Half-Size Measurements

[Barb A.]

Inner curve first, got it (you read my mind ).

I am starting Lynette's 'A Kittens Tale' quilt, and some of the applique pieces are quite small. In this first block, there are cat tails that are quite skinny and follow a sharp curve like the letter C; so I have been pondering how best to do them. Your method might work...the curve may be too sharp for bias, though...still pondering....

I probably need chocolate to think this through properly.

Barb in Alabama

[Andree B.]

If the curve is really sharp, you need to make sure you don't stretch the bias too much, and actually, I would do the opposite (trying to find the right word here... not gather, but close to that) on the first stitch, so that when it spreads, there is more fabric to do it. And bias will appear to shrink if it is stretched too much, so it will not look even.
I think I need chocolate too!

Andrée

[Andree B.]

Andree, I think the word you are looking for is 'ease', well it would be if this were tailoring/dressmaking.

And just 'cos I'm me, which side do you start with, if it is an S shape? :P

I' guessing the answer is, 'any side you darned well like...' :silly:

[Andree B.]

Rosemary,
Yes you are right, "ease" is the word I was looking for.

Actually, for the "S" shape, just because I'm me hmy: , I would do it in 2 steps - On the inner of the first curve and leave a "tail" of bias, then rotate the work and do the same on the next curve. There might be a spot where the seam allowance makes a little bump, depending if you fold the "hem" over the first seam allowance or not.

Andrée

[Andree B.]

Really a smart way to handle narrow stems.

[Barb A.]

Well, I tried to use bias for the kitten's tail but either the curve was too sharp or I am too inept (I'm voting for the ineptness thing). So I ended up just cutting out the shape itself and putting it on. I'm attaching a picture here even though the pic is not part of My Country House. It is, however, a Lynette design ("A Kittens Tale").



Thank you for all the advice and information - I agree, this is a very smart way to handle narrow stems and I am glad to be reminded of it!

Barb in foggy foggy Alabama

[Nancy R.]

Very cute! The tails look wonderful the way you did them.

[Andree B.]

That is lovely! Very well done!

Andrée

[Andree B.]

Hi Andree - I've taken classes with Debbie Kemball and I think what you describe is the same way she does a doubled-curved stem. Here's a few little chocolate chips, not sure if they are half-sized, but they are small. Enough to share with the other half-sized gals! You can eat as many as you want!

[Andree B.]

Hi Terrie, I learned that from Debbie Kimball as well.

Thanks for the chocolate!

Andrée

[Rita C.]

Cute cats Barb, and very nicely done.

I learned the same method from Deborah Kemball - but not in person. I learned it from her gorgeous book 'Beautiful Botanicals'.

[E.M. T.]

I think I first learned this method in the "dark ages" ie the '80s.....but like so many other
techniques I use....I've forgotten where I might have learned it ! :P :silly: :S

[Renata L.]

Barb, love your cats block--are those your own choice in fabrics? I really like how those colors combine. Kudos to you if you chose the fabrics!

[Barb A.]

Thank you
for the lovely comments - you are all so sweet!

'A Kittens Tale' is an older pattern from 2008, so that nobody is carrying BOM kits any more. But I was fortunate to find a retailer with the patterns, which are in color yay. I picked fabrics from shabby fabrics.com that felt similar in hue and value. These soft blues and browns make me smile.

The method for stitching skinny bias strips was also a part of Kathy Kansier's class at Houston last fall, but I had forgotten all about it so am grateful to be reminded!

Barb in Alabama

[wendy w.]

Gorgeous kitties. I hope you're going to show us more as you go along