Tuesday, January 1, 2019

2019 Colour Challenge

Well the first colour for Jen's challenge is green and here is my block.  Sorry it is such a long post but I thought pictures might make it easier.

Quite a simple and easy block to make but must say one thing Jen didn't warn me was to make sure that when I choose fabrics check that they are actually the colour I think they are.  As you know from my post two days ago I have been rather rushed lately .... hey I only returned from visiting my boys overseas three days ago so there is an excuse for the rush. On the point of colour if you look closely at the small triangles surrounding the central square in a square you will see that it is a different fabric from the other florals. 





I foundation pieced my block as I was in such a rush and figured that they way my mind was racing that would be the only chance I had to make it right. Now if you want to change your pattern to a foundation pieced version go over to Jen's blog and download her pattern. 
Next
1. Grab your sheet of graph paper and draw either a 6'' square or 12'' square depending on what size block you want to make.
2. As you can see from  the first diagram in step 4 this block is based on a nine patch so draw those lines on your graph paper.
3. Now working you way through each individual square draw in the lines as shown by Jen.
4. Now you need to split your block into three sections/rows as shown in the first diagram. 
Each section is pieced in turn and then the three sections are joined together as shown in the diagram.
5. Start each strip in the middle and piece outwards.
6. Remember that for foundation piecing you need 1/2'' seam allowance ... this might explain why I ran out of fabric as I had forgotten this when planning .. oops
The 1/2'' seam allowance is very important for the triangles in particular, 1/4'' doesn't give you enough room for error.
7. Also remember to drop your stitch length down. I usually use 2.4 but for foundation piecing I use 1.6. This is particularly important when it comes to ripping out the papers.
8. Oh talking about papers using a thinner paper makes it easier to remove the paper at the end.

Now for some step by step pics to show how I made it.
Remember the fabric goes on the unmarked side of the paper and you stitch on the marked lines. 
Always start and stop at least 1/4'' beyond the end of the line.
If you look closely at my diagrams you can see the numbers on the papers .... copy these if you need .. add the fabrics in the numbered order.

First up are the top and bottom sections




Pin fabrics 1 & 2 to unmarked
side of papers and stitch along 
marked line


Right side after sewing first line


Right side after pressing.    


Place bookmark on next line 
to be sewn


Fold paper back over the bookmark


Add 1/4'' seam allowance
 then trim excess fabric


Your triangle should be bigger
 than this ... I was short of fabric
plus very experienced at 
foundation piecing.


You can either follow the numbers written on the first diagram of follow my pictures ... both will give you the
same result


Again your triangle should be at least 1/2'' taller than this




you should have two strips like this.


Now for the middle section and joining it all together


Add triangles to opposite sides of the centre square

Press flat, trim then add fabric to remaining sides of the square

Press fabric then trim

Add strips to both sides

Trim both long sides only

Layout to check that 
everything is correct

Foundation numbering

Remove paper from centre strip

Sew strips together with paper side up

Remove the papers, press and then trim


Place your seams parallel to the marked lines on your ruler. If all is good they should be parallel .. if not then line it up as best you can. Even though I foundation pieced my block the design section turned out a smidgen smaller than the supposed to 6''  ... no one will be able to tell so I'm not stressed. I have still cut the block to 6 1/2''

last ... finally ... I do hope these photos have helped you

Look at the stitches on the seam beside.
I accidentally used my standard stitch length and so when pulling out the papers the stitching became distorted.

It is worth remembering to decrease your stitch length.
As you can see from this seam there is minimal distortion here and the only difference is the stitch length ..... worth the effort isn't it?




7 comments:

~Melody from TwoMakerChicks.com said...

Love it! I paper pieced my scrappy block as well. Figured that way was easiest with using scraps. And that yellow ruler! I have to know, what brand / name of it please? I wish I had one that wide.

DawnyK said...

Thanks so much for this. It never occurred to me before that I could really foundation piece any block. I'll have to experiment with this idea going forward. Hope you find peace soon. Wishing you an enjoyable 2019!!!!

DawnyK said...

Hey Melody, that's an "Add A Quarter" Ruler. they have a lip for the sewing line to rest on so you can trim the seam allowance perfectly. They are great.

Joanne said...

Your block turned out great! I enjoy foundation piecing because I love the perfect points. :-) Happy New Year!

Kathy said...

I love your block. Thank you for sharing how you did the foundation piecing. May need to try that.

Sarah @ The Quilted Diary said...

I love foundation piecing for the same reasons... (almost) guaranteed perfect points.

cinzia said...

The yellow ruler is called 'Add a Quarter' ruler by CM Designs. I have it in two lengths 6'' which is perfect for miniatures and 12''. there is also an add an eighth ruler. When working with miniatures I use both the add a quarter and the add an eighth ..... great purchase well worth every cent.