notes from Terry Ann

"T" is for Terry's Tips 3: Clamshells

Clamshells by Helen Stubbings.

This block has applique and embroidery - two techniques that don't often do. I found it very relaxing to do handwork for a change. Here are a few quick tips for getting your applique pattern ready.

When printing the Clamshell pattern, be sure to make sure the scale is set at 100% before you print. Measure to make sure that your printed pattern measures exactly 6-1/2" so your clamshells fit perfectly on the block.

An easy way to make a template is to use a glue stick to glue the pattern onto a piece of cardboard. I like to use an old file folder, but you could recycle a cereal box or use any lightweight cardboard. Cut out on the line and voila - your template is ready to use. This gives you a very accurate template and there's no need for template plastic.

I'll share some tips for choosing fabric on Facebook Live today at 3:00 p.m. at Atkinson Designs. The video will be on my timeline afterwards and you can watch any time.

Helen has a great tutorial on how to make the clamshells, and some great embroidery lessons for beginners.

Dive in and enjoy this block, and be sure to post your block at The Splendid Sampler!

 

 

"T" is for Terry's Tips 2

"Milk and Cookies" by Rebecca Bryan

Simple piecing and gentle curves go together to make the "Milk and Cookies" block. Here are a few tips that will help you stitch a great block.

Cut the squares 1/4" larger than the pattern suggests to allow for squaring up the final block. Press seams open to reduce bulk.

Trace the template with the curve on the diagonal or "bias" of the fabric and the curve will be easier to turn under. I use a sandboard when tracing shapes. It grips the fabric, keeping it from rippling as you move the pencil.

Cut the straight lines with a rotary cutter for accuracy. Cut the curves using a sharp scissors. If your chalk pencil makes thick lines, cut the lines off for more accurate pieces.

Stitch the units together in pairs, making sure they all faced the same way! Finger press the seams open to reduce bulk. Stitch three pairs together to make each half of the ring. Press all seams open.

Straighten the edge of each half of the ring with a rotary cutter

Finger press the edge under before pinning the ring to the background. It will be easier to turn the edge under when stitching.

Links

Go here for the "Milk and Cookies pattern.

Go here for the sandboard that I use; you'll also find great "how to" applique videos.  

Splendid Sampler: "T" is for Terry's Tips

"Quilt Market" by Alex Veronelli

I'm excited to get started on The Splendid Sampler 2. I hope you will sew along with me! We will start out with 20 free blocks, released once a week on Thursday. Each week I'll have a few "Terry's Tips" to make your sewing more accurate and fun.

"Quilt Market" is a perfect block to start with because you can easily check the accuracy of your 1/4" seam. It's worth the time it takes to get this figured out. Your sewing will be so much more enjoyable with an accurate seam! Place a ruler on the right side of the block and measure the size of the strips. The wide strips should be 3/4" and the skinny strips should be 1/2". If yours are slightly different, first check the pressing to make sure there are no tucks next to the seam. Next, test using a wider or skinnier seam allowance as needed.

I bet you'll do a better job following the instructions than I did. I have trouble paying attention to the details! My strip sets are longer than the ones in the pattern but it's okay this time because this block is trimmed to size. I aligned the diagonal line on the ruler with the dark turquoise strip, and centered the two bottom corners and voila! The block is perfect.

Here's a close up of the corner - the diagonal line on the square is right in the corner!

To download the free "Quilt Market" block pattern, head over here.  See everyone's blocks and post yours at  #thesplendidsampler - I can't wait to see your colors!