I wanted to give you all an update on the "Fanfare" pattern by Sherri McConnell of "A Quilting Life". Sherri designed this fabulous pattern that I plan to make soon, and it is for sale on her Etsy site. The pattern was published in American Patchwork and Quilting magazine last February under the name "Fanfare". Sherri has a different name for the pattern however, which is "Mahalo". She also has a mini version available which is the cutest thing ever. There are pdf versions you can download immediately so you can get started making this beautiful quilt right away.
Sherri recommends a 30 degree triangle ruler for making the little wedges. (You can also make your own templates). I had purchased a 30 degree ruler by Creative Grids awhile back, but have not been too happy with it once it arrived and I saw it in person. It is 19 1/2 inches long!! A totally clumsy size for making just about anything in my opinion. The ruler Sherri recommends is the Simply EZ 30 degree triangle tool. I bought mine on Amazon for $11.91 with free shipping. This ruler is a far more manageable size.
Take a look at the difference! The EZ ruler is only 9 1/2 inches long, which is much better for me.
I have a little twist I may make with this pattern. The pattern as shown calls for appliquéing the wedges on a background fabric. I have a 6 1/2 inch template set for Drunkard's Path blocks that may work better for me. I am better at curved piecing than appliqué, so this may be a good option.
I had a lovely weekend sewing. I am winding up Raise the Roof, and look forward to showing you that finish this week. It was lovely weather, but I was not tempted to be outside. There is another fire in a town near us and the air quality is terrible. I sure hope we are not going to have a repeat of the dreadful fire we had just about one year ago.
8 Responses
Thanks for the 30 degree angle information. Anxious to find the perfect fabric because I plan on making this one! Have a great Monday and stay safe!
Let us know how the 6-1/2″ Drunkard’s Path templates work for you. I purchased the pattern and then read directions and saw it was applique. Love the pattern, but applique…not so much…
The first ruler is awfully long & I wonder if it’s really practical for most projects requiring a wedge? Normally, I like Creative Grids so that’s disappointing. We have so many fires in our own area & nearby Yellowstone N.P. that it’s going to take a good snowfall to put them all out. Very sad fire situation in the West this summer.
Thanks for the tip with the ruler I’ll check it out.
And good luck with the fire hope you’re safe.
Good information about the ruler. Makes sense to me!
Mary
Here’s a really cute scrappy pattern that uses the longer ruler. http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/2015/11/firecrackers-quilt-by-fat-quarter-shop.html
Where did you get the Drunkard’s Path template set? Do you recall? I think I might like that better than applique too.
I took this class from Sherri and you can also use decorative stitches (or blanket stitch) to attach your wedges to the background piece. All the projects in class were done differently and they all came out great. I agree with the shorter 30* wedge. It was a fun project!