Craftsy 2013 Block of the Month: February

The February block of the month block for the 2013 Craftsy sampler quilt class is called spring blooms.  The lesson learned from this piecing is partial seams.

Once again, Laura Nownes offers a quick-construction short-cut by using one long strip set to cut the units for three blocks at once.  I've already given up trying to duplicate her blocks because my Robert Kaufman kit bundle didn't contain the exact fabrics that the instructor used.  Instead of the various red polka dot designs Ms. Nownes' strip set had, I have pink.  The units cut from the set are sewn onto the centre square - with partial seams on the first and last pieces.

Before I even started assembling the blocks my strip set was very wavy and wonky.  Even though I tried to even out my fabric on grain I ended up with the polka dots being very skewed.  I don't know if this is my fault or the way the design was printed.  Stitching such long WOF strips was challenging too and I'm sure my 1/4" seam was way off...and on...and off! lol!

My first partial seam was a bit of a mess but by the third block it was fine.  I pressed the heck out of my blocks to achieve the 8.5" square - I seamed to have a lot of 'fold over' at the seam lines which I coaxed flat with my steamy iron.  Just like last year...I am already wondering if this will all go together in the end!  I still struggle with accuracy even now! :(  We'll see what March brings...

Comments

[Maureen]

I like your block a lot! I read a tip from Weeks Ringle once on those long strip sets that using your walking foot to piece them rather than your 1/4" foot can really help eliminate some of the waves (and, of course, MAD pinning!).

I haven't tried it because my walking foot is opaque, so I don't know how I'd then do the 1/4" seam accurately... I guess masking tape on the throat plate...

[Claudia]

I teach a little quilting class at my church; a couple of the ladies were actually new to sewing! Their quilt tops have come out great with matching seams!! The trick is consistency along the way. Even if you have a 1/4" foot, use blue or green painters tape to make a thick seam guide (layer the tape). Every time you return to work on a project put the seam allowance of one of your (good) blocks under your presser foot; insert your needle in the stitching line a mark the SA with that masking tape. 100% improvement, I promise! Now if I would just remember to do this when I work on UFOs my piecing would be more successful too ;)