The phrase Fresh from the Clothesline brings to mind laundered clothes or quilts blowing on a clothesline, or fresh ideas with a nod to the past. Both images are correct when applied to the techniques featured by my Sewing With Nancy guest, Darlene Zimmerman. Darlene, quilting author and expert, is a specialist in giving a fresh way of looking at vintage-style quilts and projects. What attracted me to her quilt projects is that they have the look and feel of 1930s style quilts.

During this first program of the 2-part series on Fresh from the Clothesline Quilts, Darlene and I explain plus demonstrate four unique quilt designs: Garden Sunshine, Wonky Stars, Grammy’s Garden, and Crazy Quilting.

Here’s a preview of the Wonky Stars technique. Use a traditional quilt block that needs to be rejuvenated. Then, set the block in a wonky-style frame. It’s definitely a fresh approach to quilting.

• Start with a traditional block—in this case a star design.

• Using the Tall Triangle Ruler, cut a crosswise strip of fabric; then cut four tall triangles. The ruler instructions detail how wide to cut the fabric strip.

• Position and audition the triangles around the block.

• Stitch the triangles to the sides. Presto!—a Wonky block.

• This off-set setting is not limited to a pieced block. Look at what happens to a fussy-cut fabric square.

You’ll find easy instructions in Fresh from the Clothesline Quilts book and DVD that accompany this program.

What’s your favorite quilt design from this two-part series?

Watch the Fresh from the Clothesline Quilts—part one  and part two online.

There are 52 programs to watch online, or on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone. Have you downloaded the app?

Bye for now,

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