Flash binding . . . binding done in a flash.

Good buddy L.M. and I recently discussed machine binding for speed and durability.  The binding was placed on the back, sewn down, pressed flat, folded over, and pressed again to cover the sewn line.   Then following Wanda's idea, I used a small zig-zag stitch to get this quilt finished in a flash.

The label will go on once the baby is born (any day now) so name, date, and birth weight can be added.

The pinwheel blocks measured 6-1/4" when trimmed.  The blue sashing was cut at 2-1/2" and the border at 3".  I also used up 4 left over pieces of batting, layered.

And just to add some cuteness to your day . . . sweet Dolly enjoying a porch nap.  

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . 

First the good news.

We're supposed to reach 60 today.

And . . . after 2 years of indecision, background fabric was selected and the first basket block baggie is being assembled.

Now the bad news . . .

I'm running low on Thimbleberrries Quilt Club Collection 2003, sku# 4504 in Green.

If anyone has one yard to trade or sell, kindly let me know.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Another baggie busted for QOV

Farmer's daughter is one name for this block, shown frequently in books by Connie and Mary at Country Threads.

It's a great pattern for new quilters who wish to expand their repertoire.  

If you'd like me to do a post/tutorial on cutting and assembly, just let me know. 

Here's Dolly doing her imitation of a one-eyed pirate . . . Arghh mattie, where's me chow?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . 

"The Perils of Pauline"

 With no Dudley Do-Right in sight.

The story begins when all the snow melted into the soil.

Our innocent heroine (exit stage left) climbs into her vehicle for a trek to the fabric shop in search of backing fabric.  After all, they are having a SALE on EVERYTHING at $4.00 a yard for goodness sake.

 "For Goodness Sake" yells Pauline.  "I'm stuck."

 Thinking fast, Pauline loads Dolly into the truck for extra ballast.

But nothing works.  Not wood pellets under the tires, hay, or boards.  And who knows where the kitty litter is hiding.

So what does our heroine do . . ..

She sews.

And sews

Knowing soon the mud will dry up.  By that time, every finished quilt top will have exact measurements for backing fabric.

But wait, don't touch that dial!  We'll be back with more finished quilts for the Etsy Shop.  

So until next time, keep stitchin' . . . 

Directions for Block B of American Chain and yes, more snow pictures.

I've discovered that unlike Dolly, birds will not stay still for photos.  The fact that I got 2 birds with one shot is pretty amazing.

 I went out early and spent 45 minutes taking pictures using 2 different lenses.  Sadly, somehow I lost about 75 shots.  

 Everything is melted off the trees now.

And even the roads are cleared.  It was pretty while it lasted.

Now on to block B of American Chain, or you could call it a scrappy Irish Chain.

I've been making this pattern since 1989 and have always had trouble with Block B.  The problem comes from using a wide variety of 2" squares in Block A.  Some were cut from starched fabric, most were not.  A lot of the squares are frayed.  Since they were cut at different times, different locations, different cutting tables, and under different lighting conditions, you could say they measure . . . . differently.

I cannot starch them after assembly, they shrink too much.

However, I have come up with a solution.  It's only taken 24 years to figure this out, proving once again that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

To begin, use a square ruler that has increments of 1/8th.

Measure the 3 center rows from side to side, include the seams.

That is the width of the center unit of Block B.

Measure the length of the 3 center rows and that is the length of Block B piece, PLUS, add 1/2"

My measurement came out as 5-1/8" x 8-1/2".

To create the side pieces of Block B, I first measured the length of the center 3 squares on Block A.  Including seam allowance.

My measurement came out to 5" long.

Here are the pieces for Block B.  Center section measures 5-1/8" wide and 8-1/2" long.

The side pieces are cut 5" long, but 2-1/2" wide.  That's 1/2" wider than the original squares in Block A.

I'm also using 2-1/2" squares as the cornerstones. 

By finger pressing in half, I was able to pin together and sew after aligning on the center line.

After pressing, Block B was trimmed down to the exact size of Block A, which is 8".  To trim evenly, the ruler must be set at the center point horizontally and vertically of the block.  Not along the sides.

In this case, I put a small pencil mark at the top center and side center.  The rulers' 4" mark was aligned on those pencil marks.  I recommend making a test block before cutting all of your fabric.

Of course the tan/light fabric was starched well before cutting for Block B.  This helps stabilize Block A even more.

Soon I'll show you the assembled quilt.  Today I'm working on the borders.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .