Eclectic Mail Part 3

I decided which flap should go with each envelope and marked each block with a number.
There are 30 blocks.  Five blocks across and six blocks down.

Now to sew the blocks together.

All six rows are together.

Row 1 & 2, 3 & 4 and 5 & 6 are together.

Eclectic Mail Part 2

The envelope pieces are on the design wall (flannel back tablecloth).  Now to decide what flap will look good with what envelope.

Eclectic Mail Part 1

I have decided to name my quilt, "Eclectic Mail".  I mulled over a few other names, but decided on that one.

The pattern that I am using is from a video at "Missouri Star Quilt" website.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8safSWU3DSk&list=PLD5EF21A981F69C28&feature=share&index=15

In the video, she uses two layer cakes and charm packs for the border.  I had purchased yardage of  fabric, so I had to cut my own 10" squares and 2 1/2" strips.

 I cut thirty - 10" squares from "Eclectic Elements" and thirty - 10" squares of background fabric.  I placed one of each, right sides together and sewed all four sides at 1/4".   I found that chain sewing one side, and then the opposite side, worked best.  Then chaining one end and then the other.  When I tried sewing all four sides of one square, without stopping, I would end up with extra fabric on the last side.  Sewing opposite sides first, seemed to fix this problem.   Then I sliced each square from point to point, making four half square triangles.

Four HSTs form one open envelope.

 

 



 

I could not wait to see how the keyboard border would look, so I had to sew four of the 2 1/2" strips together.  I think that I should cut the others in half, before sewing, to make for a better mix in the end.  The background strips in the picture will go on before the keyboard border.

 



Tim Holtz's Eclectic Elements Fabric

Woo Hoo!!! I finally got my hands on Tim Holtz's new fabric.  It is called, "Eclectic Elements".  You will recognize the name if you enjoy art journaling and mixed media.  My second passion.

All twelve of these AWESOME fabrics will be in my next quilt.  I already have a plan.  Let the cutting begin.  Watch for progress reports.