Sunday, 27 February 2011

Civil War Quilts - Block 9

Block 9 - Birds In The Air . . . I really like this block.

Although it wasn't without its challenges!


I did some adjusting on my machine before I began sewing. I decided to use the seam guide, which is screwed onto the bed of the machine. Small problem . . . I was all set up for a perfect 1/4" seam - I thought. But when I had the whole block together, the "birds" half was smaller than the other half, which would have made the block too small. Those tiny fractions of an inch really do matter - even more so on a small block with many seams.

So . . . I unpicked, re-adjusted the seam guide and stitched again.

Second time lucky - the block is now the size it should be! And I've taken the seam guide off. I think just using the plate markings as a guide is what I'll stick with from now on.

I did read a hint about starching the fabric before working with it to avoid the triangles stretching on the bias . . . and it worked a treat. Cutting and piecing was a breeze. Wish I'd thought of that before I stitched Block 5!


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 9 - Birds In The Air
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

6 comments:

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

just stunning sue...i will get around to copying these when i'm better...dzintra

ranette said...

Great block! Mine turned out a fraction too small, but unlike you (I'm not a perfectionist...lol) I figured that I can just make it work.

Sylvia said...

Lovely block, Sue. Did you use a spray starch? I don't ever starch anything so haven't anything in the house. I need to add some triangles to some blocks in "In my Garden".

Nat Palaskas said...

You have done this block very quickly. Do you mind me asking what size are the triangle square blocks?

Can't wait to make mine - Hugs Nat

Raewyn said...

Gorgeous!! - love the fabrics you have chosen and good on you for keeping up with the blocks!! I'm wanting to do it but just not sure what I want to do fabric-wise.

Terry said...

Good lookin Birds. Like the contrast in your block.

Did you use Francien?

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