I shouldn't have worried. It's Monday afternoon and here are 350 2"squares ready to show:
After a slow start with my usual technique (cutting oversized squares, pressing sewing lines, cutting the diagonals and then trimming) I reluctantly decided there must be a better way. I have never even contemplated sewing large amounts of HSTs before so I have never needed a stream-lined technique; that's not the way I make quilts.
However, Bonnie gives clear instructions on how to use the Easy Angle ruler and I found I could make 50 HST at a time without raising a sweat.
I also tried adjusting my sewing machine on an angle with 2 small doorstops. It allowed me to see the sewing line much easier. And I used a guide for sewing. With my fancy machine I am able to shift the needle over to the right to adjust to a perfect 1/4" seam. There is a first time for everything. Right?
So I hope all my new adaptations mean I won't struggle as much to achieve accuracy. I should have tried these tricks years ago. I am puzzled that I didn't, but I have an unexpected bonus from taking part in the "Orca Bay" mystery quilt. Head over here to see more posts from others doing the same quilt.
I pulled out another UFO that has me scratching my head somewhat. I started Lori's from Humble Quilts "Cheddar Cheese and Crackers" quilt before I began writing my blog. Not having much use for small quilts I chose to make mine bigger. Big mistake. It's not finished more than eighteen months later and when I look at it, I can't work out where all the pieces are supposed to fit. Not as big a mystery as Bonnie's quilt, but still a mystery.
15 comments:
Oh my goodness. I can't believe how quickly you made those little units. And I like the doorstop angling idea. So cool!
That is kind of funny about Lori's mystery quilt being a mystery still. But I'm not laughing AT you, I'm laughing WITH you! : )
looks like your having a lot of fun making that machine just hmmmm away! you can do it , finish Lori's quilt its such a great design!
Kathie
Doorstops! What a clever idea. I think you have invented something.
Hehe!! I love the "CCCL" :D
Your blocks are such a lovely colour. Cheddar Cheese & Crackers is a stunning quilt as well. I must check it out.
I love your browns and greens. Your Cheddar Cheese and crackers will be a winner, too.
Great colors in your blocks! I love using the Easy Angle ruler!
I like colors you choised, blocks are so warm!
I still wish I could find my ruler! It's hard to stay up to find out what is next when you live in Australia! Thanks for the tip with the doorstops! Glad you are doing so well and have done all 350 HST's
I really love the colors you have selected. You are a master at solving all kinds of problems.
Love the colors you are using, the green string blocks are so refreshing.
I haven't given in to the Orca Bay temptation.....YET!! I'm a cheater and wait to see what it looks like first!!!
I like Lori's cheddar quilt too, but didn't seem to find any good looking cheddar fabric at the time!! I hope you can get 'the groove' back for getting this one finished!! It's a great one!!
I am sure Lori would help you - she is such a lovely person! Go ask her!
http://humblequilts.blogspot.com/2009/12/cheddar-cheese-and-crackers.html
May you be mystified no longer!!
Your Orca Bay looks like it will be so lovely. I really like all the colors I see so far. What will you use instead of the red strings? Or are you going to keep them red?
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