Deal Me In-In the New Year

Happy New Year everyone!  You know, I wasn't quite sure how my little blogging experiment would be received when I started it last summer, but I've been pleasantly surprised and humbled. 

Thanks so much to all of you for your visits, encouragement and your support of all my crafting efforts here.  It's been wonderful connecting with so many like-minded crafters and artisans in 2007 and I look forward to meeting more of you and sharing lots of fun new projects in 2008. 

Thanks again for being along for the ride.  Now, let's get down to crafting.

Deal me in, when it comes to my first project of the new year.  There's a reason my latest quilt project is called Dealer's Choice. That's the name of this particular quilt pattern which looks like cards being shuffled in a deck. 

Actually, it's a clever optical illusion that just looks like the squares are overlapping.  Trust me, if you are ever dealt these cards, it will never be a losing hand.

The picture below shows how the patterned squares look like they are actually overlapped.

If you click the picture you'll get a larger view and you can actually see the block seams and the alternating placement of the various half-squares and quarter-square triangles that create the optical illusion.

The diagram below shows how the various fabric choices are ultimately cut. After cutting a determined number of squares, you then cut them into quarters. You'll also have to cut some of the fabric squares into halves.

You then have to assign a different fabric selection to each of the pieces cut to create the final squares.

This can get tricky because at this point you are working with so many different pieces and fabric selections. I think the only way to keep up with all the different fabric halves and quarter triangles is to create a fabric key like the one shown below.

I just snipped a little piece of each of my fabric choices and attached them to the pattern instructions to keep track of the various fabric placements. I think this is the best way to keep from getting confused about correct fabric placement.

The diagrams below show what the completed squares will look like once sewn with the appropriate fabric choice.

If you compare the two diagrams you can see how the placement of the squares in the left diagram are assembled to give you the card trick optical illusion shown in the diagram on the right.

 

Below you can see the how the card trick pattern is revealed in the completed project. This is actually a fun project to work on but you'll need to exercise a little patience to keep all the multiple pieces sorted correctly.

It's also a good idea to double check your fabric placement against your respective fabric key diagram before you do any stitching.  However, don't worry if you make a mistake, that's why they make seam rippers.

Toile may just be my favorite type of fabric and I love the look of toile as a backing fabric for this project.  It really adds the vintage look to the finished quilt that I was aiming for. 

I bought 6 yards of this beautiful red toile on a quilt shoppe clearance table years ago, for 2-dollars a yard.  Can't beat a deal like that and it's great to finally put this beautiful fabric to good use.

The picture below gives you a better look at how the backing looks with the top. By using the same backing fabric for some of the design pieces and border strips, it helps give the overall quilt a great coordinated look.

I often use the same fabric for backing and borders for this reason. I used the same repeat effect with the red checkered binding by also using it in the checkered fabric strips in the quilt top.

 

I found this pattern in the pages of Quilter magazine in an old March 2004 issue.  Yes, I do hang on to far too many magazines.  They're so hard to part with because I always think I'll need some info or tid-bit in them, after it's tossed. 

Still, they take up too much space and I am determined to do some major magazine purging in the new year.

Scalloping the edges is generally how I finish off most of my quilt projects, as you may have seen here before. 

I think a scalloped binding, as opposed to a straight edge binding will always add a beautiful and special finishing touch to your quilt.

I love the possibilities that can be created with just the right fabric selection.  Even though this is a contemporary quilt, I think this project has a real vintage look simply because of the fabric choices. 

To me, that's part of the fun in working with so many wonderful fabrics on the market.

By the way, you certainly don't need a poker face to tackle this Dealer's Choice project.  I think as long as you use your fabric key, you'll be a winner every time with this card trick quilt.   

Like a Royal Flush, that's the kind of hand to play.

Comments

[Trivedipankti]

amezing.I wish 1 day i can do all these things.

Your blog is breathtaking. Most of the stuff on your page are my consent about. Thank you for sharing.

[Lisa]

Wow, your quilt is gorgeous. I made a quilt with this block years ago and it was my favorite. I really need to get back to quilting soon.

I agree about toile! It's such a classic design that works with many styles.

[Polly]

And you quilt too??? You're killing me! It's beautiful. I love quilts - especially handmade. Thank you for sharing it all. Blessings... Polly

[June Parrish Cookson]

Hi Lisa,

Lovely quilt! Especially like the way you incorporated the historic themed toile with checkered pattern. Everything corresponds really nice with the color choices and the added bonus of scalloped edges. The toile itself, if I'm not mistaken looks like a Colonial scene. If not, no matter. I love toile!

Thanks for the lovely email you sent regarding your technological loved ones at the airport(ha,ha)!

Hope life is good for you and family this year!

Best regards always.

[Sweet Cottage Dreams]

Hi there! I found you via Barbara's blog and have to tell you that I love your work, especially the scalloped edge on your quilt. You are one talented lady!
Nice to meet you!

Becky

[Kirsten]

Wow - thanks for the inspiration - seems boundless on your blog - found you through TCB and I'm so happy I did!

[Carla]

Hi!

I've missed checking in on all my fave blogs, but life called. LOL! Love your beautiful quilt. I'm looking at all the posts I've missed and loving all your beautiful photos. Happy New Year. Here's to LOTS of crafty goodness in 2008!

[Nana]

Absolutely love it!!!!Lisa that quilt is Fabulous!!! and by the way love the girly belt.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!may we all have a successful year in 2008!!!

[Sabina]

Happy New Year!! Beauuuutiful
quilt!!

[justlisa]

You have so many talents!!! Beautiful! I would love to quilt - maybe someday!

Happy New Year!

[Lisa D.]

Lisa,

What a gorgeous quilt...love the colors and the toile!! Can't wait to see what you have in store for 2008.

[Debbie Egizio]

So very beautiful!! Thanks for sharing!

[Kristi W]

Like many, I found your blog through "Creative Blogs". WOW. You are amazingly talented! You are everything I want to be in a sewing and scrapping sort of way. I am amazed at your ability to know just the right colors, pattern and embellishments to make a project so lovely.

I love to sew and try to do paper crafts, but wow, you are actually amazing at both.

I'll be back often!

Thanks for sharing!!

[rhondi]

Hi Lisa That quilt is beautiful and your instructions are excellent. I am a quilter too. Rhondi

[Robyn Weatherspoon]

Good Lord girl, you quilt too?? Absolutely STUNNING!!!! I just love you blog! You so inspire me!

[tea time and roses]

Hi Lisa!

Thank you so much for your sweet New Year Wish, and wishing you and your family the very best in 2008! Beautiful quilt, as is all your work! You and your family have a lovely weekend!

Smiles...

Beverly

[M&Co]

Just dropped by to say hi, and wish you a great Friday, and a creative weekend!! That quilt is super cute...I'm planning to learn how to quilt properly,and I'm definetly going to use this post as reference!

[Jen ~ ARTful Dreamer]

Beautiful quilt Lisa! Sending you many wishes for a joyous & creative New Year!

[Tatania]

Happy New Year to you !
Your quilt looks stunning. I love your fabric choices, and that toile is just divine.

[Katherine]

Happy New Year Lisa!
What a beautiful quilt... I love the fabrics you chose for this as well as the always delightful scalloped edge. Yummy!
Looks like you're off to a great creative start in 2008. Can't wait to see what you have in store to share next.

[Julie size]

Hi! I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed visiting your blog and ask if I might add you to my favorites? I also would love to know what kind of sewing machine you use to do your monograming? I have a Bernina, but it does not do the monograming. Thanks!

[A Fanciful Twist]

Oh Miss Lisa, That is incredible! I don't think I could make such an exquisite creation!!!

[All Things Bright and Beautiful]

Lisa! welcome back and thanks for dropping by! Girl you are talented!! I'm in awe!!!

[Ravenhill]

Oh my! Your quilt is so gorgeous! The scallopy edges really make the quilt even more special.

[Amy]

Hi Lisa! found you from TCB you do beautiful work...wow the inspiration here is incredible. Your giving me bloggy goosebumps..

[Kathleen Summers]

Wow, that quilt is STUNNING. You did an amazing job on it. I also took a look at your post about decorating the Christmas tree and holy cow, that is incredible! You are so talented!!

Happy New Year!!

XOXOXO

[Diane Christopher]

Hi Lisa,
I love the quilt!! My daughter, Jodi, shared your site with me and now we can't wait to give the quilt a try. Thanks for sharing your creativity!
Diane

[Vickie]

Lisa,
I found you through Kim's blog TCB. WOW, I have already added you to my bookmarks. I am in awe of what you do! I must add that your Christmas tree is divine! I can't wait to check back in and see more of your great things.

One of my goals this year is to get my sewing machine out and gain some confidence in my ability and make a small quilt. I am inspired!
Blessings,
Vickie

[M&Co]

I was thrilled today as I saw you feutered on Todays Creative Blog! Thats so well deserved!!! Looking forward to the new year with your wonderful blog!

[Sesil in Chicago]

Lisa-
Happy New Year. By the way great quilt. I am still trying to get my simple squares to line up properly. Great job...maybe someday I will be able to get to the point to where you are. Thanks for sharing all your creativity. :)Sesil

[Mystele]

Lisa, I was sooo excited to read about your feature spot today! It's wonderful! What a super way to begin the new year! Congrats!

[Michaele]

How beautiful! I myself don't quilt, but I enjoy supporting other peoples' nasty habit (ha!) for decor (and warmth) for my home and classroom- if I ever picked up on sewing (I crochet), I'd be a fabric hoarder for certain!

Happy New Year, and thank you for this wonderful blog site!

[Heather Jones]

Happy New Year! I'm so glad I found your blog, and I will be trying the tag scrapbook project today. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas.

And please tell me ... where do you get the time to do all these wonderful projects *and* be a mom? I need to know your secret because I have a craft to-do list a mile long. ;-)

[Angela (Cottage Magpie)]

I am so in love with toile, and I love this quilt and the scalloped edges. So cute! Also, just saw your feature on Kim's blog--so cool! You definitely deserve it. Best wishes for an absolutely amazing New Year!
~Angela :-)

[Cora]

This quilt is gorgeous!!!!

Happy New Year to you and your family!!!!

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio]

Lisa, That quilt is gorgeous!
Penny

[Jodi]

Lisa - found you through TCB, and I've bookmarked you already! What an absolutely gorgeous quilt! My mom has just gotten a new sewing machine and is working on a new quilt now...might have to get her to help me with this one when she finishes. Thanks for all the great inspiration! Keep up the great work!

[Tanya Whelan]

Happy New Year Lisa!!

[Raised In Cotton]

Hi Lisa, what beautiful photo's, my Mom was a avid quilter and I treasure everything she gave to me. Can't wait to see all of your creativity.
Hugs,
Carol

[the feathered nest]

Hi Lisa, I need you to come visit me and get me going on this great projects you're always doing! I love the quilt - the pattern is unusual. You know I love toile - so that's what I'd use too!

Come to my blog I have something for you!

Manuela

[ELLIE]

Found you through "Today's Creative Blog"!!!
Your quilt is amazing...I am just sitting here drooling over all your creations...simple amazing!!!
Thanks for sharing it all!
Peace-Ellie

[Jen R]

Lisa, Congrats on Today's Creative Blog! You deserve it!
Jen R

[Patty Craft]

thanks for all the creative inspiration! wishing you peace and prosperity this year.

[Aleida Franklin]

Happy New Year. I plan on continuing to be a visit to your wonderful little world here.

[amyehodge]

This is really gorgeous! I am taking my first quilting class next weekend and I aspire to making quilts as lovely as this one. Thanks for sharing, and happy New Year!

[Karla]

Gorgeous! I wish I could sew.
Karla

[Jen R]

Love the quilt. Beautiful. That picture with the tool belt looks like a book cover...???
Happy New Year. \
Jen R

[Teresa]

Beautiful quilt! And beautiful fabrics. I wish I knew how to do this craft..maybe someday!

Happy New Year

Teresa

[Karla]

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you kidding me????? This is WAY awesome! I have done some quilts in 2006 and haven't done them in quite some time! My goodness...I feel like getting back to it after looking at this!!!! It's GORGEOUS!!!! And such a great details on how to do it all!

Thanks so much for sharing with all of us. Can't wait for more in 2008!!!!

Happy Creating and Happy New Year to you honey,
-Karla

[Miss Sassy]

I love this, Lisa. And $2 a yard? How crazy is that. I'm in love with toile but, sadly, my husband is not. It is in bits and pieces around here.

Why don't you clean out your magazines and just tear out the articles you wish to keep? I keep a binder of downloaded Internet projects and also some from magazines. I just put them in a sheet protector.

That is such a great quilt. I am always impressed with what you can do.

[adrienne]

Lisa this is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Happy New Year!