Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Quilty Confessions

I like to try new-to-me quilty things.  Sometimes that new block becomes a quilt, sometimes a mini, or even just a mug rug size.

But sometimes things don't work out quite like you expected!

I'm a total novice when it comes to sewing 45 degree triangles, so when I saw Sarah's (Confessions of a Fabric Addict) tutorial for making a sample block from her upcoming Christmas in July quilt along, I thought I'd give it a try.  (Thinking, "Oh yes, I have a 45 degree ruler!)

These pretty fat quarters came in the mail recently from Sarah for participating in her Hands2Help charity quilt drive, so I thought they would be perfect to play with.

The top fabric is much more pink than the orange it comes 
out in the photo - as usual my camera seems to want to change its color!

Sarah's tutorial is very complete and detailed, with lots of tips and photos that make it really clear.  She has you cut some of the pieces larger than they need to be and then trim them to size after sewing.

So far, so good!


I happily sewed up the 8 bigger triangles that I needed, and laid them out together on the table.  

Unfortunately, this was my first hint that something wasn't quite right.

Seven triangles seem to fit together, but what about the eighth one?

But, on I plowed, sewing together pairs and then fours.  Now this really isn't right!

After looking things up online and rereading and figuring, 
I think I've been using the WRONG ruler!   My ruler is the Tri Tool part of the Tri Recs rulers.  I *thought* it was the same one Sarah used in her tutorial.

Oops... 🙄    Evidently the 45 degree triangle ruler is different than the Tri Tool.

I actually took one triangle off and sewed the seven remaining ones together.  (Can you tell that I've already been using the scraps from this ill - fated project in my Bright Hopes blocks?  At least there is a bit of "hope" lol!)



There's only one problem with the block as it is now...

Nope, that's not going to work either...

So, what next?  How about using the Tri Recs rulers the way they're meant to be used?  (That was my light bulb moment!)

Oh yeah, that's going to work better!

These blocks will turn into something!

But that's not what I originally set out to make.  And I'd still like to actually make the original block...  Guess I'd better go find the right 45 degree triangle ruler!

Sharing at Quilting is more fun than Housework for Oh Scrap!










18 comments:

Libby in TN said...

Your solution is perfect! As a (former) teacher of 60-degree triangles, I saw that happen all the time! The triangle may "look" the same, but the degree does make a difference. Thank goodness Daddy Bill made me take geometry!

The Joyful Quilter said...

I've searched the sewing room and I don't have the right ruler, either. Neither does my local Big Box store! I'm not a fan of shopping on the internet. SEW... off to check with my local quilters first!

Vicki in MN said...

I really like your 'new' block and it will become something just as pretty I am sure!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

live and learn! I have those rulers but I don't even remember when I used them - I like that star though :)

chrisknits said...

I have been there done that, LOL. Glad you have a solution to your issue. Love the fabrics.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Sometimes the best lessons are learned from our mistakes. Thanks for sharing and reminding us to read carefully.

Jayne said...

You are not alone! Sometimes things seem so easy until they aren't! Finding a solution is half the fun to me and you worked your magic, figured it out and learned a little bit in the process!

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

Too funny Diann. I think many quilters have found themselves in this position. But you definitely made lemonade out of those lemons. Pink lemonade :)

Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!

MissPat said...

I'm still debating whether to try this one or not. I have the Eleanor Burns ruler which is one of the ones Sarah suggested, but when I looked at the pattern again and thought about what colors to use and where to place them, my mind just said "no way". So I think I might be sitting on the sidelines until cooler weather comes along.
Pat

piecefulwendy said...

I haven't tried the test block yet, but I was thinking I could just use my tri rec, so I'm glad you got there before me and let me know it won't work. I'm not sure if I have the right ruler, so I'll have to do an inventory of what I have. Love your blocks, and I'm sure your solution will be very pretty! Thanks for sharing this post :-)

Barb Neiwert said...

So refreshing to hear of another quilter's mistakes! It makes mine seem normal. Glad you got it figured out, and I guess this shows why it's important to make a test block first, lol!

tbear said...

Oh my.. thanks for sharing this. What a great chuckle I had
Once I feel like the “ training wheels are off” and I can fly
In comes the lesson about patience. I can so relate to this
Lol

kiwikid said...

Well done on a good save of a woops!!

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

This unexpected block is perfect! I saw this tutorial too, and want to give a try. I bought the same ruler she has, so maybe it will work ;))

JanineMarie said...

It looks like serendipity to me!

KaKa said...

I often use this type of advice. It is very helpful. I can not believe that I came across your blog by accident.
Regards, CTNBEE

Kate said...

Great save on finding a new way to use the blocks. I've had a similar ruler fail. It was pretty frustrating.

Violet Withey said...

Love the new block. Pretty colors. I am sure that once you have the correct ruler the 2nd try will be just as pretty.