The Fence Post: 2010-04-18

Sunday, 18 April 2010

Green and Purple scrap quilt

This green and purple scrap quilt is making a dent in my scrap pile. I cut a few rectangles every time I am in the sewing room, even taking a few minutes to cut while I am waiting for the iron to heat up to press my husband's shirts!

For each block you need 8 rectangles measuring 2 1/2" X 4 1/2". Sew together in pairs and then sew pairs into a four patch. Press seams in clockwise direction on the back , then all seams will nest together when sewing rows. This makes a great woven quilt.

When I have a few minutes to sew I make a block or two. Here are the results. The block in the bottom centre of the image shows the layout of the block.

I will post an image of the rows as they are assembled.

American Beauty Block of the Month

We are using Set L of Marti Michell's acrylic templates for our Block of the Month, American Beauty. Two blocks are shown here. The templates cut away any excess fabric and if you follow the pressing directions given in the instructions, little or no bulk is left at the seams.

When complete we will have a fabulous queen-sized quilt.

Every month I have been cutting additional blocks from my scraps for a future scrappy sampler quilt. This is a great way to chip away at the scrap pile, which seems to reproduce in the dark. This is a blue block using one of the block patterns. Changing the colour placement changes the look of the blocks. What Fun!

Congratulations to Barb (last month) and Kristie (this month) who won the draw. Remember to bring in your completed American Beauty Block for a chance to win the draw. Next month in keeping with the block name we will be have strawberry treats with our morning coffee.

There are still a few spaces left is you would like to join in the fun. Call the shop for details.

52 Steps to better quilting. One a week.

Sew any leftover binding strips together as quilts are completed, and use this scrappy binding on a scrappy quilt.
Cut and prepare binding strips when cutting out your quilt and store in a zip lock bag with your project.
Tape your package of sewing machine needles to the side of the machine. Easy to find when a replacement is needed.
Keep a pair of inexpensive readers near your sewing machine for threading needles and ripping out seams.
Check how much thread is on the bobbin before you start a chain piecing task.
Have extra bobbins filled, ready for a quick change when the thread runs out.
Sew any fabric left over from a project into a backing. It will reduce the amount of fabric you have to purchase.
Clean your bobbin case before starting a new project. use a soft makeup brush to clean the lint. The bristles will grab the lint easily.
Use the correct needle in your machine for the task at hand. The right needle will carry the thread through the fabric so that you won't have issues with tension and thread breaking.
Use starch when pressing applique pieces for a crisp edge.
When using small acrylic templates or rulers, draw a few lines of a water soluble glue stick on the reverse side of the ruler. This prevents slipping when cutting. The adhesive is easily cleaned off with soap and water when you are finished cutting.
Keep fabric, thread, specialty rulers and pattern together in a one container. When you start the project you won't waste time looking for something you need for the project.
Measure twice, cut once. Become familiar with your rulers. Some have an added extra half inch which can make your cut too small or too large.
Use the right pin for the job. There is a pin for every task--short applique needles that don't get in the way of hand sewing, fork pins to pin nesting seams, quilting pins for pinning blocks, silk pins for fine work.Instead of a pin cushion,store them in a clear stacking container at your work table, available at quilt and craft shops.
Replace your rotary blade often to prevent fatigue. A dull blade requires more physical exertion to cut through fabric.