I started cutting the hand-dyed scraps into 2.5-inch strips.
Then I started making strata of four strips, each about 10.5 inches long, and then cut those into four pieces 2.5 inches wide.
Once I had a bunch of them, I started arranging the pieces into groups of four.
These are the 16-patches I have ready to sew together.
I'd like to make this quilt about 60 x 60 inches, and I'm hoping I can squeak it out of the scraps I have. After the 16-patches are made, I'll still need a couple hundred 2.5 x 2.5 squares in the hand-dyed fabrics for the corners of the X blocks and the border.
Here's the first X block.
So we'll see how it goes!
I'm piecing this quilt on Brother Everett. Things were humming right along until the time I forgot to change the default stitch setting after I first turned the machine on. It defaults to 00, which is a straight stitch with the needle in the left position (WTH, Brother?), which would be okay—if I didn't have the 1/4-inch foot on. Unfortunately, I did.
When the needle came down and hit the metal foot, Everett let out a very grumpy sound.
The machine stopped itself and the display read "ERROR." No kidding, Everett. No need to rub it in. On any other of my machines, this would have meant a broken needle for sure. But once I got the right setting entered, we were good to go. The needle may have bent very slightly, though, because the next time I tried to use the automatic needle threader, it didn't work. Hopefully, it'll be okay again once I change the needle, and Everett doesn't hold a grudge.
Love love love your blocks! And I feel your pain about Everett - that's why I'm not very fond of Brother machines. I can't figure out why in the world they have a default position on the needle other than center!
The x-blocks are very striking, but I am amazed about the amount of cutting that you had to do to get all these little squares! Kind of makes my arm ache!
Love your blocks... that's a Good Night Irene pattern, isn't it. What a good idea for the Sweet 16. I've wanted to make the GNI for a while. Maybe that's where my 16 patches will wind up. Might as well make something off the bucket list. Thanks for showing your pictures. Hugs
I have a Brother machine and have done that too more times than I can remember. At some point I read an idea that solved the problem.....when you are done sewing for the day, take the foot off the machine. Then you will need to put it on the next time you sew and are more likely to remember the auto needle position.
My Babylock setting is far left, too. I've broken more than one needle. I flinch every time I hit the presser foot, even though I know I've set the needle to center.
LOVE your hand-dyed x-16patch quilt. It is awesome.
Oh my! Those fabrics look even more gorgeous now that you've pieced them Paulette! I got shivers! Sometimes with my Janome I wonder "What the Heck?!" too. And with my iron, and with my cutting mat, and with some of my rulers... LOL
Love love love your blocks! And I feel your pain about Everett - that's why I'm not very fond of Brother machines. I can't figure out why in the world they have a default position on the needle other than center!
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is going to be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHow do you change the needle position?
ReplyDeleteThe x-blocks are very striking, but I am amazed about the amount of cutting that you had to do to get all these little squares! Kind of makes my arm ache!
Love your blocks... that's a Good Night Irene pattern, isn't it. What a good idea for the Sweet 16. I've wanted to make the GNI for a while. Maybe that's where my 16 patches will wind up. Might as well make something off the bucket list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing your pictures.
Hugs
I love these blocks, wow very impressive. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have a Brother machine and have done that too more times than I can remember. At some point I read an idea that solved the problem.....when you are done sewing for the day, take the foot off the machine. Then you will need to put it on the next time you sew and are more likely to remember the auto needle position.
ReplyDeleteIm sure Everett has forgiven you P. Your 16 patches are looking fabulous .
ReplyDeleteWhat great fabrics to use together --- they are lovely. I want to reach in and feel the texture.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your brother are getting along well again.
:)
I love the colours of your fabrics. Brother Everett doesn't strike me as the sort to bear a grudge!
ReplyDeleteMy Babylock setting is far left, too. I've broken more than one needle. I flinch every time I hit the presser foot, even though I know I've set the needle to center.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your hand-dyed x-16patch quilt. It is awesome.
xo -E
Oh my! Those fabrics look even more gorgeous now that you've pieced them Paulette! I got shivers!
ReplyDeleteSometimes with my Janome I wonder "What the Heck?!" too. And with my iron, and with my cutting mat, and with some of my rulers... LOL