SPRAY STARCH IS MY FRIEND...

Batik Lesson 6

One of the best lessons I have learnt during this quilt-along....  use SPRAY STARCH !   I'm using CRISP.  Using starch allows you to join blocks with less pins and it keeps your individual units nice and flat and then the whole block sits nicely when all sewn together.  Spray starch keeps edges neater too!

This block did not give me any trouble apart from the purple fabric wanting to pucker when ironed!  It's 100% cotton so I have no idea why this would happen.  Batik fabrics are a very tight weave so maybe that has something to do with it!

I did a test today using the 45mm rotary cutter and then the 60mm rotary cutter with the June Tailor ruler and I must say I still prefer the 60mm cutter.  

Now we have one week to wait until the next block so I might re-make Blocks 1,2 and 3 in my Batik fabrics.  I was using another contrast fabric but I was running out of it so switched to the new contrast fabric.  I'll use the 'old' blocks for something else.

Happy Sewing!!

Helen

AND THEN THERE WERE TWO.....

BATIK BLOCK # 4
USING THE NEW CONTRAST FABRIC

I have had an enjoyable day in the sewing room, only surfacing for cups of tea and some quick grocery shopping!  Today I decided to use the 1/4" foot that I purchased recently for the Singer 201K.  It has the little black guide on it which results in a true 1/4" seam but I needed a 'scant' seam allowance, so I figured it out and I was quite pleased with the results.

Plus I found a new way to square up the quarter square triangle blocks ....   my 'strip tube' ruler...

I found a great tutorial on how to do this.....   HERE    Julie used the Quilt In A Day’s Triangle Square-up Ruler  but I found the Strip Tube ruler did the same job.   The quarter square triangle blocks came out very well using this cutting method.

I'm still waiting to order the June Tailor ruler (stock due next week apparently) but I was happy to find a substitute in my Aladdin's Cave of stuff!

As I have used the new 'contrast' fabric in this block, I will re-do blocks 1,2 and 3 as well.  I only have a little bit left of the 'contrast' fabric I used in the original Batik blocks so I'll choose one or two more blocks that will fit well with the ones I already have and turn it into a mini quilt or maybe a table runner.  I have heaps of batik fabrics to use up and I now have 3 metres of the new 'contrast' fabric!

I'm getting through those 'odd' reels of thread too.  I love how you can wind a bobbin on the Singer on the side and not have to re-thread the machine every time.  She winds a beautiful bobbin too - so 'even' if you know what I mean.  I think I've used up about 6 reels of odd amounts of weird colours!  great - now I can buy more thread:-)

Sadly no further ahead on my Aussie Log Cabin quilt.  Tomorrow! 

Happy Sewing!

Helen

BATIK BLUES.....

BLOCK 3 - BATIK VERSION

Okay, two things..... First thing.....ignore everything I said in the last post 'Spinning Pinwheels' -  DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT press your seams to one side anywhere in this block - trust me!   I know.....  you would think it would work just as well as pressing them OPEN but noooooooo.   Believe me, I have a number of brumby blocks to prove this point!   Pressing the seams open all the way definitely gives you much more precise blocks and they go together so well in the end.  Plus....  even when I made pinwheel blocks in the Civil War quilt-along, I DID press the final seams open anyway!  so I was still able to use my 'stab' method which made me happy!

Second thing....  go out and buy copious amounts of spray starch.... you're going to need it!  Honestly, I probably used half a can on just this block but look how FLAT it is!!!  crispy too :-)

So if you are just joining in on the quilt-along, follow Michele's instructions and advice!

I'm trying to purchase the ruler that is recommended for this quilt-along.  It's the June Tailor Perfect Half Square and Quarter Square Triangle Ruler.  One online supplier carries it here in Australia but they are out of stock.  I'm off on a little shop hop tomorrow to see if I can find it!

One more day and Block # 4 will be posted....  can't wait!   I'm really enjoying working on this project and I'm loving sewing on my Singer 201K.    Oh ....  I've made a space in my room to bring the Singer 201K Treadle upstairs so I can get her sewing as well!   This machine belonged to my MIL and hasn't been used for probably 10 years so I'll be getting a new belt for sure.  I'm looking forward to treadling again!  haven't sewn on one since my school days!

Happy Sewing!!
Helen