I don't really mind the cold, it's more the dicey footing on snowy days that I don't like (which wasn't an issue this morning, mind you). It just felt like a good idea to curl up in my chair and begin the first block of the Hand-Pieced QAL.
I had pretty much talked myself out of this QAL since I have so many hand projects on the go....but after reading Kathy's post the other day at Kathy's Quilts, which you can find HERE, I thought I'd give it a try. (That Kathy can be quite an enabler!)
I have done hand-piecing before, and enjoy it (of course), but you never know when you may pick up some new tips and tricks along the way.
I usually mark my stitching lines with pencil and just eyeball the seam allowance with scissors, then sew on the pencil lines. Not long ago I bought this nifty new ruler, the Jinny Beyer Perfect Piecer.
I don't know why I bought it, other than the fact that I'm a bit of a gadget girl. Did I really think it would make a difference in my piecing....to be honest, probably not!
There are little holes in the ruler that you use to mark little dots using a mechanical pencil to indicate the sewing line.
I honestly have to say that I've never, ever such a nicely pieced block!! Two thumbs up for this little ruler.
I also used another gadget that I've picked up lately, a seam roller, which is also useful for paper-piecing.
All-in-all, a pleasing session of hand-work this morning. The block went together nicely and I'm happy now that I've joined in :)
I will be linking up with Kathy's Quilts on Sunday morning for Slow Sunday Stitching (I'm cheating and writing this on Saturday as on Sunday morning I'll be running the Robbie Burns 8k!).
I am also linking up with Elm Street Quilts for their first link-up party for the Hand-Pieced QAL.
Very interesting...looks like your cup of tea.. can't wait to see how this ddvelopes
ReplyDeleteI have had the Perfect Piecer for many years and this will be my first time trying it. Looking forward to this QAL. Love your block!
ReplyDeleteMmm......a chilly early morning run.....or cosy hand piecing inside....hand piecing wins my vote. =) I have not heard of these two gadgets. Both look great. I love the sound of a seam roller. I love the fabrics in your hand piecing block.
ReplyDeleteGreat tool for marking pieces for hand piecing! Love the little owls and rabbits! Good luck with your run today!
ReplyDeleteWe ended up staying home this morning, as many of my running group did....the roads are very bad in my neighbourhood this morning, just not worth the drive to Burlington. I think I'll make up for it with a bit of sewing time instead!
DeleteI joined in the fun and have hand pieced before but like you thought I might pick up a few tips. I did get out my wallpaper seam roller and tried it on my block and pleasantly surprised how well it worked. I was amazed at how many have linked up! It's good to know there is such an interest in slow stitching!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a very handy tool! I've just been marking my seams with a Frixion pen and a small square ruler, but I think I need to be a little more exact. I love the fun fabrics in your block!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! I haven't seen that little ruler before so thanks for telling us about that!
ReplyDeleteGreat block - thanks for joining the Hand Pieced QAL link-up!
ReplyDeleteGreat block! I think I'm going to make 2 of each... which means I should get off the computer and stitch up my second block 1 before I play with block 2! Love your fabrics by the way.
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