Thursday, September 25, 2008

Odds and Ends


Wow, Thanks for all the love on my last post. I didn't anticipate getting compliments on my smile as well as my quilt! I heard from old friends and total strangers from as far away as France! Well, guess who's grinning even wider now? How gratifying it is to connect with others who enjoy quilmaking as much as I do.











Several people wondered if Milly Churbuck’s hand-dyed fabrics were still available. I'm sorry to say she is no longer dyeing cotton fabric. Following the trend for wool applique, rug hooking, and needle punch, she now works exclusively with wool. She is also semi-retired and only vending at a limited number of quilt shows. 

Regarding the Hourglass blocks in my August 14 post, some readers wondered how I pieced those tiny blocks with such accuracy. Here's how:



I use this technique to construct Hourglass blocks. Normally, I’d start with squares cut 1 ¼” larger than my desired finished size, but when working with small, fiddly pieces, I add an additional"fudge factor" of ¼” to ½”.

After sewing the block, I trim it down to size (in this case, 2").use a seam ripper to pick out a few stitches where the seams intersect. This frees the seam allowance so you can press it in opposite directions, eliminating bulk.

Press the block gently with steam.


Finally, trim each block precisely to 2” (1 ½” finished) using a bias square ruler and rotary cutter. As you pin blocks into rows, match carefully where blocks intersect. I probably alternated the direction in which I pressed seam allowances for each row. However, if you want to eliminate more bulk, press seam allowances open. If doing so, shorten the stitch length on your sewing machine to make seams more secure.

Hope this clears things up.

7 comments:

  1. The colors of the fabric are awesome - makes me wish she were still dyeing fabric.

    Your quilt is adorable - those are for sure tiny blocks...and your work is so neat.

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  2. Hi, I found your blog tonight, its awesome!! will be back often, just love your quilts.

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  3. I just found your blog via Mrs. Schmenkman. I have to say you are an inspiration. I love the quilts that you have made and also am a lover of hand dyed fabrics. I will certainly be back to visit.

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  4. Yes, what an amazing quilt you have up on your dining room wall. I love all the solids! And the quilting is fantastic!
    I recognize that backing for your hour glass quilt. I've used that loads of times and love they galaxy effect it has.

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  5. What a beautiful bundle of fabrics . . . can fabric call your name?

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  6. It was lovely to meet you on Sunday. I stopped over at the Abbey today and you were right, they are a wonderful group of women. I know where I'll be spending my Tuesday afternoons, needle in hand.

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  7. Beautiful hourglass quilt! I love it. The colors are wonderful.

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