We're starting to Sew, yippee!!!
That's right we're properly off and sewing now, well done for making it through the cutting out. Keep organised and take things slowly is my main bit of advice, also read the pattern carefully.
That's right we're properly off and sewing now, well done for making it through the cutting out. Keep organised and take things slowly is my main bit of advice, also read the pattern carefully.
Team Matrix
If you're going me in the Matrix quilt then we are strip making this week. Simply put this involves sewing three long strips together horizontally and then cutting into smaller slices, vertically. It's a really simple and easy way of making up our nine blocks that means we don't need to sew all nine squares together, that would take forever!
Team Grid
if you're team grid then you actually start to sew full blocks this week. Take your time you have four weeks of block making so you only need to do nine a week. Being organised is definitely your friend, I know Lisa has taken a very organised approach to making her blocks, getting all of the pieces laid out before starting.
If you're going me in the Matrix quilt then we are strip making this week. Simply put this involves sewing three long strips together horizontally and then cutting into smaller slices, vertically. It's a really simple and easy way of making up our nine blocks that means we don't need to sew all nine squares together, that would take forever!
Team Grid
if you're team grid then you actually start to sew full blocks this week. Take your time you have four weeks of block making so you only need to do nine a week. Being organised is definitely your friend, I know Lisa has taken a very organised approach to making her blocks, getting all of the pieces laid out before starting.
Team Grid - Being organised
It really helps to lay out all of the pieces for each block. The block is put together as a cabin block, so once all of the pieces are laid out you can just keep going around and grabbing the next piece as needed. Team Grid - ¼" seam As there are quite a few small pieces that make up the block your ¼" seam is really important to get right. If you are a little extra on each seam you will find that the outer pieces are too long to fit properly. Likewise if you get to the outer round of sewing and the pieces seem too short then your ¼" seam is a little too scant. Team Matrix - ¼" seam A good ¼" seam is important for everyone but for Team Matrix you will get away with a less perfect ¼" seam. Just make sure your seam is consistent and very close to ¼" and all will be right. If you do want to use this as an exercise in precision then do follow the tips below, it will definitely be useful at some point. Testing your ¼" seam It's worth getting it right before you start. Cut yourself two (x2) 2 ¼" wide x 3" tall pieces of fabric from your scrap pile. Sew them together along the long edge and then gently press the seams open. The piece should now measure exactly 4" wide x 3" tall. If its larger your seam is too narrow, if it's smaller you seam is too wide. If your machine allows it you can move your needle over a little, or if not use a seam guide to mark where to place the fabric (I do both). Some machines come with these or you can purchase magnetic ones that attach to the side. If none of those are a good solution for you then a good piece of wash tape marking where to line up your fabric is a great solution. Agghhhhh what if it still seems a little out? Here's the secret if you are making the Grid pattern and your blocks have a little extra or are a little short on the outer edge, just trim them all to the same size. My baby size Going Live quilt with the same blocks as the grid quilt were all trimmed to 9 ¼" before sewing together. Nobody has noticed and nobody has come around to measure the blocks. If utter perfection and fiddling about is not for you, then just enjoy the sewing and rely on trimming. Team Matrix - Strip Cutting/ Slicing Once your long strips are sewn together then it's time to slice them up into vertical 3½" slices. You can use any width ruler as long as it is wider than 3½" and taller than 9½". Start by trimming a nice straight line at the edge and then use the markings on the ruler to cut at 3½". The pattern will tell you how many from each long strip you need. You'll have a little extra fabric, pop it away for either the binding or a whoopsie replacement. |
Remember to post your photos using the #RainbowremixSAL and tag me @paulasteel.quilts and Lisa @modernquiltclub so we can share in your achievements and spread the encouragement.
Good luck with all of the cutting, I know for me it's the most patience testing part :) And check back next week for week 3!
Good luck with all of the cutting, I know for me it's the most patience testing part :) And check back next week for week 3!