Two weeks ago I decided to take a quilting class at my local community college. I didn't know the teacher or anything about the class. In the first class, the teacher showed us what we're going to be learning; how to cut with rotary cutter, how to sew scant quarter inch seam, half square triangle, four patch, skinny border...etc. I thought this was going to be very basic and boring but I stayed put and listened on with an open mind. Then the teacher showed us how she sewed a four-patch square together without pinning. No pinning? I was blown away at the thought of not using any pin. I moved closer to her table so I could observe her technique. She also showed us what she called 'swirl the seams' to reduce bulk in the middle. Last night I took her tips to a test and sewed these squares. I almost jumped up and down with glee when I saw the result. The four-patch squares came out perfect without pinning. On top of that, I sewed 16 of these squares in less time than it used to take me.
The piece on the left is what I used to do; ironed the seam to one side. The piece on the right is what I'm doing now. Opening up the seam in the middle reduces the bulk and the square lays flat. Then, I put them together into this.
We have to make 3 of this block for our first assignment - a table runner. Well, to sew this big block, I pinned a little just to keep things in place. I don't know if I would ever be totally freed from pinning, but for now I can say that I was liberated. Thanks to my teacher, Rita. I'm so glad I came to this class and I think it's going to be a very interesting and fun class. Rita said she had all kind of tricks she could show us. I can't wait!
What fun class have you taken lately? Do you learn anything new? I love to read all your comments and thanks for visiting. Have a blessed week!!
I recently started to open seams on a HST project and I prefer doing that now when possible! :) You have a lovely block here! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb. I might try opening seam on HST one day.
DeleteI pin at important intersections or on long seams when things are likely to shift. I probably pin more than most people, but I'm happy with the results.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. Thanks, Laura
DeleteI am not an avid pinner - in fact I only pin out if absolute necessity. So glad you have been somewhat liberated! Your block is wonderful and it will be so much quicker for you when you are sewing. I have learnt recently that pressing seams open really does help me with having square blocks when I have been sewing diagonals. Isn't it wonderful to keeo learning?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Abigail. There's always something new to learn. That's what keeps life so interesting.
DeleteNice block. You didn't say how she gets those corners together without pinning them. Debbie
ReplyDeleteSorry Debbie, I was so excited that I forgot. I'll write a tutorial one day when I take more pictures. It's better with pictures. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThanks, Lorna.
ReplyDeleteSwirling seams is my favorite-of-all-time technique! I was amazed the first time I saw it, and it works so well when doing wedge blocks. I am a firm believer that when we learn to sew and piece, we don't learn everything along the way. It's a great idea to take a comprehensive class to make sure we're up to speed. Good for you, and you're project is just in time for the upcoming season!
ReplyDelete