Well, I've been itching to host scrappy 4-patch blocks again - they are so easy to make and frequently used in Bonnie Hunter's patterns... that I just feel the need to have another swap so I can build up a variety of 4-patches.
And since I have at least 5 drawers of "noodles" (2.5" strips) in my "Stash User System" that's what I used... you know - use up what you have ;)
I paired up darks with lights. I'll trim them to size later..
It didn't take long to sew them into dark/light pairs and then sub-cut at 2" each... Not everyone pins, but I do... that didn't really take long either... I didn't have time to do the finger press at that time, so I tossed them into this basket and took them with me in the van and did them while waiting on Nora in the school carpool line. ;)
How to sew and press 4patches so that there is very little bulk in the center!
http://video.about.com/quiltin...work-Quilt-Seams.htm
Hummm.. these rectangular patches look interesting don't they? but we need to size them up. It's easy peasy - just line the ruler up to measure 1.75" from the CENTER of the patch... and slice, rotate, slice, rotate, slice... all 4 sides.
again -I used noodles b/c I have TONS of them.. but you can just simply cut your strips at 2" and then not have any trimming ;) I hope this helps you see the variety of colors I used. I think I got around 12-15 of the same 4-patches... so I'm thinking of making sets in 10's for our swap and then you have a few extras to either keep and use or you could throw into another mix/match set to send in for swapping.
Just please only cut one strip of each your fabrics... do not cut 10 of a dark and 10 of a light (same 2 fabrics) and then use that - no. We want variety! ;)
So what's next... I paired up blue/white nickels and sewed into HSTs and cut apart... just need to make a date with that steamy guy in the background and get some homework done for my "My Blue Heaven" blocks for Crazy'boutquilts.
Stay tuned!
Love from Texas!
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Oh, boy... it's going to be gorgeous, can't wait to see what you do after your date with your steamy guy! I am such a leader-ender fan that I almost feel guilty if I'm not making more than one quilt at a time anymore! Those four patches are so versatile!!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I'm really interested, I am reading all the info. So, I need to make ten sets of ten, is that right? You are saying you get 10-15 4 patches from a noodle, that is a 2 1/2 strip times the width of fabric? A trade off is sounding fun, but this is a new thing for me. email me! I am sorry about your knee:-{
ReplyDeletepokey
Okay I'm REALLY showing my lack of knowledge, I do not understand the HGTV message boards, or what a PM is....
ReplyDeletepokey
Bonnie, I found your blog through the Quiltmaker comment about the star.. and followed you home.~~~
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I don't know what happen to your knee, but if it's icy you need, try using a large zip lock bag for the crushed ice & important to WRAP in a towel. The easy way is double fold the terry & make a bag with Velcro on the ends.
If at the computer or sewing machine, put a stool or a box with a pillow ON TOP, under the tables, as having your legs up while working helps circulation.
I am up for another 4-patch swap. Love those little beauties...how to we sign up??
ReplyDeleteSubee
I don't know how to PM to sign up for the 4-patch swap either. Can anyone help me with this? I would like to get on the wait list, or at least get signed up for the next swap.
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