Wednesday, August 17, 2016

On Your Mark, Get Set - SEW!

The Civil War Swap is CLOSED - I have sent an email out so if you didn't get one it means I didn't get an email from you.

The Modern Swap Group has about 10 spots left email me if you want a spot.

Making the Broken Dishes Blocks:

Method #1 - This is my preferred method, as it made the most accurate HST.

Trianges on a Roll - Thangle Method

Here is a link to Amazon.  You may also find them at quilt shops.

Place fabrics with right sides together and pin the paper to secure it.  I like to leave a little around the edges.  Be sure to line it up straight on the grain.  We don't want wonky blocks.
 It is so easy to follow the arrows - you won't miss a minute of the Olympics.
Use a sharp rotary cutter and ruler to carefully cut the units.
Once you have removed your papers, you are ready to press - please use starch as it helps keep them square.

Press toward the red (in both groups).
Please trim your dog ears before you continue.
Arrange your block before sewing.  I sewed several incorrectly while watching TV -  is is easier to mess up than you think.
Press the first units before finishing the block.  I used to try to skip this step - but don't it makes a real difference.
Press the last seam open for a nice flat block.
Viola'

Method #2 

Making 8 HTS at a time.  This works well, but it is necessary to mark the fabric and trim each unit.

Start with a 6 inch square of each fabric.
Mark a diagonal line cross-wise from each corner - sorry, it's a little hard to see.
Stitch on both sides of the drawn line.  I'm using white thread so you can see it - please use red for modern and off white for repro.
Cut the units apart using a good sharp rotary blade and ruler.
Press well to the red side.
Measure!! and trim units as needed - be sure to keep the angle square.  2 1/2" unfinished.
Snip those ears.
As in Method #1 - arrange and sew
 Press sub-units
 Press the last seam OPEN.
Ta Da!

If you like to do them 2 at a time that is fine.  If you have another method of making HST that is fine too as long as your measurements are correct.

Here is some inspiration!

 I love these used as a border in a medallion.
I have unlocked my Pinterest Board and you can see more here.

REVIEW:

  • MAKE A TEST BLOCK FIRST! 
  • HST units are 2 1/2 inches unfinished.
  • Broken Dishes block is 4 1/2 inches unfinished.
  • Use your very best sewing skills.
  • Press as you go.
  • Do NOT trim the final block.
  • Make 2 sets of 40 blocks - 40 with one combination and 40 with another.
On you Marks, Get Set......SEW

Have fun and thanks for swapping!
xo

9 comments:

Roxanne said...

Thangles ordered! Always wanted to try that method and this seems like perfect time for it. Thanks for the Pinterest board too, I'll be ogling that today!

CecileD said...

Thank you for these two wonderful tutorials Barb !
The second method is the good one for me ! ;)
Xoxo

Janet O. said...

Your hourglass blocks all look wonderfully precise. I hope the ones you receive are just as beautifully made!

Rachaeldaisy said...

What fun! I can hear sewing machines starting up around the world! Have fun sewing everyone!

dianequilts said...

So excited to get started! I press my triangles open BEFORE I remove the paper and that helps me with accuracy. It also means that the second fabric will need to be sandwiched between the paper and the red for the seams to be pressed toward the red. Just another option! Thanks so much Barb!!

Aunt 'Reen said...

Very exciting, can't wait to get started!

Julierose said...

Will be enjoying watching all those blocks come together...like he Thangles idea...hugs, Julierose

Lori said...

Looks like another successful swap! When I have to make a lot of hst that are the same I love triangles on a roll!

Janet said...

It's going to be fun to see all the quilts made with these broken dishes blocks :0) Great tutorials!