Daily Blog

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MK, an editor at TQS, and Alex both received brand spanking new BERNINA Q20s at the same time. MK was having trouble doing ruler work, so Alex sent her a video to help her out.

While watching the video, MK discovered her problem...she was using the wrong foot! She was using the free-motion foot which kept jumping over the ruler. Once she changed the foot, no problem. TIP: Remember to use the Adjustable Ruler Foot #72 when doing ruler work!

Also while watching the video, MK realized she had a great tip for Alex as well. She saw that Alex was marking her quilt with a pen.

What was that tip? TIP: Alex needed to get the Needle Point Laser attachment for the Q20. It provides a small dot light to indicate exactly where the needle is going to position the stitch. It makes lining things up a snap.

Click here for more tips on the Needle Point Laser attachment at WeAllSew.

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WIN A PERSONALIZED AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF

Lizzy Albright and the Attic Window (written by Ricky Tims and Kat Bowser)

To celebrate the launch of the long-awaited Lizzy Albright and the Attic Window, there will be weekly drawings to win a personalized autographed copy of a first edition.

It only takes about five minutes to do the Scavenger Hunt. Get your youngsters involved too - and have them do their own searching. All the answers are provided on the links. Answers must be correct in order to have a chance to win. No purchase necessary.

Click here to go on the Scavenger Hunt.

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Alex continues to show how to make the blocks that are going into the mystery quilt. Grab your fabric and join in the journey. Be sure to check out those that are sharing in the forum. We love some of the fabric choices going on. Take a look. https://thequiltshow.com/forum/this-and-that-quilting-related/8994-kaffe-mystery-quilt-learn-with-alex#148068

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Aurora by Mary Lidstrom Larson. (Image Road2CA)

In this, our last lesson on Balance, we look at the term Radial Balance, meaning a design where all of the elements are equally balanced around, toward or away from a central point. Unlike other forms of balance that use either a horizontal or vertical axis, radial balance has all of the interest radiating out from the center like the rays of the sun or spokes on a bicycle wheel. The examples below help to illustrate the definition.

 
Bilateral Fabric Examples.                                       Radial Fabric Examples.

Designs can be round or square, including Kaleidoscope images, which are radial. A Radial design can be very effective, as it draws the eye into the center of the design. Examples of Radial balance found in nature and man made objects include:

Cathedral Rose Windows (e.g. Notre Dame Cathedral)
A halved orange or grapefruit
Merry go round
Bicycle spokes
Umbrellas
Mandalas
Starfish
Snowflakes
Umbrellas                                                                         

Let's use the example of Dad's Lonestar by Ricky Tims. Did you notice how all of the elements spin around as your eyes move from the center outward? The brilliant yellow star in the center vibrates, enhancing this same outward movement.
 

Dad's Lonestar by Ricky Tims. (Image by TheQuiltShow.com)
 

Examples of more quilts featuring Radial Balance:

Mediterrani by Rosa Rojas (Show 1912 and Show 2702). [Image by TheQuiltShow.com]

Força Barça by Rosa Rojas & Olga Gonzales Angulo (Show 1912). [Image by TheQuiltShow.com]

Bubble Ballet by Birgit Schueller. (Image AQS)

Red Hot Radial by Audrey Esarey. (Image by QuiltCon)

Vertigo by Elaine Wick Poplin. (Image by QuiltCon)

Lunar Gazania by Robbi Joy Eklow (Show 1008). [Image by TheQuiltShow.com]

Vermillion Circles by Judy Mathieson (Show 707). [Image by TheQuiltShow.com]

Practice Exercise: Create Your Own Radial Balance Design:

Design your own Radial Balance design with just a few simple tools.

Design your own Kaleidoscope Name design. Click here.

Click here for more topics related to The Art of Quilt Design program.

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Teresa Duryea Wong was inspired by an unknown quiltmaker of the 1880s to recreate a traditional quilt using her bold colors and design. The result is a striking quilt with a modern graphic appeal.

Cheddar, Charcoal and Cherry by Teresa Duryea Wong of Houston, Texas was featured in the Balanced Piecing and Appliqué category at Houston 2019.

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Pixeladies, Deb Cashatt and Kris Sazaki, create fascinating quilts with messages hidden in the text. They also teach wonderful classes in Photoshop to help everyone craving to create those illusive images. Learn more about Making her Mark in this interview with Lisa Walton.

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The American Quilt Study Group is having their first virtual show of antique quilts. This is one of several shows they have planned to provide viewers with an insight into their rich quilt heritage and to give everyone a  glimpse of quilt makers from the past.

The American Quilt Study Group is a member-supported organization that connects quilt enthusiasts engaged in research and learning.

(Note: The video has no sound.)

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To see the LIVE it is best to go the home page, scroll down and then click to see the playlist. You will then be on YouTube and will be able to comment during the LIVE. Or go the TQS Facebook page.

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The Houston quilt show has been cancelled so it is time to reveal his quilt he is making for that show. Be the first to see the quilt he has been working on and hear him talk about the techniques, challenges, and ideas he used to create it. This fun event will be LIVE Tuesday July 21 at 10am PST, 1pm EST, and 6pm London Time. Can't make it? It will be recorded.

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It's time to start your mystery quilt. Alex will help you get prepared. Call a friend and do it together. The quilt will be happy, bright, fun, and....mysterious. You need to smile and you need to keep quilting. 

Alex is LIVE Monday, July 20, 2020 at 10am PST, 1pm EST, and 6pm London time.

(All classes will be recorded.)