Applique Tuesday on Wednesday

Had a guild meeting so couldn't post this yesterday.  I'm using Lara Bucella's method of raw edge applique and loving it.

Off to start another.  What are you up to?  Leave me a comment and I'll come by to see your WIP.
Giveaway still one, top sidebar.

Some of This, Some of That

Working on the commission quilt, I had to pull some white solid from my stash - another 1/2 yd gone. Made two more stars and 4 more hour glasses - another 1/2 yd.  Made an SS block 

- another .03 yd for a total of 1.03 yards used last week.  That brings me back to  a YTD total of 41.86 yds.

Over the weekend I was able to get back to my ancient WIP and hand stitched two motifs and prepped another - way behind there as I wanted to do one a day. I've also started on the actual star round for the Gwennie QAL - meaning I'm prepping the applique that goes with those hexi stars I made.  

In making the commission quilt I discovered a trick if you need to cut two diagonals and you don't have a rotating cutting mat (I do, but I can't find it!).

 Place your block on-point on your (stationary -lol)cutting mat. Line up the ruler from point to point. Make your first cut.

Now move your ruler horizontally to line up to the other two corners. Make your second cut.  LOL - it took me forever to stumble on this trick of not having to contort myself to cut that second diagonal.  It may be an old trick to you, or you've seen it done elsewhere (if so, congrats). I'm just so glad I found this as now my cutting is more precise.  That's always a good thing.



So what are you up to?  Leave me a comment and I'll come by.  Off to link up to some parties (tab above). And  heads up:  I'll be having a welcome back WIPs Be Gone this Friday with giveaways!

Slow and Machine Stitching

First off, I'm giving away a quilt book - ends Thursday, the 7th, midnight.  You can see the details at my July 1 post.

Today I'm slow stitching my ancient WIP (started in 1988). I figure if I do a motif per day, I should actually get to the binding in another month and a half -lol.

 Here's what the current border looks like from the back - can see my big stitch quilting better from this side. I didn't know about this technique until about 5 years ago - much easier for me.

Newbie that I was, I didn't know one was suppose to mark the quilt before sandwiching.  Good thing I didn't because after 29 years it probably wouldn't still be there.  I use freezer paper and a water soluble pencil by Clover to mark the motifs now.

As for machine stitching - I whipped up this SS block - easy peasy.

So appropriate for the Fourth of July.  Have a good one - and safe, too.

I've Been Paper Piecing

Moaning all the way, I've been paper piecing some Splendid Sampler blocks, and oh boy, one was hard!  Took me two days.

Now remember - these blocks are 6 1/2" square and take the straps of the bodice - those pieces of background around them were tiny. And I kept putting the fabric in the wrong direction --grrrrrh.  I'm going to make a sign that says check twice, sew once - lol.  Then today's block was posted and guess what - it is paper piecing too!  This one just took two hours - maybe I"m getting the hang of it (even though I used the ripper on this one also:

Phew, done working on SS for now even though I have about six I'm behind on. But I have to deal with this:

before I can sew anything again.  Who would have though PP can be so messy.  Where's the trash can?

Blessings!

Splendid Sampler blocks

I'm learning a lot doing these Splendid Sampler blocks . And several things I've discovered go to making these 6 1/2" blocks with success when they have so many pieces as in SS#2, 12 and 17 so far.
Here is what I've learned:

 1. Sew a scant 1/4" by sewing just to the right of the diagonal you have drawn not on the diagonal.

2.  Always sew that scant 1/4" on the side of the diagonal closest to the outside corner you are going to flip your fabric toward.

3. To reduce bulk trim seams to 1/8" on these tiny pieces.

 4. Always true up the units you've made before you sew them together. Even a tiny bit can throw the size off. And press, press, press.

 5. Abut your seams where they intersect and pin them so that the under piece will be sewn correctly to avoid bulk.

That's what works for me. Any other tips you'd like to share? Would love to hear what you do.

PS:  If you'd like to see my SS blocks, you'll find them on the right sidebar.