what i've been up to and a few sewing tips

I've sewn the nine-patch blocks into seven rows consisting of eight blocks each.  I worked into the night because I cannot wait to have this all assembled and quilted.

But I took a break to share a few tips for piecing the strips into nine-patch blocks:

1.  Use a 1/4" sewing foot on your machine.  This foot ensures a 1/4" seam allowance when you line your fabric up with the edge of the foot.  If you don't have a quarter inch foot, order one from your sewing machine manufacturer.  You will be so glad you did.

2. Chain-piece the strips rather then sew one block at a time.  I have a tutorial on chain piecing quilt squares here and the same idea applies.

Bring your two fabric stacks to the sewing machine and chain piece first two strips together.  Then cut those apart and chain piece a third strip onto each set of 2 to complete the nine-patch block.

Once you have eight blocks, cut them apart and press them all at once.  This method saves a lot of time.

And I absolutely love seeing the blocks puddle on the floor.  If your sewing table is up against the wall, it is definitely worth moving it out a bit in order to witness this puddling phenomena. 

And I had so much fun finishing my napkins for the napkin swap hosted by Lisa.

My swap partner mentioned a flower print and decorative stitching so I came up with this simple decorative border around the perimeter.  I hope she likes them.

 

Happy Friday to you all!  And what have you been up to this week?

Comments

[wishes, true and kind]

All so gorgeous! I love that first picture of all those blocks sewn into rows! And those napkins are gorgeous!

[Rose]

Those are really pretty napkins; I like the border. Also, thanks for the quilting tips, as one of these days (maybe this summer when I've more time), I'm diving into quilting.

[Meg Evans]

The napkins are great! And I love to watch the piles of stuff build up behind my sewing machine as I stitch. You are giving me the quilting bug! I have one in the works for my brother and his fiancee (it's a wedding gift), but I dont' want to work on it until I have started and finished sewing the dresses I want to wear that weekend, so it will be a while before I get to a fun quilt just for us.

[Denise]

love the fabric for the napkins. thanks for all your sewing help too!

[Jenny]

ahhh the quilt block puddle. So satisfying! Once when I was piecing half square triangles, my husband strung them up in the kitchen before I could get to snipping them apart, the ornery git. :D This week I have been un-sewing my daughter's big girl bed quilt top and hunting for new fabric to start again!

[Karen]

Actually, I am working on gardening and seed starting this week, but you keep reminding me that I have some sewing and quilting projects to get to. So thank you!

[Jodi]

That border on the napkins is a fabulous idea -- it definitely steps it up a notch and makes it more elegant.

[Stephanie]

Beautiful napkins!

[Lisa Q]

I'm going to be checking into a 1/4 inch presser foot...maybe that will make my seams easier to stay consistent. I LOVE your napkins. I really like that you double stitched the edge...so classy and a great touch.

[kristyn]

love your napkins, larissa. your choices of fabrics always inspires me to step out of my box and try something new. they will be loved.

[Audra]

Thank you for the tutorials on the quilt blocks. I have been wanting to make a 9-patch quilt but could get the piecing figured out in my pregnancy muddled mind. I can't wait to see the final product. You are inspiring!

[jane]

cute napkins! I have some material waiting for just this project!

[Sharleena]

Wham bam thank you, ma'am, my questions are arnsweed!