Layering and basting your quilt

More math on hst's and qst's

Creating Collages with Foil on Fabric

How to sew half square triangles (HST's) and quarter square triangles (QST's)

Watch the video here on foiling

Master for paper foundation piecing 2" finished size HST's.

Reverse Applique using fusible thread

Watch the video on half square triangles Trish Stuart's way.

Wild Roses Line Drawing and Written Instructions

TWO PDF files... one pg is the line drawing with a color picture you can use as a reference. One pg is written instructions explaining how I created it.

Tips

The Point is....

Recently I judged a small quilt show in Golden, TX, at the Sweet Potato Festival. It started me thinking about why points don't always come out perfectly in our quilts.

One of the reasons is it is So Very Important to cut accurately. It's so easy to think "that's close enough". I've done it. I will shave a hair too much off a piece and think I will allow for it in the seam allowance and then, when it comes time to piece, I forget, or don't realize it is that piece that I should be careful of.

If you find you have done that, I recommend placing a pin in the edge of the piece you cut that is "off". That will help you remember, when you are ready to sew, that this is where you must allow for the error in cutting.

If you are trying to ease fabric in a short area (like a 2" length) you are probably going to find the fabric buckling or bulging on one side. It is too short a length to do much fudging. It is really better, in the long run, to simply cut another unit the correct size and replace the offender. Do it right away. Don't wait until your top is pieced and then try to change it out. It is just a mess to do later.

Bands or Bows?

Have you ever tried to sew "bands" of strips together? If so you have probably had to deal with the "rainbow" effect. That's when your band starts to curve. The reason? Your tension is probably not set correctly. If your tension is too tight (very common) it will create a slight pull in your seam, and over the 42" length your seam will start to curve. If you sew one strip together and notice this, adjust your tension.

Another reason for the curve may be that you are not pressing well. Press the seams to the darker fabric and "wiggle" the iron as you move along the seam. Hold the fabric straight to help keep it from bowing. Remember, press from the RIGHT side.

If your pattern calls for seams that are pressed open, press them first to one side. Check to be certain the two strips have no bow in them, then press the seam open from the BACK side. Don't forget to wiggle the iron as you press along the length of the seam.