Thursday, February 10, 2011

Stupid Ideas

On some blog recently I read about a technique for making half-square-triangles by sewing the outside edges of a square, then cutting into 4 pieces.  This seemed an incredibly stupid idea since it would make the  square's edges all on the bias.   So I decided to try it.

My conclusion is that it is, in fact, incredibly stupid to have piles of squares with bias edges.  I had to be extremely careful as I sewed them together.  I could just imagine a beginning piecer try this...it would keep you from ever piecing again.

My tolerance for this approach is pretty low, so instead of a whole quilt of this, I'll alternate these 2 strips with something else.

And as long as I'm sharing my "what was I thinking?" moments....I'll share this progress photo.  I've literally Turned The Corner on the Joseph's Coat.  The hand quilting is finished on 3 sides with most of the center finished.  I've quit tracking petals completed, and have changed to a smaller hoop as it makes me feel like I'm making progress each time I move the hoop.  Just a guess...but I have the equivalent of about 7 "squares" to go.   This is why I haven't posted much lately...I've been focused on finishing this.

8 comments:

1 Marj said...

Sewing the HST from a set of squares is interesting. To get rid of the bias edges on the outside of the HST why not start with a square that has bias edges, then the resulting HSTs would be good. Just a thought

2 Lynn Koeppen said...

I think this technique was designed to sell more spray starch!

I am excited to see your FINISHED Joseph's Coat quilt! Good for you!!!!

I haven't worked on mine in a while. Need to get busy on it again! Too many irons in the fires right now!

3 Oops-Lah said...

I haven seen this method for making HST before and was always wondering if the bias on the outside doesn't make it difficult? Thanks for sharing your experience. Now, I don't have to try it myself to find out it doesn't work.
Love, love, love your JC! You've been so busy.

4 Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

I love that method for making HST's and as long as your press them and not iron them, they keep their shape.I don't have a problem with them stretching either.

5 Julie Fukuda said...

No machine = no temptation to try it! Your Joseph's Coat is progressing nicely. I tend to use the smallest hoop that will hold the area I am working on. The oval hoop my daughter sent me is good for borders because it is not so high in the middle giving more area to work with less reach.

6 West Michigan Quilter said...

Interesting to hear your take on the 1/2 sq. triangles. I just did one and thought it a great idea, but then I'm really not into piecing. Love your Joseph's Coat. I have the pattern and hope to make it someday. Great job and beautiful colors.

7 Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

I have never seen that hst method before, don't think I will try it!! Love your Jacobs coat, you are way in front of me! xo

8 Cecily said...

The Joseph's coat is looking fabulous and I can't believe how close you are to finishing. Go, Marjorie, GO!