Baby Quilt, Orca Bay Part3 and other blocks

This week has been very productive..
I'll start by showing you a baby quilt I made for a colleague  at work, who's going to be a grand-mother for the first time in January 2012.

When I saw this fabric at the store recently and loved it, so I had to get some. It was designed by Sarah Fielke (Australian designer).  I made some Pinwheel blocks, added a few solid blocks and with a stripe accent fabric and there you have it !!

Orca Bay - Part 3

This week's challenge was to make 350 half-square triangle units to end up with a block measuring 2".

Before I began, I gave myself a task of investigating various methods of coming up with this block. I identified at least 8 methods and tried 5 of those. 

I start with the premises that I am big on accuracy even if I have to make an effort with trimming the blocks. I'm also not that keen on cutting or sewing triangles so my decision was not too hard to make.

Option 1 : The option suggested by Bonnie, using the Easy Angle ruler.
                After trying this option I decided that cutting or sewing triangles was not for me.

Option 2:  Using the AccQuilt value die, used the Half Square triangle shape.

               This one was speedy in terms of having the triangles cut out fast, but I'm not

                keen on sewing triangles. In the end this would be my second preferred option.



Option 3:  Investigated using the Square in a Square Ruler Video by Jodi Barrows.

                Once again I have had this ruler for years. 

                This is a good method but for this exercise I don't think its the fastest method.

 Option 4: This option is mostly suitable if you have already precut 2 1/2 " squares in the

                desired colours. I had some in blue and white. For this method, I simply rule a

                diagonal line and sew on each side of the line. Cut on the marked line and

                you'll end up with two blocks. 

     

Option 5:  This is the method I have chosen to complete my blocks for part 3.

                It involves only cutting squares, only sewing on straight lines and

                it makes 4 blocks at once.

                It's the same technique I used for the Pinwheel block I used on the baby quilt

                completed above.  For more information take a look at ttp://missouriquiltco.com

                - How to make pinwheels for a quilt the easy way!

                I started by cutting a 3 1/2" square of white and blue fabric. Sew completely

                around your square sandwich then cut diagonally twice and you'll end up

                with four blocks. Very easy and very accurate.

I must point out that for all methods I trim the blocks carefully.

I've made 95 blocks this morning, so I better get back to completing the rest ..



Doing this exercise was of great value to make me learn new techniques or think about skills I had but don't often think of its use outside the project I used them on. For those who are doing this quilt, I encourage you to try various options which you may use for future projects or later on another part of this quilt.

  ......And lastly...

I have been playing with another of my favourite rulers which I have not used for years.

Its the "Flying Geese" ruler made by Quilt in a Day.

My friend Jan-Maree sent me a lot of scrap fabrics recently and I made these blocks for her to make charity quilts. It was great fun combining the fabrics.

Each block is 12 1/2" and I made 20 to send her.