TIP: You can sew the yoyo on in several ways. You can sew it on with the sewing machine as I show below here. Or you can hand sew it on or use a zigzag or other stitch on your machine and sew around on the edge. You can certainly use the needle turn method if that is what you are comfortable with. If you are uncomfortable with these you could use an iron on method.


TIP: You can practice with paper to get the feel of sewing a circle with your sewing machine. Cut out a 2” circle and practice sewing it onto another piece of paper.

Next it is time to cut the swatch apart. You need to cut this into four but they need to be the same size.

Basically you want to measure the width of your yoyo and cut down the middle with your rotary cutter.
I have an 18” ruler cut into two sections. I like to use both of them so I can position them on the yoyo.

Then I take away the right one leaving the left one in place and cut. I don’t have to figure any fractions that way. Just use the lines on the rulers to center your yoyo between both rulers.

Some math is unavoidable but why bother if you don’t have to- right?
Make sure to lay ruler parallel with the edge of the swatch or you will not have room for the template.
　
This is the most important part of this process. You
need to take the time to be as accurate as possible in your cutting. That is why it is a good idea to use the two rulers as you can get a more accurate placement of the ruler you need to cut along.

Sorry about the change in fabrics. I had to go back and take pics of steps I didn't take the first time I wrote this lesson. And I didn't have the original fabrics. Sorry if that makes it a bit confusing.

Now take the half swatch and turn it so you can do it again and cut the half into two. Repeat with the other half. Pay attention to accurate placement of the rulers!!

You should have 4 rough squares. Meaning they aren't trimmed yet. The purpose of trimming after the yoyo is sewn on is so when you cut out with a template you get a more accurate square than if you started with a perfectly cut square for the background. When you applique on it can distort the background fabric somewhat so this way the final cut is more accurate.

Lay one rough square on your mini cutting mat. Place the 1 1/2" template on the rough square. Match up the corner of the template with the corner of the square.
Cut out the square. Remember to keep the template from moving as you turn the mat to cut.
Repeat this step with all the other rough squares.

Fold back the light fabric and trim the bulk underneath. You can do this before or after you cut the rough square into a 2” block. Trim within a ¼” of the seam.

And here is your Drunkard's Path Block

You will need as many of these as are in the bookmark design you choose to make. I based this lesson on a bookmark with 2 rows of 8 blocks but you may need to adjust for the design you choose. Also pay attention to the position of the light and dark fabrics in your chosen bookmark design.

I hope you enjoy the process!! If you have any questions just let me know. You can pm me by clicking on my name above my avatar. When it takes you to my profile page you will see below my avatar where you can click on pm and send me a message.

Next Friday April 2 2010 I will post the directions for completing the top of our Drunkard's Path Bookmark. Until then

Wishing you lots of sewing time and lots of fun learning something new!!

Excellent Rhonda - you're up early by the way! Just to confirm, we need to make 4 sets of four for the bookmark, right? And i guess these can be all the same fabrics or different but light and dark should always be the same? ie always light for the yoyos? Just wanted to check because I messed up with the light and dark before!

Well - didn't you make that look easy. :lol:
Thanks Rhonda.