I'm a winner!

I was a winner in Julie's drawing for her 200th post giveaway. It has one of my favorite Bible verses on it and it is hand embroidered. I love hand embroidery. Thank you, Julie.

Someone asked about the templates I was using on the Strips 'n Curves quilt. Here are Basic sets 1 and 2 which I used all of.

This is the mini beg and borrow 6" block set which I used 3 out of to make the small purple print arcs. Here are some blocks made from the set too.

I pulled a pile of light color batiks to cut for my 1.5" strip project.

And here is what is still on the shelves that didn't make the cut.

I am always talking about the clean up cuts that I use in my crazy piecing, cobblestone blocks, and strip pieced set (like in my Second favorite quilt on my sidebar). They are the piece I cut off to straighten the fabric so I can cut my 1.5" strips. I always cut off a wide enough piece to be able to use it instead of cutting off a skinny crooked piece and throwing it away.

I had several questions yesterday and the day before about seams being pressed open. In the Strips 'n Curves book this is the method used and Louisa has a neat tip to press them easily. In other quilts I press seams open when the pieces are small and/or when I think a lot of bulk will occur if I didn't do it. Back in the 1970's and 80's when we were using polyester batting and putting very little quilting in a quilt, the seams were always pressed to one side for strength. Also I believe hand quilters always press the seams to one side, again for strength. A seam that is pressed open is weaker. In the current time period we are using a lot more quilting on the quilts and the strength of the seam is not as much of an issue.

Have a great Sunday everyone!