Stay At Home Round Robin Round 1

Oh My Gosh, this was a nail biter because my measurements had to be correct so I could cut this center block correctly. Not to keep you in suspense, my measurements were good, and Round One is a successful finish! TaDa!

I really fussed over what fabric to use for my hourglass blocks. I found this teal blue that worked so I made the decision to move on with it. I cut two 5" squares, one of the white background, the other with the teal blue print. I marked the top square corner to corner and sewed 1/4" on each side to make a Half Square Triangle (HST) Once pressed I laid them together with opposing sides together to make the final hourglass block. 

You can find good a good tutorial here and a helpful chart here 

I did not trim my blocks. I really do not like cutting again. If you are careful and sew accurately, it is not necessary. Not in this case anyway because I had lots of fudge room. My hourglass blocks measured 4 1/4" unfinished. I decided to make 6 for each side and half square triangles in the corners. I like how it forms a zig-zag border around the center block. 

It got real scary when measuring to center it all, making sure it was square and these 23" hourglass strips would fit. I measured from the center out. Then I measured along the outside edge using the design as a reference. Numerous markings made it more confusing!! I then sewed running stitches with blue thread showing me the true cutting line. And it worked! 

 

Reminds me of tailor tacks I learned in Home Ec garment sewing. I held my breath and continued until I was finished, in fear of loosing my train of thought. Now I have to think about erasing those markings. 

Careful easing in the seams and it went together nicely. It is now pressed and ready for the next step. So far it measures 31" square. 

Now I will visit the inlinkz page and comment on other's success. Thank you, Brenda at Songbird Designs for this fun first round! 

I hope everyone stays warm and safe during this upcoming winter storm that is expected to hit this weekend. I will make a run up north to pick up a quilt at my long arm quilter's shop and stop for groceries and gas on the way home. I have a table runner that I am hand-quilting, and some embroidery to catch up on so let it snow, let it snow, Let Me Sew!

Happy stitching!