Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Plum]

I've been given instructions to start a small wallhanging with my patchwork group.

 

Anyone want to join in? I've no idea what it will look like.

 

12 squares - 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches in assorted solids or prints that

compliment each other. You don't want anything too similar as the

design could be lost.

3 Backgound strips - 2 3/4 x 42 inches

You will also need a border fabric which could be one of the fabrics

used for the 12 squares.

 

 

arrange the 12 squares into a grid 4 squares across and 3 squares down. Take your

time in arranging the colour combination and when you are happy

stitch the grid together using an accurate quarter inch seam (this is

very important for the later cutting stage).

Press the seams in opposite directions along each row, i.e. first row to right, second

row to left third row to right - this will make joining the rows

easier and you should match the seams.

Then add a background strip to each side, then top and bottom. The grid is now ready for the cutting stage.

 

The next instructions come at the meeting on thursday.

I've chosen colours that remind me of my chickens I'll post a picture of work so far tomorrow.

[Couperwife]

oh, id like to join in

 

what fabric do I use?

 

ive never patchworked before I hope it works

 

cathy

x

[Plum]

Great Cathy,

Doesn't matter if you haven't done any before because our group is very mixed so all levels there.

 

Any fabric but dress weight/ craft cotton is easiest because it doesn't stretch and is easy to use when you sew.

[Plum]

Forgot to say to use a sewing machine for the seams because it sounds like its getting cut up so all the seams would fall apart if sewn by hand.

[craftyhunnypie]

I've never done anything like this, but I'd love to learn. I can sew using a machine - it can't be that difficult can it?

 

Emma.x

[Snowy]

Make sure you get your 1/4" seams right, otherwise nothing matches up when put together! Some machines come with a special 1/4" foot, or you can measure 1/4" from your needle and use a marker pen on the foot, or some masking tape on the machine bed to guide you.

100% cotton is supposed to work better than anything with man made fibres mixed in as it creases better (good for acurate seams), although I find a good hot iron does the trick just as well Good luck - sounds interesting!

[bigmommasally]

Does the background strip have to be different to the 12 squares? I'm also a bit confused why there are 3 background strips but you add one to each side?

 

I've never done proper patchwork before so please excuse if they are really dumb questions

[craftyhunnypie]

I don't think I'd be any good at this. Best count me out I'm afraid. It sounds complicated.

 

Emma.x

[Fizzle Knit]

Does the background strip have to be different to the 12 squares? I'm also a bit confused why there are 3 background strips but you add one to each side?

 

I've never done proper patchwork before so please excuse if they are really dumb questions

 

Maybe the third strip is halved to provide the two side strips? But I haven't done the maths on this - could be wrong!

[Chook n Boo Mum]

ooooo, am just wondering how much "cottony" stuff I have to stitch together without buying more.......may just join you Plum !

 

Sha x

[Plum]

got to sort chooks and I'll put more specific things on later. Panic not this bits dead easy if I post a picture.

[Plum]

This is my offering so far and shape you are aiming for.

 

 

The 2 3/4" background strips are a contrast to the squares

 

Right the background strips .............

 

When you have put your squares together -

 

take the 2 3/4" background fabric and sew 16 1/2" strips to each long side

 

Press the seams then sew 17" strips to the other sides.

 

Snowy put it simpler if you can please

 

You going to join in now Emma?

[Snowy]

Couldn't've put it better myself

Must admit though, even I was wondering why only 3 pieces 42" long

So you need 2 pieces 17" x 2 3/4" and 2 pieces 16 1/2" x 2 3/4"

[bigmommasally]

Okay - Help!

It's taken me hours to cut out my squares and choose an arrangement - the whole family have had their input into the arrangement!

I now have 3 strips of 4 squares, but am now confused (trust me I'm very easily confused ):

Do I iron the seams open flat and join the strips or do I press them to the side before joining? In the instructions Plum talks about pressing the seams to the side but I think that is once everything is joined.

 

I can't believe I'm getting so stressed over a little patchwork!

[Plum]

I did it by sewing four squares and repeat again twice so you have the three rows.

 

First row press all seams one way, second all the other way then third same as first. Then join the three rows and you'll find the seams lay flat. Iron it all again.

 

If you get seams going all ways don't worry it gives it texture and is more interesting

 

Just do what you want as long as you get a block of squares (there are patchwork police but I won't tell them about you)

[bigmommasally]

Ahh bless you so replying so quick, I can go to bed now and not fear a knock at the door from PC patchwork plod!!

[bigmommasally]

Well this is how far I've got

 

 

 

As you can see I still need to do the border and a couple of my seams don't match up perfectly, but hope to rectify that tomorrow night all ready for the next round of instructions.

[Plum]

Love the colours and you fabrics are fun. Anyone else got started yet? If you have'nt got fabrics I can post out some squares.

[Plum]

Well I've been to patchwork group tonight and we've been having fun. I didn't get much done because I was so busy taking photos for you and a video.

 

Your need a template next and I don't think I can put it on for you to print so I'll post it to anyone having a go. Just send me a pm with your address.

 

We'll go slow and one stage at a time and you will be amazed when you have done it. Just let me know when you are ready for another step.

I'll post some pictures later of the squares that others in the group put together.

 

Just enjoy it and don't worry if you haven't been too accurate that's what buttons are for.

[bigmommasally]

Hi Plum

 

I'm just about ready for the next stage. I've re-done my offending corners (they were really bugging me ) and added my border tonight, so will send you a pm with my address for the template.

 

Thanks ever so much for posting the instructions for this I'm really enjoying my first attempt at patchwork. It's something I've always fancied having a go at and your mystery quilt has given me the kick start I needed.

 

Look forward to seeing the squares of your classmates, I will post another of mine with the border tomorrow.

 

Thanks again Nite nite

[Lesley]

The quilts are looking lovely! - I wish I had time to join in.....my brain is awol at the moment.

[Plum]

Some people haven't done their homework

 

These batiks are lovely

 

another version

 

and another

 

I've posted the template and will give you the next stage when you get it.

 

In the meantime you could find something to draw on your blocks with. I used pen on the light ones and chalk on the dark ones but you can use pencil, biro, marker, white pencil anything. The marks are cutting lines so won't be seen.

[Plum]

Hey there Cathy, Sha have you chosen your fabric yet?

[Couperwife]

im going to do mine tomorrow

 

ive got some fabric sorted, so, here goes

 

 

cathy

x

[Snowy]

I love batiks - there are some lovely ones in my local shop *sits on hands*

And now I really am intrigued - can't wait to see what will happen next with these pieces!