White & Scrappy Calico - Return squishies happening. - Page 4

**Karen** · #91 04/30/12, 10:47 PM

I have one block done but it's been a challenge! First my iron starts putting these black marks on the fabric. I have no idea where it came from; but I wasted a few sections with that problem.

Then it's a paper piecing pattern and it's been so many years since I've done one, I keep making mistakes. Either I put the fabric piece on the wrong place for the seam, put the fabric on the wrong side up or down, or cut it too small. So I got mad and started cutting big pieces -- so then I'm wasting fabric like it's free. I'm the world's biggest idiot on this paper piecing stuff!

Then, I get all done and find out when they said a 12" sq. block, they meant literally a 12" sq. block! So then it's back to the machine to sew on a border.

Then I have some how misplaced my 12.5" square ruler. How does someone lose a big ruler when all my sewing stuff is so well organized? I guess I'm so well organized that I put it in here some where safe and now forgot where I put it. The thing is, it's only 1 room. How many places could it go? But for that matter, where ever it went, it also took along my 14.5", 14, 10.5, 10" square and a bunch of smaller ones. It's driving me crazy where it could be.

So I'm ready to be committed -- all because I made a quilt block. Just your usual day around here! LOL!

It is a pretty block, but I think I've used up 1/2 of the material I started with on 1 stinkin' block. So now I have to order more fabric.

**AngieM2** · #92 04/30/12, 11:05 PM

I like paper piecing as it's sorta like paint by numbers. But I have to write the colors on each section of the paper before using it, so I get them all correct. And it does really eat up fabric.

cc · #93 05/01/12, 11:00 AM

Karen, they are all standing up together between 2 cabinets or behind one and they are laughing at you everytime you walk by.

Mine hid from me once for 2 weeks between 2 file cabinets!

RedHeadedTricia · #94 05/01/12, 11:42 AM

Good Afternoon everyone.... how y'all doing?
Looks like we are in the starting stages from what I can see so far. I hoped to have a few together myself only to get slightly side tracked with a test pattern that needed to done asap. Today it is a bit chilly & gray so looks like I might be able to start on more block cutting.

CC is do hope that you get a "caretakers" break even if its for an hour. I have been there myself When My Eddie had the Brain Cancer and I didn't find out about having a volunteer from Hospice come in for a couple hours until 3 weeks before he passed. Just know that my thoughts & prayers are with you in this difficult time. (((((HUGS))))

Karen... those rulers are tricky..... I just spent a week recently looking for mine when I had to square up my most recent forum block. I had to straight out/clear off the dining room table and somehow it got in the shelf with my books where it never goes...... found it when I pulled down a book...it beamed me in the forehead with a point. Come to find out it got burrowed & put there when someone was done with it. I find papaer piecing to be scary....not brave enough to try any time soon either. LOL.

Patches... good job on the Twister.... I made one recently &i'm not sure if I would make another one.

I hope everyone stays healthy, don't push yourselves too hard with the yard work and has a rainy day or two coming so that you can play with your sewing machines. I think I'm going to make a pot of soup for dinner tonight. Hope to hear from everyone soon.

Toodles,
RHT

**Karen** · #95 05/01/12, 08:21 PM

Oh my gosh, cc, you're a life saver! When you posted about it being between 2 cabinets it suddenly hit me -- I DID put them between 2 cabinets because my cabinets weren't deep enough for them. Sure enough, there they were all stacked nice and neat.

Still haven't decided if I'm just going to stick with this pattern or switch to something less time and fabric consuming.

So the bad news is I didn't do any sewing today. The good news is I found my square rulers so they will be squared when ya'll get them.

BTW cc, also been there and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know how rough it is being a caregiver, even though you want to be there for them. It sure can consume every inch of your being, both physically and mentally. Hang in there and know you're doing the right thing even on days you just wish you just had 2 minutes to yourself. God will bless your faithfulness. <hugs>

RHT, paper piecing really isn't that hard at all and comes out so beautiful when done. For some reason I just can't get the hang of working on 2 sides at once and my fabric not being set where "I" think it should set. Getting the hang better of the sides, but that darn fabric placement is driving me crazy. I spend so much time being sure I have it in the right place, go and sew it (everything excellent so far), flip the blasted fabric over and find it doesn't cover the area! Rip it out, reset the fabric -- absolutely sure this time -- sew it up -- flip it over-- I'm still off by a hair! Grrrrrrrr!

rivenoak · #96 05/02/12, 11:39 AM

So far, I've just been staring at my fabric. I'm a procrastinator, so it'll take me a while to get up & sewing.

Have been puttering around the house, doing this and that. I still have a lot more to do. Homeownership is the pits sometimes!

New beagle arrived Monday night. She's a littermate of the one we have, but they haven't seen each other in about 18 months. He's a little heartbroken, as she is not too interested in wrestling with him & apparently prefers my DH to all others.

Belfrybat · #97 05/02/12, 12:50 PM

Oh, it's so good to hear that other folks are either having a hard time starting, not sure what they are going to do, or losing things. I've misplaced the shiny new box of big-headed pins I purchased a couple of weeks ago. So am using the old ones. They work, but I had planned on using the new ones.

Also decided I didn't like the pattern I picked once I made up a block. Too much bold. I ended up messing it up anyway as when I squared it up with my brand new 12.5" square ruler, I forgot that the seam allowance is all along two sides, so by centering the center square on the ruler, I cut too much off the two sides and the block ended up being off-kilter. Just like its creator! I'm really not that dumb--it's just been way to long since I pieced blocks. So am now looking at another pattern that is a bit more involved, but I think will work with the fabric I have along with a couple of pieces I'm fixing to buy that I hope will tone down the bold/ brightness.

That's all I need -- more fabric to ruin!

Debbie in Wa · #98 05/02/12, 03:21 PM

Just checking in,
for the last couple of days the weather has been really crummy so guess what I did. Yup, sewed on my blocks. I sat down and figured a way to speed sew them and got them cut out and started. This morning I did the last touches of the blocks and spray starched them. Now they are nice and crisp. Yes my blocks are done and that's good cause I have so much other Christmas gifts that I need to get started on. I am almost done with SIL basket and am now working on the In laws. There theme is going to be Santa's all done in redwork. I have the pattern picked out for the pillow and have that ready to go.

giraffe_baby · #99 05/03/12, 07:18 AM

Ok fabric washed..have to go buy one more pc fabric and then start cutting!

prairiegirl · #**100** 05/04/12, 05:05 PM

Checking in........
I have the fabric washed and ironed. I just can't decide on the block.
We've had plenty of rain and dreary days this week, but I didn't get to spend any indoor time in the sewing room. Well, that's not exactly true. I did mend a pair of shorts for my grandson. I'd much rather be sewing quilt blocks together than mending, but we gotta do what needs to be done.
Maybe in the morning I'll get some sewing time - I'll make a wish for that! It's our 33rd anniversary for our very first date. We get to make wishes on that occasion don't we? Many, many wishes.

~Happy sewing~

prairiegirl

**Karen** · #**101** 05/06/12, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belfrybat

I ended up messing it up anyway as when I squared it up with my brand new 12.5" square ruler, I forgot that the seam allowance is all along two sides, so by centering the center square on the ruler, I cut too much off the two sides and the block ended up being off-kilter.

Maybe I'm either not reading this right or misunderstanding so ignor me if I am. But the seam allowance is on all 4 sides - not just 2. Therefore, a 12.5" ruler should go in the center of the block so you have 1/4" seam allowance on all 4 sides.

When put together, you will be using up that 1/4" allowance on all sides when you join the sides, tops and bottoms of all the blocks; and then where you sew on the binding will take up the final 1/4" allowance from all the outside blocks.

Belfrybat · #**102** 05/06/12, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karen

Maybe I'm either not reading this right or misunderstanding so ignor me if I am. But the seam allowance is on all 4 sides - not just 2. Therefore, a 12.5" ruler should go in the center of the block so you have 1/4" seam allowance on all 4 sides.

When put together, you will be using up that 1/4" allowance on all sides when you join the sides, tops and bottoms of all the blocks; and then where you sew on the binding will take up the final 1/4" allowance from all the outside blocks.

I was as clear as mud, wasn't I? The ruler I have has a 1/2" seam allowance border around two adjacent sides instead of 1/4" around all sides. So when I laid the ruler over the square, I placed the 6" mark over the middle of the center patch, thus knocking the whole thing off by 1/2". I have now marked the true center of the square ruler with indelible marker, so I won't make that mistake again. But I will make others -- guaranteed.

To show what I mean, I couldn't scan the 12.5" since it was so large, so here's the 6.5" -- if you place the center of the ruler portion over a square, it will be off by 1/2". Of course,I should have known that.

**Karen** · #**103** 05/07/12, 09:24 AM

Ohh, I understand now!

maxine · #**104** 05/07/12, 11:03 AM

Wow Belfrybat!! I've never seen a ruler configured like that!! no wonder you had trouble..!! Kudos on figuring out how to use it..

I've not done any more block sewing..I did show them off to a friend and she liked them..so that made me feel good!! I'll sew some more tonight while I'm watching "Dancing with the Stars..

) We've been having lovely sunhshine, so I've been out in the garden all day..first day I got sunburned, so now I have sense enough to put on sun block.. Keep well all!

**Karen** · #**105** 05/08/12, 02:43 AM

I can't get that strange ruler off my mind. What is the object of the colored 1/2" (or how ever much it is) around the 2 sides? I keep feeling like this is one of those brilliant, why-didn't-I-think-of-that, ideas that I'm missing out on.

While I'm here, I'll give a quick update on my progress. There is none! I'm stuck in a rut for some reason. I'll snap out of it though.

**Karen** · #**106** 05/08/12, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debbie in Wa

Yes my blocks are done

BTW Debbie, I dislike you. I'm sooooooo jealous that you're done already!!! Just kidding..LOL!

So happy for you that you're able to move on to your other projects. You're awesome!

Patches · #**107** 05/08/12, 07:58 AM

I have 14 blocks about half way finished. Does that make sense? They are laying up by me sewing machine waiting for me to come back

. Maybe later today. I have to bind a new twister quilt first. I quilted it yesterday as it has been cool and rainy here. Supposed to be that way all week. I put a pot of beans on the cook this morning. Need to go pull some weeds in the garden, but not yet!! I just have too many 'things' waiting in the shadows that I NEED to do, you know!!??

**AngieM2** · #**108** 05/08/12, 09:17 AM

And I'm not even started. I must get in gear. Just not sewing right now.

Belfrybat · #**109** 05/08/12, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karen

I can't get that strange ruler off my mind. What is the object of the colored 1/2" (or how ever much it is) around the 2 sides? I keep feeling like this is one of those brilliant, why-didn't-I-think-of-that, ideas that I'm missing out on.

While I'm here, I'll give a quick update on my progress. There is none! I'm stuck in a rut for some reason. I'll snap out of it though.

You mean all quilter square rulers are not that way? The entire square is 12.5", so is perfect for trimming up blocks to the right size. I think (not sure) that the reason the "seam allowance" is shown only on two sides is so the other two can be used for measuring right from the edge. I don't really know, and am off to a few quilters' site to see how other rulers are configured. I got this one at the fabric shop in the next town that caters to quilters, so didn't realise this was different than other square rulers. The last time I did any quilting (many years ago), I used a carpenter's square to measure/ square up the block. Probably should have stuck to that method!

I'm on my third pattern for blocks, and I've decided this one will be a keeper. The first two looked great on paper, but I didn't like the colour and shape combination when I sewed them. The nice thing about all this experimenting is I'll have extra blocks made up to add to those I'll be getting from the swap so I can make a full-sized quilt.

Anyone have any tips for sewing with a brand new kitten who can wiggle under every closed door in the house? Makes life *really* interesting these days. She currently walking over the keyboard, hence much editing going on just to get this post done.

giraffe_baby · #**110** 05/08/12, 06:15 PM

Angie dont feel bad, I havent sewn either!! Ive washed... but thats it ( pattern picked) but with last days of school/work winding down Im trying to get thru that!! Plus I just got picked to add a few more hours to my shift next year

( that means I can work ONE job instead of 2 at the school!! < saving gas and time!!!)

RedHeadedTricia · #**111** 05/09/12, 10:49 AM

WOW Debbie........ you are fast!!! Kudos on finishing your blocks.
I thought I was doing okay with my self inposed schedule right up to the point were I had my left smashed in the Van door by a high winds. It took 3 of 4 fingers.... and turned my fingertips lots of interesting colors ... I knew the nails could turn colors.... but even section where your fingerprints is is 3 times the normal size and Black & Blue!! Nothing was broken thank goodness and it doesn't appear that I will lose any of the nails either. But doing normal things (like typing) sure is a challenge, much less trying to do sewing/cutting things. I hope to be back on schedule my the weekend.

Hope everyone is doing better than me at this point.
RHT

Debbie in Wa · #**112** 05/09/12, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHeadedTricia

WOW Debbie........ you are fast!!! Kudos on finishing your blocks.
I thought I was doing okay with my self inposed schedule right up to the point were I had my left smashed in the Van door by a high winds. It took 3 of 4 fingers.... and turned my fingertips lots of interesting colors ... I knew the nails could turn colors.... but even section where your fingerprints is is 3 times the normal size and Black & Blue!! Nothing was broken thank goodness and it doesn't appear that I will lose any of the nails either. But doing normal things (like typing) sure is a challenge, much less trying to do sewing/cutting things. I hope to be back on schedule my the weekend.

Hope everyone is doing better than me at this point.
RHT

OUCH, that has got to hurt. I think I would be babying those fingers for awhile.

**AngieM2** · #**113** 05/09/12, 11:40 PM

Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one not really started.

RHTricia - if there is any extra time or anything Karen and I can do to help - let us know.

Maybe this weekend I'll get my sewing in gear.

prairiegirl · #**114** 05/10/12, 03:00 PM

RHT - ouch! My sister recently smashed a finger and lost the nail. It's been two weeks and she's just getting use of it. Of course, it always seems that we bang that particular sore spot and that doesn't help. Sending thoughts for quick healing.

I'm one of the "not really started" club. I have the fabric and the pattern it's just finding the time to get back into the sewing room to get started. I thought I was doing good, but then things got crazy and I haven't been back to the swap.

prairiegirl

Ravenlost · #**115** 05/10/12, 06:30 PM

Washing fabrics today. Not going to start cutting and sewing until after the 2nd. I've got company coming the 24th and I have got to get the house clean. Also have my nephew's high school graduation on the 26th and my niece's wedding on the 2nd so I'm not going to be home much until after the first of June.

It's a busy time of year!

**Karen** · #**116** 05/10/12, 07:16 PM

RHT, so sorry about your injury! Just the thought of it makes me hurt. Like Angie said, let us know what we can do to help.

Billie in MO · #**117** 05/10/12, 10:48 PM

No progress for me either. This is the first time in 5 days that I have had time to get on here. And now I seem to have log in issues! But, of course, that could be my computer doing its own thing.

After next week, everything should be calming down and I can begin. Won't even begin to tell everything that has gone on this week, I'd be exhausted writing it. Next week, I just have Little House on the Prairie day at school, Bill's overnight stay in the hospital (nothing serious) and my Living History luncheon and softball practice for the grandkids on 2 nights. An easy week compared to this last one!!!

Hope you hand feels better, RHT. I've been there and remember the pain!

**AngieM2** · #**118** 05/13/12, 10:58 PM

Well, I was out buying a couple of new seam rippers for a formal alteration I'm doing - and 3 pieces of fabric jumped in the car with me on the way home. Fortunately they were 40% off.
I was in Joann's. I need to wash them as they are what I think I'll be making some block's out of. Now to decide on a block.

cc · #**119** 05/14/12, 09:48 AM

Girls, just wanted to give everyone a quick update, I took the weekend off and went to visit my brother that I hadn't seen since December 21, 1991, the day of our mother's funeral. Maybe it was a good thing that it was Mother's Day weekend, lots of tears shed and a chance to unwind and have a "caregiver's respite". DH's daughter stayed with him and they seemed to have a pretty good time. She is knowledgeable about Alzheimer's so I didn't have to worry and could just relax. I am ready to get going on my blocks now, got the pattern picked out and have the fabric all washed!

Billie in MO · #**120** 05/14/12, 07:56 PM

RHT, you are a jinx!!! Guess what I did today??? Smashed my left hand in the door. Fingers/nails are turning all different shades of colors and my nail has a good size dent in it!

Tomorrow will be fun at school with it being "Little House on the Prairie Day" and I'm helping churn butter and making ice cream with one hand!!