Saturday, September 18, 2010

Flag Day

Yesterday I taught Flag Day as a class at Quilted Works here in St. George, Utah.
Flag Day is a pattern by Buggy Barn, and even though it's been out for a few years, it's the kind of design that seems timeless.
In this class I teach the Buggy Barn technique, which once learned can be applied to many of their other books and patterns.

I love the BB technique, where you stack fat quarters, cut out the design and then start moving certain sections to the bottom of the pile.
The instructions are clear, easy to follow, and many of the strict quilting rules go out the door.
It can be quite a freeing experience, as you chop off some pieces, and eyeball joining certain seams.
I encourage my students bring a large cardboard box to keep their stacked pieces together in a uniform sections.
Putting the blocks together can be somewhat of a mystery. Once you've done the shifting of pieces, you really don't know what fabrics will match up with what fabrics.
For me it feels like putting together a jig saw puzzle where you can hardly wait to see what the next part will look like.

The original pattern has you piece your own flags out of red, white and blue.
I opted instead to substitute flag-type fabrics, and shared some of my "stash" with the students.

One student commented that she felt a little like Betsy Ross.

Ta-dum! Chris was the first to finish a block.

Flag Day can be found in the book Gone Crazy.

19 comments:

Shannon said...

That is a really fun quilt. Looks like you had lots of fun.

Lurline said...

Fabulous, Nedra - wish I could do a class!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Darlene said...

I love that quilt and would love to make it some day! I remember seeing it here before and added it to my 'to do' list.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Oh I love it too! I have looked and looked for Buggy Barn books, but haven't been very successful. Now that you've given me the name of the book, it is going on my wishing list! :-) Thanks!

Pots and Pins said...

Great quilt! I'm sure your class was very fun - and I loved the granny square pics - and the halloween bags - but of all the pics, those of your grandkids are the best! Sweet, sweet little faces! I'm so tired but after reading through your blog I just want to go into my workroom and make a big mess!! Maybe tomorrow - as always, you inspire me! xo, Nan

amy smart said...

I have a flag day quilt that I love. I started it one year on the 4th of July when I was home with a throwing-up 2-yr-old while everyone else was at a BBQ and watching fireworks. :)

Janet said...

What a great quilt and I love that method, it takes all the angst out of choosing fabrics for each block.

Carol said...

Love that quilt...Buggy Barn quilts are so much fun to do. What a fun class.

Lois Evensen said...

How very cool! I love the flags.

Unknown said...

Very cute blocks and quilt! Love the primitive look, but I bet it would be smashing in brights too!

Material Mary said...

I have this book--I should just make that up--I have fabric--maybe someday soon!
Mary

Gayle said...

This quilt is still on my to-do list for 'someday' - you know how that is, right? LOL

Micki said...

I love this quilt, so i will have to do this one day. Thnaks for sharing such a fun quilt!
Micki

Jana said...

So cute! You know I love me some Buggy Barn! Love the idea of using the cardboard box to keep all the pieces stacked!

SewCalGal said...

What a fun class. Thanks for all your tips too. I'll definitely stack my blocks in the box, as you suggest.

I have made this quilt before, via a group effort. It was given to a silent auction fundraiser and did quite well. I've since collected fabrics to make one again, but haven't been able to find any flag fabric that will work. You seem to have a great selection. Any recommendation on where I could find some flag fabric for this quilt?

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Nanette Merrill said...

Suzanne from Quilting Cottage taught this class many years ago and I took it. I ended up making a 2 quilts. It was so fun!

Elaine said...

What a fun way to "stack the deck"! My mind is racing - thinking of many patterns that would work! FUN!! I'll have to see if our guild has the book in the lending library! Thanks for the inspiration!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Nedra, I love this pattern, you just sold me on the book.

Kris said...

Nedra - This quilt is darling and I love what you did with the flags!!!