joe'smom

I used to use the Easy Angle and Companion Angle rulers (same idea as Bonnie's Essential Triangle tool), and had such a hard time with them. Nothing was ever accurate, and I found the process of cutting to be very laborious and time-consuming. But other people swear by them, so there you are.

I used to listen to audiobooks while working in my sewing room, but then they changed the library catalogue from simple to complex and I have yet to figure it out. Now I'm either listening to my Lord of the Rings audiobook or my tapes of sappy love songs and Americana taped off the radio.

I had a good day yesterday, getting my fabrics paired, and sprayed with Best Press. I tried one set to make sure my seam allowance was accurate. I'll continue pressing and cutting today and should have plenty of pieces for leaders/enders to proceed with. I'm almost finished putting my borders together for Indigo Way, and then on to joining blocks into rows.

Iceblossom

I've had a good day so far but a good time for a break. On Saturdays we pick up milk from the local dairy (about 5 miles by road) and is about time to do that.

I made a test block and am happy with the results. Cranky Bernie, the Bernina 820 had it's final part blow out and I'm not getting it fixed again. I bought a semi-industrial straight stitch Juki a couple of months ago and am still getting used to it. I'm really used to a "quilter's foot" (that is, not the walking foot but the 1/4" foot) and the Juki edge is a scant seam allowance. Between cutting slightly large and the seam allowance, I will have a bit to trim off but that's ok.

edit/ps: I have rules for each of my fabrics, and the test block is a fabric that breaks the rules but not by much -- it should have a white blackground with black print, but this is a predominantly white print with black background. I'll use it for this step but later I will replace a 50/50 black and white (needs to be washed).

Goal is to have the blocks done by my Tuesday sewing group, and to do the trimming there as a portable project. Some of my techniques I have developed over the years just so I do have something portable for my sewing groups... For me doing the cutting large and trimming down gives me actually faster sewing. While I used to consider trimming down an extra step, now it is just part of the process and over all time spent is about the same whether I am fast and furiously slicing and dicing, or whether I am being super-precise. But the cut large techniques often save me when I have been sloppy!

So here's a couple of pictures, one is my test block. It will look weird to you all, because I'm using my Neutral is black, my Pink is White on White, and my Ice is Black and white. I don't worry about the dog ears because it all gets trimmed down.

The other shot is a bigger shot of my sewing desk, it is huge! I got it from an estate sale for cheap, the height is adjustable and the sewing machine opening was big enough for Cranky Bernie (not all are!) I still need to make some adjustments to get the new machine in, so for now my table is a bit low and the machine is on top and not really where I want it. I really like being able to use the knee option but that doesn't fit so well quite yet. I think it was a custom job, probably a Boeing Surplus drafting desk with a sewing machine lift added in. It also has a really nice power bar wired in.

joe'smom

It's going to be fascinating to watch your progress, Iceblossom!

Stitches23

I'll be using Bonnie's strip method. I haven't started this year's mystery but hope to join in soon. I've used her strip method in the past and it worked well for me - although I do cut slightly larger than her measurements because I am more comfortable with oversizing. Less stress than trying to be perfect.

JeanieG

I used the Strip Cut Method and her Essential Triangle Tool! I have had real good luck with it over the years! Here is my 1st set, came out with very little trimming!

petthefabric

The posts are happening faster than I can read.
I need full size that's about 96" square.
I've enjoyed Bonnies mysteries even though other mysteries I havene't
My colors are yellow-green, purple, peach and white
In the past, her yardage has been barely enough.

Still on the fence. I have a lot of projects lined up.

WMUTeach

Lurking still and keeping the fence warm. Saving the weekly posts from Bonnie and sewing up a storm while dashing toward the holidays and all of the events that await. I like her colors but have so many other projects needing my attention. I am trying to get some of my UFOs and WIPs out of my sewing room. Starting another major project....seems to be too much at this moment in time.

Iceblossom

For WMUTeach and those still on the fence or still waiting to start -- there is plenty of time and you all will learn from some of us fools rushing in. Again, there is next year too. I really do go to quite a bit of planning to clear my schedule (and my sewing desk) for this/these projects. We do need our "non sewing" participants to help answer us from a slightly more objective view.

I am making a couple extra units each time because I am planning my quilt to be bigger than designed. I'm trying to keep that number low enough that if the pieces I'm making don't ever get used I'm ok with that, and that I will probably still need to make a few more at the end but at least I'll have a head start.

Haven't been downstairs yet today, first my coffee and internet time. I end up yesterday about half done, or at least half sewn. My first chore for the day is the dreaded pressing, I've got a few complete blocks and a bunch of half blocks to press. Then my squares are sorted out for the final round of cutting and piecing.

Musically I'm up to Jim Croce with those steadily depressing low-down mind-messing working at the car wash blues!

For Joe'smom -- a lot of my music is designated as Americana, from those Avett Brothers at the beginning of my latest alpha journey to Lucinda Williams who is close to my end. And in-between there are many love songs, starting with Abba I also listen to audio books, or sometimes wanting to hear human voices I put on TV shows were people are doing interesting things while speaking in nice voices to each other... So Main Cabin Masters and not Real Housewives I am actively avoided as much news as I can except at my designated computer times.

joe'smom

Hi, petthefabric! It was so fun when you joined us that one time, and I recall that your quilt was fabulous. I don't remember which year that was, though.

I made some good progress pressing and cutting yesterday. Still a ways to go.

toverly

And suddenly the clue is done. Does anyone else find that it gets faster and easier as the years go by? Now I have to figure out what else to sew between the clues. It helps that my husband was out of town. LOL. Happy Sewing y'all.