I had a little time to work on sewing the gray sashing to connect my Squared Away sampler blocks. I decided not to include any cornerstones in this project, and then remembered why I usually do add them when I had to rip out a whole row of stitching... My vertical sashing strips weren't matching up from row to row!
After Googling it, I came up with an easy tip for helping them to line up - a kind of "Why didn't I think of that!" moment!
Use a straight edge to make a mark where each vertical seam needs to match up!
And it's working! Hooray!
Meanwhile, I needed to make a heart block for a group project that my quilt group is making for one of our members who is struggling with some health issues.
I used Cluck, Cluck Sew's tutorial for making heart blocks in multiple sizes.
We're all making 6.5 inch blocks with cream backgrounds and dark red hearts, so we can show our friend some love! Once I've collected all of the blocks from everyone, they will turn into a table topper for her. I'm hoping for four more.
I squeezed in one #tinytomte. And gave all the little ones some French Knot noses!
The rest of my stitching time has been spent on my Gail Pan redwork embroidery. Progress is happening!
Hope you've had a lovely week! I'm linking up with all my favorite weekend parties!
Oh I like your tip on high to match up the vertical seams. I usually put a long pin in the seam and match that up, marking would be so much easier. The heart blocks are beautiful, what a wonderful quilt for a friend. Happy stitching this week.
ReplyDeletelove that tip - thanks! the redwork is cute. Hope you get home ok and no travel worries, I saw the midwest is to get snow this weekend - didn't know if you drove or flew but thought of you when I watched the weather last night.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I use cornerstones to make matching easier. But when I don't, I'm like Kate and use pins. A pencil mark would be so much easier! I've been binding on a Christmas gift while out of town. Not much time between games, though.
ReplyDeleteGreat projects and tip.
ReplyDeleteWell I hadn't thought of doing that to line things up either!! We both learned something:) It's looking great!
ReplyDeleteVery smart to mark the sashing like that! I use pins but this would be easier and less likely to poke me :)
ReplyDeleteThe heart project is a very sweet way to support your friend!
That little recommendation is priceless - thank you! Your redwork is looking so good! As well as the tomtes. Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one!
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of doing that to make sure things match! What a great idea. Love those heart blocks and, of course, that reindeer!
ReplyDeleteSometimes the simplest tips make things look so much easier. The seams line up nicely.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! There has been many a time I have googled a solution and then wanted to hit myself for not thinking of it myself! Your embroidery is coming along and is very cute!
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to learn something when reading people's blogs...thanks for the tip! I still need to finish the final month of Squared Away...maybe something to do this week!
ReplyDeleteYou have so much going on!! Thats a great tip for lining up sashing! It can be frustrating when things don't quite go our way, but thank goodness for Google! I can't imagine life without it! Your santa's are drool worthy! I would love to make a couple, but for now I'll just look at yours and be happy!
ReplyDeleteThose little santa's with noses are charming! So many great projects you have...... I know I will have trouble with my squared away blocks... they are not all the correct size. it will be 'fun' piecing mine together! Enjoy your hand work and visiting today.
ReplyDeleteYour tiny tomtes are adorable! And that gift full of hearts is such a sweet idea. You've certainly got a lot of wonderfulness gathered here!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun projects you are working on! Hope the travels were safe and fun!!!
ReplyDeleteYour embroidery is so lovely.... enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYou have made a lot of progress on your redwork. I really like those quilts too. The hearts are beautiful and those little "elves?" are adorable. I know they must be little if you can make the nose with french knots. Wow.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many great projects in the works. I love all those creative heart blocks. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
ReplyDeleteAll your projects are coming along well. I just got the Gail Pan Christmas book out of the library yesterday. Probably won't get to it for this year, but I need a stitchery project to take to FL, so maybe I can get started on next year. Hope you escape weather woes on the way home. We were 4 degrees on Thanksgiving night and 47 degrees right now. I'm hoping the midwest storm keeps going north of us.
ReplyDeletePat
Thanks for the great tip on matching up the seams! The Gail Pan embroidery is very festive!
ReplyDeleteLots happening a t yours! I love the hearts, so pretty and your elves are very very cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely gift for your friend. Love the different blocks. And those Tomte's!! Adorable!
ReplyDeleteYour Tomtes are so cute! And I love that you’re doing heart blocks to make something for a friend. A heart table runner can be a useful all-year gift. Did you have a nice Thanksgiving? We did, although we have one more celebration next weekend with some of our other kids and their families. Too many peeps to fit in all at once! you’ve once again got lots of fun things going on!
ReplyDeleteYour Gail Pan pieces is coming along nicely, I love the Nordic Tomtes they are so adorable.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip, and yes why didn't I think of that! (head-slap)
ReplyDeleteYour table topper for your guild friend is going to be beautiful.