I've had this old timey headboard for years, not using it, needing some paint and then it dawned on me, it's the perfect headboard for my newly improved bedroom, but it needed to be GREEN. This is the second "GREEN" I tried - first one was too 'baby poopy' colored (pardon me) but this one was perfect. 2 cans of Krylon Indoor/Outdoor named "Pistachio" is just perfect. The evening was warm, no wind, the paint dried quickly, was thick enough to cover the imperfect edges on the metal, and I painted it in all one hour - both sides - no runs. The paint is good! (That's a plastic drape over a back fence.)Different subject: Have any of you tried Jody Barrow's Square in a Square methods (below)? She has some great ideas, and I LOVE her ruler. Some people say her method uses too much fabric, and it does, but there are ways around it that work well. And ... uhhhh... aren't some of us trying to figure out ways to use more fabrics? 8-)) So, I'm playing here. Here is a completed SnS unit. Notice some of the corners are blunted and some not. Blunted areas will be cut through, leaving a seam allowance. This is also a small block.
Here it is sliced through the middle. If you sewed straight, it works wonderfully!
(Below) Here it is all together. That corner HST finishes up at 1.25 inches, too small to do in the 'normal' way. I use stray starch as several of the units have bias edges. I left the cutter there so you can see how small the block is, and ... OK, I'll also admit I'm hiding an imperfect seam allowance.
I've made some intricate very small blocks using her technique. Her method is almost easier for a new quilter as I had a hard time changing the way I thought! I believe all methods have value, whether you like them or not. Just thought I'd mention it - give it a try just so you know what it is. You might like it!
Elaine what's the finished size of the block when you complete it? I have a couple of her blocks but I can't seem to get a "normal" sized block - like a 6" finished. They seem to finish at odd sizes which is ok if you're just using one block throughout the quilt. Am I doing something wrong? blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteCool! I'll have to google that and check it out.
ReplyDeleteHello Elaine - you've been lost, glad I found you!
ReplyDeleteHugs - Lurline♥
I should be sleeping... glad I read this instead because you make me laugh. I love your headboard. Great idea. Paint is amazing! That little block is neat too. Would this method be quicker than foundation paper piecing? It reminds me of some of those tiny Dear Jane blocks, and I always FPP those.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I used to have her book and ruler. I never used it so I gave it away. Hmm....did I act in haste?
ReplyDeleteThat is fascinating... Now why didn't I think of that? I mean, I do it with 9 patches... Thanks for the lesson!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. It's one of those blocks I love that look incredibly complex but in reality are fairly simple to make. I may have to find one of her books.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty block...I have not tried that method myself yet but it does look interesting.
ReplyDeleteLove the headboard. I am looking for a used credenza for the dining room to put sets of dishes in to get them out of the kitchen cupboards. I want to paint it some way. Spray paint is good.
ReplyDeleteHow nifty is that? I'll have to check it out. Love the bedstead.
ReplyDeleteI've had her ruler and book for a while and finally got around to using it to make half square triangles. Having a hard time the block squared up. Things start out ok, but in the end after cutting I only end up with one HST that is the right size...the rest are smaller. Then I end up cutting them down to a smaller size. How do you get around the waste of fabric?
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool block Elaine_ I love it - and that it looks complicated and is not near as complicated as it looks. I will have to keep an eye out for her book and ruler.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information.
Regards,
Anna
Love the headboard--great reuse/make do!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you cut this up like a disappearing 9 patch--never heard of this method before.
I also never heard of stray starch either...LOL! Makes me think of a blog I read last night where a gal said she was "bayoued" by a small success. Too funny.
The bedhead is lovely, a green shade I like.
ReplyDeletethe block is very cute.
Darling block. It makes such a difference in all of our quilting when we find something that makes the 'process' easier!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea for the block.
ReplyDeleteLove that pistachio green.
ReplyDelete