OK – so I made two blocks today I want to share and took some pics along the way so that I can pass along a bit of a ‘tute’ for both G9 and H1. [OMG – two down for this week……really??? Don’t faint!]
For the ‘newbies’ who don’t know me… I really really do like paper piecing [“PP”] when there is no other way. It’s great when it involves some awkward angles or sizes that need to be precise, great in kaleidoscope or mariner’s compass type blocks or sections of quilt. But, if there is a way to easily make a block and avoid taking out 20-30 pieces of paper – hey – here I am, I will take that route!!
First – G9
When I look at this block I see “EZ” – 4 flying geese, 4 half-square triangle section corners all around a center square made out of a two-tone “X” filled in with triangles. My favorite method for making flying geese is called a ‘no waste method’ or “bikini method.” You can find thorough instructions here:
http://www.patchpieces.com/files/flyinggeese.pdf . Basically you make 4 sections by cutting a large square for the “geese” the measurement of the width of the finished section + 1 ¼” and cutting 4 smaller squares for the background the measurement of the height of the finished section + 7/8”. Here the finished flying geese sections measure 2 ¼” x 1 1/8” – so cut the light section 3 ½” square and out of the print cut [4] squares measuring 2”. In fact, you need lots of 2” squares for this block. Cut two more 2” squares of print and background fabrics to make your corner sections – right sides together sew ¼” seams on either side of one diagonal. The very center square is a ½” square – cut it 1” – the light background rectangles measure slightly less than 1 1/8” x ½” … don’t sweat the small stuff!! I always measure UP to the next 1/8” and adjust to the right finished size simply by taking a more generous ¼” seam!
For the corner triangles in the center square [to square it completely] I cut two 1 3/8" squares out of print and cut them once diagonally. Assemble the center this way... triangle, long side of rectangle, triangle.... short side of rectangle, small center square, short side of rectangle.... triangle, long side of rectangle, triangle.
What I do is sew the first two parts of each strip together first, press, then re-measure to identify where I should make the final seam so the measurement is accurate.
and the pictures....
ok that didnt work...