Rhonda

I used to sell my gift items to a local gift shop. Over the 12 yrs I sold to her I made alot of pieced items. I am always on the lookout for anything that saves time and effort.

While watching some of the Quilt shows on TV I developed my own shortcuts.

I call it the Cut Down Method.

You cut fabric swatches and sew them together and then using a template you cut out the center into a unit I call a "Block". when I was cutting out HSTs(half square triangles) I would sew strips together and then open the strips and lay the template on there and cut out the HSTs. This was my first shortcut.

Then I thought what if we use 3 fabrics. So I experimented with 3 and this is what it looks like.

QuiltnNan

makes it faster, but looks like a lot of waste

Rhonda

Now I have several Blocks that you can learn to make with the Cut Down Method

The Star Point The Wings Block The Combination 4 patch Blocks The Drunkard's Path The Kansas Dugout Block and more

Each one is the same basic principle but there are slight variations. One might be 3 fabrics but cut a bit differantly One uses 4 fabrics instead of 3.

So if you would like to check them out you can see them all here:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1020

Rhonda

It doesn't have to be you can cut your pieces so they are closer to the size you need for your template.

I am all about what's easier and I tend to just cut off a piece as long as it is larger than I need. I don't worry about scraps because I am a miniaturist. And for beginners the size is one less thing to worry about when you are just learning.

But for those who prefer not to be so haphazard just cut your fabric pieces just larger than 1/4th of the template of the top two and just a bit larger than half of the template for the bottom.

athomenow

Looks like something I could do to get a different look without a lot of figuring! Thanks

Rhonda

You can find all my tutorials and workshops and Sampler Quilt Alongs etc here

If you haven't seen these here are my links for the info I have available:

My Blog - http://calicodreamsforever.blogspot.com/
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Template page/Donation
The templates are free -- No fees or postage needed!
but if you'd like to donate to help keep the templates going out
your donation will be appreciated and only used for the templates.

http://www.bitsnpiecesworkshop.com/c...php?category=3
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Rhonda's Workshops and Classes
http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1010

Bookmarks /Checkbook cover /Keychains/ Mouse Pad/ and more
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Rhonda's Block directions
http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1010

Boston Block directions / Wings Blocks / Star Point Blocks/
Easy half square triangle blocks/ and more
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Rhonda's Dazzling Sampler Quilt - Blocks of the Week Sampler
http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1017

All the threads where I posted 3 new quilt blocks each week for
making a sampler with my designs
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Picture Threads of Rhonda's Patchwork Items
http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1024

All or most of my threads on the quiltingboard where I posted
pictures of the things I have made with my cut down methods.

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My websites:
http://www.bitsnpiecesworkshop.com - a free teaching site
http://www.patchworkbyrhonda.com -online store
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NEW!!!
Simple Steps Patterns -

Florene Elaine Quilt Block and Quilts
http://www.patchworkbyrhonda.com/cat...hp?category=21
Ruby Rose Quilt Block and Quilts
http://www.patchworkbyrhonda.com/cat...hp?category=21
Butterfly Lanterns - coming Oct 4
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My EBooks

http://www.bitsnpiecesworkshop.com/c...php?category=4

Playing with Boston Blocks Ebook
Star Point Blocks Ebook
Dresden Kaleidoscopes Ebook
Wings Blocks Ebook

oksewglad

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Painiacs

You have such great ideas!! Got the templates too! Now I can put them to use!!

sarahconner

I like it. It seems faster and no waste

sewnsewer2

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing it.