SEVEN

Block # 7 that is!   Here is my A4A #7 block...

# 7  Aiming For Accuracy quilt-along

Batik # 7

We were given a much easier block this week !  still Quarter Square Triangles involved but now we pretty much have those down pat!  especially with our wonderful ruler!

All sewn on my Singer 201K but the first block (blue/brown) was pieced using the recently purchased 1/4" foot and the Batik block was sewn using the old Singer foot with the screw on seam guide.

I had a few issues with my points on the blue/brown block but the Batik block went together perfectly first time!  I think I prefer the old foot and guide as it seems to be much easier to keep the scant 1/4" seam straight and I can see what I'm doing much better.  

I was going to make these blocks last night but the machine was sewing a bit weird so I oiled her and cleaned out the shuttle area and then let her soak everything up overnight.  Today she was sewing like a dream!  These old machines require fairly frequent oiling, something I will have to remember!

I tried out the Coles Iron-Aid (not starch)  today - using it instead of Crisp - and I think I prefer it.  I sprayed the fabrics prior to cutting and then again when I was joining the units and then again at the end once the block was made.  My blocks did not finish up all stiff like they have been when I used Crisp.  I'll be adding a bottle of Best Press (like they use in the U.S.A.) to my Craft Show shopping list as I really want to try it.  It goes without saying that all of June Tailor's rulers will also be on that list :-)

Other sewing ....    I managed to get all of the rows together for the baby quilt I'm making, now adding the borders.  The Aussie Log Cabin has its first border on, just waiting on the last border.

Suddenly our Winter has disappeared and it feels like Summer!  quite hot today and same expected for tomorrow so Fred and I will head off down to the Gold Coast for a swim and a coffee:-)   and don't think there will be no sewing for me tomorrow....... I always take my embroidery bag with me everywhere!

Happy Sewing!!

Helen

FABRICS USED IN THIS BLOCK:-

BROWN CONTRAST FABRIC -  "MONOCHROMATIX" BY PATRICK LOSE FOR ROBERT KAUFMAN

ORANGE - RAINFOREST COLLECTION BY  CORAL TREE FABRICS "SUMMER RAIN"

YELLOW -   PEBBLES YELLOW, BROOK BY CP DESIGNS FOR STUDIOFABRICS.COM

BLUE/BROWN/MUSTARD SWIRL - NANCY MIMS FOR MODGREENPOD   ROBERT KAUFMAN

Note: I'm not listing the Batik fabrics as most are unknown  (been in the stash for a very long time)

GIFTS, LOG CABINS AND FARM YARDS!

I needed to make room on my design wall so I could put my Log Cabin blocks up there.  Maisy's Farmyard Friends quilt has been up there for quite some time, so I had one final play with the layout and then took it straight to the sewing machine! 

I was then able to put my Log Cabin blocks up on the design wall,       but I'm still unsure about the layout.  I need to buy something to use as sashing, then I will put that in between the blocks and see how it looks.

ANOTHER ART FOLDER....  a gift for a little friend in Malaysia.

Includes a sketch pad

Ballerina Bag and Art folder

Happy Sewing!!

LOG CABIN.... AUSSIE STYLE!

BLOCK # 1

I have joined in with Joy over at  http://joy-quilting.blogspot.com.au  in a Log Cabin sew along.  I am a bit late with my first block, but we've had house visitors and the last couple of weeks have just disappeared!

The photo looks a bit crooked but it's not!  I cropped it in Picasa and I must admit that the photo I took of the block was taken rather quickly (propped up on my design wall, quick click, upload... done!).

I have a bin of Aussie fabric scraps, mostly around the 2" width so that's how I decided on the size of my block.  The centre square is 3-1'2".  I think I have enough fabric to make up another 8 blocks.  This will make a nice couch throw.  I used my June Tailor Get Squared fussy cutting ruler - love that ruler!  My centre squares are a perfect 3-1/2" square.  This ruler has notches to set your rotary blade into so that you can cut your square with no wonky sides.  You can cut 3-1/2" inner squares and a 6-1/2" outer squares.  Having the open centre square really enables you to perfectly fussy cut!

Joy has been uploading videos to assist everyone in the process of making the Log Cabin blocks.  Great job Joy!!

Question.......  with Google Reader soon to be no more, what does a blog owner have to do to enable her Followers to keep following/reading her posts.  I never use Google Reader, I just open up Blogger  Dashboard and read from there, so I don't think I will have any problems continuing to read the blogs I follow but I'm concerned for those who use a Reader to read my Posts.  Is it all up to the person doing the reading?  I also receive email notifications of new Posts from blogs I follow and I offer that on my own Blog too.  My Posts also show up on my Facebook page.  Anyone out there know????

Okay, on to my 2nd Log Cabin block........

Happy Sewing!
Helen