Friday, October 11, 2013

Playing with the shirtings I have to use the Blue and Gray pattern book.

I bought this book a couple weeks ago when the Yahoo group decided we wanted to swap Civil War fabrics in January 2014.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Blue-Gray-Patterns-Fabrics/dp/160468254X

This was the pattern that drew my eye. I am thinking because of the 16 patch blocks using 1 1/2" squares. You all know how I love that size of patch!



But before I ever commit myself to a quilt, I do what I call "cut as I go". This saves a lot of heartache down the road. Believe me when I say I have cut out an entire quilt and then found my error! GRR!!


It does make for a messy sewing session. But I found my first mistake. I faithfully use the EZ Angle  and Companion Angle rulers. There is a learning curve to change someone's cutting instructions to work with these great rulers.

I was converting a 3 1/4" square cut on the diagonal twice to using a 1 1/2" strip and the Companion Angle. But the instructions from one side of my brain to the other was garbled. I was cutting with the EZ Angle ruler not the Companion ruler as I wanted. I soon learned my mistake. So see what I mean? Sample cutting and sewing is a good habit to have.


One 6 1/2" block made...despite all of Lucky's help. I have been distracting her with a laser light. But she eventually decides that messing with the sewing machine is more fun. I am sure she will grow out of this dangerous habit. So I put everything away and give her my undivided attention.


The pattern only calls for 18 star blocks. I did make 19. Then decided I wanted to use some of the shirt fabrics I had prepared for the current swap. Back to the cutting room.


And then another memory of a shirting swatch card I had bought eons ago on E-Bay. But where have I stashed it? Two days later as I was searching for something else and I found them!!!! 5" X 9"...enough fabric to cut one block!!! WHOOHOOO!
XOXOXOO Subee

3 comments:

gardenpat said...

The very reason that it is so wonderful: a. To have a nice stash and b. to make scrap quilts!!!! You can change your mind mid-way or run out of a particular fabric at 2 AM and still not have to stop sewing because the fabric stores are not typically open 24 hours a day! Lol! Nice job so far!!!

Teri said...

I do love that pattern. I may have to investigate the book.

Vic in NH said...

Oh my! What neat Ohio stars! I feel guilty about possibly infecting you with my Civil War fabric addiction, moan. Must look at the book, too.