October 22, 2010

Cutting Triangles...

Thursday, I spent the day in the studio. I was just itching to start on the Thank You Quilt, and try out that new ruler I'd purchased. Remember that my roll of fabrics were already cut into 2 1/2" wide strips, so my first step was to sew one light strip and one dark strip together.

I always press as I go, which is really needed because you have to line the ruler up on the seam line.
After the ruler was in position on top of the fabric, all I had to do was cut along the wedges. See those little round sections on the ruler? They make it possible to cut past the end of the triangles. This is also a non-skid ruler, which really works! Once I figured out how everything was supposed to line up, I spent an hour or so just cutting triangles.
In order for my pattern to assemble correctly, I needed to cut half of my strips on the front side of the fabric and the other half of the strips on the back side. That allows me to have dark and light triangles for opposing sides of each square-in-a-block. (I tried to lay the block out so that you can see the half square triangles and how they assemble into each block.) After I figured out that I needed to do this, the hardest part was lining up the dotted line with the stitching line between the strips. (I'm kidding. That really wasn't hard at all!)

After I had an assortment of triangles cut, I could play around with arranging the fabrics. That's always a fun part. I just had to try it with the first few strips as soon as I'd cut them.
So, then, I finished cutting all the strips and arranged them according to light or dark - the value of the fabric at the top of each two-strip triangle - and whether they point left or point right.
Here's the first block for the quilt - all sewn together and pressed. It will measure 8" square when it's sewn into the quilt. One down...I'm not sure how many more to go.
This gives you a pretty good idea what the quilt might look like. I haven't sewn blocks together yet, so I'll still be rearranging a bit. I've made nineteen random blocks so far out of one jelly roll. Of course, I'll keep taking more pictures and will share them with you.

As I'm sewing this quilt and then looking back at the completed blocks, I'm really glad that I chose this fabric line. The colors remind me of the grey clapboard siding on the exteriors of the Nantucket homes, the blue of the water, the tans of the sand dunes and the earthy cobblestones. I think it's working out to be the perfect choice for the quilt I'm creating for our Island hostess. What do you think?

18 comments:

  1. How cool is that ruler! What a great looking block you end up with. It started out with two strips of fabric and get that neat design. Almost like cheating.
    Your hostess will love this, who wouldn't.
    Debbie

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  2. I love the block! It is going to be a stunning quilt. I am going to be on the lookout for a ruler like your new one. It is so intriguing and it would be so nice to have.

    ps I don't mind having you moderate your comments. Let's keep this a nice blogging environment.

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  3. I think the colors are perfect for Nantucket. Your hostess is going to be awe struck when she opens this amazing gift. You are such a thoughtful person! ~ Sarah

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  4. Gorgeous
    What a splendid arrangement :)

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  5. Cool ruler...but gesh that all looks to complicated for me to do ....it will be lovely when it is done.....You rock Miss Donna. your way with fabric is beautiful..

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  6. Love it Donna! That ruler makes beautiful triangles. The point police would be very impressed with how pretty all your blocks turned out. ;)
    I love these fabrics. This quilt will be treasured.
    xx, shell

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  7. Hello Dear Friend,

    I think it's looking spectacular. You amaze me with your mathmatical knowledge when cutting and assembling your creations. I have the worst math skills and wouldn't even attempt something this intricate.

    Love ya'
    Meri

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  8. That is very interesting..Waiting for the final..I love rulers..
    Maggey

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  9. The quilt will be beautiful! I am so thankful for those of you who can figure out all of this, and create such wonderful works of art. I think I will stick with little bonnets, gowns and garments. They don't seem to require as much math!

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  10. What a nifty tool, and the blocks?...just really pretty. I love how this one is going together.

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  11. Wow, that ruler is cool but I have to think the real "coolness" comes from the creative lady using it. I love that design. Can't wait to see it all together.

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  12. WOW. I can't get over how wonderful it looks.
    You know, I've been sitting here drooling over the quilt thinking - I could design a whole room around this!
    Okay, I admit that I haven't finished my cup of coffee yet so my brain isn't firing on all cylinders, but I know what I like!!

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  13. Oh Donna! What a striking pattern! I love the shades of color in it too. Your hostess is going to be touched! Have a wonderful Saturday! Twyla

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  14. Thanks for the informative post. That ruler is a wonderful gadget to have! But I have to agree with one of the other commenters that the ruler is a useful tool but it's your creative mind that makes the quilt come alive.
    Jane

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  15. Your block is looking lovely, Donna. It brings back memories of my quilting days - which actually aren't that long ago. I have 2 quilt tops that have to be hand quilted and I just can't seem to get motivated. So they sit in my closet!

    xo
    Claudai

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  16. The colours are fabulous - the perfect choice for the seaside! That ruler is pretty spiffy and the perfect thing for those Jelly Rolls - what's it called?It looks nifty, swifty to me! Have fun placing and re-arranging today!

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  17. As always I am amazed at how you so smartly pull all your fabrics together and voila a finished quilt. I get confused just reading your ruler and cutting techniques. Engineer I am not. :o) The colors are truly Nantucket Island sea and sand. It will be beautiful. Happy quilting...

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  18. Beautiful colors, Donna. What avery special gift you are creating. I am sure it will be loved.

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna