I have moved on to the last stage of blocks for the Strawberry Garden project by Fig Tree. I have to make a lot of these little X blocks, euphemistically called "Posie" by the designer. Let me tell you, these are tedious. Not so bad if you just have to make a couple, but I have to make 14.
I don't have too many more to go, but I have given up on drawing diagonal lines on those little white squares to make the "flip and sew" corners. I just want to get through these without anymore fuss. Pressing all the seams open is bad enough.
I taped on my Lori Holt seam guide and said "the heck with drawing all those lines". If you haven't used one of these seam guides, they really can be a time saver. Instead of drawing diagonal lines on 188 1 1/2" squares, you just line the top corner of your flip and sew unit with your needle and use the middle red line as a guide for the bottom corner. Obviously I don't have my unit lined up just right in the picture above, but you get the idea. As you sew, you carefully line that bottom corner point up exactly on the middle red line and your unit should come out the right size. It works pretty well.
I am having to square up each of those 2 1/2" squares after stitching and pressing though. And that is another tedious task.
Can you tell I like the showboat blocks with lots of pizzazz and flair and find the workhorse units boring? Just wait to hear how much I am going to complain when I have to start making yards of checkerboard strips to surround many of the blocks in the quilt top.
7 Responses
I’m always here for you, even if you complain. Would it be quilting if every step was FUN? Hehe. Joanna’s checkerboards are particularly grueling. I call them ACCORDIONS. I’ve had good success with that Lori Holt seam guide, too— thanks for reminding me I need to pull it out to 180 flying geese I need made! Anyway— great progress. Xox
Boy that Lori Holt!!!! She is amazing. She is constantly moving into new areas with ideas and products that help quilters, stitchers and now crocheters! I have seen this seam guide featured before but have never ordered one. I can see that it will be a timesaver for these little blocks. I love following your quilting day to day. And I enjoy your book and recipe recommendations too! I hope you enjoy sharing with us.
I find myself piling up the tedious blocks into 5’s or 10’s just to ‘see’ some headway as I sew along. And, I’ll do anything not to have to draw those diagonal lines! It’s encouraging to hear that others are not fond of that part of making a quilt, too!
I like ‘showboat vs workhorse’ of course the showboat blocks are more fun and interesting to make, but sometimes I just like the monotony of the workhorse blocks. I get in the groove and sew. I agree that the tedious part is drawing the lines. The tape with the lines and Lori Holt’s seam guide are so helpful. I’m looking forward to seeing the little churn dash blocks for the Primitive Gatherings Halloween sew along. You have quite the variety of blocks to create. Thanks for sharing your work.
Just complain, I got you! It’s just part of the process. Then shrug it off and get on with it. You are chaining them along which will shorten up the drudge work. Once the top is done, you will shake your head and wonder what all the bluster was about. Carry on! The seam guide is cute as well as functional.
Thanks for explaining about the seam guide – I’ve seen it many times but have never purchased. Since I also have half my Strawberry Garden blocks to go, I ordered one and it was half price on Amazon – great timing for your post!
yeah, I hate tedious sewing. ruins it for me. I’ve been doing a lot of line drawing too. I’m making 1/2 square triangles where you sew 1/4″ from diagonal line. boring.