Half-size measurements

[Andree B.]

Has anyone that is attempting the half size version of the BOM decided on the size of the blanket stitch for the applique letters ?
I just can't decide on what looks good :?

I'm still playing with my Janome... But since the letters are narrow, and mine are done with batiks, I want to be able to use a fine needle - I'm looking for a 60wt thread, or even finer thread (100wt silk maybe)... I have to buy online, since there is nothing of that in my area... I tryed the double blanket stitch with Aurifil mako 50 wt cotton, but I found it is too bulky, and make too big holes (80 needle). And I also tryed with single blanket stitch, and didn't like the result - again, because of the holes it made.
As soon as I find my "recipe", i'll let you know.

Andrée

[Andree B.]

Andree, after stitching your batiks you could try putting a drop of water on the stitching holes and giving it a small circular rub - I have found that usually quite good for closing up stitch marks.

[Andree B.]

Andree, after stitching your batiks you could try putting a drop of water on the stitching holes and giving it a small circular rub - I have found that usually quite good for closing up stitch marks.

I'll try that tonight! Thanks!

Andrée

[Andree B.]

I have done a very small single blanket stitch on my letters. It seemed to work well. This is how my blanked stitch goes: stitch, stitch, stitch to the left, stitch back to center, stitch, stitch. The stitch length and width are 1.5 mm.

[Andree B.]

How on earth do you half size the basket block? _ i have managed the other two blocks but really struggling to work out the maths around this one. Any suggestions would be most welcome :?

[Andree B.]

How on earth do you half size the basket block? _ i have managed the other two blocks but really struggling to work out the maths around this one. Any suggestions would be most welcome :?

I will work on it today, results tomorrow (hopefully)

Andrée

[Rita C.]

Andrée, if you are using a fine thread like a 50wt or thinner you could use a Microtex 70/10 needle. Good luck with the 1/2 size this month.

[Andree B.]

I did the math for the basket block, but didn't make it yet - I need to chose my fabrics. But I want to share what I have so far.

The finished size must be 3" x 7". So the top of the basket is a hypotenuse of a half-square-triangle, which should measure 3". The side of the basket should be 2-1/8" - not convenient to divide by 3 (for the 3 squares). If you round up, you will have a hypotenuse of more than 3" - the points of the basket will get caught in the seam allowance. If you round "down" - then you will have a little bit of background fabric showing between the side seam and the basket - which is what I prefer...about 1/8 of an inch on each side.


So, if each square in the basket is 5/8" finished, you need to cut your squares to 1-1/8".

From the background, you need a 2-1/2" square on points for the background of the basket - that should be enough.
Then a rectangle of 2-1/4" x 3-1/2" ( background of the handle and flower)and a rectangle of 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" (background of the letter "B") ******CORRECTED!!!!

The basket handle should be made with 1/8" bias maker.

Hope that helps. Can't wait to do this one...

Andrée

[E.M. T.]

Andree...Thanks so much for the math work ! I'll have to wait 'till first of the week to try it out.
Have not had much time to sew but will get with it soon. Finally have backround and letter
fabric. Still waiting on Thread from Superior. Out of town tomarrow.

[Andree B.]

Well, after a little correction on the background fabric measurement, I was able to finish (almost) that block tonight.

After Step 5 and 6, The basket part should measure 1-7/8" wide. Then at step 7, align the 1-3/4" mark on the center to trim. At step 8, trim the other side so the block is 3-1/2 inch.





I made the basket handle with 1/8" bias: I cut the fabric 3/8" wide (about 5 inches long), and fold into thirds.
I thought the blanket stitch would be too wide, so I chose a small zig-zag (width = 1.0, length = 1.5).




The letter should be positioned at 3/4" from raw edge (top and sides).
Here is my "almost" finished panel (still missing the stitch around the letter - not sure about the color):

[Andree B.]

Andree, thank you for the great instructions and all your hard work in working all the maths out for this tricky little block. Your a genius and much appreciated.

[Andree B.]

Andree, thank you for the great instructions and all your hard work in working all the maths out for this tricky little block. Your a genius and much appreciated.

Thank you. ops:

Can't wait to see yours!

Andrée

[Margo C.]

Another great tute, Andrée! Thanks!

[Margo C.]

Thank you Andree!

[Margo C.]

For applique thread, you might try Invisifil by Wonderfil. It's 100 wt polyester - much less expensive than silk, available in single spools or packs with coordinated threads, and available online. You can use a 60 sharp needle with it. Susan Cleveland recommended it to me, an it's beautiful stuff!