Thursday, February 2, 2012

Ready for more Farming?

Don't feel rushed by me posting the blocks ahead!  Take your time and enjoy the process.  The next 2 blocks are fun ones.  They are essentially the same block.  I really enjoyed making these.
  • #20 Churn Dash
  • #111 Monkey Wrench
#20 Churn Dash
  • 1 Light 2 1/2" square
  • 4 light 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"
  • 4 med/dark 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"
  • 4 dark triangles cut w/Easy Angle using a 2 1/2" strip width
  • 4 light triangles cut w/Easy Angle using a 2 1/2" strip width
Start by sewing your half squares (4) and the 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rails (4) together.  Arrange the 9 units and sew together in rows.

#111 Wrench

This is the same block as Churn dash with different color placement. 

 

Let's talk a little bit about half squares.  Sometimes no matter how carefully I cut, sew, and press, my half squares get a little uneven.  I like to use the a square up ruler marketed by Eleanor Burns.  I admit, I had this ruler for a long time before I figured out it's real beauty.  The lines on the ruler represent the UNFINISHED size of the unit (in this case 2 1/2".  Before you press the unit, place the ruler on the unit lining up the stitch line with the unfinished size of the unit.  Trim off any excess on both sides of the ruler.  After you press the unit, it should be the correct size.  I like to use this method of squaring because I find it very accurate and very quick.  If you open the unit and press first, then you will need to trim each side separately. 

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