Press toward darker fabric, trim tails.  Squares should be 2 x 2 inches.

• Continue in the same manner with 4 background squares and 4 dark green squares.
• Continue in the same manner with 2 red squares and 2 light green squares.
• Cut the B and C pieces as directed by Barbara.
• Lay out the pieces on a mat in the proper order.

• Join as directed by Barbara:  Sew four patches for the four corners.  Press seams in opposite directions so they will interlock when joined.  These four pieces should measure 3-½ x 3-½ inches.

• Join the light background and dark green B pieces, making 4 patches that will measure 2-½ x 3-½ inches.

• Make the center strip by placing two B units on either side of center square C.
• Make 2 side units by adding 4-patches on either side of a B unit
• Complete block by adding side strips to center strip.  Block should measure 8-½ x 8-½ inches.

See the previous blocks in this series in my category list on the right hand side of the page – Quilting – Civil War Quilt.

Civil War Quilt – Block 51 – New York

This is block #51 in the Civil War block-of-the-week series offered by Barbara Brackman.  It is called New York.  Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern and to see the story and pictures related to this block.

http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2011/12/51-new-york.html

This is an easy block.  For new quilters, this is how I assembled the block:

• Cut out pieces per Barbara’s directions.
• Lay out the pieces on a mat in the proper order.

• Follow Barbara’s instructions for stitching:  Piece a white strip B to either side of red strip B.  The piece should measure 4-½ x 4-½ inches.
• Piece red strip C to either side of white strip C.  The piece should measure 4-½ x 8-½ inches.

• Piece blue field A to the left of the B strips.

• Join the two units to make a flag 8-½ x 8-½ inches.

See the previous blocks in this series in my category list on the right hand side of the page – Quilting – Civil War Quilt.

Civil War Quilt – Block 50 – Grapes of Wrath

This is block #50 in the Civil War block-of-the-week series offered by Barbara Brackman.  It is called Grapes of Wrath.  Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern and to see the story and pictures related to this block.

http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2011/12/50-grapes-of-wrath.html

This block is a little more difficult and is a very pretty block.  The fabric in my light purple  grapes shows up better in person than it does here.  I probably should have used a slightly darker color.  For new quilters, this is how I assembled the block:

• Cut out the pieces according to Barbara’s directions.
• Lay out the pieces on a  mat in the proper order.

• Piece according to Barbara’s directions:  Piece a light E to either side of a B triangle.  These two pieces should measure 2-½ inches x 4-½ inches.

• Add a square A to one of these units on the left hand side.  This unit should measure 2-½ x 6-½ inches.

• Piece one light purple E to a dark E to make a square.
• Add a dark E to either side of that square to make a larger triangle.

• Piece that triangle to the medium triangle B.  Piece should measure 4-½ x 4-½ inches.

• Add the shorter edge unit to the side.  Unit should measure 4-½ x 6-½ inches.
• Add the longer edge unit to the top.

• Piece one E triangle to the C rectangles.  Be sure you have them going in the right direction.

• Add those units to the sides of the basket.

• Finish out the block with D background triangle.  Block should measure 8-½ x 8-½ inches.

See the previous blocks in this series in my category list on the right hand side of the page – Quilting – Civil War Quilt.

Civil War Quilt – Block 49 – Yankee Puzzle

This is block #49 in the Civil War block-of-the-week series offered by Barbara Brackman.  It is called Yankee Puzzle.  Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern and to see the story and pictures related to this block.

http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2011/12/49-yankee-puzzle.html

This is an easy block and fun to make.  For new quilters, this is how I assembled the block.

• Cut pieces according to Barbara’s instructions.
• Lay out the pieces on a mat in the proper order.

• Piece according to Barbara’s instructions:  A light triangle to a medium light triangle; a dark triangle to a medium triangle.  Press toward darker fabric.  Join these two pieces to make a square.  Repeat with the remaining 3 blocks.

• Press and trim tails.  The squares should measure 4-½ x 4-½ inches.
• Join the top row, pressing to the left.
• Join the bottom row, pressing to the right.

• Join the two rows.  Piece should measure 8-½ x 8-½ inches.

See the previous blocks in this series in my category list on the right hand side of the page – Quilting – Civil War Quilt.

Pocket Gift Basket from Scraps–Tutorial

For Christmas, I wanted to make some small baskets with pockets to hold little gifts.  I bought a pattern  and made three baskets, but they were very time-consuming and labor-intensive.  They turned out well, but I didn’t want to put that much time and work into the 8 additional baskets I needed.

I drafted my own pattern that made a 5-½ x 5-½ inch basket with a handle and pockets on the inside for the gifts.  It turned out to be just what I wanted and took about an hour to complete each one which included 15 minutes of hand-sewing, as opposed to about 3 hours for the first pattern and an hour of hand-sewing.  I also liked that I could use up fabric scraps to make them.  The basket is not difficult to make – basically two cubes joined with binding and handles.

I thought they turned out very cute and can be used after the Christmas treats are gone.

My daughter wrote on her blog about the three baskets I donated as craft table items at our favorite dog shelter, along with the items my two daughters donated.

LITTLE POCKET GIFT BASKET

Following are the materials I used to make one basket.  The fabric can be different or coordinating for any of the sections.  It’s fun to see how different each one can be.

Basket Outside fabric:

Cut four 5-1/2 x 6-½ inch pieces (note direction of fabric) for sides
Cut two 6-½ x 6-½ inch pieces for bottom (outside and lining)

Lining fabric:

Cut four 5-½ x 6-½ inch pieces for sides

Pocket Fabric:

Cut four 7-½ inch wide x 5-½ inch long pieces for pockets.

Binding Fabric:

Cut one 2-¼ inch strip 24-1/2 inches long

Handle Fabric

Cut two pieces 2-¼ wide x 8-½ inches long.

Stiff Fusible Interfacing such as Inner-Fuse by Dritz – A strip 28 inches x 5-¾ inches wide

Cut four 4-¾ x 5-3/4 inch pieces for sides

Cut one 5-¾ x 5-3/4 inch piece for bottom

SEWING – ¼ inch seams unless otherwise noted

• Outside fabric sides and bottom:  Center the fusible interfacing on the wrong sides of the four sides and bottom of outside fabric.

• Flip over and press according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Pockets and lining:  On the pocket tops (7-½ inch side) turn under ¼ inch and then another ¼ inch.  Stitch in place.
• Finger press the center of each pocket and each lining piece along the wide edge.  Match up lining sides and pockets at the bottom edge – wrong side of pocket to right side of lining – stitch on the center mark from the top of the pocket to the bottom edge of the pocket/lining, back stitching at the top of the pocket.

• Pin pocket to lining at bottom corners and at pocket hems on the sides.  Pin a small pleat on either side of the center stitching.

• Baste along the sides and bottom of the pocket/lining 1/8 inch from the edge.  Make four of these pocket/lining sections.

• To assemble outside of basket:  With RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, stitch a side panel to two opposite sides of the bottom, press.  Be careful that fabric is going in the right direction.  The design should be facing toward the bottom panel.
• Place another side panel beside the panel on the left hand side of the center.  Be sure pattern is going in the same direction.

• Flip the second side panel over on top of the previously sewn panel on the left hand side of the center – RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, matching raw edges at the side and top.

• Stitch along the top, stopping ¼ inch from the point where the corner of the block meets the seam of the panel.

• At this point, keeping the needle down, raise the foot, pivot, and turn the side panel and sew to the next pivot point.

• Once again, pivot, turn panel and sew around to the top edge.  Back stitch at the beginning and ending and at each pivot point.  Don’t be afraid to fold or scrunch the basket to get it in the proper position to sew.

This is how the basket will look at this point.

• Repeat with the remaining side panel on the other side of the basket.

• Turn basket and press into corners with finger to shape basket.

• To assemble lining:   In the same manner, sew together the lining/pocket sections to the remaining bottom piece.  Be sure the tops of the pockets are facing up.  Add the remaining two panels to form a lining/pocket cube.

• Place the lining inside the fabric basket, matching up side seams, pinning at the top and pressing lining into place with your fingers.
• Handles:  Fold sides of handle straps until they meet in the center, press, fold again lining up pressed edges.

• Press and top-stitch on both sides of the handle
• Pin a handle on opposite sides of the basket, 1 inch from the seam edge on each side.

• Baste 1/8 inch from the raw edge, sewing from the inside of the basket.  Be sure all layers have been basted.  Note:  If pins are inserted with the points toward the top of the basket, they will be easy to remove as you sew.
• Binding: Join ends with ¼ inch seam and press seam open.  Press in half lengthwise, wrong sides together.
• Place binding on top portion of basket, matching raw edges, and pin.  Stitch RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER to the outside of the basket.  Sew from the inside of the basket.

• Turn the binding to the inside of the basket, allowing about 1/8 inch to show at the top edge.  Hand stitch the binding in place.

Here are the rest of the pocket gift baskets I made.

Civil War Quilt – Block 48 – West Virginia

This is block #48 in the Civil War block-of-the-week series offered by Barbara Brackman.  It is called West Virginia.  Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern and to see the story and pictures related to this block.

http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2011/11/48-west-virginia.html

This block is a little more difficult to sew but makes a pretty block.  For the center square, I chose to scan a picture that my daughter and son-in-law had taken in Gettysburg.  The picture was printed on a June Tailor Sew-In Colorfast fabric sheet.  I should have made the photograph a little larger so the border doesn’t show.  For new quilters, this is how I assembled the block.

Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern.   Cut the B and C pieces as directed.   This is how I cut the A pieces.

• On the 5-¼ x 1-7/8 rectangles, make a mark at 3-½ inches from the end.

• Place the right angle of a ruler at the mark and draw a line to the point of the rectangle.

• On the opposite end of the rectangle, draw a  right angle line from the point to the 3-½ inch mark.

• Measure to be sure you have 3-½ inches between the two right angle lines.  Cut on the right angle lines.

• To cut the blue fabrics in reverse, an easy way is to place the red piece on top of the blue, right sides together, and use the red piece as a pattern to trim the angles.  Since I wanted to be sure my blue fabric was going in the right direction, I laid the pieces out on a mat, then flipped over one of the red pieces and trimmed the angles on the blue.

• Place a blue B strip on one side of A and a red B strip on the other side.  Make 4 of these pieces.

• Add these pieces to the center square C on two opposite sides, stopping and back stitching ¼ inch from each end.

• For one of the remaining sides, mark ¼ inch from each end of the B/A piece, place on center square C and stitch between the ¼ inch marks, back stitching each time.

• Fold to match the B strips and the corner of C.

• Stitch from the ¼ inch mark to the end.  Press.

• Repeat with the other side of the B/A piece.
• Repeat with the remaining side to complete block.  Block should measure 8-½ x 8-½ inches.

See the previous blocks in this series in my category list on the right hand side of the page – Quilting – Civil War Quilt.

Civil War Quilt – Block 47 – Dixie Tea

This is block #47 in the Civil War block-of-the-week series offered by Barbara Brackman.  It is called Dixie Tea.  Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern and to see the story and pictures related to this block.

http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2011/11/47-dixie-tea.html
This is an easy block but does require scant ¼ inch joining seams to have the block come out to 8-½ x 8-½ inches.  For new quilters, this is how I assembled the block:

• Cut out the pieces according to Barbara’s instructions.  For the D pieces, do not cut diagonally.  Place the light and dark pieces of D right-sides-together, draw a line diagonally on the light pieces and stitch ¼ inch from the drawn line on both sides.  Cut on the center line and press toward the dark fabric; trim tails.  Half-square triangles should measure 3-1/8 x 3-1/8 inches.

• Piece the stem by adding a B to either side of strip A.  Trim to 3-1/8 x 3-1/8 inches.

• Lay pieces out on a mat in the proper order.

• Join the pieces in the first row, using a scant ¼ inch seam, pressing seams to the left.  Strips should measure 3-1/8 x 8-½ inches.

• Join the pieces in rows 2 and 3, using scant ¼ inch seams, pressing seams to the right on row 2 and to the left on row 3.

• Join the 3 rows, using scant ¼ inch seams.  Piece should measure 8-½ x 8-½ inches.

See the previous blocks in this series in my category list on the right hand side of the page – Quilting – Civil War Quilt.

Civil War Quilt – Block 46 – Apple Tree

This is block #46 in the Civil War block-of-the-week series offered by Barbara Brackman.  It is called Apple Tree.  Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern and to see the story and pictures related to this block.

http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2011/11/46-apple-tree.html

This is a pretty and simple block.  For new quilters, this is how I assembled the block.

• Cut the pieces according to Barbara’s directions.  For C – press in half lengthwise to get center line.  Lay ruler on the center line and trim the four corners at right angles.

• Piece the tree by making two green four patches and one red four patch from the A squares. These pieces should measure 4-½ x  4-½ inches.

• Join the B triangles to either side of C for the trunk.  There will be ¼ inch tails on either side.  Press and trim piece to 4-½ x 4-½ inches.

• Place pieces on a mat in the proper order.

• Join the two four patches in the top row.  Press seam to the left.

• Join trunk square to remaining four patch.  Press to the right.

• Join the top and bottom rows.  Block should measure 8-½ x 8-½ inches.

See the previous blocks in this series in my category list on the right hand side of the page – Quilting – Civil War Quilt.