Friday, February 14, 2014

Patchwork of the Crosses - Fabric Grid

Nothing like three days off work and being snow bound in the house to give you time to sew. I am enjoying these days, doing a lot of hand sewing, reading, napping and watching movies. Is this what retirement is like?

I have just about finished the PotC blocks that I precut, and need to cut out some more. It is a little overwhelming to try to pick out fabrics unless you can see the ones you have already used and how you used then. I am not trying to only use a fabric once, but I would like to only use it once in the same place on a block.

So I came up with this grid and it helps tremendously. I have 17 blocks done now, two more to finish and then I start cutting out again. Using this grid I can see at a glance what fabrics I used where. The blank spots are there because I don't have any of that fabric left..not even enough to cut a 3/4 inch square. That is what happens when you throw away the small scraps of fabric.

If you are making one of these quilts and would like the grid, I will be happy to send it to you. It's on an excel spreadsheet, but I can change to .pdf if you do not have excel. It's pretty simple to make one in excel if you choose to make your own.

I number the blocks as I make them...not the order they will be in the quilt. Column 2 is the center or cross block, and then the rows that surround the center as row 2,3 & 4. My final column is for my block border, which in my quilt I am using a different shirting around each block. The little squares of fabric are 3/4 inch cuts.

I must admit to enjoying this little organization project. I do love organizing things and perfect little task for a snowy day.

I have pictures of my recently finished blocks at end of this post.

I have started quilting on the Fancy Flowers wall hanging from the McCalls Quilt Along.

Using for the background a template of hexies, which looks like chicken wire to me. Something different from the usual cross hatch that I often do.

Hand quilting is so relaxing for me and I am trying hard this time to keep my stitches small and consistent.

Thanks for stopping by and if you are I the Southeast, I hope you are enjoying the "historic" snow storm as much as I am. Now to refill the coffee cup and do a little handwork :)

Don't forget to check out my finished blocks at the bottom.

Teresa

 

 

 

6 comments:

Julie Fukuda said...

the thing I loved most about that pattern was what you could do with stripes and fussy cut fabrics. I have to admit I didn't do much planning other than arranging he blocks in the end.

Thimbleanna said...

Those blocks are so beautiful Teresa! I love your plan for keeping track of your fabrics. I've thought about getting the swatch buddies things, but they wouldn't be as efficient as your table.

Browndirtcottage said...

Oh my….I have piddled all day, but now that I've been over here I am inspired to go do something!

Great idea on the grid and I LOVE LOVE your hexie hand quilting…..FABULOUS!!!

jan said...

Beautiful POTC blocks. Love your hand quilting too.
xo jan

SIMPLESEW said...

I love it, stoppying by from Sew and Sow Farm to say HI

Carrie P. said...

great idea to do the hexie pattern for the background. love it.