Saturday 2 August 2014

This way or that?

I have finished block #23 for my CCCQ. I really like the effect from the striped fabric but which way should it go? This way...

Chester County Criswell Quilt Block 23

...or that?

Chester County Criswell Quilt Block 23

I think I like the stripes going horizontally, what do you think?
I really like this design and I agree with Sharon that the inner motifs look like the batman symbol.

Chester County Criswell Quilt Block 23

Talk of things going this way or that, I discovered (with some help from Maureen who emailed me) that Block #23 for AWS had an error. Yes just when I thought I had finally conquered that dreaded block there was an error in the way one section of the HSTs was going! Could I live with it?


Noooooooo!!!!
In pieces - again :(
but now everything is going the right way.

Antique Wedding Sampler Revisited

Back to the sewing machine.

Antique Wedding Sampler Revisited

 I couldn't believe this, after the problems I'd had with the measurements I was following the diagram in the book very carefully. Turns out the diagram was wrong so I had to follow the photograph of the block.
Finally sorted...

Antique Wedding Sampler (re-visited) Block #23

If you ever make this block it's the middle set of HSTs that I had to fix.
After this I steeled myself to make Block #11. This had even more HSTs and crazy measurements - 1 5/16" - Yikes!
I decided to be very methodical, meticulously counting how many HSTs and the different colour combinations I needed, using the photo of the block in the book.

Antique Wedding Sampler Revisited

Judy and I worked out last week that it would be easiest to use a slightly larger Thangle (2") then trim down to the required  1 13/16"  (allowing for the seam allowance). I don't have a ruler with 1/16's so I marked off in purple between the eighths.


This proved handy as I trimmed off the dog ear at the same time.


Checking and re-checking, laying out two sets at a time.


Machine piecing and returning to the layout so those pesky HSTs remembered their place.


Pinning to a background as each square came together.


I love the diagonal swathe formed by the placement of light and dark fabric. I just need to add the stars - wish me luck!
That pesky block #23 is watching and tried to mock me all afternoon...

Antique Wedding Sampler Revisited

...which just made me more determined to get it right. 

Phew, I recently read somewhere that quilting helps prevent Alzheimers - my brain has certainly had a workout today as I am both mathematically and spatially challenged ;)

Cheers
Carole 

12 comments:

  1. For the first block I agree with you, I prefer the horizontal way. For the rest, as usual I admire your efficiency and your accuracy. Your blocks are just marvelous!

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  2. Good Morning Carole! I say go with whichever way you prefer for your striped block. If there were two in the quilt I'd say go with both ways! Love your new blocks...aren't you glad your blog reader caught that mistake! Perhaps it was planned that way, but at least you had the choice to fix before it was quilted in! Have a great weekend!

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  3. Oh those AWS blocks! I'm trying to learn from your experiences for whenever I get back to working on mine. Your piecing and fabric choices are wonderful so keep it up!

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  4. After quilting the queen sized, on point and sashed disappearing 9 patch for my daughter, I laid it out to admire and spotted one block had been sewn on incorrectly. I just put the binding on and figured the bride and groom would never notice it. I am enjoying watching your progress in this project.

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  5. Your blocks are beautiful! I know what you mean about getting the blocks right when there is an error in the instructions. I had that happen the other day. I just love everything you are working on! XO

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  6. blocks are beautiful, my quilting has gone so wrong latley that i don't even want to quilt

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  7. Beautiful sewing. Those tiny pieces do look challenging, but worthwhile. I like the vertical stripes a smidgen more, but either would look good.......can you use them both?

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  8. Whew I'm exhausted just reading about it.....beautiful work. Horizontal I think but both look great :)

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  9. I agree with the horizontal placement of your CCCQ block. 1 13/16” sure are some small HST’s very challenging but great blocks.

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  10. I'm with you on the horizontal placement - beautiful. And your applique is so perfect - not a stitch to be seen on that closeup! I had to look very closely to pick the AWS error - how frustrating for you. And once noticed, of course, it has to be fixed! I'm sure this next block will be just perfect.

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  11. Your work is exquisite. Love the turkey red.

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  12. The stripe fabric looks very good used in your Chester block. You did a good job of centering the design.

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