I finished it! This will not be the actually block design that I will use but it's one that EQ had in the library and was close enough for experimentation. It was actually fun to do! This size – 1.5" – is certainly the smallest size that I can handle. So next I will start designing the actual block and the quilt layout. I will be using hand-dyed fabrics. Here's what I learned on this one:
- Cut the fabric pieces relatively large. Fabric is cheap, sanity isn't.
- Leave the foundation paper on as long as possible. I made the mistake of removing the foundation paper before adding the narrow white borders and that made this block get out of square.
- The block has about 6 foundations. As each is sewn together I hand basted then through the critical intersecting points – that made things a lot easier
- When sewing with seam allowance down, place a large piece of the foundation paper on the bottom so that the seam allowance will not twist.
I'll have to practice a couple with the real pattern and real fabric before I declare that I have the skill to pull this off!
Wow, Vicki. That's impressive. I don't think I could handle anything that small. I'd probably sew through my finger!
Posted by: lindiepindie | June 09, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Wow, this is great. What will you do with these tiny blocks?
Posted by: Joanna | June 09, 2007 at 06:02 PM
Pretty pattern and I love the colors!!
Posted by: Carla Barrett | June 09, 2007 at 07:11 PM
You DID it! (clap, clap, clap), you should get an award.
Posted by: Terri | June 09, 2007 at 10:57 PM
Great job Vicki. I haven't attempted this block in a normal-sized format because I don't think I could get all the seams to match. This is quite a feat.
Posted by: Barbara | June 10, 2007 at 02:00 AM
Ah! Wonderful! I sent my Mom a link as she loves to do minis.
I loved your pointers. Especially about sanity. Ever so important!
:)
Posted by: Lisa Thiessen | June 10, 2007 at 02:42 AM
Wow Vicky, I am in awe, I could never work that small,
Posted by: carol | June 10, 2007 at 02:51 AM
That small piece has turned out so well.
Posted by: Mags | June 10, 2007 at 03:29 AM
Ok, you are officially crazier than I am! What an amazing job on something so small! Congrats to you and your eyeballs.
Posted by: Summerset | June 10, 2007 at 01:16 PM
That is awesome. You have so much more patience than I do....
Posted by: Suzanne | June 10, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Absolutely amazing! Sally Collins, who does miniatures, is coming to our guild in July. I'm going to take her class for precision sewing tips, but I can't imagine making a block as tiny as you did. Awesome block!
Posted by: Cheri | June 11, 2007 at 09:13 PM