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)

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

IT'S ALL ABOUT TRIANGLES.....

Lesson 6 AFA quilt-along

Triangles..... AGAIN!   I'm telling you, everyone participating in the quilt-along will be an expert at making HST's and QUARTERSQT's and I guess that's what this project is aiming for!   I have introduced another fabric with this block.  It's the green spot paired with the orange spot.  I've used the yellow spot previously but not the green.  In the photo it is hard to tell the difference.

Now I don't want to bore you yet again with the old "I love my new ruler" but really.... I LOVE MY NEW RULER!  That would be the June Tailor Perfect Half Square and Quarter Square Triangle Ruler!  Today I used my 60mm rotary cutter with the ruler and I did find it much easier to slot that cutter into the ruler.  I used my 45mm cutter yesterday and found it a little difficult to insert into the ruler.  Both cutters have new blades so that's not the issue.  I just found that the larger cutter worked better!

I've updated my virtual quilt in the sidebar.......   now on to cut and piece my Batik version of this block......

Happy Sewing!!

Helen

FABRICS USED IN THIS BLOCK:-

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

A1 - BLUE TRIANGLES -  RAINBOO ZOO BY AMY BLAY FOR RED ROOSTER FABRICS
A1 - ORANGE TRIANGLES - RAINFOREST COLLECTION BY  CORAL TREE FABRICS "SUMMER RAIN"

GREEN TRIANGLES -  SUNSHINE DOTS GREEN, BROOK BY CP DESIGNS FOR STUDIOFABRICS.COM