Saturday, October 11, 2014

The Dark and the Bright

More progress on my dark October crazy quilt block for Angela's RSC. It'll be interesting to see what it turns into at the end of the month!
It's a fun way to learn some freehand embroidery stitches, but I don't think it'll make it into my orphan block quilt.
Speaking of, I got the top row added and today I'm working on the first side panel! 

Two questions for those of you with more experience. When using your rotory cutter with a long ruler, how do you keep the ruler from slipping? I'm ok if the cut is less than my hand span (~8"), but longer than that is harder to control. Second, when I'm sewing smaller pieces together my seams tend to trail off at the end because there's not enough fabric to guide it.  Any hints to keep the seam an even 1/4"?
Sharing my inspirations at RSC at soscrappy and Happy Scrappy Orphan Block Quilt


10 comments:

  1. Try moving your hand along the ruler as you cut. Sort of inch it up. You can also look for sandpaper dots at the quilt store. They are applied to the back of the ruler and help it to grip the fabric. Hope that helps.

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  2. I usually fold the fabric so that the cut is shorter. I like using the 6 by 12 ruler and don't usually cut any edges longer. As for the sewing, a stiletto or a seam ripper helps keep the bottom edge from creeping out of line. Your quilt is so bright and happy! I really like the broken dishes block.

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    1. I've tried folding, but end up with V's. A seam ripper makes perfect sense, like a push stick when using a table saw to cut wood! Thanks.

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  3. Love both of your quilting projects - fun to see different ideas!
    As for rotary cutting - sliding your hand carefully along the ruler is good, as are dots of some type on the back of the ruler to prevent slipping. Some rulers are already made with non-slip texture on the back. I also use flexible clear tape (from the bandage section of the drugstore) to help the rulers be non-slip. Check out Bonnie Hunter's advice on leaders and enders for helping to keep those end of seam pieces straight.

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    1. Thank you. I already have some of that tape so I'll try that first. I'll have to re read Bonnie's post on the leaders and enders, I already use them to keep my machine from eating my fabric. Thanks!

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  4. My long ruler also slips so I stopped attempting to make long sweeping cuts with my rotary cutter. I'll fold my fabric so the cut is shorter. When trimming my quilt before binding, I'll make short cuts and move my ruler often.

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    1. Slow and steady wins the race! Sounds like maybe I need to take my time and make smaller cuts. Thanks!

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  5. By the way, love your scrap quilt : )

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