Monday, April 8, 2013

Guess what? I SEWED!

Yes people, I actually switched on the sewing machine this week!  I have done very very little in recent weeks, with spring break and nicer weather and some work days here and there, but this week I sat down and put together these two blocks for the Joy circle of do.Good Stitches.


Rebecca asked that we each make 2 Interlocking Seasons blocks, using pink, purple, and peach. These are intricate blocks, and I'll be honest that it was quite a challenge, but in the end I am quite thrilled that I figured it out and I love the result.

This block is made in 4 sections, but see that little white square in the centre?  That little square is added at the end and is not part of any of the 4 sections, and this tiny little square is what caused me problems.  It took a bit of trial an error, but in the end here is what worked for me:  instead of pressing seams to the side as suggested in the pattern, I pressed all seams open.  I don't know if this matters really, as usual it is a matter of personal preference and how you feel you can achieve the most accurate results, BUT I did find that the only way I could easily accomplish the last bit was to press the seams open for the final steps (if you're looking at the pattern, this is steps 1-4 of the "Combine the 4 panels....." part).  Once I figured that out, the block was really able to come together.

The white setting triangles are added at the end to set the block on point, and the size of triangles used gives you an assembled block that has plenty of wiggle room for trimming to size, so even if the interlocking centre part ends up a bit off-kilter, which mine did, the finished block can still end up a perfect 12.5" square.

Give it a try if you're feeling up for a challenge!  You'll be glad you did.

IMG_6373

20 comments:

Katie B said...

They look definitely great, but they'd be a big challenge for me I'm sure!

Rebecca said...

They look fantastic Heather!

Carla said...

Well there you are! Welcome back and your blocks are gorgeous

Debbie said...

wow. Your blocks look great though!

M-R Charbonneau said...

Oooh, I love everything about those blocks!

Susan said...

This is a great block Heather! And to think you tackled two of them! Well done!!!!

Alisa said...

They look good! A challenge is good once in awhile... :-)

Patti said...

They look fabulous Heather! I was planning to use this block for my Simply Solids month, but maybe I need to reconsider if it's a challenge.

Erica said...

These are gorgeous! Your quilter for the month was very ambitious, but the final product will be amazing.

LimeRiot said...

Really pretty!! I can't even wrap my brain around how they are constructed but the woven look is sooo lovely.

Cathy said...

Impressive!!!!!

Toni said...

That does look like a challenge, but one you totally nailed! Great blocks, Heather!

Annabella said...

Yeah - I'm super impressed. You did a wonderful job!

Dee said...

Wow! These are amazing! They do look complicated and I am very impressed! Great job!

Live a Colorful Life said...

Beautiful!

Svetlana said...

what fantastic blocks, Heather. Love this fun color combo.

Krista Schneider said...

Those are some pretty neat blocks!

CitricSugar said...

As a viewer, those are gorgeous! As a quilter, those are intimidating… :-)

Great job!

Charlotte Scott said...

Wow! These are really are intricate and I had to stare for a while to see how they were done. Well done you - they look perfect.

Nat at Made in Home said...

They look great - very difficult as well! Well done you!