patricej

OR you could be really lazy, like me. iron the fabric, face down, to freezer paper and print the pieces onto the back, then cut them out.

(note: this is what i was going to use for background. changed my mind, obviously)

patricej

well! i guess it would help if i gave you the file you can use to print those melons on your fabric. :shock: :roll: :lol:

patricej

when you have finished stitching the arcs (pieces of the ring), trim away all the excess fabric to the cutting lines around the patterns. trim carefully.

once they're all trimmed, remove the paper and press the seams open.

pressing them open isn't a rule but i couldn't believe how much easier it was to fit and sew the arcs to the melons when i pressed open instead of to the side. definitely worth the extra few minutes' work.

patricej

ok. time to add those melons.

hint #1: when doing curved piecing, it's always easier to attach an "outie" to an "innie" than the other way around. that's true here, in the drunkard's path ... in anything curvey.

Hint #2: notice those funny little points on the ends of the arcs and melons. they are odd, but very important.

take one of the short arcs and one melon. line up the funny point on one end of the melon with the corresponding end of the arc. make sure the stitching line on the melon is facing up.

do the same with the other end.

then pin the midpoint of the melon to the midpoint of the arc. don't worry about how goofy it looks.

patricej

now hold one end of the melon between your index and middle finger, and the midpoint between your thumb and pinkie. very gently let the melon and arc stretch "into" each other. put pins in between.

if you pressed open your arc seams, it will go together with only a little fuss and stress.

do the same at the other end, except the midpoint is between index and second finger; end is between thumb and pinkie.

please note, the photo shows the pinned pieces from the back.

patricej

time for the other side of the melon. remember to line up those funn little points. this time, it's the funny points of the arc that line up to the melon.

remember: when you sew the big arc onto the melon, don't sew all the way from end to end. leave that very important quarter inch at each end. we'll need it later.

another kewl thing: because it's all on the bias, you don't need to clip anything before you press. :P

patricej

here's the pressed melon from the back. note that the background is press flat, while the arcs tuck under. this will not only look better, it'll make quilting it easier.

anita211

Patrice,

Do you have the commentary written somewhere so that we can download that as well?

I have made a couple wedding ring quilts, but like this method much more.

Anita

patricej

this is the commentary. each set of photos is accompanied by written instructions and explanations. i wanted to keep everything in one place this time. i think you guys shouldn't have to run back and forth between Main, Pictures and Chit-Chat to find everything.

there was a great deal of conversation during the class, but i think i included the answers to most - if not all - the questions along with the photos here.

everyone may feel free to pm questions to me. i'll add those questions and answers to the appropriate photos. i'll even add photos if they'll help more.

all interested parties are welcome to the next installment of the class this sunday even if you haven't caught up and completed all four melons. however, it will be easier to follow the second half if you have.

HJ

This is so cool. Is it from a specific pattern, as I am on late.

Thanks

Helen