What a weekend! Tackling Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice mystery quilt! Lots of prepping, marking, and sewing happened, and I've written posts about all the steps! Check the others out if you want to: here for prepping and here for marking and here for Clue 1. I really tried to give helpful hints and tips. I hope there's something useful for you in there!
Since my marking and pinning were already done at this point, I could really get into the power sewing! I picked up 10 of the "right" sides and 10 of the "left" sides so I would wind up with 10 chevron blocks when I was done. I felt that this helped keep things more manageable and attainable!
Picking up the square on one side allowed for easy chain sewing. The pins could come out after the first couple stitches were down. It is easy to remember where to sew: right next to the line on the side of the pin!
Picking up the square on one side allowed for easy chain sewing. The pins could come out after the first couple stitches were down. It is easy to remember where to sew: right next to the line on the side of the pin!
The second square was easily accessed by picking up the opposite corner. Both sides done without having to stop at all.
Trimming off the excess is pretty clear as long as you remember to cut on the side where the pin was, just like where you had to stitch.
I had to think about the pressing part. The easiest method I came up with was to set the blocks next to each other and look at what direction the green part went from left to right. The one I'm pointing at goes down, so I pressed those seams down.
Being able to press the seams in the same direction makes for quick results! I put the block face down, started at the white part and brought the iron over to the yellow part. That made both seams go down. The other side was pressed in the opposite way: start at the yellow part and bring the iron over to the white part. Easy peasy!
Now, since the seams lay in opposite directions, the two pieces nestle together beautifully along both seam lines! Norah McMeeking calls it "marrying the pieces". I like that! They snug up nice and don't even need pinning, but you can pop one in if you want!
See how the seam edges face the needle? That's good. It will push those seams together for you while you sew them. Just be careful that the seam allowances don't flip backwards on you. It can happen quick so hold it down and slow up if you need more control over those areas.
When you flip it open, there's a beautiful chevron! Almost like magic! I finished 30 of my 100 blocks today. The rest will be done before Friday, when the next clue comes out!
After all, I was a little distracted by this.
I really hope my posts have given you some tips or pointers. I love sewing and quilting and enjoy sharing what I find to be useful or time saving. Remember, persistence pays off. You can do it! Link up at Bonnie's blog to share your project and to see all the wonderful quilters' work there!
How is your project coming along? Will it be for you or someone else? I'd love to hear from you!
15 comments:
Your little dog looks like the perfect "work" companion....or maybe quality work inspector. SO CUTE!
great work!
Nice tutorial, and lovely bright colors.
Your tips are very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to share. I knew I needed some sort of "system" and I was heading towards your ideas, I just haven't gotten there, yet. Now I have! Thank you!
Nice work and pretty colors!
Nice tutorial!
I love your step by step pictures! I will refer back to this when I get started on Clue #2.
I'm trying to make this quilt. Where your gold points meet and are a 1/4" away from the green mine
was too short. Thanks to your tutorial I know now what I must do. Will look forward to your other tutorial
on this mystery quilt. Mary C
Yours looks perfect! Mine are okay from a galloping horse! :)
Perfect and I love that darling little quilt inspector.
Nice tutorial. Wish I had read it before I started this clue. Will check back later for others. Your inspector is precious. Your chevrons look perfect. Mine are not, but it's a scrap buster quilt to be used and loved, so it's ok. Done will be more important than perfect.
Love the way you chained yours when I get to get back on this step again I plan on following your lead! Thanks for the pointers
Hi Pamelyn, your units look great! I'm making half the number of blocks required for the smaller version, so I think mine will end up about crib sized. I'll probably donate it to charity, but I'm enjoying the process and can't wait to see the finished product.
Thanks for the feedback, ladies. I'm glad I could help and am sure all of our creations will be gorgeous! If you have a little furry inspector helping in your sewing room, it makes it all the better!
Beautiful! Great distraction--love the pup:)
Post a Comment