Ever since we returned from our recent adventures, both up north and our more local grandchildren-focused ones, I have been playing catch-up; there's been little (if any) actual time in the sewing room! I did need to spend some time constructing the latest block-of-the-month before the next session rolls around already--next week! So go the days of summer! This year my LQS is focusing on Deb Tucker's
"Tucker Trimmer" tool for each month's block. As you know, I am a huge fan of these tools! I made a variation of the assigned block, adding corner triangles to the center square to really show off and accentuate that center fabric on point. I am using a variety of low-volume prints for my backgrounds each month. I have committed myself to setting each block with half-rectangles after designing the setting in EQ8 the month before (see post
here). So, with the addition of block #2 the blocks will look something like this, next to one another. My tool of choice for the half-rectangles is another Deb Tucker tool: the "
Split-Rects"; it is precise and accurate.
Setting the second block made me realize that I would need to piece the corner squares when the stripe is to the outside, mitering the stripes so that they would turn the corners. I decided yesterday that it would be the smartest thing to go ahead and cut all of the Split-Rects units and piece them together, bundle them into groups for setting each of the next ten blocks, and have them all ready. Now I feel much more prepared when each month comes along, I am good to go!
I am happy with the progress on this one so far. The icy-cool colors are perfect for a hot summer's day! Oh, and one more plug for EQ8. When designing a layout your fabric requirements are calculated at the same time; 1 yard of each fabric was suggested as the correct amount for the alternating light/dark setting pieces. I bought exactly that amount. When I realized that I was going to need to piece those striped corners I was sweating it as the fabric was dwindling with each slice... and fast!
I had enough; phew! Just barely, but I had enough!
Not much to add to the scrap bin at all. 😉
Life is Good!
