The first clue for Bonnie Hunter's 2015 Mystery Quilt, Allietare, was released on Friday. I spent the first day figuring out how to get reasonably accurate half square triangles cut using the Fons & Porter Half and Quarter Square ruler. This is basically the same as the Easy Angle ruler that Bonnie recommends, and I think my problems would have been the same with either ruler. One, it is hard to hold steady, and I solved that with some Omnigrid Invisigrip clingy plastic on the back. Two, I find it hard to line up the ruler with the edge of the fabric when the triangles are small. So, I lined up the strip with the lines on the cutting mat first, which helped to keep things square. And, I learned to tailor my seam allowance to each set of triangles. I know, I should have taken photos of all this! Anyway, at the end of Day 1, I had 15 acceptable 2" unfinished half square triangles:
And, all my practice paid off, because the remaining triangles were finished in two days. I know many people like to paper piece their triangles, and previously I would have done that too. But, paper piecing is definitely slower. Now, after one day of practice, I am set -- not just for this quilt, but for every other one too. I will probably also use this ruler for Stars for a New Day, instead of the paper templates provided in that pattern.
Another tool that turned out to be really helpful this weekend was my Steady Betty pin and press. It's a board covered in a heat resistant, clingy grey foam:
I didn't like it when I first bought it, because the iron doesn't glide over it. I guess that's the idea! But, I adapted, and it holds onto those triangles and keeps them square when you press open the bias seam. Plus, Bonnie's tip to keep the triangles chain pieced together until after you press them open was inspired!
I also really enjoyed working with all my fabrics. I talked about my choice of the blue batik last time. It has been so fun to work with -- every triangle is a little different. And, as you saw in the first photo, I have a big range of lights to work with:
I have a yard each of these two pretty, low volume florals. They'll do most of the work!
There are three light Kaffe Fassett prints, to go with the other red and gold Kaffe fabrics.
There are quite a few text fabrics, left over from my first Bonnie Hunter quilt.
Miscellaneous dots -- The dalmation spot on the right was the background in Collector, and I still have quite a bit of that. I'm also including a couple of very light blues with the other lights. They are another experiment, but I like how they look so far!
And more miscellaneous dots. These are all pretty small pieces, so it will be less boring than it looks here.
Lovely collection of fabrics! And I love your blue batik "constant".
ReplyDeleteI love the blue batik. I really belive that using the Easy Angle ruler or your equivalent is the way to go. Once you master it, it's the fastest technique. Paper piecing seems quick initially until you have to remove the paper! So glad you are joining in this time. Makes it extra fun.
ReplyDeleteI paper pieced mine and at our mystery kick off party I was the only one to complete them all that day....so may depend on the sewer. We had all different methods too!
ReplyDeleteI'm an Easy Angle convert. Love all your fabrics and I'm drooling over you jumping in to this mystery. I wanted to. . .but, just have too many projects taking up space. . .finish, finish, finish. . .ha! --Terry
ReplyDeleteOh, I know about the space problems, Terry! Soon Allietare will need more than a plastic baggie to hold the pieces, and something is going to have to give around here. :D
DeleteAnd thank you, it's a lot of fun so far!
I also love the blue batik, and will definitely try the ironing before cutting the threads. Sometime, if I make another quilt. Which I may some day.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way that you showcased your lights with your "gray" in your post! Thanks for sharing ALL of the players with us. Looks good!!
ReplyDeleteI really love your fabric choices! They are going to make a beautiful quilt together. I still need to get this weeks clue done!
ReplyDeletelots of nice fabrics here, I struggle with the HST and QST templates find it easier to cut squares abn back them with another the old fashioned way! maybe I will have another play and see how I get on, I am not doing this challenge though
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabrics! all of them....I'm an Easy Angle Gal.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty colors. I love your neutrals. I am pretty dull when it comes to buying neutrals...am trying to change. I look forward to your MQ evolve.
ReplyDeleteVery refined choice of fabrics! I have several of them in my stash.
ReplyDeleteThat blue batik makes me thing about the sea...Beautiful HTS, Great fabrics. Hugs
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabrics and they all work so well with the blue batik, which is stunning.
ReplyDeleteWow Monica, you are off to a truly beautiful start! I think, based on your fabric choices alone, that your Allietare is going to be stunning.
ReplyDeleteThose are all great tips about making and pressing little HSTs!
Your ruler and triangle discussion makes me look the other way - this Adopt and Adapt girl gets a panic attack when confronted with such accuracy. Your usual great eye for fabric combinations is evident and the blue batik is perfect. I'm very glad to be a spectator as you progress this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jillian, I'm happy to have you along for the ride! I enjoy an organic look, but it is also very satisfying when all the corners and points match! That will be a debate for the new year. :D
DeleteWOW!!!!! Excited to see your finish!!!
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