A Christmas round robin was a tie for my very favorite round robin (and I have done many many over the years). As you can see from the arrows on these finished "squared" blocks that there is not even a 1/16" available for a seam allowance without cutting away beads or trim. Five of the blocks are like this. I have never finished the set of 6 because I wasn't sure how I wanted to address this problem...
It was really my fault...
1. I didn't allow enough extra material around the outside edge of the block to allow any adjustment. 2. I only allowed for a 1/2" seam allowance.
3. I didn't clearly define the "stop" line for all beading to end
.Now I make sure -
1. there is plenty of extra material on the block,
2. There is an ample seam allowance - at least 1/2".
3. That the "stop" line is clearly marked front and back. Now I even baste along that line with a highly contrasting thread.
I have always wanted to finish these blocks into an accordion-fold book which I could put on the mantle during the holidays. Now I have some ideas how I am going to solve this problem and I will share as I go along.
And I have a new gadget. I just love tools and gadgets. My hands are always painful with arithis all the time and shaking the little paint bottles makes them even worse, And when I have gone months without painting (like recently) the paints either settle or thicken and all need a LOT of shaking. I found this delightful little machine and it is absolutely perfect for this task... It is made for manicurists to use with nail polishes but it suits my needs wonderfully.
.jpg)
4 comments:
You do manage to find the neatest solutions to things. I don't know how you even know where to look - but great find :)
Been there, done that myself! Why not appliqué the whole block onto another piece of holiday themed fabric? Any raw edges could be concealed with ribbon/rickrack/lace etc, adding further embellishment opportunities. Tiny stitches could be made within the block to keep each block from separating from the "new block" backing. While it will add bulk & weight, the new backing could be incorporated into the overall construction plan for your accordion book. The new backing might be new, larger individual blocks or made in a long strip like a "runner". Best wishes as you get ready to finish your PhD (project half done)! I'm staying tuned to see how it turns out. There are 183 stitching days left 'til Christmas!
I did the very same thing when I first started CQ and it didn't take long to learn to leave a very generous seam allowance. Sure makes life a lot easier!
My Breakfast at Tiffany's block had hardly any seam allowance as I didn't really know what I was doing when I first pieced that block! The shaker machine is just too funny! Love it! You are the best problem solver ever!!
Post a Comment