A Quilting Program Triple Play

Cristy (left) and Rhonda demonstrate the 10-minute block.

The March program of the Choo Choo Quilters delighted meeting attendees with 3 quick and easy Make-It-Take-It projects.

Demonstrations were presented on Suzanne McNeill's 3-seam 10-Minute Block, a Sausage Pillowcase, and Vivian Ann Wright's (Mammaw's Thimble Quilt Shop) Potato Chip Block.

10-Minute Block
The assembly of this block consists of only 3 seams and a dimensional center diamond. Several options for block size, color placement and embellishment were given during the demonstration. Suzanne McNeill has written two books, 10-Minute Blocks, and 10-Minute Blocks 2, that offer instructions and several quilt patterns using the technique.

Members donated twelve 10-minute quilt blocks made during the demonstration to the guild's community service Cuddle Quilt project.

Left: 4 blocks were completed in about 11 minutes during the demonstration.

Sausage Pillowcase

Nancy shows a pillowcase with the sausgae method.

This clever assembly combines three coordinating fabrics to produce standard size pillowcase. With guidance from one of the program presenters who prepared pre-cut fabrics, attendees had the opportunity to create a pillowcase in about 15 minutes.

The pillowcase cuff, an accent trim and the body of the pillowcase are rolled up like a sausage (hence, the name) and with some easy sewing, the "sausage" is turned right side out to produce the pillowcase. Using a French seam eliminates the raw edges. It's like magic!

These pillowcases can be used for kids projects, gifts, cases for Quilts of Valor quilts, or other charity projects. Watch a video of the process here.

Rolling the fabrics into the sausage and pinning.

After sewing a seam, the sausage is turned right side out.

Potato Chip Block

Just like eating potato chips, once you make one of these blocks, you can't stop. In fact, the fabric cutting for these blocks is streamlined by stacking and cutting layers of two coordinating fabrics. Assembly line piecing makes for quick sewing and assembly. In no time—just like the bag of potato chips—your quilt top is finished. 

Potato Chip Block—you can't make just one!

Show and Tell

Quilt Show to benefit Hunger Relief Outreach

Trinity Lutheran Church at the intersection of Hixson Pike and 153, welcomes the public to attend a Quilt Show on Saturday, April 21, 2012, from 10:00-3:00 pm.  Hosted by members of the Social Ministry Committee, 100% of the proceeds from the show will benefit the Hunger Relief Outreach effort in surrounding communities. The exhibit will showcase handwork made by local quilters and groups.  Refreshments will be available.

Entries are being accepted in all quilting categories; antique, traditional, contemporary and studio art. Quilts can be brought to the church to be registered between 11:00-7:00 on Thursday, April 19.

Contact Ginny Minninger at 332-0227 or email her at artminninger@msn.com for registration information and forms.

Take one home tonight!

The program for the March 19 meeting of the Choo Choo Quilters offers a smorgasbord of quick "make it and serve it tonight" items. On the menu are two easy quilt blocks—the Potato Chip block and a 10-Minute block—as well as a Sausage Pillowcase.

The program will start with a presentation and overview of the projects, and then members will rotate between individual stations to participate in each make-and-take project. Sewing machines will be available with supplies, but members can also bring fabrics from their personal stash, if they desire. Fabric requirements are:

Potato Chip Block: One feature fabric and one coordinating fabric. From each fabric cut: one 8-1/2" square; two 2-1/2" x 8-1/2" rectangles; two 2-1/2" x 12-1/2" rectangles.

10-Minute Block: this "heat and serve" recipe will be provided at the meeting.

Sausage Pillowcase: 3 coordinating/contrasting fabrics. Body: 23" x 45"; Header: 13" x 45"; Accent: 2" x 45".

Want to know why it's called a "Sausage Pillowcase"?
Come to the program and find out.

Join the Choo Choo Quilters on Monday, March 19 at 6:30 pm. for an evening that rivals anything Betty Crocker, Bertolli and Swanson could serve. Bring your own ingredients (fabrics) or use the ingredients provided by our program presenters. Either way, everyone should be taking home a finished something!

All this talk of food make you hungry? Edible refreshments will also be provided.