Ask Jo: Sharing Goodies from my Email and Questions

I have some tidbits and goodies that came in my email box that I wanted to share with all of you.

The first comes from Pat D from Ottawa, Canada.  She writes:
Recently you posted the instructions for the “pizza” quilt. I enjoyed making it for Victoria Quilts. They make quilts for people undergoing cancer treatments.

I made a small change to it. At the “pointed” end, I marked back 2″ and added a pinwheel of white and blue.

Thank you for the inspiration. Keep up the good work.

Oh my word!!  I am in love with this and it makes me want to make another spider web string quilt all over again.  Aren’t the little pinwheel centers so cute??  I love the look LOTS.

The quilt that I made that Pat was referring to is this quilt… You can read more about it HERE.

You all were so patient to follow along with me as I worked on this.  It was my featured project in several of the “Sew with Jo” videos that I’ve done.  You can find all of them HERE.  If you watch them you’ll find some tips and tricks in making this quilt.  The original pattern is not mine.  It is Bonnie Hunter’s.  You can find the info on that HERE.

I am serious considered making another one with Pat’s fun pinwheels in the center….but first I have baby quilts and UFOs to finish!!

Next up, some of you might remember…
my Fly the Flag quilt that was featured in American Patchwork and Quilting.


In the comment section, some were talking about the Quilt of Valor program and what the guidelines were.  My friend Doreen shared some info on that.

Here’s what she shared:

I thought I would help to clear up some of the information that was said about QOVF.org. The information I am sending you is directly from the QOV web-site.

  • The recommended size of a Quilt of Valor is 60″ x 80″; it must be a minimum of 55″ x 65″ and a maximum of 72″ x 90.  So your pattern is within the guidelines.
  • Patterns and blocks can be of any design suitable for a patriotic theme. Browse patterns.
  • A Quilt of Valor does not have to be red, white, and blue, but patriotic colors are very popular with recipients. Panels can provide a great focal point and bring in other colors. Think creatively with the recipient in mind.
  • Use a commercial pattern or your own design. Avoid full-size flag patterns that might resemble a casket flag.

If a person were to look in the QOV book, Quilts of Valor, a 50 State Salute you will see several quilts that were passed by the Board of Directors to represent QOV in each state. Please turn to page 80 and the quilt was chosen to represent the State of Utah and also on page 44 representing the State of Illinois. These are the designer’s interpretations of the American Flag, not unlike yours. I do know from attending some of the QOV conventions, that QOV does not allow the American Flag to be used as a panel in the quilt-making process.

I hope this clarifies some of the comments regarding QOV policies.

Thanks for the great pattern. I will make a quilt using your pattern to make a quilt for one of my family members. I do subscribe to American Patchwork and Quilting so I was happy to find your pattern.

You can read more about my quilt and the comments that were left on the quilt HERE.

Several people asked about this Eye Spy quilt that Christi made for me.  You can read all about it HERE.

Trish was one of many who wanted to know, “What are the block sizes for the eye spy quilt? Do you know what pattern was used?”

Christi was so sweet and answered the question but oftentimes other readers don’t see those answers so I’m including it here.  Christi writes, “No pattern just use 5 in squares and 2 1/2 in the sashing. Hope that helps.”

Being Christi used 5″ squares, you could easily use mine and Kelli’s Self Sashing Disappearing Nine patch tutorial.  You can find the tutorial HERE.

I know.  Some of you are shouting at the screen that this is not a Disappearing Nine patch.  It is…follow the link to the tutorial and you’ll see.  Again, HERE is the link.

Carol wrote saying, “I save most of my scrap to reuse, but anything smaller than an inch is too small for me.  I still save those small bits and pieces, though — not wanting to throw them in the trash and have then languish in a landfill somewhere.  I used to pass those bits and pieces to a friend who made dog beds, but she is no longer doing that.  I’ve tried to find someone else, but have not been successful.  I also contacted our county recycling department to see if there was any kind of recycling for fabric.  The person who responded didn’t know of any fabric recycling. I also have several clothing items my son brought to me that are too worn for donation to Goodwill/Salvation Army, and the fabric is not something I want to cut up and reuse.  I would also like to recycle those.  In addition, I have a lot of 2″ to 3″ strips of batting leftover from trimming quilts.  I do take the larger pieces of batting and zig zag them together to reuse, but these smaller pieces just don’t lend themselves to that very well.

I was wondering if you would consider an Ask Jo post about recycling scrap of fabric, clothing, and batting.  It would be so helpful to see what others have come up with.”

So readers…do you have any ideas for Carol?  Please leave them in the comment section if you do.

Ann and others asked about the article Paula shared with me.  She was reading a magazine from her home state Montana.  The article was about a man wanting to drive his dad’s old truck from Montana to Chicago in an effort to raise money for cancer.


Many of you wanted to read the whole article.  You can find the magazine HERE online.

I got an email from someone that I am assuming is a blog reader.  It said, “Remove me from your mailing lists and do not sell my address name or email”.

I wanted to state clearly here the I have no record of anyone’s email unless we have corresponded back and forth.  If you subscribe to the blog, that is not through me.  That is through Blog Lovin’.  If you want the emails to stop that has to be done through them.  I have no control whatsoever over that.  I do not sell any email addresses.  Even if I did have a record of email addresses, I would NEVER do that.  I hate spam email and assume most everyone does.  Please contact Blog Lovin’ if you are having issues.

That’s all I have for you today.  As always if you have something you want to share or questions you want to be answered, you can email me at rogjok@iowatelecom.net.

 

13 thoughts on “Ask Jo: Sharing Goodies from my Email and Questions”

  1. My quilting buddy has a koi pond. There are several YouTube videos on how to use quilt batting to filter algae buildup. Good way to reuse scraps of batting.

  2. Judith Fairchild

    Thanks for all the useful information. I like seeing how others play with quilt patterns. Wuilts of Valor information be very useful

  3. Fun post, Jo. But the pinwheels in the spider quilt were a unique idea and add a fun touch to an already fun quilt.

  4. Some claimed to use leftover batting in their “Swiffer” mop. As a longarm quilter I could never clean often enough to use scraps up. But find friends who do small crafts – ornaments, mug rugs, etc and make them giddy. P.S. need more friends! LOL

  5. PATRICIA DAVIES

    Glad you like the changes I made to the quilt. Your quilts are an inspiration. Keep up the good work.

  6. Very small scraps of 100% cotton can be added to your compost pile. Here in the Houston area we have this: http://greencityrecycler.com/ There should be similar services if you live near a metro area. I am near a small town, and these drop boxes are in a couple of places even in our more remote area.

  7. I have used small pieces of batting in my hanging baskets under the dirt to help keep the moisture in the basket. Works really well. I also make dog beds from scraps. I make a pillow case shaped bag and line a basket with it. When it is full I sew up the top and bring it to our local pound…easy-peasy!! I’m also having fun making a spider quilt with each block a specific color with the center/star a night sky blue. Lovin’ it!

  8. I have made 2 disappearing nine-patch quilts in “I Spy” fashion – they are just like the picture you have included here. So much fun – both for me and for the grandkids that received them! This pattern goes together so quickly – the hardest part is choosing the fabrics for the ‘I Spy’ squares.

  9. I leave an old pillow case (in a waste basket) next to my cutting table. I throw my scraps into it until it is filled then take it out and fill it more. Once it is stuffed full, I stitch up the open end. Then it can be donated to most animal shelters, animal hospitals, etc.

  10. As a quilter for Lutheran World Relief, we get lots of donations of sheets and pillowcases. We fill the pillowcases with all our fabric scraps, sew it up and then take them to The Animal Shelter. Just get an old pillowcase and fill it up!
    Like many scrap quilters, I can’t bear to throw it away!

  11. Margaret Lancaster

    I have used my batting scraps to make holders for dishes being moved. Make two slightly larger than what you want to safely use and sew around the edges. you can also put small pieces between plates. You don’t even have to be a perfectionist. Great for platters, serving bowls.

  12. Diana Steverson

    For years my mom collected scraps from all of her quilting friends and gave them to a local day care. The kids used the scraps to make art projects, pictures, etc.

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