teaching sewing confidence, tip by tip

Thursday 23 October 2014

Cloud9 Fabrics Cirrus Solids HST Block Challenge


Remember the Cloud9 Fabrics Baby Quilt Challenge I took part in with my NYC Mod Quilt Guild back in June when I made this Foxy Circle Quilt?  


Well, Michelle Engel Bencsko, Co-Founder, Design & Marketing Director at Cloud9 Fabrics set our Guild another challenge to introduce Cloud9's new range of Cirrus Solids.


There're 21 colours in the Cirrus Solids range - chambray weight cross weaves and 100% certified organic cotton.

Our current challenge to create an 8.5" x 8.5" block comprising of only HSTs in a layout similar to the examples in the given black and white diagram below.


There's three given colour groups with different rules for each group - I chose two packs, Combo 2 - Invigorating and Combo 3 - Soothing 


Although I've not put this post together as a tute I've included my design notes for both blocks so you make them too.   Both blocks are quite simple - 16 half square triangles (HSTs) joined together to form rows that are then sewn with nested seams to make the final block.  I've written tutes for both of these processes before and here's links to those if you need them.


The blocks are made up of 16 x 3.5" squares which are joined as HSTs and trimmed down to 2.5" blocks, joined in rows of 4 to produce an 8.5" block including seam allowance.


 HST Block Challenge: Combo 2 - Invigorating


Above are the Cirrus Solids fabrics supplied by Cloud9, aren't they gorgeous?  

Rules from left to right: first two fabrics must be used in any amount as a positive, the third fabric must be used in every HST as a negative and then use one colour only in any amount as a positive from the remaining five fabrics supplied.


My design and chosen fabrics.

Here're the cut 3.5" squares:
2 x Coral, 4 x Lava, 8 x Ash, 2 x Iris


HSTs sewn, trimmed and laid out in rows as shown in the design.


My finished Combo 2 - Invigorating Block



Here's a close up of the fabrics - I want to try to share the texture with you, it's a really great cross weave.



HST Block Challenge: Combo 3 - Soothing


The next group of Cirrus Solids fabrics supplied by Cloud9, I love these even more than the first group if that's possible!  

Rules from left to right: first two fabrics must be used in any amount as a positive, the third fabric must be used in any amount as a negative and then, from the remaining five fabrics supplied, use one colour only as a positive for a maximum of 2 HSTs which must touch within the finished block.


My second block design and chosen fabrics.

Here're the cut 3.5" squares:
1 x Turquoise, 6 x Rain, 8 x Sand, 1 x Fuschia


HSTs sewn, trimmed and laid out in rows as shown in the design.


My finished Combo 3 - Soothing Block



Another close up of the cross weave fabric.


And the two blocks together.


Michelle will be judging the finished blocks and a 'best block' winner from each of the three colour groups will receive a Fat Eighth bundle of all 21 Cirrus Solids colours.  The finished blocks will be made into a Cloud9 Fabrics marketing sample quilt and after it's made its rounds it'll be auctionned.

You can see all the blocks here on the NYC Mod Quilt Guild website.   

I really enjoyed working with the fabrics, I was nervous that the weave would fray easily but it didn't and it also held its shape well when cut on the bias without needing to use starch.  I was impressed that it didn't shrink when I water sprayed it before pressing - don't know if you've ever noticed but some fabrics do?!!!  It's soft yet has a great weight and I like the look and feel of the texture.  I'm enjoying that there're so many more solids and particularly solids with texture available across the fabric companies these days rather than always turning to Kona (though I do love them!), still it's really refreshing.

Have you tried Cirrus Solids yet - what do you think of them?



Click these buttons to see more of my NYC Mod Guild blocks and my tutorials

Disclaimer: Some fabrics used were supplied by Cloud9 Fabrics at no charge to mbCD otherwise this post is for informational purposes only, no payment or commission is received on click-throughs and opinions are my own.
 
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18 comments:

  1. Hi Chrissie,
    I particularly like the way your Invigorating block has so much movement- it zings! Will this range be launched in the UK? I love Kona solids but it is nice to have more choice.

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    1. Thrilled that you said there's movement in the block - that's exactly what Michelle of Cloud9 Fabrics is looking for. I guess the range will make it over to the UK at some stage, these things usually do, they're only starting to ship in America just now but worth keeping an eye out for - Chris :D

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  2. The colours are gorgeous Chris - you chose well and your blocks are great. xx

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  3. HI Chrissie! I found your blog from your link crazy mom quilts. The colors in these blocks are so wonderful and very modern! Thank you for sharing! =) Aloha!

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  4. Those fabrics are wonderful, it's quite relaxing to work with plain fabrics. Lovely project!

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  5. Pretty colours - perfect corners!!

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  6. Beautiful blocks! Thank you for linking up at TGIFF!

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  7. I don't know how quilters don't go cross-eyed ;) you are so talented. Really love the circle quilt too. So glad you've joined the Make it Monday Party! Hope to see you again next week.

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  8. These fabrics are beyond gorgeous, I hope I can get my hands on them. You have a great eye for colour placing, I think your blocks are absolutely stunning!

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    1. They really are worth keeping an eye out for - they're just shipping now in America but who knows when they'll reach Germany, keep your fingers crossed! - Chris :D

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  9. Just found you from Freshly Pieced and instantly saw that you teach at the City Quilter. That is where I got my start over ten years ago! I loved going the City Quilter and missed it greatly when I left NYC.

    That said, those solid blocks are just striking and I concur with earlier comments - you really know how to place the colors well.

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    1. Hi Lucy, thanks for dropping by and yay for The City Quilter - you were there long before my time, I've only been in America for just over three years!!! - Chris :D

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  10. I haven't tried Cirrus Solids yet but I've been looking long and hard on the internet, planing to use some with a Wildwood purchase which is on it's way to me. I'm pleased to hear you found them good to work with and enjoy their look and feel.

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  11. Not sure these have made it to us in the UK yet, but I love a good solid so will definitely look out for them. Your blocks do a good job of showing them off!

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    1. They're only just starting to ship in the States Kaja but I'm sure they'll probably be heading your way before too long! - Chris :D

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  12. Lovely blocks, Chrissie! You rock those HST's!

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  13. Love your colour choices especially soothing!

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  14. Your points match PERFECTLY, Chrissie!!! Something for me to aspire to...

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Chris Dodsley


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