Welcome everyone to the Drunkard's Path Bookmark Class. I hope you all enjoy the process of learning the DP block done with my cut down method.

So here is a Drunkard's Path Block

Traditionally it is made by tracing out two parts of the block with 2 curved templates. But I have developed my own way of making them without having to piece any curves. The only curved sewing is when we sew the “yoyo” onto a background fabric. There are several ways you can do this so it is not a hard thing to do.

So lets continue on to how to make a flat “yoyo” I have been told this is not really a yoyo but as it is the same steps up to the point where you sew the center hole closed I will still call it a yoyo.

As we are making a bookmark we are using a 1 ½” template but you can use any size template to create blocks of larger size. The yoyos will need to be bigger also for a bigger size block.


TIP: To figure out the size circle you need for a larger block just cut a circle of paper to use as a trial run. Place your circle on the template you are going to use and see it that size fits.

Making a flat yoyo:

Cut a swatch of each fabric - a swatch is a piece of fabric that you cut without measuring. You should make sure you cut at least a 3 1/2" size piece. You can cut a square but you will be trimming it down later. The reason for this is to get a more accurate block.

Cut a 2” circle of cardboard for a circle template. Lay the circle on the back side of the light swatch. Trim the swatch to about ½” to ¾” from the circle. It doesn’t need to be cut perfectly round but don’t cut it much smaller. A little larger gives you more to work with when you pull the thread.

Thread a needle with a length of thread at least 10”
Sew a running stitch around the edge of the light burgundy swatch.

Spray with sizing and iron. I soak mine with sizing. I like them stiff because they are easier to work with. Turn it over and spray the other side. Set aside to let it dry. I like to let it dry overnight for the stiffest results. But you can work with it if you iron it as dry as possible. You just have to be more careful to maintain the circular shape after you remove the cardboard circle. A hair dryer might dry it quicker also. Just an idea.

Tip: I thread several needles at a time so you have what you need at hand.


Tip: If you don’t want to get sizing all over your ironing board ( it can get sticky) you might protect your ironing board with a thin cotton tea towel before you spray. You still need a flat surface to iron on so don’t use a fluffy towel or you will not be able to get it flat enough

After your yoyo is dry - pry up one edge and pull the cardboard circle out gently. Your circle should maintain it’s shape but you need to gently pull the thread to pull it back into a circle. I like to put my thumb against(NOT ON) the thread to keep the circle in shape as I pull. Pull gently on which ever side you need to to draw it back into a good circle shape. Now you can trim the thread off.

Ok Now to make the blocks!!


Making the block

Cut 4 swatches about at least 3 ½” square. It doesn’t have to be a perfect square. It can be a scrap. I tend to just hack off a piece approx. the size I want without measuring.


Tip: If you cut all the swatches at one time it will save you time. I highly recommend that you make all of your yoyos at the same time before going on to the next step. If you leave them to dry overnight or for awhile this is especially important to make all of them now. They will be very stiff and easier to work with the longer you can leave them to dry.

Now lay the yoyo face up on the swatch( also face up). Pin in place. Then sew the yoyo onto the background swatch.

Place the yoyo under the foot on your sewing machine. Sew around the edge slowly. Take a couple stitches and then evaluate whether you can take another stitch or do you need to lift the foot and turn your fabric.

Make sure you always leave your needle down before you lift the foot! When you get practiced at doing this you can slide the fabric so it spins under the needle. But spinning them is not easy to do. And I still do it slowly.

Continue to sew around the circle a few stitches at a time until you get back to where you started. This is the only curved sewing you will do on this project. With practice this is not really hard. It may seem intimidating but if you go slow it isn’t really that difficult to do. I can’t drop my feeddogs so I just sew it normally.

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.

Great tute Rhonda. Haven't been to PO for a couple of days, so don't have the templete yet. Dh on his way now. I feel bad you did your tute in the middle of the night!

Rhonda, ignore me- just read through your instructions again and the questions were already answered; Doh! LOL

BLESS YOUR HEART....
This looks Great....
I can't wait to try it......
bopeep

LOL I'm a night owl! I work better at night. During the day I have too many interruptions from my mom my DH the phone!!!! dogs wanting in or out etc! LOL

I waited on purpose so I could put it all on without any interruptions. It takes time to get it all on there.

Glad you figured it out K! I tried to cover all the bases but I have been known to make a mistake from time to time!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I hope your template show up soon! I probably should have waited another week to post the lesson and given it more time for the templates to arrive but this way when it does arrive you will be able to dive right in! :mrgreen:

thanks Sewaholic. I hope people find it easy to do. I was so excited when I figured this out!! I wanted to share it with people and around here the quilters aren't interested. So I am so glad to be able to share it with all of you here on the board.

NEW INFO--for those of you who are having trouble figuring out how to get a 2" circle for the cardboard circles I just figured out that the cap on my Magic Sizing bottle is a perfect 2"!! Who knew?!!

So take the cap and place the open end on your cardboard and trace around it. Be careful not to squeeze the cap tho or your circle will become an oval! LOL

Excellent lesson! Thanks so much Rhonda! My template arrived yesterday so can't wait to give this a try! :thumbup:

Thanks Rhonda, will give this a try this afternoon. :-)

Looks like we all have homework. Can't wait to see everyones posting.

You're welcome.

Ok, I have a question about sizing... is sizing and starch the same thing? I go to the store and all I see is starch, can't find sizing anywhere.

Sizing is a light starch. I get mine at Walmart in the laundry section.

I think I will start a thread just for the pictures of the bookmarks!

Thank you Rhonda! That looks like it will simple to do! I am glad you explained the sizing...I didn't have any idea what you was talking about! I'll have to go get some and give it a try this afternoon. Can't wait to see all the pics!

that's why it is a good idea to ask. No question is a stupid question when you don't understand something. It only seems obvious when you know the answer!!

so please everyone ask any questions you may have so I can clear up any confusion or problems!!

oops! double post

Great Tute, Rhonda !! Since I got my template today, I'm excited to work on this tomorrow. Should we wait until you have a section set up to post the pics? That might be easier, huh?

I set up the thread earlier. Here is the link.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-40768-1.htm