My re-entry into quilting has been more of a slow ramp up versus a big dive back in. I have, however, finished 4 of the big blocks (22 or 24") for the quilt I'm working on. This isn't the layout and the photo isn't a good one but you get the idea. I'm enjoying this - especially since I have a lot of the blocks cut out. You can tell I didn't press these blocks for their photo shoot or remove threads.
For the HSTs in this quilt, I'm trying a new to me ruler - the Bloc Loc ruler. I bought the 6.5" size as I know I can square up a variety of sizes with this one. I've always disliked how my ruler kind of rocked or slid when I was squaring up HSTs. I also don't like removing the ruler, rotating the HST, lining the ruler back up before I could trim the 3rd and 4th sides. With this ruler, all of that is eliminated. First, square up the two sides like normal.
The key to this ruler is the channel/groove that runs diagonally through the center of the ruler. This channel kind of catches on the seam and locks in - kind of like locking in seams as you sew.
So instead of picking up, rotating, and lining up again, I just slide my ruler along the locked in seam , line up to my block size and cut the other 2 sides. Super fast and not frustrating at all. There is a video here that demonstrates how to use the ruler. I don't often do the spin but can see where it would be safer to include that step going forward.
No slipping, no rocking and I think it is a faster method. I purchased my ruler and this is not a sponsored posts - I'm just a happy customer! Unlike many other rulers I've purchased, this one is one I'll use all the time.
It was a tough week at work this past week with a Reduction in Force taking place. I'm ok (so far) but the teams I support were impacted. Re-orgs are in place and the re-orgs will mean changes for many, including my team. It'll be interesting to see what is to come.
In the meantime, I'm going to carry on as always and will enjoy what time I get with my needles. I hope you have a great week and may all your stitches be happy ones!
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31 comments:
I love your blocks! Gorgeous! I want to buy one of those rulers but haven't yet. They sound so useful. I was figuring on buying the same size as you. Hope your work downsizing doesn't impact you too much. So scary. Lots of downsizing at DH's old work too. He got out just in time!
Love your blocks. With them being so big you won't have to make so many. I hope your job is okay. Now days those of us who have a job are blessed.
Now THAT is a neat tool!!! I need to check it out..... Crossing my fingers for you and the job... Knowing it effects others though can be just about as upsetting..... :I
Btw, I get nearly all my zippers from zippet... Great zippers, customer service AND awesome prices....
Great blocks! That is THE best ruler ever! I also have the flying geese ones. Love them!
Love those blocks - esp that they are red and white. I am definitely checking out that ruler, I have the same issues you discussed. Thanks for sharing about it. Big Hugs and I hope your job is safe my friend!!
Love the blocks! The red and white is fantastic.
Your blocks are beautiful! Wow I am going to watch the video you gave the link for. I don't quilt like you but still I don't want to miss out:)
Glad to hear you still have a job and I will say a prayer for you just in case. love Annette
The blocks look really pretty. That's a fascinating ruler. I've never heard of it before. Always nice to find a new tool that really does the job.
Hope the work changes turn out ok. It's a constant of life these days it seems.
Lovely squares Jackie!I love the fabrics!
Your blocks are beautiful! Love the color choices too. Isn't it amazing how the correct tool can make all the difference. Snow day here today...so you know my stitches are singing with happiness! ;D
Your blocks are so lovely, all have a different look. That ruler looks neat too, I haven't seen it or heard of it before. Another new toy!
Hi Jackie, love that color combination!!I need to check out that ruler. I have lots of things but not sure of how to use them need to get busy. So glad you were not in the layoff. take care. Hugs, Marie
Beautiful blocks - reminds me of the red & white quilt show from a few years ago in NYC. Keep going!
Love those blocks, Jackie--red and white is the best combination! Interesting to read about the new ruler, too. Sounds very helpful...
Scary about the downsizing at your company--sure hope all the reorganization works out for you. Hang in there!
Your quilt is going to be lovely! You always choose the best fabric combinations. Thanks for recommending the grooved ruler. I can see how useful that would be.
Hugs during this sad time at your job.
Beautiful reds! It's going to be a gorgeous quilt!
When I come your blog and see what you are sewing I always get the mojo to go back to my sewing machine and continue on my bag. But after a short while stitching just takes over again. You should should show more of your quilting, lol.
Great to see the tip with your new ruler. I think I'll have to get one of these when I'll be in a quilting store in the US the next time. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful blocks Jackie!
(my favorite color combination)
What a great ruler. Thanks for sharing the info about it.
Love the blocks, the colours are a great combination.
A beautiful combination of the red and white for the blocks.
Thanks for showing the ruler, it looks like a really useful tool.
I hope you weather the downsizing without too much trauma.
love those blocks, it will be a beautiful quilt. Makes me want to dive into my reds. I was wondering about that ruler, so thank you for the info, it makes a lot of sense, and i can see it being quicker and safer than a rocking ruler when trimming HSTs
Love, love, love your blocks! Thanks for the info about the ruler. I've been wondering about it. It looks like it works well.
Jackie I feel so bad for you to have to go thru all that stress at your job. the work world is a very scary place these days. I LOVE your red and white quilt blocks - so striking. I don't know a thing about measuring and rulers and quilting tools but this looks like the solution to your issues with your other tool.
Yes keep your needles moving - it helps . . . Mel
Huh. Very interesting ruler. I can definitely see how that would be helpful!
Hope you make it through the work stuff okay. Ugh. :( Don't get me started on greedy CEOs/stockholders and their ridiculous salaries at the expense of the people who do the ACTUAL work. Grrr.
Love your blocks and love the sound of the new ruler! I'm thinking I might find that useful! Sorry to hear about the cutbacks and hope you won't be affected.
Your blocks are lovely and that ruler sounds really useful.
I hope that the re-orgs go as smoothly as they can and that it's not unnecessarly stressful
Jackie, thanks very much for sharing about this ruler! I've never seen it before, and definitely want one. Our local quilt shop doesn't stock it. Can you tell me where you got yours? Maybe I just need to order it directly from the online company.
They look brilliant Jackie.
I hope work is OK and the re-org won't affect you.
I so love those blocks and the fabrics....oh yessss
Just beautiful! I need to get into quilting some day... (because, as we all know, you can never have enough crafts!)
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