When I have all my blocks laid out in the right place and am beginning to sew my blocks together, I put ONE pin in Row 1 at upper left corner, and point it RIGHT, indicating I will press the seams to the Right. Row Two had TWO pins in the upper left of the first block, and they point to the LEFT, indicating I will press the seams to the Left. When I pick them up and take them to the sewing machine, I stack them up, leaving the first block on the left at the top of the stack. I sew the blocks together one at a time - no chain piecing here, since each block must stay in the exact place.
This is how I ALWAYS do it, and so far, not too many errors. Sometimes I can only sew for short periods of time, and it helps to keep me straight.
There are now gizmos, tape, labels, etc. to write on, but I am trying to KISS, mostly because I frequently can't find my gizmos, and my pins are always at hand.
You probably all have your own methods, but until I learned this simple method, it was easy to get confused.
Elaine - when you go shopping on Sunday, check and see if they have some of Fons and Porters pins. They make a set of pins that have flags on them, with pointers, and pins with numbers. You can pin a particular number on a stack of blocks to indicate what order they are in, etc. If you cannot find them, email me and I will pick some up for you and send them to you. Now, have you sewn those blocks together yet, or they still on your design wall?
ReplyDeleteMe too.....I always mark my blocks like the way you do :)
ReplyDeleteI am flabbergasted. I do this exactly the same way. I didn't pick it up from anyone, it just seemed logical. Shows you there is nothing truly new in the world!
ReplyDeleteI have always done the # of pins to keep track of the rows, but I usually alway iron even to one side and odd to the other so I don't mark that.
ReplyDeleteI chant as I am running to press a row "to the left" or "to the right". The problem is, is that I get confused and put the row down wrong. Yours is a much better solution that I will borrow immediately!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I usually keep running back to the design wall to check.
ReplyDeleteI run to check the layout always, for never fails even if I mark it I get it backwards at least once..and throw all the seams off. Sometimes I do the odd rows right..even left helps when not dealing with sashing. But a peek at the design wall is always the best. Besides that is exercise running back and forth keeps you in good shape.
ReplyDeleteHey Flo_rancher - you must live somewhere near me! Can't find your address but saw the photos of Thayer fire.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Sometimes the simple way is the best way.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip, Elaine! I'm a bit of a gadget freak but must confess: I often can't find/don't remember having/too lazy to dig out the gadget!!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous idea, just takes thinking of them doesn't it!!!
ReplyDeleteQuilt's looking good,Tracey
Handy tip, & no money outlaid to implement it! I am still intending to try one of those sizzling strips of Wanda's so I have been watching yours with great interest.
ReplyDeleteGood idea. I use a little piece of masking tape because, for some reason, the pins either drop out, or poke me when I least expect it!
ReplyDeleteGlad to read someone else has put themselves on a fabric diet. I'm not doing too well either budget-wise, but at least my stash looks better fat than thin!
This is my method too. I can't claim credit for it though; read it somewhere. It worked for the big blue quilt I just made where every block had to be just right. Love this piece you're making. I'll check back.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I've tried labels etc., but pins are much easier to control and always to hand! Like your idea of the ironing direction, though.
ReplyDeleteLove the way your sizzling strips are sizzling!