Ginger and Fred to Appear in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol 5 (2/3)

May 4,  2012
Previous posts 1/3   3/3 
The tale of Anita, Ginger, Fred, and two PDFs

I created "Ginger and Fred" especially for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol 5
and, for Quiltmaker readers, the  two Make It Simpler PDFs found below. If you've read my book Rotary Cutting Revolution from C&T Publishing, 2010, you'll recall similar projects.

Q: What do you like best about Ginger and Fred?
Look at the rectangles. They dance and float. Unlike their parent block “Good Fortune,” their corners aren’t designed to meet let alone match up. If the centers of each block don't meet, that won't be obvious either.
Four 12½" unfinished Ginger and Fred blocks (24" square, finished)

Q: Do you have a special way to cut the fabric patches not in the issue?
Yes. I use my CuttingLinesTM pattern instead of cutting individual squares and rectangles. I can cut enough  pieces for two 12" blocks (40 pieces) in four rotary cuts from a stack of eight 8" starched fabric squares. Without waste.
Q: Huh?
When I sewed clothing, I positioned a large tissue paper pattern on folded fabric and cut through the printed tissue for the garment pieces. I learned to sew in the ‘60s at the Singer Sewing Center on Falls Street. In Niagara Falls, site of hydroelectric power plants, I was sewing 'Carnaby St Mod' shifts at home on a treadle machine.

Q: So you cut through tissue to get the pieces for a block?
I cut through ordinary photocopy paper

Q: What about special rulers or dies?
Not to cut through a paper pattern. Any straight edge ruler and rotary cutter will do

Q: Is fabric bias a concern?
No, because the outside edges of the block are straight of grain.
The rectangle has bias edges but, advantageously, directional fabric will maintain it’s direction. If you were to cut individual rectangles on grain, any motif would wind up tilting 45 degrees in the block.

Q: What's the method?
  • Download this The Ginger and Fred Pattern PDF, trim away excess margin leaving the red lines intact (above) 
  • Cut or tear starched fabric into squares, at least 8" on each side 
  • Stack fabric squares, preferably right sides up. Stack as many as you can comfortably cut through. I cut 8 squares at a time which is enough for two blocks  
  • Use a repositionable gluestick (3M) or Collins Fabric Gluestick to adhere the pattern to the uppermost fabric square  
  • Cut the stack through the red outside lines, for accurately cut 7¼" squares (no measuring!)
  • Without disturbing the stack, line up a ruler with any 1 of the 4 diagonal lines. Cut the stack along the ruler's edge completely from one edge of the paper to the other. Repeat to make 4 cuts.
Beneath each of the 5 paper shapes is a red fabric patch

Q: Speaking of bias, will the triangles be large enough?
Yes, they are sufficient and accurate and cut from stabilized (starched) fabric. If you have difficulty sewing corner triangles, as these are called, cut oversize triangles.

Cutting oversize: Cut fabric squares at least  8½" instead of 8"  Rather than cutting  through the outside red lines, cut  ¼" outside of the red lines. Cut along the diagonal lines as described above. The rectangle should and must remain the same size, (6 -1/8 x 3-3/8 inches) but the triangles will be oversize.

Q: Do you have a special way to sew the block together?
Yes. I use the pattern for top paper piecing as well; I'll post the explanation this month. If you are in a hurry, see p69 of Rotary Cutting Revolution

Q: How do you true-up this block when oversize triangles are used?
I make a true-up square
With a permanent fabric marker, trace a rectangle (only), using this True Up Guide, onto a 6½" acrylic square. Center the marked ruler over the pieced block and trim away any excess fabric. 
The marks may be removed with alcohol

Q: Have you made a quilt of these blocks?
Yes. It's kind of Mod. But I didn't sew it on a treadle. It's “Fred and Ginger Hit the Road” It’s among the 15 quilts in the Quiltmaker Designer’s Gallery in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol 5
Ginger and Fred Hit the Road
Q: Really, Fred and Ginger are in the above quilt?
Yes. I'll explain that process during this month. Right now you have plenty of blogs to read and I hope some weekend sewing .

For the opportunity to win a copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks, Volume 5, please comment by noon Monday, eastern time, telling me where in the world you live. Comment anyway, I'd like to know where you are! Feel free to ask questions about the block techniques.

Q: What other blocks have you engineered CuttingLines™ for?
Here's an example J

If you don't see the "Post a Comment" link way below, click on "Links to this post" and look to the bottom to post a comment.

May 7, 2012: The Draw
In essence, everyone received a gift to celebrate the Vol 5 issue of 100 Designers, i.e. my CuttingLines™ PDFs linked above.  Jitka, won the giveaway but I received a jackpot: The Comments.  I felt as if I traveled the world over the weekend. I appreciate your making the time to write them.

Stay tuned for continued instructions regarding the Ginger and Fred block. Let’s face the music and quilt.


Trip the light fantastic with Quiltmaker

Anita

172 comments:

Kathy MacKie said...

I live on Vancouver Island, BC. Canada and I just love it here.

Sandra said...

I live on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, in a sleepy little town called Pascagoula - where Ginger and Fred went down to the farm. Very nice block with lots of possibilities.

Martina said...

I am from Switzerland, living in a small and sweet town called Basel. Thanks for the How-to!Love the block!

Judith said...

I live in Texas. I have lived on the east and west coast but Texas has always have my heart....Congratualtion on your published block and Thanks for share....Judith, Texas

jofridsquilt said...

I live in Norway. Lovely block. I would love to win this magazine. Hugs Jofrid

Jitka said...

I live in Czech Republic, Central Europe. You have made a simply block and a very nice quilt from it! I like it. Thank you for tips to cut blocks.

May Britt said...

I live in Norway. Snow in the air today so it is nice sewingweather. Cross my fingers and hope I will win this magazine that has so much inspiration:)

dwright33055 said...

I live in Shelby, North Carolina, love Fred and Ginger they are also a favorite actors, love black and white movies....thanks cant wait to try your cutting method and block.....thanks for a chance to win a copy of vol. 5

Rachell said...

Thanks! I'm still trying to wrap my head around the cutting technique, but I'll be alright. Congrats! So creative!
I live in Utah in Utah valley in the middle of the state! I'm in a limitless farming community at the south end of this urban valley, so it's still close to everything. Surrounded by mountains with beautiful drives up canyons, colorful trees and orchards and fields, yet somehow it's still considered borderline desert!

Deb said...

I'm in New Zealand.

Carin@Ullhärvan said...

What a great block! I live in Sweden.

Karrie said...

I love the block and I live very close to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Thanks for the tutorial! I look forward to reading your blog.

cynthia said...

I can hardly wait to try this! Love the black field!

Lisa England said...

I live in Kentucky. This weekend brings Kentucky's most well known event -- the Kentucky Derby.

kt said...

I live in Connecticut. Thanks for the how-to's. Can't wait to try this!

QuiltSue said...

I live in the UK, in "Wuthering Heights" land.

Michelle said...

I live in southern Ontario!

Sunnybec said...

I live in France!

Elizabeth said...

I live in South Carolina. I'm interested to know how you changed the block to make "Ginger and Fred Hit the Road". Thanks.

Heather said...

I live right outside of Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia

suz said...

I live in southern New Hampshire - this is an interesting technique!

Joanna said...

I'm in Massachusetts and I learned to sew at the Singer Sewing Center in my home town way back in the 60's. I love that I know how to sew.

Beth said...

I live in central Indiana, farm country. We're not farmers but love the peace and quiet of the country.

Thanks for the chance to win.

Gill said...

Thanks for the great tutorial!
I live in the UK

Anonymous said...

I live in Colorado and love the Mountains! I love your Ginger and Fred Hit the Road Block! I love your rotated block too! It is very unique!

JoyceLM said...

I live in North Carolina, just each of the capital city of Raleigh & it's been in the 90s with really high humidity most of the week. I love your block - thanks so much for the cutting pattern. I plan to print it on freezer paper & iron it to the top layer of fabric - I love this method of making blocks. Thanks for the chance to win.

Donna Joy said...

In live in Saskatchewan , Canada. Thanks for sharing your cutting technique, fantastic.

Carol said...

I live in the great state of North Carolina! Thanks for the tutorial.

beulahcdot [at] yahoo [dot] com

~Kris~ said...

I live in Wisconsin, home of the Packers and lots of cows. Thanks for sharing your technique.

Jill said...

I live in San Diego. I saw your show on The Quilt Show and love your technique.

Joyce Carter said...

I live in the N.E. section of Georgia. Congratulations and thanks so much for the giveaway.

Michele said...

I live in Kirksville, MO. Love the block and thanks for the instructions and the pdf.

Dana Gaffney said...

I live in Key Largo, Florida, one of the best places on earth. Love your block, thanks.

VickiT said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Patti said...

Hi there
I'm from Minnesota.

Lin H. said...

The fred and ginger hit the road is just great for a teenager's room!

Julie Kaye from KS said...

Looks like a great technique and block. I'm from NE Kansas.

Sheila said...

Fun block and thanks for the demo. I am from Nova Scotia ,Canada .

VickiT said...

I'm sorry but I deleted my first comment as I'd forgotten to answer your question.

Great looking block Anita and thank you for the two pdf's that will help with your block in the magazine.
I live in Northern IL about 100 miles from Chicago.

Sarah said...

Thanks for the opportunity - I'm from Western NY.

Sherry said...

I'm from central New Jersey.

This looks to be a very interesting block. I look forward to being able to see the pictures larger in the magazine.

Christa Marcotte said...

I live in Saskatachewan Canada. Nice and simple block!!

ThreadCatcher said...

I live in SW Minnesota. Interesting take on cutting fabric for your block. Thanks for sharing.

Phyldar said...

Your process is most intriguing and I definitely will be trying it. I'm in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina.

grendelskin said...

Hello from Connecticut, USA. Neat block, I can see loads of possibilities!

Kathy H said...

I am from Pennsylvania and loved the name of your block. Congratulations on being in the magazine. Very exciting.

Robyn said...

Greetings from Tennessee

Gina Loomis said...

Fantastic block and technique! Congrats for being selected by the magazine! I can't wait to get a copy!! I'm from central Arkansas.

Unknown said...

Lovely! I am living in Wisconsin for 9 years now, but originally from Joplin MO.

B Greene said...

I am from NE Pennsylvania and I love your method of cutting fabric for your block!!

Jennifer said...

I live in Austin TX and took a really fun workshop from you in Houston last November. I'm so psyched to get another block from you because the cutting/construction is so innovative. Thanks for sharing your genius!

Sallie said...

I live in Texas. Thanks for the giveaway!

Rebecca said...

I live in the hight desert of central Oregon... I am heading into my scrap stash for 8 inch fabric squars to play with this block....

Rebecca said...

just an additional quick note to tell you how I love how this cutting method cleans up the flag ends!!!!

Cathy B said...

I live in Minnesota. Congrats on having your block in the magazine - I love it!! Thanks for the chance to win! blaukat@hickorytech.net

Cynthia@wabisabiquilts said...

I am an American living in Tokyo. Thanks for sharing and for this chance to win!

Sandra said...

Grats on having your block published. Hello from SLC Utah

Mary said...

I live in Oswego, Illinois. A great little town!

Candace said...

Hellloooo out there from the Puget Sound in WA :D

Lee Ann L. said...

I live in the San Antonio, Texas area! Thank you for showcasing your block!

Ruth Ann said...

I live in Texas, north of Dallas about an hour, a few miles south of the Red River. Love Ginger and Fred.

kwiltnkats said...

San Diego, California! I sure enjoyed reading your post. How clever are you with Ginger and Fred design and a new technique. TGIF! Thanks for a chance to win. Sandi

pricillaprecise said...

I live in South Africa in the city of Pretoria. Enjoy your methods - re-sized your Anita's Arrowhead to try it with a Moda 5" charm square size, and though proportions turned out off-size, the blocks looked good and I used them for the pocket of a tote I made in blue and white. Margaret

DebrafromMD said...

I live in Severn, Maryland.

Jeanne in Ohio said...

Love your cutting methods. Such fun! I'm from Mansfield, Ohio.

ekquilter said...

Vancouver WA, I love F&G on the black background. And Anitas Arrowhead is so fun, and impresses your friends!

BeachQuilter said...

I live in the foothills of the California Sierra Nevadas at the base of the mighty Sequoias!

Carla G said...

I'm from Northern British Columbia, Canada! Thanks for showing us how you made your block! :)

Aggiequilter said...

I'm down here in Texas! Where it's already 92 degrees in May ... ughhh
Thanks for the chance to win!

Stephanie said...

Up here in Illinois, we've got some rain today so I'm having a ball touring the blogs. Great block and great site--I'm signing on! Thanks for the tutorial.

Juanita said...

I live in Ohio in Amish Region, called Kidron..ever hear of Lehman's (hardware)?...Check them out at Lehmans.com.. Loved reading about the block and the techniques, I want to do it!

Karen, aka Yaya said...

Hope I win the new magazine!!

rosemaryschild said...

I live just north of Picayune, Mississippi in the small community of McNeil -would luv to win this volume!

CJ said...

I am from Iowa. I like your process. I'm always looking for easier ways to do things.

Cindi said...

Wow! Interesting technique! I can see so many possibilities in it. Thanks so much for sharing. Love your block and the quilt you made from it. I'll be back

WeedyMama said...

I live in eastern Washington state, south of Spokane. I was using some of that turquoise dog fabric last weekend making potholders with kids. So, Fred and Ginger are dogs, right? (The arf-arf kind)

Regina said...

Rochester, NY - great explanation of the process!

Unknown said...

I live in Oregon, in the lovely Pacific Northwest. Congrats on being chosen for a block, I really like your entry.

Purl Buttons said...

I have always liked the "flying" concept in blocks. The images DO dance!

Gloria said...

I live in the United Kingdom near a town called High Wycombe. There are lots of pretty villages nearby, including Penn (William Penn's family lived there).

Barb Johnson said...

I live in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Thanks for the template to square up the blocks!

Denise :) said...

I live in the Heart of Dixie ... New Market, Alabama! :) I enjoyed walking through the process with you. And especially appreciate you sharing the template pdf! Thank you! :)

Allison said...

Foster City! Just south of SFO, and the city by the bay. But, I left my heart in Southern California :)
Great block Anita!!!!

Karen in Breezy Point said...

So clever!
Karen in Breezy Point MN

WoolenSails said...

I like in Rhode Island. That is a wonderful block to use in different ways and play with.

Debbie

Judy1522 said...

I live in Oregon. Thanks for the tips for cutting the blocks.

Diann said...

I live in New Jersey.

Carol Sc said...

I have used your cutting method before --- and have been very satisfied with the results. I'm going to give the block a try very soon.
quiltschon@att.net

Marcia W. said...

rural North Central Florida - your blocks are always Kool - thank you

Jeanne said...

Hello from the Great Lakes state of Michigan.

Marge in Louisiana said...

Very innovative. I've looked through the places the posters are from. We are really world wide. Hello to all of you out there from Central Louisiana, USA

Autumn P. said...

I live in Western Washington near Puget sound. I'm glad i found your blog, I'll come back for a more thorough read.

Erika said...

I'm from The Netherlands.
Lovely block. I would love to win this magazine.

robin said...

I'm in Manitoba, Canada. Thanks for the chance!

The Village Queen said...

Well thats a fun block! Thanks for all the how to's, does make it easier for us visual folks.
I live in Denver CO, big city, wish it was the country... sigh.
Thanks for the chance!

Julie S said...

Hi! I am from the greater Seattle, WA area!

Bjwalsh101 said...

Hello from Minnesota!

Annie said...

I'm from the mid-Michigan area.

Anne-Marie said...

Hi I live in Whitby Ontario !

Kd Brown said...

Hi Anita! I live in NW Montana close to Glacier National Park. It's gorgeous here...you should plan to visit. Congratulations and thank you for a great giveaway! :)

~Laurie~ said...

Now that is cool!! Last year I moved from Central Maine to Seminole (West) Texas! What a change!! I like your paper cutting and block - thank you for the download!!

Victoria M. said...

I live in a suburb of Rochester, New York, near Lake Ontario.

Beth in TN said...

I'm in SE Tennessee.

Susan said...

Hi, I live in Brooklyn, NY. I have all your books and love your ideas. Thanks for the giveaway.

Susan
sb349@yahoo.com

Vivian said...

A fellow New Yorker saying hi from the Bronx! I enjoyed making your Anita's Arrowhead holiday fabrics quilt last year and look forward to trying more "revolutionary" blocks.

I'm so happy another issue of 100 Blocks is out. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

Karen said...

I love your no waste methods. Great job. I'm from California.

patricia said...

Clever girl! I'm in slower, lower DE, near the beaches.

Doc said...

I live in Texas in the country outside San Antonio

Kaye M. tkmattson@hotmail.com said...

I live on a farm near Grand Island, Nebraska in the south central part of the state. Your techniques always amaze me!

thegoose said...

I live in New England. :)

Cecilia said...

I live in Georgia. :-)

Jean said...

I live in Iowa....cute block!

bairdmtn said...

I am in beautiful East Tennessee! Love your concept of block cutting! Gonna have to try it!

MoeWest said...

I live in Calgary , AB, Canada. Thanks for sharing your block.

Marsha said...

Anita,
I own Rotary Cutting Revolution and I SO love your book. I learned about it from your Quiltmaker article back a couple of years ago and loved your technique used there (Anita's Arrowhead). I've used it many times. Love Fred and Ginger too!

Debbie said...

I live in Kansas and have been an admirer of your process for a long time..

Pat S. said...

I live in NH.

RSHudson said...

I live in the deep south, USA. Thanks for chance to win! (EMAIL: marshudson at comcast dot net)

tubilinha tiacarminha said...

Eu moro no Brasil.Adorei o que li aqui foi uma aula e tanto,obrigada.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

teachpany said...

I grew up on Long Island, NY, but now live in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Great idea! Ginger and Fred is a fun block!

Linda H said...

I live in the Maritimes on the east coast of Canada- New Brunswick to be exact. Thanks for the chance to win a copy...

Nancy said...

I live in Honolulu, HI and remember watching you on Simply Quilts a few years ago. You make it all look so easy! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway, and congratulations on making this issue of QM.

Gloria said...

I live in Winston Salem NC. Your fiished quilt with the black backgroud is awesome.

Cindy said...

Who would have thought NOT lining things up could be so fun!

Barb66 said...

I am a fellow New Yorker, from Schenectady. This is my first time on your blog and I will be back.

hueisei said...

Greeting from Malaysia! Great block!

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

Hello from London England!!! Great block and tutorial. Very cool! Thanks for the chance to win.

Barbara said...

Portland, Oregon.

Angela N. said...

Im up here in cooool colorado! Enjoying the cool spring breeze! Great block, awesome quilt! Thanks for sharing!

Quilter In Paradise said...

I'm in hot and humid Dallas, waiting on the thunderstorms to hit (90+ today) I am going to make this quilt! Thanks for the idea

Deborah said...

Hi Anita! Another winner!!! Deborah from Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Met you in Houston...was your teachers pet in the pineapple class.

Diantha said...

I live in the northwest corner of Vermont. Congratulations on your block -- and thanks for the instructions on cutting with no waste!

Denny1600 said...

This looks like fun! Southern Arizona.

Patty said...

I live in north central Missouri.

Deb said...

I enjoyed reading your post, but I have to admit it sounds complicated to me. I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia (and my maiden name is Solomon!)

Missy said...

I live in Ozark, Missouri in the beautiful Ozark hills.

Mary said...

I live in central Missouri. Your blocks and techniques always fascinate me. Please keep them coming!

BengalPup said...

I live in Western Mich. I love your quilt!!

LJ said...

I live in Iowa, USA. Really like how your blocks went together in a quilt layout.

Kate Brown said...

I live on the east coast of New Hampshire :)

Lisa said...

I live in West Viginia about 50 miles from Ohio and Kentucky. I love your block and your informative block. I would love to win a magazine. Congrats on publication.

Lisa E said...

I live in northern California, very close to Stanford University.

happyknitter said...

Anita; I am in East Northport, also on Long Island, NY.
Loved to see you in person when you visited our guild and hope to see you in person again. Would love to win the 100 Blocks book. Thanks for the opportunity. Anne =

Janet said...

Interesting technique and an equally interesting block! I'm in the Yukon Territory in Canada. Thanks for a chance to win.

Nancy said...

I love your block - and love the name! I live in west-central Louisiana, the area is called CENLA. I live outside of a small town called Many.

Peach Rainbow said...

Uncommon block!
I am from Sri Lanka :D

Linda (Petey) said...

From the SE cornfields of Iowa, how facinating to see what you've done! No points to match...refreshing. Thank you.

Lee said...

Hello and congratulatoins from Southeast Detroit Michigan!

trillium said...

I'm in West Virginia, and the iris/dianthus/roses are blooming but the weed whackers are out in force this Sat. morning!

Great tutorial on your block cutting! Thank you!

trilliumcreates AT gmail DOT com

Nancy Angerer said...

I live in central Illinois -- home of the fighting Illini -- Champaign, IL.

Annieofbluegables said...

I love in Utah, and share your name. Its rare to run into another Anita. I go by AnnieofBlueGables for my blog because I was nick-named Annie by the Spanish people who felt like Anita was for little girls, and I live in a blue house with blue gables. :D

Cathy B said...

I live in Minnesota. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

Pam said...

Coast of South Carolina in th Holy City.
I enjoy your cutting techniques and have used them in the past.

PJB said...

I live in upper NY State near the Vermont border on Lake George. I'm impressed with the different looks you can get with your block.

Catskill Quilter said...

Your cutting process is fascinating, and I do love the block!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I live in Central Texas

Bunny said...

IOWA - America's Heartland.......

Karen said...

I live in Indiana, PA. Hometown of actor Jimmy Stewart.

Laura G. said...

I live in Northern Minnesota about half way between Grand Forks and Fargo ND.

Anonymous said...

I'm in western Wisconsin, right on the border with Minnesota.

Debbie said...

I'm in Jerusalem, Israel. Thanks, Anita!

Jodi - usairdoll said...

What an interesting block. I'm going to have to go back and read your instructions again. hehe. That is all new to me. Congratulations on having your block included in this year's Vol. 5. I'm living in northern California, USA.

Thank you for your giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

elana613 said...

I live in Tzfat, Israel, home of the Kabbalah. I am a memeber of the International Jewish Quilters list. I made a wall hanging using your square in a square technique in solid textured home dec fabrics. Came out great - very modern. Thanks for your ingenious ideas. I do want to try using the fusible because I did have some stretch on the bias edges. Keep up the good work!

Heather said...

Visiting from Colorado. I'm intrigued by your block and method, very well done. I love the way it came together in your quilt.

Glenda said...

I live in Sydney, Australia. I have your books and love your methods, they are so clever and such fun.

Phyllis said...

I live in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - beautiful place to be.

hafza said...

I live in Malaysia...Thanks for sharing the technique. Congratulations for having your block publish in the magazine...Thanks for the giveaway!!

Annmarie said...

I live in northern Wisconsin. Thanks for sharing your techniques - I love Ginger & Fred. And thanks for the chance to win Vol. 5

Sandy Beach Sewing said...

The way you explained how to make Ginger and Fred it seems so easy. I would love to win a copy of the book.

Nancy Sue said...

Hello (see me waving!) from Maryland. A bit between Washington DC, Baltimore, and Gettysburg. We have it all. Congrats on your success with this block. The instructions in the post are great!!!

Jocelyn said...

Ginger and Fred were the most amazing pair of dancers. I loved how they moved together. Writing from the Sunshine State of Florida.

CBH said...

Thank you so much for this post. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in Creative Busy Bee Craft Inspirations, under the Page 1 post on Aug. 15, 2012. Thanks again.