and more ...

Well, I've been reluctant to post this. But, I'm having a devil of a time with mirror images.

I've finally decided to just come clean and post the clue and ASK YOU if you can HELP ME!

The last clue was a small log cabin block that with the seam allowance should measure 5.5". You need four of those. (set them aside now.)

You now need eight of this block: (See the comments in the picture.) This is a 5h" x 6w" block. With its seam allowance, it must measure 5.5h" x 6.5w".

You also must have eight of the mirror image of the block. (See comments in the picture.

Now here is my problem. I CAN'T make the mirror image. I must have eight of this block with the darks on the lower right-hand corner and the lights on the upper left-hand corner. I need a mirror image of that with the darks on the lower left-hand corner and the lights on the upper right-hand corner.

I need a total of 16: 8 regular and 8 mirror images. And I CAN'T MAKE THE MIRROR IMAGES! Every time I try, I somehow make the same block.

For the pattern, you must have 8 log cabin blocks and 8 mirrors of it. I'll figure it out eventually, but I thought I'd drop the next clue and let you with more "know-how" tell me how on God's green Earth I can make the mirror image. I have a mirror image template that I will also include, but the paper pieced templates in EQ5 are so limited, they're practically worthless. All they do is give you a teeny-tiny number you can't even read.

I don't want anybody to waste time and materials. But, if you know how to make a mirror image, can you TELL ME??????????


Forgot the link.

For the 5h" x 6w" block: http://www.box.net/shared/eklz6lc2sw


:(

Cordelia, I THINK, and it is a big THINK, all you have to do is turn your block around 90 degs. Then you get your mirror image. I have 4 on the corner of my quilt and thats what I did to get a left and a right. Maybe I am wrong I haven´t made those blocks before. Thats why it keeps coming out the same when you make them.

Elle

Okay Cordelia, just checked my quilt which has 4 blocks in it. Looking at my quilt, I was right you have to turn the blocks around to get a mirror image. Guess what I did, one of mine was wrong so have had to undo my quilt to correct it. drat and double drat, but at least you know what to do now.

Got to smile or go mad :D :D

Elle

The 5" x 5" blocks are easy. You just need to turn them 90 degrees. But, the 5" x 6" blocks can't be turned 90 degrees or they are 6" high and 5" wide and won't fit in place.

BUT FOR NOW, JUST MAKE THE 8 BLOCKS. I'm going to fix the template for the other 8 mirror image blocks and post the template.

Sorry Cordelia I misunderstood that one.

Ummmmm back to the drawing board eh

Elle

The drawing board allows me to rotate it into the correct position. The template doesn't!

It may just be a matter of turning the template over and sewing on the backside of it. I'll work it out on Saturday.

But, in the meantime, I can go onto the next blocks rather than let things hang up on these 8 blocks.

Next clue is, more 9 patches! 5" x 5" 9 patch star. (with seam allow. must measure 5.5" x 5.5")

You need to make four of these.

For the quilt to look right, you really should use the same color for the background as you will later use for your border. Remember that green fabric or blue fabric that you needed like four or five yards of?

You also need to make four 3" x 3" 9 patch stars. For the 3 incher, you MUST use the same fabric as your final border fabric. (That green and blue fabric you needed the most of.)

If you don't, you will not be happy with the way it looks.

To keep the measurements precise, I've made paper piece templates.

Paper piece template for 5" x 5" traditional and winter versions:

http://www.box.net/shared/0m6ryq8nt3

Paper piece template for 3" x 3" traditional and winter versions:

http://www.box.net/shared/mssdaesje7



I'll post the pictures of my blocks and some more clues this weekend.

I believe I have solved the "issue" I was having with the blocks for the mirror image.

I had to redraw the block and with a little colored pencil marks, it can now be done.

But, I apologize for not being able to provide a better template. It's very confusing, but EQ 5 is very limited with printing options for their foundation pieced templates. I'd like to have more control over their appearance, but the program won't allow me. I could make a better template in Paint! But, I have to be precise with the size. EQ prints the template at the exact size it has to be.

I'll be posting more pics and clues this weekend. I only have time to sew for a few hours on Saturdays. So, I don't move along as fast as I'd like.

But, for those of you who are just watching and waiting to see how it turns out, keep following along!

Everybody, I did cure the mirror image problem I had with log cabin block. BUT, it's too hard. It drove me crazy and it will drive anyone crazy who attempts it.

Has anyone actually made any of the log cabin blocks?

If not, DON'T. I'll put in a simpler log cabin block.

If anyone has made them, then I apologize for al the suffering. The blocks can be made correctly, but with EQ limiting me in the appearnce of the template, I can't provide a simple block.

I can give a better Paint block guide for it. But, if no one has made any of them, I'll switch the block and make it easier. It will look the same.

Let me know.

As for new pictures -- my camera battery died! I couldn't take any. I'm going to try out the camera on my cell phone and see if that works.

I'm going to switch the log cabin now and give you a choice of which one you want to do.

I'll be back here with the EQ pictures.

I have not forgotten the mystery quilt thread. Just bumping this back. I'm going to move onto the next clue.

Christmas trees! You will need to make 12 of these.

I designed this to use the dark green fabric that will be your final border. The same fabric you used with the 9 patch stars.

If you want to mix and match your own greens from your own stash here, that's fine. But, in order for this to look right when it's done, you still need to use the same dark green fabric shown with the 9 patch star for your border. If you mix greens with the 9 patch star, it won't look right.

The same with the Winter version. You can mix and match your blues here if you like. But, it won't look right if you use a different blue for your final border than the one used in the 9 patch star.

http://www.box.net/shared/k6bfl5dmvn

Your block will measure 5.5 h" x 6.5 w" with your seam allowances.