I’ve completed the February blocks for Craftsy’s free Block of the Month class. Do you remember my January blocks? Who knows if they’ll all go together. Here’s hoping… For this month we made two pretty blocks: a chunky chevron and a Balkan puzzle. I had some “issues” with both blocks. Eep.
First off, when I made the Balkan puzzle (the first time), it came out at 11-1/2 inches. It was supposed to be 12-1/2 inches. Grumble grumble. For my second attempt, I went wild and added 1/4 inch to the template. And it actually turned out the right size. Isn’t that odd? Beats me… Anyway, I’m going to tuck my extra lovely Balkan puzzle block safely away and some day in the far distant future I’ll attempt one of THESE. Oh my, oh my… Talk about making lemonade!
And secondly, when it came to sewing the rows together – see how there are four rows in each block? – I had a whale of a time matching points, even though I did the nesting seams trick, and pinned, and everything… Grumble grumble. Is there some sort of extra little secret to matching points that I’m failing to understand, or is it just something that comes with experience? I ripped out the final three seams twice each for each block. And they’re still not perfect. Grumble grumble.
But oh well, I learn.
You have yourself a fine day. I’ll be back soon!
♥M
Always put the warp to warp and the weft to weft . If you mix them you will be trying to put a stretchy side to a non stretchy . Well worth noting
Warp to warp and weft to weft. Okay! Which is which? Never mind, I'll google it! Thanks Cottonreel!
I like both – I haven't done much piece work except plain blocks so I am not going to attempt advice.
My Mom could give it – she has been quilting for years and years and years – but not me. 🙂
That's my problem too. I usually stick with very simple designs where piecing is concerned. These were definitely trickier!
Experience my dear, works miracles! Your blocks look wonderful though! We always say here, ‘when you come across the blocks on a galloping horse, you won‘t even see the seams!’
Okay, so patience is probably what I need to have then… I love that saying Nicolette! It's very true!
This is precisely why I haven't attempted tricky blocks…I am not precise enough! You got your corners perfect with some wrangling, I'm not sure I have the patience.
Me? Patient? If constantly grumbling to yourself is patience then I have it in spades. 🙂
Practice, for sure. And a 1/4" foot on your sewing machine helps tons! I think your points look amazing. These are not beginner blocks!
Yep, I have the foot. The teacher mentioned doing a "scant" 1/4inch seam which kinda threw me off. I mean, how scant is scant? You know?
They are fabulous blocks. Your points look great!
Thanks Michelle!
Your blocks look great. You get better with practice at doing these block. Using a scant 1/4 seam can be difficult. A 1/4 inch foot is a must. You may also have to move your needle position over 1 to help if you don't get a true 1/4 seam with your foot. I always iron my seams open with hst's. I find you get less stretching in your block. Maybe one day, I can show you how I do mine. Hugs Ariane
Some good suggestions there Ariane. Gonna have to try the ironing trick too. Thanks!
These turned out lovely. I had to redo my Chunky Chevron and restitched with a "scant" 1/4 inch.
Wow wonderful Michele….ive just started some quilting for the first time…should be posting on my blog 2moro….but how do you get yours to meet up so good….ive got so many questions i could ask lol xx