Wednesday, April 3, 2013

WIP Wednesday: April UFO

For the 13 in 2013 UFO Challenge, my April project is one I began last summer at Quilt Colorado 2012.


The designer and teacher, Linda Ballard, had lots of tips and tricks. For example, a new way to make half-square triangles (HSTs).

First, cut one square of light fabric at 6 1/4" and another of medium or dark fabric at 6 1/4". Place them right sides together and draw a line diagonally across corner to corner both ways. I'm using the "Quilter's Magic Wand" from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design, which marks two lines exactly 1/2" apart.

Stitch on each line (or 1/4" away from each line if you drew only one line in each direction).


Cut vertically across the center, then horizontally across the center. 


Next, cut diagonally between the stitching both directions:


Press all the pieces toward the medium or dark.  The HSTs are oversized, so you'll need to square them up to 2 1/2".  My favorite way to square up HSTs is to use the Block Loc -- see my Tuesday Tool post for it here.


Each set of two 6 1/4" squares makes eight HSTs.  Fast, huh?

I have the entire quilt cut out:


And one block made:


This quilt has a built-in pieced border.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Linking up to WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced, hosted this week by Natalie of Greenleaf Goods.

Come back tomorrow to see my April BOM Rehab!

From the desk of your auntmartisignature

9 comments:

  1. What a great way to make HSTs quickly. I must try and remember it! :o)

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  2. That is a really neat way of making HST. I've bookmarked that page so I can find it easily until I've got it in my head.

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  3. That is so cool! I have never seen that done before and it IS super fast. Thank you!

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  4. What a fabulous block. Thanks for the HST tip.

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    1. Thanks, Cath -- and I love love love your Lizzie House square-in-a-square blocks!

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  5. Very impressive blocks! Nice and warm colours!
    Esther

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    1. Esther, thank you -- I'm so glad you commented, because it lead me to your lovely blog. Love the blues and pinks!

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  6. The colors are beautiful! Love it!

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