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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 3, 2023 16:40:48 GMT
Ok you guys. Tell me it's going to look ok once I put the border on. This is my first heart and the diagonals got me all screwed up. My first quilt with triangles. This is the part where you tell me it's handcrafted and part of the charm is imperfect. Give it to me! Not bad for a first effort! Triangles are tricky. Which method did you use? All it needs is a good press (I swear by the Magic Quilting/Craft spray) and trim up the block. Cute fabric! Ok so it was a simple squares matching with a stitch on the diagonal. This heart is supposed to be floating in the block. So there is more to add around the edges before it's the full block. Would I be better off waiting to trim until the full block is done? Or trimming now? |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 3, 2023 16:43:36 GMT
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 3, 2023 16:51:15 GMT
If you don't trim up this square, then the edge pieces are not going to go on evenly. Sometimes you can get away with a slight unevenness but the right side of the heart sticks out too far. You will get the best finished block by pressing and trimming as you go. It's rather like crochet/knitting in that if you get off kilter at the beginning it's really difficult to get it back on track.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 3, 2023 17:09:00 GMT
Ok so I measured my heart. It is about 6.25. it's supposed to be 6.5. to trim it right, I think I'd have to cut it down to 6.25 and then the other pieces will end up too big too. But I feel like if I don't do this, the whole thing will be off right? So better to have even squares that are slightly smaller? I want to set this up right.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 3, 2023 17:31:39 GMT
Ok so I measured my heart. It is about 6.25. it's supposed to be 6.5. to trim it right, I think I'd have to cut it down to 6.25 and then the other pieces will end up too big too. But I feel like if I don't do this, the whole thing will be off right? So better to have even squares that are slightly smaller? I want to set this up right. Even squares are better. Have you measured the seam down the middle of the heart to be sure that it is 1/4"? If not, pick that seam out and resew, making sure it is a scant 1/4". I'd also remeasure to make sure you cut the pieces to the correct measurements. The heart looks to stick out about 1/4" on the right side which is a lot. If all that doesn't help, then one thing you could do to compensate would be make those border pieces wider to give you the same finished measurement. Going to tag some of the more experienced quilters and see what they suggest. flanz roundtwo quiltz |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 3, 2023 18:08:27 GMT
Ok so I measured my heart. It is about 6.25. it's supposed to be 6.5. to trim it right, I think I'd have to cut it down to 6.25 and then the other pieces will end up too big too. But I feel like if I don't do this, the whole thing will be off right? So better to have even squares that are slightly smaller? I want to set this up right. Even squares are better. Have you measured the seam down the middle of the heart to be sure that it is 1/4"? If not, pick that seam out and resew, making sure it is a scant 1/4". I'd also remeasure to make sure you cut the pieces to the correct measurements. The heart looks to stick out about 1/4" on the right side which is a lot. If all that doesn't help, then one thing you could do to compensate would be make those border pieces wider to give you the same finished measurement. Going to tag some of the more experienced quilters and see what they suggest. flanz roundtwo quiltz I've just put it away for the day. I tried to square it up and now I'm afraid I've screwed it up. It's too small and the heart shape is going to get lost I'm afraid when I sew it in. Ugh. Frustrated. Best to walk away. |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 3, 2023 18:27:08 GMT
I've just put it away for the day. I tried to square it up and now I'm afraid I've screwed it up. It's too small and the heart shape is going to get lost I'm afraid when I sew it in. Ugh. Frustrated. Best to walk away. Sometimes that is the best thing, walk away and come back another time with fresh eyes (and patience!) One thing you might want to do is take some other fabric and try a test block with that. It will take the pressure off of messing it up and allow you to fine tune your technique. Do you have enough fabric left to start over with this block? |
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Post by roundtwo on Dec 3, 2023 18:32:50 GMT
I agree with everything **GypsyGirl** has said, especially the part about even squares are better than the size - it is easy to scale the sashing/border pieces up or down as necessary. And trying again with some scrap fabric is definitely good advice to take the pressure off. When doing the triangles, I try to sew a very scant 1/4" on the seam allowance side of the triangle. I still get wonky edges sometimes but it's usually when I am not paying attention to my seam allowances. It is a cute block and it is going to be a really nice quilt.  |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 3, 2023 18:36:10 GMT
I've just put it away for the day. I tried to square it up and now I'm afraid I've screwed it up. It's too small and the heart shape is going to get lost I'm afraid when I sew it in. Ugh. Frustrated. Best to walk away. Sometimes that is the best thing, walk away and come back another time with fresh eyes (and patience!) One thing you might want to do is take some other fabric and try a test block with that. It will take the pressure off of messing it up and allow you to fine tune your technique. Do you have enough fabric left to start over with this block? No I definitely don't. This pattern used every little piece of my fat quarters. However, if worst comes to worst, I could order more of the fabric. So I don't want it to sit too long. I'm just frustrated with myself today. So I will wait until tomorrow and try again |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 3, 2023 18:38:14 GMT
I agree with everything **GypsyGirl** has said, especially the part about even squares are better than the size - it is easy to scale the sashing/border pieces up or down as necessary. And trying again with some scrap fabric is definitely good advice to take the pressure off. When doing the triangles, I try to sew a very scant 1/4" on the seam allowance side of the triangle. I still get wonky edges sometimes but it's usually when I am not paying attention to my seam allowances. It is a cute block and it is going to be a really nice quilt. Thank you. I loved how cute it was. I thought it would be such a fun quilt with this particular line of fabric. I want even squares. I'm just struggling and now I'm a bit afraid since trying to square it, I've screwed up the heart shape. I might order more fabric just to try again. |
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,850
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Dec 3, 2023 20:22:02 GMT
When working with diagonals and 1/2 square triangles, I make sure that the fabric is pressed flat and straight before I cut it.
I like to use a light spray starch (Walmart has it cheap), sprayed very lightly and make sure that the fabric is pressed dry before using.
Spray starch comes in different weights so use a light spray when possible. The light spray starch at Walmart has a very light blue printing whereas the heavy spray starch comes in a darker blue print on the container.
Sometimes I will lightly pencil on the fabric where the scant 1/2" diagonal seam is to be sewn. Make sure that your pins are pinned properly to ensure that the fabrics to be sewn are together properly and not off balance. A scant 1/2" seam is defined as 1 or 2 (max) threads shy of 1/4". It does take a lot of practise to acquire a proper 1/4" seam.
I have recently invested in fabric clips and are finding that they grip fabric together better than pins, as there is less wiggle room with the clips than with a pin.
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,850
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Dec 3, 2023 20:24:01 GMT
Thank you. I loved how cute it was. I thought it would be such a fun quilt with this particular line of fabric. I want even squares. I'm just struggling and now I'm a bit afraid since trying to square it, I've screwed up the heart shape. I might order more fabric just to try again. Since this is a new technique for you, try sewing a mock heart with other fabric that you may have in your stash. A good contrast in colours will help you as you master this block. |
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,878
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Dec 3, 2023 21:29:11 GMT
I just got an order for 20 personalized elves. I did them for the same person last year- she gives them to her TK kids. I have to recreate the file because it was on my old computer (that died) so I've been spending time finding the same font and redoing the design/sizing/etc. Hopefully I won't have to do this EVERY year! |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 3, 2023 21:58:58 GMT
Thank you quiltz for your feedback. Couple of things. 1) I did not pin. 2) I did not mark. Apparently I think I quilt like an experienced instagrammer. Lol! It's all ok. It's a learning experience. I screwed up two hearts. However, I decided not to be irritated with myself. Missouri Quilt Co has these fabrics on sale so I simply ordered a bit more. Unfortunately this pattern used like every scrap of 24 fat quarters. So I had nothing left to experiment with. Tomorrow I'm going to cut up some scraps I have from another quilt top I made. I will practice. That is so typical of me to both be overconfident and fly by the seat of my pants. I can do this. And I'm going to get that starch quiltz. It's all ok. Sometimes I'm reckless. 😂 |
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,878
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Dec 3, 2023 22:55:51 GMT
jeremysgirl I do the same thing- full speed ahead, oh crap, into time out you go! I pin EVERYTHING and use my walking foot most of the time.
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Post by flanz on Dec 4, 2023 2:40:32 GMT
You've gotten great advice from far more experienced quilters than me, Becki. I'm glad you've got some extra fabric coming and I think your quilt is going to look lovely. Practicing with fabric scraps is a great idea. I think it would be nice for you to use this heart block on the back of your quilt in some way. Perhaps you can turn it into your quilt label.. a great reminder that we are not perfect and our creations don't have to be either! **GypsyGirl**, it's sweet of you to tag me here but I am not a prolific quilter. I am an expert crazy lady fabric stasher though. And I AM looking forward to getting back to doing some sewing, hopefully soonish. While I am able to create 1/4" seams and match points when I need/want to, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE improvisational quilting because there is almost none of that.  I have a soon to be 92 yo mom on the other side of the continent and a 13 month old granddaughter a 6 hr drive away, and I have not been home much at all lately. Seems I'm packing, unpacking, recuperating and catching my breath and then off again. It's all good and I am extremely blessed to have the flexibility to pick up and go, as well as a very supporting DH. I love reading about and seeing all of your projects, dear crafters. Thanks for the eye candy and the inspiration! |
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Post by peasapie on Dec 4, 2023 3:04:59 GMT
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Post by CoffeeCrafter on Dec 5, 2023 1:15:42 GMT
jeremysgirl I'm so sorry to see the news about your sweet Amelia!! 💔 I haven't posted in several days, but I've still been crafting. I've been working a couple of Christmas gift projects, but they aren't finished yet. I've also put in a few more rows on my granny stripe throw, but haven't really made enough progress on it to justify another photo. Since everything seems to be a WIP at moment, I decided late yesterday afternoon that I needed a quick "instant gratification" project so I could have a finish. I grabbed some 24/7 Cotton scraps and knocked out a quick crocheted potholder/hot pad. I didn't use a pattern for this. I just started with a chain of 7" then added one extra stitch for turning. I then worked the thermal stitch until it reached 7" square. I worked 1½" of the orange, then 4" of the white, then another 1½" of the orange. I finished it off by adding a simple chain stitch loop.  Yarn: 24/7 Cotton by Lion Brand Yarn Colors: Creamsicle and White Hook: 4.5mm (US 7) Started: 3 Dec 2023 Finished: 3 Dec 2023
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Post by gillyp on Dec 5, 2023 2:45:40 GMT
I’ve not heard of the thermal stitch CoffeeCrafter. It’s very pretty, I must look it up. |
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Post by CoffeeCrafter on Dec 5, 2023 3:27:36 GMT
I’ve not heard of the thermal stitch CoffeeCrafter . It’s very pretty, I must look it up. It's an awesome stitch for things like potholders, hot pads, bowl cozies, etc. You kind of work it on half rows, so you end up with a double thick fabric. Sarah-Jayne at Bella Coco Crochet has a great tutorial, including videos for both right-hand and left-hand crocheters. |
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Post by gillyp on Dec 5, 2023 9:19:13 GMT
I’ve not heard of the thermal stitch CoffeeCrafter . It’s very pretty, I must look it up. It's an awesome stitch for things like potholders, hot pads, bowl cozies, etc. You kind of work it on half rows, so you end up with a double thick fabric. Sarah-Jayne at Bella Coco Crochet has a great tutorial, including videos for both right-hand and left-hand crocheters. Thank you, I shall look it up. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 5, 2023 11:31:30 GMT
Ok so I'm going to put my good fabrics away for the time being. Maybe until after Christmas. I bought a few fat quarters at Joann's yesterday because they were on sale so I can practice. I'm going to cut them this week and maybe work on them this weekend. I also bought some spray starch and some ultra fine pins yesterday. I was hesitant to use pins because the ones I had were so big I thought they would damage the fabric. But ultimately I need to get the entire mess off my dining room table so I can decorate for Christmas. Two craft rooms I have and I still prefer the dining room table. Haha...
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 5, 2023 14:29:44 GMT
Two craft rooms I have and I still prefer the dining room table. Haha... Isn't that the way it always goes! I have a great sewing room and yet the island in the kitchen is typically covered in cutting mats and fabrics. DH used to grumble but has finally accepted his fate.  jeremysgirl - I think your plan is a good one. Practice until you feel more confident. One tip for making those corner triangles is to draw a line diagonally on the small square so that you have a guide to stitch on. Even after quilting all these years it's something I still do. These are the erasable markers that I use. They are Frixion but I find the point to be finer and the pens last longer than the Frixion pens most quilt stores sell. If anyone is looking for quick, easy projects to do before Christmas check out In Color Order's Lined Drawstring Bag Sew Along. Great way to use up bits of fabrics, make quick little gifts or even eco friendly gift wrapping. While she sells the pattern as well as expansion packs to use with the pattern, she has a tutorial with the dimensions/instructions for one size of bag. Great way to try it out and see if you like the pattern before purchasing. The larger sizes are great to make as gift/storage bags for quilts you are gifting. |
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Post by roundtwo on Dec 5, 2023 18:11:16 GMT
Photo dump ahead! I have been busy with some little projects for gifts - just a couple of stockings left to make and my sewing machine will be taking a break until after the holidays. Maybe...  placemats - these worked up really quickly and I am thinking they will make cute placemats for lots of holidays. I posted about this little table topper a couple of weeks ago - the wave quilting didn't go as planned but I liked it well enough to leave it as is. Stockings for the grandsons
Chef set for one of the grandsons - he got a play kitchen so of course grandma decided he needed the right accessories.
 And lastly a mosiac glass project - I have just ventured into this hobby and I have a lot to learn but so far I am enjoying it. I don't have the equipment but the friend who inspired me likes sharing her space - we get to visit and be creative at the same time - win-win!! |
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,878
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Dec 6, 2023 14:30:55 GMT
I got a new laser surround thing with a fan and vent to outside for my classroom. It’s so quiet and does a great job sending the smoke/smell outside my room thru an open window that I can run it during class! Yesterday I did 3 cutting boards for my secretary to give as gifts while I taught! Swapped them out at break and lunch. Just had to check on them a few times while it was burning to make sure I didn’t have any fires. It’s engraved about 1/8” even! We put mineral oil on them before we left yesterday and will wipe them down today before school. I love doing them! Took just over an hour each and the designs are 7-8” tall/wide  |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 6, 2023 16:41:48 GMT
As ya'll may have noticed, I'm a bit of a fabric and color junkie! Every year I look forward to the Color of the Year announcements. The one that really matters IMO is Pantone, which will be announced tomorrow, as it gives you a preview of what color trends you can expect to see in clothing, home furnishings and decorating for the next couple of years. In more recent years it seems all the paint companies and fabric companies have jumped on the COY bandwagon and choose their own COY prediction. The variance sometimes is quite wide! Thought I'd post what has been announced so far for COY 2024. Kona Fabrics has announced their Color of the Year for 2024. It's Julep, which I am very meh about. Reminds me of the color they used to paint hospitals and classrooms.  Benjamin Moore has chosen Blue Nova, a nice rich blue.  Sherwin-Williams has chosen Upward, which to me looks like more of the grayish tones we've been seeing the past 10 years.  Behr paint has chosen Cracked Pepper. Rather dark and moody.  Dutch Boy Paints - Ironside. Another dark, moody color.  Glidden (PPG Paints) - Limitless. They refer to it as "anything but yellow". Not a fan and would not use that anywhere in my home, but YMMV!  ![]() |
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,778 
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Post by anniebeth24 on Dec 6, 2023 16:56:35 GMT
**GypsyGirl** PPG's Limitless is very close to the color I have on the majority of my walls, painted about 18 years ago. Mine might lean a little more khaki. I'm very tired of it and have been pondering an update. Maybe I've finally hit a trend and should leave it! Thanks for sharing the colors!
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Post by gillyp on Dec 6, 2023 17:24:54 GMT
I love the blue nova and cracked pepper. The Kona color reminds me of 50s/60s Formica or Cath Kidston colors. Interesting, thank you **GypsyGirl**! |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 6, 2023 17:37:07 GMT
**GypsyGirl** PPG's Limitless is very close to the color I have on the majority of my walls, painted about 18 years ago. Mine might lean a little more khaki. I'm very tired of it and have been pondering an update. Maybe I've finally hit a trend and should leave it! Just goes to prove that if you wait long enough, everything comes back in style at some point! A warm khaki would be a nice update. I'm most impressed that your paint has lasted 18 years! I apparently live with barbarians because I just had touchups done in my kitchen that was painted Summer 2022 and DH was grumbling about it. Ha! He's half the problem! I love the blue nova and cracked pepper. The Kona color reminds me of 50s/60s Formica or Cath Kidston colors. Can you imagine what a warm, cozy room that would be with both Blue Nova and Cracked Pepper? Perfect for a den or reading room! |
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