First, in honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this weekend I finally pieced all my Union Jack blocks together. Three cheers for that. Now it's off at the quilters. My goal is to have it done and bound before the Olympics start in July. So cheerio, pip pip, and all that. (The original pattern I used for my Union Jack blocks is out of print, but I wrote one myself. You can find my Union Jack Quilt block pattern here.)
Second, I joined a Gang.
I know, I just scream 'gangsta', don't I? Don't worry, it's not the kind of Gang that does sketchy things in shady back alleys. This one is called the Fat Quarter Gang (or could it be the Phat Quarta Gang?) and involves gorgeous Art Gallery Fabrics and new free tutorials every week, and giveaways of said Art Gallery Fabrics. I'm so excited!
image from Art Gallery Fabrics |
So it can't be that shady, right? But watch out, these gangstas do seem to be carrying around a lot of open rotary cutters, so hold onto your fingers.
Aunt Spicy
Ohhhh, totally am smitten with your UJ quilt! Your mix of colors and the glimpses of JP are perfect! Have a fab weekend!
Gisela Suski
the Union Jack quilt is GREATTTT! Just love the fabric, yes summer is here and try to enjoy "The Lazy Days of Summer". My memory before central air was to fill the small pool with water and getting in with the kids to cool off.
Archie the wonder dog
I adore the UJ quilt - it's superb!
Jenny
oh my amy...<br />you definitely have a full plate the next 2.5 months! can't wait to see more plastic bag outfits etc! your Union Jack is utter perfection....
Melissa Corry
Busy, busy, busy 🙂 The Union Jack looks great!!! And the gang looks like a real hoot. I think I might have to submit an idea to see if I can get initiated. Who can pass up a fabric gang??
Leila
Glad I am not the only one with a "deer in the headlights" look about summer break! I have not touched my machine in a week and I think I am going through withdrawal. :)<br /><br />Love the Union Jack quilt!
Nedra
Love your Union Jack! And will we be seeing you in a gangsta pose like the others?<br />Thanks for the link to the Dresden posts. I will be following these for sure!<br />Best of luck this summer:)
amy smart
Yes, although I make a pretty dweeby, un-intimidating gangster. 🙂
prsd4tim2
I love your Union Jack. I know I'm coming a little late to that party, but what pattern did you use? Did you paper piece it? I've been wanting to make a UJ mug rug for a British friend who is gaga over the Diamond Jubilee, but the paper pieced patterns I've seen are a bit daunting.<br /><br />Enjoy your summer with the kiddos - my kids are all grown, and I kinda miss it.
amy smart
This is the pattern I used for the quilt: https://www.mkquiltdesigns.com/pattern%20pages/p-victorygarden.html<br /><br />I modified it slightly to use less fabric on the 'blue' fields. Instead I kind of paper-pieced that part - I traced the template in the pattern as my guide. They're big blocks, so it's not scary.
The Quilt Quine
Your Union Jack quilt is gorgeous! Did you paper piece it? Please, please post a demo... ;)<br />Linzi in Scotland xx
Sandra (Cherry Heart)
Love your union flag quilt - it's the only jubilee related thing I've seen that I've liked actually! I'm all for the Queen and jubilee etc but I feel all over the whole red white and blue thing already. This however, is gorgeous! Good luck with your long, long holidays 2.5 months -wow! That makes our 6 weeks seem like a breeze!<br /><br />S x
sandra
Really love your Union Jack Quilt being a Canadian and love our Queen. Will love to see it when quilted. Have a wonderful summer with your kids. Blessings Sandra
vintage grey
Amy, I just love your Union Jack quilt!! Such a fun quilt!! Happy June and Summer!! Yay!! xo Heather
ellen
Wow! That Union Jack is amazing!
Michele
Like those Union Jacks. And I heard about you gangstas from Jenni. That should be very interesting indeed.<br /><br />Enjoy your summer and make sure you're stocked up on the tp.
SequoiaLynn
Ive loved your Union Jack quilts so much I ordered the pattern you suggested and it just came in the mail yesterday. I saw in one of your past posts that you do something a bit different to save fabric, I can see why. 🙂 Any chance you can share that tip?? I love your blog and good luck with the gang 🙂 Its going to be great!<br />Sequoia<br />colorfulsunshine at yahoo dot com
toots2u
Happy summer!!
Books_Bound
The gangster profiles are easily some of the funniest things I've read in quilt blog land. Whoever came up with the names deserves major credit! They're hilarious. As are the photos. 🙂
amy smart
Aren't they hysterical? My favorite is Faith with the Hello Kitty machine and the spray baste!
Ashley J @ MommyByDayCrafterByNight
I am SOOO in love with your union jack quilt! I definitely need to make one of those!! 🙂
badputts
Your Union Jack Quilt is gorgeous!! You are soooo good with fabric colors and combinations!! LOVE IT!!
Andy
Haha... I was just reading last night about the highlights of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the first thought I had was "I bet Amy did a post about it." 🙂 I just knew I'd see some Union Jacks on your blog this weekend.
Nanette Merrill
Your Union Jack is spectacular. I wish I had used more color in mine. But may be I'll add more color now to my London quilt. You're giving me ideas.
Katy Cameron
Loving your union jacks :o) Unbelievably at FQR we managed to miss the entire thing, no matter how close we were!
amy smart
What? The Queen didn't pop into the FQR? I thought that was an official part of the Jubilee festivities!
Rebecca @ Herons Crafts
I love your Union Jack quilt - it looks fantastic! I have been enjoying some union jack projects in honour of the Olympics - its a great excuse for me to be patriotic!<br />Rebecca @ heronscrafts.blogspot.com
Cynthia Taylor-Luce
I know this is an old post, but can you refer me to a link where I can see the pattern? None of the links from the post or the commenters currently seem to be working. Thank you.
Amy Smart
Thanks for the heads up. I didn't realize that link didn't work any more. Not sure if that pattern is out of print, but I did write my own eventually because I didn't like the fabric waste from the original I used.
You can find my Union Jack Quilt block here: https://amysmart.bigcartel.com/product/union-jack-block-and-bag-pattern