My art quilters are coming today so I wanted to have one block of Winding Ways sewn together. My assessment? The block is a little wavy, not very square, and the center is off by a smidge (after ripping and trying again). I may regret having the blocks cut in batik. Of course I didn't make this block until 10 p.m. so I'll blame it on being tired.
I appreciate all of the comments on yesterday's post. I realize not everyone is working with strips so my second suggestion is to cut a strip 5" or 8" or whatever size will accomodate the largest piece you need to cut for your chosen block. I have cut a 9" strip off most of my Kaffe fabrics instead of dragging out yardage every time I want to cut for a quilt. I keep the 9" strips in a storage box separate from the yardage. I can easily cut triangles or diamonds or whatever shape I need from that strip.
I'll do a post on values later this week. I want to pull some fabrics to illustrate my point about value. I have a scrap quilt class to teach tomorrow so I'll need a couple days to prepare.
Despite the issues with the winding ways block, I can see that this will make an amazing quilt. The rippling effect that you have experienced, is this because batiks are typically a tightly woven fabric and thus would provide less give on curves?
Funny, when I sewed my first Winding Ways block, I seemed to have similar issues. But as I got used to how the block went together, they definitely were easier and look pretty good. My only advice is that pinning really helped in making sure it remained square.
I agree with Jackie...but you just need a couple of pins. I made a couple of these and this is great block when it's put together. Do you have acrylic templates for your cutting?
Loved your discussion yesterday and looking forward to the coming talk on value. I have my little red looking glass to help me figure out value, but it really can be tough sometimes. Tougher since it seems I buy a LOT of mediums (which I imagine is a problem a lot of quilters face).
Love your colours Wanda. I have used that block in a Row By Row. Our patchwork group has make a beautiful queen sized quilt for our raffle in the some block.
Hi Wanda, My blocks seem to be "off" no matter what, so I'm not one to give advice for keeping square or keeping to a certain size. I'm voting that your tiredness caused the problem. Looking forward to seeing more of these as you progress. Vicky F
The fabrics in your block are fabulous -- I don't think it's the batiks that are the problem. Maybe you were just too tired? While I hand pieced my Winding Ways blocks, I know some who machine pieced used pins along the seam right to the end and pulled them out as they went.
Despite the issues with the winding ways block, I can see that this will make an amazing quilt. The rippling effect that you have experienced, is this because batiks are typically a tightly woven fabric and thus would provide less give on curves?
ReplyDeleteFunny, when I sewed my first Winding Ways block, I seemed to have similar issues. But as I got used to how the block went together, they definitely were easier and look pretty good. My only advice is that pinning really helped in making sure it remained square.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jackie...but you just need a couple of pins. I made a couple of these and this is great block when it's put together. Do you have acrylic templates for your cutting?
ReplyDeleteLoved your discussion yesterday and looking forward to the coming talk on value. I have my little red looking glass to help me figure out value, but it really can be tough sometimes. Tougher since it seems I buy a LOT of mediums (which I imagine is a problem a lot of quilters face).
ReplyDeleteThose are a lot of curves. I am sure that it will get easier as you work on them.
ReplyDeleteLove your colours Wanda. I have used that block in a Row By Row. Our patchwork group has make a beautiful queen sized quilt for our raffle in the some block.
ReplyDeleteHi Wanda,
ReplyDeleteMy blocks seem to be "off" no matter what, so I'm not one to give advice for keeping square or keeping to a certain size.
I'm voting that your tiredness caused the problem.
Looking forward to seeing more of these as you progress.
Vicky F
The fabrics in your block are fabulous -- I don't think it's the batiks that are the problem. Maybe you were just too tired? While I hand pieced my Winding Ways blocks, I know some who machine pieced used pins along the seam right to the end and pulled them out as they went.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to your posting on values.
ReplyDeleteMary P
Your block looks great to me. And I like the fabric combination. I'm looking forward to your values "class"!
ReplyDeleteOMG! You have to make 144 of those? It's a beautiful block, but I am glad you're making it and not me.
ReplyDeleteWinding Ways is my absolute favourite quilt block!! I bet yours will look amazing!
ReplyDelete