Sunday 20 July 2014

Mariner's Compass

The September meeting will be to make a Mariner's Compass block.  This 16 point one isn't very hard, especially if you're familiar with paper piecing.  This method helps very much with ensuring accuracy. 
 
 
If you're an unfamiliar or unconfident paper piecer, then you could start with this smaller, less complicated compass.  It'll still help you get home!

 

For the first compass you will need at least 2 different fabrics for the spokes and a maximum of 16.  One fabric for the centre circle and one for the centre ring.  A fat quarter of each will be plenty. 
Half a yard of star ray background fabric and then a similar amount for the square background.
For the second compass you will need between 1 and 8 different fabrics for the rays, a fat eighth for the ray background, a 5" square for the centre circle and a 12" square of background fabric.

For both you will need a post card, paper scissors, freezer paper, kitchen foil, cereal box cardboard, pair of compasses, spray starch.  (If you don’t have the last 5 items, don’t go out and buy them, I have plenty.)


Saturday 5 April 2014

Feathered star

After March's successful class de-mystifying foundation piecing, we will tackle the wonderful feathered star in May!

 
This block isn't technically difficult (the only new thing is a partial seam) but relies heavily on accuracy.  The half square triangles are very small, and the whole thing won't fit together unless you cut carefully and have a consistent quarter inch seam. 
I suggest you use three colours, a dark, medium and a light.  Although the block finishes at 15" you only need a half yard of background fabric (light), a fat quarter of medium and a fat eighth of dark. 


Wednesday 1 January 2014

January class

Let's hope the weather is kind to us this year, and the hall is accessible in January.  We will be continuing our foray into free piecing, and this time making dogs (or another animal/shape of your choice).  I made my dogs multi-coloured, but you could stick to realistic colours (grey, brown, black) for yours, against a neutral or light coloured background.
 
 
 
You will need quite a lot of background (as free piecing can be quite wasteful) and about a fat eighth or equivalent of each dog fabric.  This will be a fun day, and I'm already looking forward to it!
 
** Please note the change of date for the March class.  Sorry if it's put you out. **