Back to the Wizard of Oz. One of my favorite lines in all of movie history is Dorothy's declaration to Toto, " Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore." As previously mentioned, this tidbit has nothing to do with today's topic other than the fact that the post title is a takeoff on another line from the movie.
What does today's post have to do with? This:
Stay with me here.
This is a paint chip garland that I found on Pinterest. If you follow me on Pinterest or just browse my Inspirations board, then you'll see this image (I'd love to credit it to somebody, but it doesn't seem to link to the correct page).
Long, semi-interesting story short, this paint chip garland was the inspiration for this:
I made the quilt, then wrote the pattern, which I sell in my store.
Currently, I'm making a couple of blocks from this pattern for a special project/gift I'll feature here this coming Tuesday.
This prompted my scarecrow-like brain to start thinking about tips I could publish here for those who've purchased the pattern in the past as well as those who might in the future. I also wanted to offer a discounted price on the pattern, and give away a couple of copies. Amazing, all this happened and there's nothing but straw between my ears.
So, without further adieu, here are my top 4 tips for making your Pieces of 8 quilt a success:
1. Generous use of Spray Starch.
Because of the shape of the pieces sewn together to make this pattern, there are inevitably going to be some bias edges. Tame their stretchiness by spraying the fabric with starch either before or after cutting.
2. Fold the strips in half to identify mid-point and make piecing them easier and more accurate.
I even make a point of nesting the creases inside each other. This pattern really depends on accuracy, so every little bit helps.
3. Cut template A generously.
Run your rotary cutter along the edge of the template and beyond the flat, short end at the top, so that the triangle created has a point like this one:
4. Audition the placement of the background pieces before sewing, so you can make sure they face the right direction.
If you have made this pattern and have other helpful tips to share, please share them either via email or in the comments section.
And, if you'd like a chance to win one of the two free versions I'm giving away, just click your heels together and leave a comment.
Also, this weekend through the reveal of my special project on Tuesday, I've discounted the price of the pattern by 10%. The price has already been changed in my store, so no need for any discount code or wishing upon a star.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
34 comments:
i love that garland and your quilt is so pretty! thanks for the tips.
I would love to make this quilt. It looks easy and fun!
Boppiesgirl at gmail dot com
There's no place like home... I love it both -your quilt and the movie :)
Beautiful quilt!
There's no place like home (which is actually Kansas.... City, MO - but close enough!) what a beautiful block!
Love the blush/gray combo on the pattern page!!
thanks for the opp to win the pattern.
Love how bright and colorful it is.
Great tips, thank you for sharing and for the chance to win a copy of the pattern. I have the same paint chips image pinned - I have it linked back to http://www.twoheartstogether.com/2010/01/31/paint-chip-samples-swatches/ which I think may be the original source
Don't you just love Pinterest? I do! And thanks for all those helpful hints and the tute!
I love the connection between the inspiration and the pattern. It is a fun pattern, I keep imaging all of the ways the use of different fabrics will affect the way it looks. Beautiful!
I never remember to starch until I'm in trouble. Thanks for the reminder to start there! I love the colors.
Such a cute pattern! Thanks for the tips!
I love the pattern. Thanks for the tips. Have you tried Best Fresh starch? I just lve it because its non aerosol and has no smell. There are scented ones like lavender but they don't have that chemical smell. Thanks for the chance to win!
Love you colorful quilt....the bold colors really pop! Thanks for the tips.
I'm clicking my heels!
Thanks Malka!
Love the pattern...in fact, ALL your creations. Thanks for the tips... Heals clicked!
Beautiful. It makes me so happy that there are still a few of us that still nest our seams. Thanks for sharing.
Starch to the rescue! I love it!
click click - fingers crossed!! I use starch but have not seen that brand before!
We do find our inspiration just about anywhere. I love the back story to the quilt and love the quilt too!
Clicking a plenty over here...
stunning work and love the original inspiration...thanks for the tips.
Would love to try this pattern!
And thank you for the tips!
What a great looking quilt. Love all the color.
super fun patterns. I've not tried starch yet, but feel like I should.
I love your work!!!!! Hope---I win.....come on random picker!
I love the choice of colors
would love to win. thanks
Pinterest really does have some fantastic inspiration! Buried among the 12,000 mason jar craft projects...
The story of your inspiration was fascinating. We can find quilting inspiration everywhere!
This is wonderful. Love the color patterns.
I love your designs in fabric and pattern! Please add my name to the hopefuls.
Ivana
Thank you for the chance to win, I love your minies!!!
ivana.tvrdonova@post.cz
I saw your quilt hanging at remnants and it is so nice!
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