I have an I Spy top done today, and a tiny tutorial... It is probably something you all do already, but maybe some of the newbie quilters could use this tip. First - since Blogger loaded in the wrong order - here is the WIP (work in progress) top that is done, but needs batting, backing, quilting and binding yet. I thought it was going to Australia, (Oz Comfort Quilts) but she requires a wool batting, and I can't afford that, so it'll be a Project Linus quilt when it's finished. Notice that some blocks are tipped, and others are not. I'm using blocks left over from a quilt I'm still working on for a possible new grandbaby - whenever. (I want a few quilts ahead... you never know when you need a gift.) I thought I could tip the newer squares, but there isn't enough fabric for that. Anyway, I kind of like it as is - just a bit unpredictable. I have to work into that wonky stuff.
Here's the tip. Once I have the blocks on my design board arranged the way I like them I sew them into rows. To make sure I get the same placement I pin, right sides together while at the design board by turning the left side onto the next one to the right. I pin the whole row and take it to the machine. Pictures below.
Once I'm at the sewing machine I pin into place... top to top and align the side. Then I sew and go on to the next square. Then I press all the seams in one direction, usually, but this time I pressed the seams open because there is lots of fabric at the seam edges on this pattern. Then I pin that row back onto the design board, in it's place, and start over again with another row. Keeps me organized.
I'm linking this up to Freshly Pieced's WIP Wednesday Go on over and check out her linky party.Hugs,
Terri
