**2009 Quilt Block Swap for April**

[Elven Dreams]

Okay... I have cut and recut this pattern and still can't make it work right..... http://www.quilterscache.com/S/SawtoothBlock.html

This is the first time I've done Flying Geese pieces.. my fabric is cut to the measurements but if I lay the squares end to end as stated in the pattern .. I have a horrible overlap in the middle.. if I lay them end to end in the middle then I lose the middle point of the piece.... I WISH I had a camera available ....

Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? Is the measurement off for the rectangle or something? And it calls for a 6 1/2 inch center square... this seems too small when I lay my other pieces next to it..

Life has been crazy this past few weeks and I REALLY want to get this last block out so I can join up on the May swap again... any advice is appreciated.

Again, sorry I don't have pictures to show you what I'm dealing with....

Feel free to PM if you don't want to clog this thread... lol....

Thanks in Advance to anyone who can help!!

 

[horsejody]

The 6 1/2 in square for the middle is correct. It looks odd before you sew it together.

I would do the block as follows:

Cut:
one 6 1/2 inch square for the center
four 3 1/2 inch squares for the corners

For the flying geese part cut;
four 6 1/2 X 3 1/2 inch rectangles
eight 3 1/2 inch squares

On your 3 1/2 inch flying geese pieces draw a diagonal line. Place one on each side of the rectangle and sew along the line and trim. Here is a link to a tutorial that shows pictures.

http://www.queenoframbles.com/quilting/?p=21

Then you can sew all of the pieces together. This is the type of block where it is very important to have a 1/4 inch seam and working to match your points. It is a beautiful block and one of my favorites.

 

[Elven Dreams]

Thanks horsejody, That is how I'm piecing but I MUST be doing something wrong! lol
This is my first attempt at anything other than squares in a block, lol... Back to the cutting board!


edited to add, I am also gonna check out the rest of that sight.. tutorials make me happy.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
Check your seam allowance. The 1/4 inch is critical. So is ironing after each step. Before you put the sections together, they do look a bit off, but it does come out if your measurements and seam allowances are correct. Are you using a clear acrylic ruler and a rotary cutter? They make a world of difference in getting it exact. Have you actually put the entire block together or are you basing it on how the pieces look when laid out next to eachother? I ask because when they are just laid out and not sewn together yet they always look off kilter in size.

 

[Elven Dreams]

I am using a rotary cutter but not an acrylic ruler... just a normal one, lol.

I am pretty sure that my seams are correct, I will double check that for sure.

When I piece the flying geese, the point in the middle is either overlapped or the ends don't meet correctly.... then when I pieced that to the center square it takes too much off the point ... I'm probably using the wrong amount of seam ....

I have to run off for a bit but will have another look at the pieces this evening and see what's going on! Thank you so much for those tips! I WILL get this thing figured out! lol

 

[#1California Chick]

Quote:
When you make the Flying Geese part, the squares are SUPPOSED to overlap. That way the point will end up on the side after you sew the seam. Instead of marking them with a pen or pencil, try folding (wrong sides together) and pressing. Then open up and sew on the fold!!

This is really funny, because the block I just made for you is SAWTOOTH!!

See the next post from me. (also, not every Flying Geese block came out perfect -- I am learning too!!! LOL)

Cindy

 

[#1California Chick]

Elven Dreams

Here is the block that I made for you. Sawtooth Pattern. I read on your webpage that you have BRs, so I thought that you would like this.

It is on it's way today.

Hope you like it!!

Cindy

 

[#1California Chick]

Acre of Blessings

I have finished your blocks. Now I just need your addy!!!

I am sending you two blocks. The first is for being my block buddy for this month. I read on your web page that you have RIRs, so I thought that you might like this block. I hope so!!!

The second block is for being so nice to run this Swap. I really enjoy it!!

I hope that you like the blocks!

Cindy

 

[leepsy]

Cindy...Those blocks are amazing.

 

[Elven Dreams]

I love it CaliChick!!! WHOOOHOOO! lol My husband loves it too, and normally doesn't give much thought to my quilt stuff. And yep, I loves me little BR girls.

He even went so far to tell me the other day that we needed some more of the 'spotted ones'

Okay, I think the first Flying Geese I made probably would have worked then, lol. (they overlapped).. It just didn't look right at all! It's a busy day today but I think I'll have time to get new pieces cut and sewn tonight. And get the block out tomorrow! WHOOT, just in time for May 1st, lol!

Thanks everyone for all the help with the block!