Is Block 2 Giving You Trouble?

[Barbara B.]

A few people have said they struggled a bit with Block 2. Some thought they were off when certain seams didn't line up--then they discovered not a lot of seams have to match on this block, primarily the ones that create the diamond between the sections. I, too, tried to line up places that were not supposed to line up--what a relief.

Another person said she has trouble sewing the two diamond/wedge units together. Occasionally, I find the underneath unit has slipped and I have to un-sew 2-3" to fix it. Not fun taking out those tiny stitches, trying not to tear the paper. So I am starting to use more pins on those seams to prevent the slippage.

For those of you who breezed right through this one, what tips do you have? And if you struggled, what do you think was the cause?

[Peggy S.]

I will probably regret this and I know I will embarrass myself, but since quilters help quilters...here goes. I was concentrating so much on color placement (matching up the correct fabric with the pattern piece) that I couldn't go any further. It stopped me in my tracks for a week. I finally came to realize I couldn't match up the fabric to the pattern because I wasn't seeing the correct construction layout. The best way is to show it. Example 1 is the correct layout, however, My brain could only see Example 2, Problem solved only after I watched Becky's video. Lesson learned is that I need BOTH Becky's videos AND Barb's lessons. Maybe this will help someone, maybe not!

[Peggy S.]

I will probably regret this and I know I will embarrass myself, but since quilters help quilters...here goes. I was concentrating so much on color placement (matching up the correct fabric with the pattern piece) that I couldn't go any further. It stopped me in my tracks for a week. I finally came to realize I couldn't match up the fabric to the pattern because I wasn't seeing the correct construction layout. The best way is to show it. Example 1 is the correct layout, however, My brain could only see Example 2, Problem solved only after I watched Becky's video. Lesson learned is that I need BOTH Becky's videos AND Barb's lessons. Maybe this will help someone, maybe not!

[Barbara B.]

Peggy, great visuals. It took me a few minutes to see what was incorrect with Example 2.

The good news is Block 3 is much simpler, all straight lines in the Diamond. Hang in there!

[Peggy S.]

Glad to hear that. In Becky's video she calls Section 1, Section 3 at the 54 sec mark,, but just after that it's clear what she meant when she shows them all clipped together. Good advice, clip your pieces together!

Barb, is there any reason we don't know ahead of time which block we will be working on? I suppose it's so you don't work ahead of the instructions or videos. Personally I think if you were choosing your own fabrics it would make things a bit easier. I am thinking about making a second Sizzle quilt.

[Barbara B.]

Peggy, it's just to keep a bit of mystery which blocks are next. And they are placed in different positions in the Cool and Warm layouts--that might confuse folks. For people using their own fabrics the line drawings in Month 1 are a help. I have worked through Blocks 6, twice, and think they get easier. Certainly, the process is similar.

[Sandy B.]

Peggy S.
Thank you for your example. It really helped me to see where each section was. I was having trouble seeing it on my print out and your drawing in red was great.
thanks again, Sandy

[Kathryn S.]

Where I struggled the most was sewing the wedge into the two diamond units, or sewing 2 or 4 units together at that point. The seams were so bulky. I was unsure about the pressing, and it was very difficult for me to get the seam allowances turned away from the match point at the inner corner. No matter how I pinned, the under piece was always about 1/8 inch or more off. I mentioned before that I had to resort to hand sewing the corner. I think part of the difficulty too is that the green fabric in the cool colorway is pretty loosely woven and it moves around. I'm so glad to read that block 3 will be easier! Kathy

[Barbara B.]

Kathy, are you able to follow Becky's pressing directions with the arrows that show which way to press? Those help me get things together.

[Shirley S.]

I also baste by machine then sew if accurate. Worth the extra step for me!

[Kathryn S.]

I did follow the arrows, but wasn't sure about what seam allowances to move out of the way when sewing crossing seams. Just glad I don't have to sew that one again!

[Barbara B.]

I machine baste the middle of every block. Like Shirley says, it's worth the few minutes it takes to be sure I like it before sewing those tiny stitches.

[Suzanne C.]

This doesnt look right? Shouldn't it have more on top for seam allowance?
Oh wait maybe when next wedge is in place it would work out. Duh!
Finally figured it out points of green and purple don't match after redoing a few times after carefully looking at Barbs pic on her blog

[Suzanne C.]

This doesnt look right? Shouldn't it have more on top for seam allowance?
Finally figured it out seams don't match after redoing a few times after carefully looking at Barbs pic on her blog

[Suzanne C.]

This doesnt look right? Shouldn't it have more on top for seam allowance?
Finally figured it out seams don't match after redoing a few times after carefully looking at Barbs pic on her blog