Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Explaining my brain

Jackie asked about the envelopes in my last post and I wanted to explain my brain.....hang on, because you could get lost going into these deep, dark recesses. I hope someone brought a flashlight.

When I decided to make this Everlasting Wreath quilt for my Dear Sister, I decided that I needed to be organized and this is what I came up with.

This quilt needs 110 blocks. You are to make 77 "light" blocks and 33 "dark" blocks. So I went to my local copy shop and made 110 copies. Each wedge of the hex uses three different length "logs". And three of the wedges are long and three are short.

In this example of the dark wedge, you'll notice that the blue wedge, the red wedge and the red with hearts wedge are shorter than the green, brown rose, and rust polka dot wedge.

Can you see this??? Look again at the "light" wedge. The three "light" wedges are shorter in length than the three "dark" wedges in this hex.



This could get confusing when trying to keep up with which fabric goes on which paper pieced wedge. So this is how I decided to keep up with it and have it all organized ahead of time, so that I could focus on sewing when I took the time to do it!

The circled numbers are the "light" blocks and are numbered up to 77.

The D-number blocks are the "dark" blocks and are numbered up to 33.

Then I placed the correct fabric logs onto the paper, a "light" block on the left and a "dark" block on the right. Then folded the paper with the fabric strips in them and placed them in a Rubbermaid container, like an envelope.

And, now, all I have to do is pull the paper up, open it and start sewing. The correct fabric is inside and waiting on me. And, I don't have to worry about making too many or too few of a certain block.

There are just a few blocks that I didn't put all the fabric in yet. I got tired of cutting fabric and so I have the strips ready and waiting to be added to the rest of the pattern pieces, but like Scarlett O'Hara says, "I'll think about that tomorrow."

I really think that I only need to finish cutting up about 10 or so dark blocks and I'll be done. Not too bad at all, right???

And yesterday I sat down and made up another seven blocks are so, and now I have 30. Rather quick.



And, now that you are all sufficiently confused............ LOL

We had a nice visit with a friend today. I made a yummy cake and we had a cup of coffee while we laughed and chatted. Lots of fun, and very sweet of her to make the time to come see us! And tomorrow a local Pastor is coming by for a visit. We are looking forward to meeting with him and having a cup of coffee and some good conversation.

Off to the sewing room to finish up a couple of more blocks before I hit the hay early tonight. I still have a few things I need to get finished up around the house.....but that may wait until the morning.

Happy Quilting!!!!!!!

11 comments:

Jackie's Stitches said...

I see that the strips are different lengths. I get that there are lights and darks and it can be confusing. I think you were a smart girl and sat down and got it all organized while it was all straight in your head!!!

Joanne said...

Your quilt so far is stunning!

Diane said...

Oh That is SO much better than the way I did mine. I had mine all perfectly sorted and stacked in a rubbermaid container. It was really a beautiful thing to behold until someone dropped the container. I will not say who because he really didn't mean it and you should never hold a grudge against your children especially when they are the last one living at home. So I have a very large quilt all cut out but may never make it because I just can't bear to sort the mess.

Doodlebug Gail said...

Goodness me - what wonderful organisation! I really like your palette, the tones are so calming. Even though I love the look of this pattern I won't be doing it anytime soon, so, I'll be hear to watch your progress and cheer you on.

Barbara said...

Your quilt is absolutely beautiful! Your organization for the piecing of this quilt is great also. You certainly have put a lot of thought and time into it and it really shows. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Suzy said...

The blocks are gorgeous. I so can't wait to see them all put together. It will be a beautiful quilt! Your organization will help you not only prevent "mistakes", but will save you lots of time in the longrun. Great job! :o)

Libby said...

Makes perfect sense to me *S*

Material Mary said...

I am totally confused, however, I love this quilt you are making. It is a stunner. I guess I just love the beauty of the scrappiness.
Mary

Holly said...

Great way to do it. I love the look of this quilt It is going to be absolutely stunning.

country mouse said...

Your method makes sense to me. What a great way to organize, and just have it all ready to sew. What a beautiful project as well, love the colors. Makes one feel all warm and cozy just looking at it :)

Judy D in WA said...

What a clever idea! I think this quilt is going to be awesome.