Tuesday, March 5, 2013

BOM-day and Tuesday Tool

I missed BOM-day yesterday, so today will be a two-fer day.

BOM-day

My whiteboard list of Blocks-of-the-Month is really helping me keep up with them!  Today I completed two more on the list.

First, a tricky patchwork technique by Jackie Robinson of Animas Quilts.  This is a two-year old project, I had the first two months completed when I decided to add it to this year's list.  Each month requires four blocks, which can either be put together to form one large block, or saved to be randomly sewn together for the quilt top.  Three Dimensional Patchwork:


Those completed so far, clockwise, are Sparkling Star, Brown Goose and Sailboat.  I wish you could see the dimensional effect of the blocks.  For example, in the Sailboat blocks, all the colored fabrics are folded so they aren't sewn into a seam, but are loose on top of the background fabric -- three dimensional!

I also finished the third block in my Patchwork Party quilt.  I am so hooked on Marti Michell's templates, even a complex block like Rocky Mountain Chain (right-hand side) goes together flawlessly!


Thus far I have completed 11 blocks of 14 for my March UFO:


I've about decided not to make the last three blocks from the Shop Hop patterns, but to make each unique. There are too many interesting block patterns to repeat ones I've already pieced!

Tuesday Tool

Thank you to Cathy at Ruth's Stitchery for demonstrating this tool at last month's block party. What a timesaver!

Jodi Barrows is famous for her "Square in a Square" technique.  The Crosscut 4-Patch ruler is a variation which enables the quilter to make four patches quickly and perfectly.


The Ryokan quilt has patched sashing -- 490 two-patch units!  It's a little hard to see in this photo, but the taupe sashing between the blocks is actually pieced. (photo from ThimbleCreek Quilt Shop)

Ryokan

Rather than use just two colors for the sashing, I decided to use a Daiwabo ombre fabric to make my sashing.  The pattern calls for 1 1/2" strips, sewn together and cross cut into 1 1/2" X 2 1/2" pieces:



Once the strips are sewn together, place the ruler on the sewn strips with the heavy line on the seam and the appropriate "box" lines on the edges of the strips.  As you can see, I am cutting 1 1/2" "chunks."


 Presto, perfectly-sized two patches ready to sew together for sashing!  I think this is going to look like cobblestone streets when it is sewn into the quilt.


I can cut two sets of sashing strips from each WOF strip -- and I'll need 22 sets.  Even with Jodi's cool ruler, this is going to take some time.

Come back Thursday for my review of a new knitting book -- and a giveaway! 


From the desk of your auntmartisignature

5 comments:

  1. I love your blocks! You are getting so much done... it's hard to keep up with you! Thanks for sharing the ruler. I like Jodi Barrows method.

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  2. Again- you are so productive!

    Everything looks great- as always!

    Did I miss the WiP # we are doing this month?

    Have a great night!

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  3. Still loving that Ryokan quilt and your blocks look great up against the white background.

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  4. Looking good! love your solid colors in the dimensions quilt!

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  5. What fun BOMs you're working on, Marti! And guess what?! I just sent my own quilt top from that Marti Mitchel party off to be quilted. Do you have a setting kit for yours? Which one are you doing - or will you be making your own up? I did the one with the additional cottage in the center.

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