I joined a swap a couple of months ago and signed up for 5 blocks in this quilt by Sentimental Stitches. These are the blocks I signed up for:
Dancing Star
Chrysanthemum
Endless Chain
Blazing Star
Weathervane
The finished blocks are 4 1/2" square and I am struggling in getting these blocks done. I love paper-piecing but for some reason I am having a hard time figuring out how large the fabric for each piece needs to be and so I end up half way through a block with fabric that doesn't go out beyond the seam line. I have started three of the blocks and have cryed every time!!! And, I have to make 11 of each block for the swap!!! Arghhhhh!!! What was I thinking???
Reeze, I am trying but oh, I am sooooooooooooo frustrated!!! Anyone out there have any super-duper advise for me???
6 comments:
Dont give up. Put it away today , walk away come back tomorrow with new eyes. Jenni
looks pretty by the way
Oh I know how frustrating it is. Believe me when I say it will get better. I'm participating in the same swap. I don't know what I was thinking picking a block with 42 pieces. Insane!!
Here's what I do: I place my small sqaure ruler so that at least a 1/4"-1/2" is beyond the solid line. I then go to the other side and make note where the solid line is and add 1/2". I know you waste fabric this way but you guarantee coverage. I make a chart with each piece listed and note the measurements. Once I get all my measurements noted I cut and make one block. This way I can make adjustments if I need to before I cut the fabric for the remaining blocks.
I've got 3 sets completed and started the 4th block last night. I'm looking so forward to getting blocks back. I haven't been excited about sewing for a long time.
Dixie has given you a great response - I do the same thing as she suggests. Then when I am happy with my sample block and cutting sizes - I use that chart like a bible - label my cut pile of fabric to correspond - even tape a small swatch of fabric to the chart and piles are numbered. Then I chain sew all those blocks. starting #1 and #2 pieces and chain those right thru, pop a leader/ender in, and then you can press all those at once; then take your #3's and again chain all thru again. When you are doing a large number of the same block(section), this goes so much faster and you don't mix up your fabrics and cuttings. Good luck, Sharon
Wow, what an amazing quilt!! I'm impressed that you've even tried to make those blocks - they look very difficult - best of luck with them!
Thanks for popping by my blog by the way:0)
Thank you for all your comments!!! And Dixie and Sharon, thanks for the GREAT advise!! Today is Saturday and I have some time today so I am going to use your suggestions!!! Kris
this looks like a challenge, my dear jane blocks I am doing right now are a struggle enough. Steph
Post a Comment