Instructions

Sometimes it's important to pay close attention to instructions.

You might well ask what these are, that is if you are remotely interested.......

The intention was to make a sample HST (half square triangle) to test the size......starting with 6" squares, (fortunately from scrap fabric) cross-cut to make 4 HSTs......can you see the problem? Off I went blithely sewing across both diagonals but missed a step - and ended up with these?????

Then we (the Monday Girls and I) realised that what I actually wanted to make were QSTs (quarter-square triangles) because I wanted to make blocks I have seen variously called 'hourglass' or 'windmills' (amongst a myriad of other names.)

After we picked ourselves up off the floor from laughing we determined that the size would be fine so the said 6" squares were duly cut and paired up. (And the instructions are now cemented in my brain - for now, anyway...)

At least I had some success on the day. The potholders are coming along nicely - very pleased with the improvised inserts - just need to decide on the binding.

Let's see what the day brings,
Sue xxxx

On My Design Wall

I recently made a bunch of half square triangles with the idea of making one or two small cushions to go with my large needlepoint cushion under construction. (Actually it's been 'under construction' since about 1979 when I was living in Greece and saw this design - or something like it - on a tiled wall. I loved it then and still think it's striking.

The needlepoint has been packed away - coming out for an airing from time to time - mainly because I didn't know what to do with it.)

I've quilted some cosy flannel for the back but need to think about the construction more carefully and shop for some chunky cording or make some piping to both cover the seams and add a more professional finish. (Any thoughts or suggestions on how to continue would be most welcome, especially from anyone with expertise in this area, like my sister........hint - I don't think I can pack it away for another thirty years.)

I was inspired to jump in and make a batch after browsing a couple of blogs that I check regularly. Both Jeni (@In Color Order) and Katie (@Sew Katie Did) offer tutorials on how to make them and share the inviting possibilities for layouts that they're experimenting with or quilts they've already made.

Katie is also co-author of this book - which you might have seen around. If not, may I suggest you take a look...

And Jeni has her first range of fabric designs released through 'Art Gallery Fabrics' and her blog offers some great little tutorials and tips on choosing fabrics for projects and fabric storage. (Especially good for anyone new to quilting.)

A couple of ideas I'm tossing around include.........

More play required on this one.

Sue