Sunday, September 19, 2010

Weed Wacker - Test complete

Well almost complete.

This evening, I completed my Weed Wacker test blocks. I'm glad that I read Bonnie Hunters directions, especially where she warns about the accuracy of the quarter inch seam.
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I stitched these test blocks sewing as accurate as I possibly could. The width on all four blocks was right on, but the measurement on the other direction was a bit short, by up to a quarter inch. Because there are 5 horizontal seams, the margin for error is greater.
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It's almost perfect, but I'll do a couple more test blocks and even though I'm using my straight stitch throat plate, I'll move my needle over to the right by one notch. I recalled that hint from a friend, Geraldine who is in the Miramichi guild. She told me that a few years ago, and now I finally get to use that tip. Anyway, that should give me the perfect skinny quarter inch seam.
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I wanted to get a sense of the colors as well. These earth tones seem a bit bland, so when I go fabric shopping for earth tones for this quilt, I'm going to be sure to put a bit more color. I've decided to go with between 15 and 20 fabrics. In these four blocks I used 8 fabrics and even though it was a test, I found 8 a bit limiting.
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Ahh, after doing this little test, I know so much more about my project and I'm looking forward to getting the fabric and start cutting. I am hoping to get the fabric and a kit cut before we go on vacation early next month. Sewing will not start until after Halloween.

2 comments:

MissesStitches said...

May I suggest adding orange?!? We just had a teacher at our guild (Liz Berg) who is a big proponent of orange in most every quilt.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Gail, You are a truly amazing quilter. I have never know anyone who creates more quilts than you. Lovely work and I love those earth tones too. I have a blog give away with 4 gifts I made in Autun colors. I would love to have you take a look. Hugs Judy