Location: south central Kentucky(finally out of all the snow)
Posts: 4,157
Mystery Quilt sew along step 6
Well ladies, this is our last week of block making before we start putting the top together. I hope everyone has stayed with me!!!! I know that this looks long and time consuming, but it's really not!
A little disclaimer: because I put this together so fast(and was doing all 3 sizes), you should have all that you need cut and you may just end up with a strip or 2 extra. I'm only human, so if you do happen to end up with a little extra cut, consider it scrap after this week is done.(hopefully none ended up shy, but if by chance it does, you should still have enough fabric to get what's needed)
First things first. Let's get the small stuff out of the way. What you need now:
We're going to make ONE square in a square unit, sewing 2 of the background triangles on the opposite sides of the secondary square. Press and repeat for the other 2 sides. Small-trim to 4 1/2" sq, medium-trim to 6 1/2" sq and large-trim to 8 1/2" sq. Set aside. You will have something that looks similar to this:
STEP 2
Next we're going to make another 4 sets of 4 patch blocks, this time using the primary and background strips. You will need:
SM- 1 each of primary and background strips @ 2 1/2"x21"
MD- 1 each of primary and background strips @ 3 1/2"x29"
LG- 1 each of primary and background strips @ 4 1/2"x37"
Sew strips together and press towards the dark. Cut into 8 units.
SM-cut at 2 1/2"
MD-cut at 3 1/2"
LG-cut at 4 1/2"
Sew and cut like in the pic on the left. Sew the cut units together so that you have 4 four patch squares that look similar to the pic on the right. Now, set these aside for later.
STEP 3
From your remaining background strip(s) cut 20 squares. You'll be using 1 1/2 to 3 strips, depending on size.
SM-2 1/2" strip, cut into 20--2 1/2" squares
MD-3 1/2" strip, cut into 20--3 1/2" squares
LG-4 1/2" strip, cut into 20--4 1/2" squares
Set these aside for now too!
Now for the little bit harder part.
Remember those squares I had you start last week? Well, go ahead and get them out. You are going to make the flying geese units this week, but don't worry. If you've followed along, you already have them most of the way done. Some know this technique, others may not.
After doing this kind of thing for years and trying all the different ways to do these, IMO, this method works the best and really doesn't take that long. To give you an idea of how quickly they can be made, I did 88 of them to go around the small quilt for the border. From marking the first line, all the steps in between, to squaring the last unit took a total of 3 hours.
There is a video below. This uses the QIAD ruler, BUT you don't need it to do these. You will be making units that measure(including seam allowance):
SM-2 1/2x4 1/2"
MD-3 1/2"x6 1/2"
LG-4 1/2"x8 1/2"
So, after all of that, you ended up with this:
Go ahead and cut them apart and press open.
Now we're going to start cutting them into geese. Here is the first step:
In the picture below, I have lined up the 45 angle with the block angle(pink arrow) and lined up the 1/4" mark with the tip of the the triangle(green arrow). Make your first cut.
Next, turn it around for you're next cut. The pic below is for the small unit and I have lined the 2 1/2" mark on the edge(green arrow) and the 45 angle with the block angle(pink arrow). Trim bottom. Now you're half way there!
The next two pictures(different view points) show how I line up the ruler to make my side cuts. Once again, the 45 angle with the angle of the block(pink arrow). Notice in the pics, that the right edge of the ruler lines up with the edge of the triangle point at the base and the 4 1/2" mark on the left(green arrow) lines up with the other point. You can also see that the block lines up with the horizontal lines of my ruler. These visual clues let me know my geese are flying straight. Once you are used to this method, it's hardly a passing glance while you're cutting. Really!
Go ahead and get these all trimmed up and when you're finished, you will have 20 geese units. A side note: sometimes you may find that 1or 2 sides need little, if any trimming. That is okay, as it all depends on how lined up the squares are at the beginning.
Now after a break( or three), let's start assembling the blocks.
Location: south central Kentucky(finally out of all the snow)
Posts: 4,157
Using the 4 four patch blocks and the one sq n sq, sew a geese unit onto two sides. You should end up with 5 total pieces similar to the pics below. Press these blocks the same way we did in week 4.
Using the remaining geese, sew a background square to each side, like in the picture below. You should have a total of 10 when done.
Now, sew the units you just made onto the previous ones. You will have a total of 4 blocks that look similar to the block on the left in the below picture and one like on the right.
Simple math-The geese units are always twice as wide as they are tall. Using a regular ruler and a touch of math, you can make any size geese you want. The formula is: the finished size+1 1/2"+1 1/2". Example: you want a unit that measures 5" wide. Add 1 1/2"+5"=6 1/2". That is the size of the square for your geese. Add 1 1/2" to that size for you sky square, 6 1/2"+1 1/2"=8". So, one 6 1/2" and 8" square will make 4 flying geese that are 2 1/2"x5"(finished size).
Now that you have these blocks finished, you have sewn all of the blocks that you need to complete the middle of this quilt. Go ahead and start playing with them, if you want! You know you do!
Unless Karen says otherwise, I thought that on Sunday, after 2pm EST, anyone can post ONE picture of what they think the layout is. The first person(if any) that matches the inspiration picture for this project will receive 3 yards of 90" wide muslin, enough for the backing of their quilt. Hopefully that will inspire everyone to get their blocks done!
On Monday morning, I'll start a new thread and post the inspiration photo and an alternate layout so that everyone can start putting their blocks together. I will hopefully have the 3 different sizes completed with borders, to give you inspiration for your borders. This will be the thread that everyone posts their results on.
Happy sewing everyone!!!!
Hope you all can muddle through this as I am going to be napping in a bit(another late night!)and will check back in later to see if anyone has questions.
Terri, you sneaky little dickens, you! I didn't see those stars coming at all. With the four patch and hourglass blocks, I was going in a completely different direction. I got held up on my sewing last week but should be able to catch up in the next couple of days. I'm really liking the way this is looking.
I print off the instructions, but had to come back and look as they not in color and I couldn't see where the pink arrow was - now back to the cutting board.
Location: south central Kentucky(finally out of all the snow)
Posts: 4,157
I'm glad you all like the new blocks!
I thought I should add instructions for those that may not have the 45 angle on their rulers. You can cut the geese without them(and honestly, this is how I do it the largest part of the time ).
First, line up the 1/4" mark with the tip of the geese(green arrow). Now use the marks on your ruler to eyeball for straightness on the edges(orange arrows) in the pic below. Make your first cut.
Next, turn your block and line up your ruler marks along the edge you just cut(orange arrows) the side lines are just another visual guide. In the pic below I lined up the 2 1/2" line for the small. Medium would be 3 1/2" and large, 4 1/2". Trim, if needed.
Turn the block again and line up the bottom with a line on your ruler and the right edge of the ruler with the side point of your geese. On the left, in the pic below, you can see that the left point lines up with my 4 1/2" mark(6 1'2" for md and 8 1/2" for lg). Trim edge, if needed.
Turn the block again, to trim your final side. In the pic below you can see how I lined up my ruler with the edges of the block. Trim to complete.
OMG THE VIDEO HELPED me so much!! I reread the instructions 3 times and still was : so now I get it!! I cant wait to tackle this set!!
I am fighting a chest cold (crept up this am!! I am wheezing, and Im easy to get broncitus/pnemonia) then Im on a weight loss "bet" with girls at work ( I WON THIS WEEK!! 6#) and then gonna start a zumba class tomrrow night, then Wed DD2 has to go to dentist for a filling.. FUN FILLED week!! lol
After ripping out a seam three times, I decided maybe I was being a bit too anal about matching up my points.
Reminded me of the time I made my boyfriend a shirt. First time dealing with cuffs and collars. While it wasn't perfect, I was rather proud of my work. Took it to my Grandma's house so she could put the button holes in for me.
She reset the cuffs and collar for me - gotta love Grandmas!
Macy - I like your colour scheme. Mine are done but I still need to trim them. Not sure I like this colour scheme but it will be spring-like and I'm sure someone at the nursing home will enjoy it. I did not like this way of doing flying geese -- too much tedious trimming. But it's always nice to learn new ways to do them. So many quilts call for them.
I am so totally lost! The above finished squares are easy blocks to make, but in no way can I grasp the concept of how you got there. I give, I'm done.
Heidi
Location: south central Kentucky(finally out of all the snow)
Posts: 4,157
The blocks are looking good!
Belfry, sorry you didn't like this method, but at least you only had to do 20. (and that's the way I feel whenever I have to trim 1/4 and 1/2 sq triangles)
Heidi, I'm sorry I lost you! Where am I losing you at and how can I help?
Belfry, sorry you didn't like this method, but at least you only had to do 20. (and that's the way I feel whenever I have to trim 1/4 and 1/2 sq triangles)
It wasn't a criticism but just a comment. Each to their own. I have an EZ Flying Geese ruler -- I rarely have to trim when I use it, and no wasted triangles like the traditional method. There is another method to make 4 at a time I sometimes use that only calls for one or two sides to be trimmed, but it would probably be more confusing to folks than this method.
Heidi - if it is the flying geese that have you goosed (sorry, couldn't resist ), watch the video Terri posted. It explains things nicely.
I always use this method to make my flying geese. (in fact, I had already cut them last week, knew what they were!) I can knock them out with no problem. Next time you use this method it will be easier. I usually have to trim my blocks anyway so the trimming doesn't bother me. Little hint that might help some of you, mark your 45 degree angle with a piece of painter's tape on your ruler. Peels off without leaving gunk and gives you a longer line to line up on your block.
I am so totally lost! The above finished squares are easy blocks to make, but in no way can I grasp the concept of how you got there. I give, I'm done.
Heidi
I'm with you. If I saw this block with no instructions I would just cut squares and triangles and sew them together!
Terri, my lack of understanding is not your fault. I think I'm a little more scattered brained and frazzeled then I originally thought I was with my recent life events. Normally when I dont understand something I keep plugging along until I do, not break down crying! Las night I was ready to toss my entire stash including half finished quilts. Maybe I'll be better in a few days or a few weeks.
Heidi
Hang in there Heidi! Even if you have to put away all your quilting stuffs for a few weeks and come back to it another time, you will be happy you have not thrown out all your stuff. Just remember why you got started sewing and quilting. I'd bet it was not for the aggravation that it can sometimes cause. Take a deep breath and remember to keep breathing. If you don't, you are going to turn into a smurf, and we wouldn't know what to call you because Smurfett is already taken.
I played with the blocks this morning and came up with a pleasing design -- actually I came up with two possibilities, but liked one more than the other. It surely didn't come out like any "named" design I've ever seen. I really like it in spite of it being square. Will play around with possible borders and a way to stretch it to a rectangle. I will probably use this design again. I think it would make a lovely wall quilt as well.
So on Sunday, do we post the pic of our arrangement on this thread or will you be starting another?
Pulled out my fabric and this week's instructions to finally work on it.
And . . . drumroll please. . . discover somewhere around week 4 I got my primary and secondary fabrics swapped.
Week 4 it doesn't seem to matter, because the block has them both equally. Week 5??? I totally have the wrong accent fabric. (duh, no wonder I thought I'd lost a piece of cut fabric from week 2 ) And week 6, well, I just sewed my originally intended primary accent fabric as the secondary accent in the first step for this week.
Terri, help!! In the grand scheme of things, is it going to be a super big deal if I have the accent fabrics swapped partway through all our sewing? (Can you tell I'm hoping to not have to rip out, cut more, and start over at week 5??)
Location: south central Kentucky(finally out of all the snow)
Posts: 4,157
Heidi, I totally understand "frazzled". It happens to all of us! I hate to see you stopped when you're sooooo close to the finish.
Belfry, I think it's a nice design too, in spite of it being square. That's one of the reasons I chose it. I will be posting a couple of ideas to stretch it to a rectangle. I'm doing it on the medium and large ones. The small one I think I'm going to leave square for a baby or wall quilt.
Kris, go ahead and post me a pic of each block you have done and I'll see how it will work. I'm sure we'll be able to work something out.(or at least try to anyway).
Here's the picture of the blocks, in order of the weeks we've sewed them. The bright swirlies are my focus, the black the background, the blue was supposed to be primary and the green secondary. That's how I sewed them on week 3, which is the top row.
Next row is week 4, and you can see it doesn't seem to matter whether green or blue is primary.
Next row is week 5, and my brain thought blue was secondary instead of green. . .
Bottom is the bit I did of week 6 before I realized the blue isn't supposed to be secondary. So I stopped. (well, I went to working on the flying geese since those are focus and background).
Is it salvageable as is? To my eye the green and blue are extremely similar--probably why I swapped them without realizing it--but then again I don't know what the final layout is going to look like.
Or should I undo week 5 and 6 and redo them to match week 3's color combos?
OK so NOT fair. I finally get a "day Off" work and im sick!! I had 102 fever last night and ended up at dr this am.. Severe Broncitus ( how do you get that with out a runny/stuffy nose??) woke up monday morning wheezing and since i get pnemonia easy, figured once i got a fever it was time for dr.... So now on strong antibiotics and inhaler... SO HOPE by saturday I will have energy again to sew!! ERRGG!!
Giraffe -- so sorry you are sick. What a bummer. Brandy is my "go to" remedy for what you have. Plenty of it in tea, coffee, hot lemon water, neat -- whatever and however. Just lots of it. It won't cure you, but you won't mind being sick quite as badly.
Kris -- I did that with the last mystery on the Quilting Board and the only way I can fix it is to over half the blocks over. I haven't done it yet, but will as I loved the reveal.
I'll be interested in seeing what Terri says, (and I'm not trying to usurp her), but I think you can leave the shaded four patch as is (third line above). It will add more interest to your quilt, but won't take away from the over-all design. Personally, I'd change out the last square in a square to a green center, but you should have enough fabric left to make another one. Then just proceed with the rest of the directions with your primary and secondary in the right place for the four patches. Just think -- you'll have a one of a kind quilt!
Location: south central Kentucky(finally out of all the snow)
Posts: 4,157
Belfry, I'm glad you know it won't take away from the overall design.
Kris, sorry it took a bit to get back to you, had one of the kids at the doctor. Anyway, if you leave the shaded 4 patch as is, it will change the overall design. It won't hurt it, just make it different and maybe not quite as cohesive. So, it's really up to you. Myself, since I hate, hate, hate frogging anything(rip-it rip-it ), I'd leave it. I'd also leave the sq n sq as that won't do much one way or the other to change the design.
Oh, and I forgot to answer a question. Yes, everyone can post one pic of what they think the design may be on Sunday afternoon, on this thread. Monday morning I'll make a new thread to show the design and for everyone to post their results.
Belfry, I'm glad you know it won't take away from the overall design.
OK, you are right -- I don't KNOW, but I have a pretty good idea. Your shaded 4 patch sort of gave the center of the design away. The "surround" is what I played around with for a couple of different looks. It will be interesting to see what you came up with.
And I'm glad you are going to give some ideas for enlongating the quilt. I thought perhaps an inserted row of flying geese top and bottom, but it will be great to see what you come up with.
Kris, sorry it took a bit to get back to you, had one of the kids at the doctor. Anyway, if you leave the shaded 4 patch as is, it will change the overall design. It won't hurt it, just make it different and maybe not quite as cohesive. So, it's really up to you. Myself, since I hate, hate, hate frogging anything(rip-it rip-it ), I'd leave it. I'd also leave the sq n sq as that won't do much one way or the other to change the design.
Well, bummer! I'm not fond of doing over, but, well, as a perfectionist by nature, I see it as a necessary evil. Okay, shall get my seam ripper out tomorrow.
grrr, this week is not liking me at all! Strong contrast from last few weeks where everything went so smoothly! I usually am one of the first to show off my quilt blocks because I am so stinking excited about this quilt. Monday/Tuesday I had to work on one of my construction sites for a 36 hour shift. What was left of Tuesday got slept away. Today I realized I could not even sit down without having a rib stab my lungs, so I headed to the chiropractor, and on my way there got a phone call that my grandmother was at the hospital freaking out because her boyfriend went in for a check up and was rushed into one of three surgeries for colon cancer. So I rescheduled for Friday and picked Grandma up. Tomorrow will be spent baby sitting grandma again .... I might be able to get some sewing done and get her mind off things, but it is unlikely. Friday will be Chiropractor and babysitting grandma again. So possibly Saturday I can get these blocks done and start my hypothesis about the finished pattern. Sometime this week, I need to find some V-day romance for my hubby .... anybody got a time machine I can borrow?? I'm short about 4 days worth of time this week lol.
23Likes
I hope everyone has stayed with me!!!! I know that this looks long and time consuming, but it's really not!
With the four patch and hourglass blocks, I was going in a completely different direction. I got held up on my sewing last week but should be able to catch up in the next couple of days. I'm really liking the way this is looking.
: so now I get it!! 
kind of moment.
) And week 6, well, I just sewed my originally intended primary accent fabric as the secondary accent in the first step for this week.
