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.
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.
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:
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.
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!!!!
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.
Your block turned out great! I enjoy foundation piecing because I love the perfect points. :-) Happy New Year!
I love your block. Thank you for sharing how you did the foundation piecing. May need to try that.
I love foundation piecing for the same reasons... (almost) guaranteed perfect points.
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.
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