March Technique

Hi everyone, sorry this is a bit late this month, I had a stupidly busy week of PP work last week and then Daisy broke her arm at the weekend, so i'm running behind a bit.

I thought it might be nice to have a look at miniature quilt blocks this month. This also has the benefit of thinking about drafting different block sizes, so if you can't face actually making any tiny blocks, you can have a go at resizing blocks instead.

I would really like it if you could all pick a simple pieced block, and then see how small you can make a single block! I don't mind how small it is, but under 6in square would be good, 3in or smaller better, and if you can manage smaller than that, brilliant!

I can't find a lot of info on t'internet specific to making small blocks, but I would suggest pick something simple and foundation piece it to make it easier. That way you can cut quite large bits of fabric and trim them after they are sewn and flipped. I haven't got a mini-iron, but if you have, they are useful for little blocks. If you only have a full size iron like me, you might find finger pressing easier than pressing with an iron.

If you just want to resize a block, then you need to work out whether it is based on a fourpatch or ninepatch grid, and then draw yourself a square which is smaller but in proportion, and work from there. Any questions, just ask.

When you have made a block or drawn a block resized, please take a photo of it, but include something for us to compare the size, a ruler, or anything that we could identify as being a particular size, like a standard reel of cotton.

Here's a couple of links to start you off

General miniature quilt info

Mini block patterns

Mini ninepatch

mini log cabin

Edited By Katy on 06/03/2012 11:44:43

O M G

Oy you!

from ........WOT?

Edited By BattyJan on 06/03/2012 23:56:49

Like the sound of this one.

Cheerio

Marlene

Oh heck.... six inches has been my limit before - remember I did 4" for a postcard then chopped part off!

Great! I like this one. I have an old Carol Doak Foundation Factory programme and some of them can be sized down to 1/2" !!!!! No, I am not going to try anything that small!

Margaret

Oh dear I struggled with Dear Jane 4in blocks! Couldn't possibly go any smaller.

Di

Definitely one for when I am back with my lovely Janome, Katy. Haven't done any foundation piecing for a while Ahhhh yes, since that dastardly central block for that stay at home quilt we did with you. Which I still haven't finished - whoops.

Sylvia

You're allowed to do 6in or smaller, so you can always do a 6in nine patch with 'creative' photography (ie next to a giant 10p or something) and we won't know!

OH YES WE WILL......

Edited By BattyJan on 06/03/2012 23:57:47