Laura Nownes

[Nancy R.]

Just compared my nine-patches with some I made in my very first sampler and appreciate my accuracy now! This little project is great to brush up and practice our skills. For me, the difference is that I am now pressing the seams, not ironing them to make them as flat as can be. But I'm still using steam ops:

[E.M. T.]

Thanks for all the comments ! Here's a color correction,tho...it was late when I did that...
think this is better !

[Betty J.]

Just compared my nine-patches with some I made in my very first sampler and appreciate my accuracy now! This little project is great to brush up and practice our skills. For me, the difference is that I am now pressing the seams, not ironing them to make them as flat as can be. But I'm still using steam ops:

I still use steam and I stubbornly forever will because I started my sewing life making clothes. I think it does just the same thing that putting a flat weight on top of them until they cool is trying to accomplish...make it flat and true. I just have to be careful to press them on a hard ironing surface and it comes out wonderfully. A good steam iron also helps. I did try a sample both ways and liked the steam better.

[Nancy R.]

I always use steam. Well, except when paper piecing. I just love what steam does to the fabric!

Nancy

[Annis C.]

Nancy, your blocks are amazing! I'm a steamer too. Lots and lots of steam. I prewash but I don't have time for starch. I just like to get them done.

After a weekend out in the heat helping, but mostly watching my DH work, I decided I needed a day to do odds and ends. All of my calendars still say July so I'm pretending for now that's what it is. By the end of the day they will be changed and I will get back to reality. I did get motivated last night to make the 9-patch blocks. I needed 16 for my layout. Since the plaid fabric was a little heavy I decided to twirl my seams. I worked long past midnight so didn't take time to square them up until this morning. Only a sliver of fabric was removed. Usually I just leave this on, but wanted to follow at least some of the instructions. The pinwheel blocks will be easy. I will only need 8 of those which require 32 HST's. Surely I will find an hour a week to work on these blocks without having to do it in the middle of the night. I prefer late nights to early mornings as I tend to make more mistakes then.



My new avatar shows my changing hair color. I'm not sure yet what the end results will be. Now let's see if my signature will show. I found Margo's great instructions that I printed back in June 2010. It just takes time.

[Annis C.]

It's there but I may need help getting rid of that white box. I know I clicked on transparent.

[Rita C.]

Love the new Avatar Annis. The signature thing is annoying I had to do mine several times to get it right as it wouldn't go transparent for me either. Got there in the end. I will be interested to see your variation on the sampler.

[Rita C.]

Annis, I wouldn't have recognized you if you hadn't mentioned the new picture--quite a change.

[Catherine S.]

You are all so far ahead of me. Last night I dig through the stash and found fabric for my 2 GDs and myself. Maybe we can cut the pieces out this evening, when the little ones are in bed. Most of the pieces we are using are the sample ones that you can purchase from West Virginia Quilts at the quilt shows. It is fun to dig through their supply and find what jumps out at you. I spend way to much time at their booth. I hope to post some pics in a few days.

[Nancy R.]

Annis - Beautiful blocks and avatar! Are you doing yours full size or 1/2 size (or smaller...)? I thought I remembered you saying that you were going small.

Nancy

[Annis C.]

No, they're the full 6". No time for small right now. I just happened to find some sunflower focus fabric that I had to buy, and this will be a lap quilt for our new home.

[Nancy R.]

Love the colors!

Nancy

[Betty J.]

Annis, You look wonderful in your changing hair color and the beautiful quilt behind you just highlights that. Love the colors for your sampler too. Cheers.

[wendy w.]

What size are yours Nancy I've done 4 1/2" after all

[Nancy R.]

What size are yours Nancy I've done 4 1/2" after all

I'm doing 6 1/2" (6" finished) like the instructions. With the frames, my blocks are 8 1/2" (8" finished).

Nancy