Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Moda Blockheads BOW #2

 KT Winner

Congratulations to:
Chelra - I plan to give your way a shot. I love learning new ways to do things. Thanks for the opportunity to continue my quilting education. 

You're the winner of (8) KT tan fat 1/8's. Perfect for backgrounds of the Blockheads' blocks.Reply to lynne@ktquilts.com with your mailing address. We'll send them right out. 
 

Moda Blockheads Question of the Week

Do you have a question for the six of us - Jan, Lisa, Jo, Betsy, Carrie and me? Comment on any of our blogs on Wednesdays with your questions about quilting, the block-of-the-week or whatever you'd like to know and we'll all respond with the answer of the week. Watch for your question over the next few weeks. We'll answer as many as we can.

This week's question: Where do you stand on prewashing fabric?

I do not prewash my fabrics. Mainly because I start with alot of precuts which cannot be prewashed easily, and because it removes the sizing that gives the fabric body for better pressing. Also, Moda's fabric shrinks so little, it's not worth the time and trouble. I try to save time quilting by not doing things that don't make a big difference.


 

Welcome back to Week #2 of Moda Blockheads. 

All of us are delighted by the positive response to our block-of-the-week. Join our Facebook group, post your completed blocks with the hashtag #modablockheads and let's see how many variations are out there! I'm trying to see and "Like" all the blocks you're posting, but it's beginning to be an all morning job! Just know they're all turning out great. Thanks to everybody stitching along.


Click here for the traditionally pieced block by Betsy.

Block 2 - Aunt Dinah - Betsy Chutchian
http://unitednotions.com/Block2BC_AuntDinah.pdf

Piecing by Kathy Limpic. Love those Betsy blues!

Just as nice on the back. Seams pressed open for fewer lumps.


Click here for my layered patchwork version.
Block 2 - Aunt Dinah Layered Patchwork Option by Lynne

KT Layered Patchwork Basics

I've read several questions regarding my layered patchwork (LP) technique on the FB group. Here are some basic guidelines when trying this method:

1. Fabric glue is perfect for holding the layered pieces in place while topstitching. Pins allow more movement, especially on triangle points. I add a dab of glue on triangle points or the corners of squares. No need to cover the whole piece. It's merely to hold the layered piece in place securely while topstitching.

My favorite glue pen is Sewline. It has a thin tip for easy application, doesn't make my fabric stiff, washes out well, and as a bonus, is refillable.
Find them at Lynnes Favorite Notions - Sewline Glue Pen.

2. I cut my layered pieces so all the exposed edges are on the bias to prevent raveling (Moda's pinked edges on precuts works well, too). A bias edge will simply soften and curl over time after handling and washing for a dimensional, primitive effect I love. After 3 rounds thru the washer & dryer, on regular wash (like a pair of grankids' dirty jeans, not like I usually wash a quilt) this is what a layered block/quilt looks like:

No raveling, just soft, dimensional raw edges that add to the primitive look I love.

Aleece's Charming Stars from Layers of Love book

3. Never square up a half square triangle again. Simply layer a triangle over the background square for perfect seam allowances every time. Since we're just adding the triangle over the top of a square and not trimming out behind, there is no more chance of a layered block coming unstitched in a quilt than a traditionally piece block. In fact, with fewer seams and doubled fabric in some places, my grankids have a hard time wearing their quilts out!

4. In the block below, I pieced traditional half square triangles for the corner units. Sometimes, it just makes sense to go the traditional route. The squares in the corners layered on top keep the unit square. Be sure to cut the squares so all sides are on the bias (on point).

5. I topstitch 1/8" from the exposed edge of my layered patchwork, but always use traditional 1/4" seam allowances to piece the block. Every time we stitch a seam and every time we press or trim a block, we've given ourselves another chance to distort or change the size. Fewer seams, less pressing, no trimming, all add up to flatter, more square and correctly sized blocks. Give it a try! 

To save about 16 seams and have much less pressing to worry about, try my layered patchwork version, pieced by Joy.

Great job, Joy!

Fewer seams, less pressing = flatter block.
Comment or ask a question this week to win a 6-pack of red fat 1/8's. Who doesn't love an assortment of good dark reds?


 

61 comments:

  1. The layered patchwork technique is nice. I can't wait to see what the whole quilt will look like when washed a few times.

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  2. So fun seeing this all come together. I could use more reds in my stash!

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  3. Thank you for including directions for using the Layered Patchwork method for Block 2 Aunt Dinah! I hope you continue with all the blocks. This method is FANTASTIC!

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  4. I haven't tried your topstitch method yet, but thank you for all of the additional information and encouragement!

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  5. I do pre-wash. I've been quilting for well over 50 years and it has just become a habit. I was very sensitive to early sizings in fabrics so I had to pre-wash. I do a lot of hand applique and I prefer the fabric to be softer. Can't wait to begin block 2!

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  6. Block 1 went together like a dream. I was surprised, I always said I don't like samplers because you have to cut different for each block but I really liked how quick it was to cut and sew up #1. Looking forward to getting #2 done. Thanks for the layered directions.

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  7. I usually don't pre-wash, because I like to use the pre-cuts. The layered method looks really intriguing -- thanks for sharing the additional information! I love sampler quilts, and love these blocks... thanks so much!

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  8. I usually don't pre-wash, because I like to use the pre-cuts. The layered method looks really intriguing -- thanks for sharing the additional information! I love sampler quilts, and love these blocks... thanks so much!

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  9. Thank you for your layer instructions for block two. I am making two blocks using both sets of instructions. I am enjoying learning a new way to "piece" . Thanks for a chance at your reds.

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  10. Fantastic job Kathy L. Red ??? One of my favorite colors to use in a quilt. It goes with almost every color there is.

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  11. Formerly,I pre-washed everything but have gotten away from it. I agree that any shrinkage except maybe in flannels is minimal. I use color catchers when I wash the quilt and have avoided problems with extra dye.

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  12. I do like to pre-wash my fabric. But sometimes it isn't practical. Reds, however, always are pre-washed.

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  13. I have not tried your layered method yet. Are the layered pieces cut to the finished size or the same size as the pieced block would be?

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  14. I haven't started the Block Heads project yet. There is a quilt that has a deadline that has to be finished first! Your explanation of how to do the block in your layer method is appreciated--I know that takes a bite out of your precious limited time.

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  15. Love these blocks! So pretty! Choosing my fabrics today to get started. Would love some red fabrics-thanks for a chance.

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  16. Your block turned out great!
    I don't prewash my fabrics anymore because I just buy good quality fabrics (like Moda) now and there the shrinking is minimal. And if I wash my quilt for the first time I'm throwing some color catcher in with it and they normally work should a fabric bleed a bit.

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  17. I used to prewash my fabric until I heard a Kaye England speak at a quilt guild meeting and she told us she never prewashes her fabric. She said as long as you buy good fabric, you don't need to prewash it so I stopped prewashing and have never had a problem.

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  18. I don't prewash my fabric as I like having the sizing on the fabric. I got hooked on your method with the oak hill book. What a time saver and I get to use more fabric. Life is good.

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  19. I love the block done in just the two colors, tan and red. I'm still trying to decide on my fabrics. Need to get with it!

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  20. Hi Lynne,
    Fell in love with the KT method when you join us for a workshop in Jacksonville Fl. We used Paisley Park as our foundation for projects.
    Please provide some additional hints about construction of block with your method. For the four segments that form a cross in the middle of the block, have you just a square and added the quarter segment of triangle with top stitching? (can't quite see from enlarged photo). Thanks.

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    1. Yes, you're correct. Please click on the link for complete instructions.
      So glad you enjoyed the workshop. You were a fun bunch of ladies.

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  21. #4)you mentioned it just makes sense to sew the half square triangles traditionally. I do not have that that inner knowledge yet regarding your LP. So how would I know when to not sew LP? And I couldn't enlarge my screen enough to see if Joys seams were traditional or LP, though your description helps.
    On your backside, when do you decide to spin the seam?
    Thanks.

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  22. For layering block #2, should we resize the 4 corner squares to be 1" square (remove two 1/4" seam allowances from original pattern). And similarly remove the seam allowances from the 4 triangles surrounding the center square. These are derived from subitem E on pattern, a 3.25" square. I think the new square would be 2.75" per side (or do instead need to subtract the 1/2" from the diagonal of the square and then recalculate the sides?). Thank you. Teri English (moda blockhead)...

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    1. When translating traditional piecing to layered patchwork, keep in mind you still need the 1/4" seam allowance around the outer edges. The pattern for my layered patchwork version is in the link above. I'll do the figurin' for you for all the other blocks. :)

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  23. I haven't tried your layered patchwork yet, but when it saves that many seams I think I'll have to give it a go.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

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  24. Wow! Showing the back of the blocks really lets us see the difference the layered patchwork method makes!!

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  25. I'm a pre-washer, except for the smaller precuts. Since I don't limit myself to one fabric manufacturer, I like to create an "even playing field" with my fabrics. Thanks.

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  26. I do not prewash most fabrics, unless sewing with a lot of reds, as they tend to bleed. I love your method and I am working on the oak haven runner for my table. I can't wait to see it finished.

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  27. I REALLY need to try this technique. I do pre wash if I am using yardage. If I have any pre-cuts at all, I won't pre wash

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  28. Thanks for the extra info on the layered technique. Haven't tried it yet, but now I just may! basaran.family@rogers.com

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  29. Using your layered technique for all the blocks so thanks for all your tips !!!

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  30. Awesome! I was just wishing there was a version with your technique on this block and , poof, there it is!! Thank you!! :)

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  31. Where do you get your color inspirations.
    Luv your new ideas for older blocks.

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  32. yep who doesn't love the dark reds!
    I don't prewash, I usually get 1/4 yard and they twist and ravel and then I have a mess. AND I like to get right to cutting when I get the fabric out who has time and patience to wash? Answer-Not me!

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  33. Oh yes--I could use more reds since I seem to only buy blues when I'm out and about!

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  34. If I was just starting out I would probably prewash, but the thought of dragging all of my fabric out to wash, iron , and refold seems overwhelming to me! lol and if I start now I'm afraid that I will mix some that have and some that have not been washed and end up with some distortion that way. Anyone else worry about that?
    Nancy
    eddnancy@ msn.com

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  35. Oooh, reds! My favorite! I started out prewashing. Now I usually only do reds, darker blues and purples and blacks. In my experience, the dark blues run more than the reds. Older fabric, yard sale/thrift fabric always.

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  36. I like how Joy popped open the seam to make that tiny 4 patch on the back of her block which makes the block lie flatter. As for prewashing, I do wash yardage, but not precuts. Thanks for the chance to win some of your beautiful fabric!

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  37. I use to prewash all of my fabrics, but now I just prewash colors that I think might be a problem. Like some reds or blues.

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  38. I love your method of doing patchwork. I always prewash my fabric (I have had some serious shrinkage catastrophies!) Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  39. We believe pre-washing is a personal preference. There is no wrong answer; do what you think is best and experience will also teach you a lot. Thank you for another great week!

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  40. Deep dark reds are my favorite! I don't like to prewash my fabric either...I like the body the sizing gives it and think it helps with accuracy.

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  41. block number 1 was a fun block, now on to get the #2 done. I've seen many block pictures and love all color ways. Some more than the others, wish I would have picked different for my first block. Thanks I never pre-wash my fabrics.

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  42. If you do not prewash do the colors run on your projects? I always worry about that! Love the blocks!

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    1. I must admit, when I had to buy Husker fabric at Jo-Anns for my grandson's quilt, I did prewash. The reds & blacks ran terribly. With Moda's great quality fabric, there's no need.

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  43. Pretty blocks. I do not prewash any of my fabrics.

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  44. I never pre-wash my fabrics.

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  45. Thank you for teaching us the KT layered patchwork way, loving it!

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  46. Thank you for teaching us the KT layered patchwork way, loving it!

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  47. Prewash?....there isn't enough time! Thanks for your layered patchwork tips!

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  48. Lynne, I love that you aren't a prewash kinda gal! And I want to thank you for step-by-step details on your layered patchwork technique! I'd like to ask what is your preferred type/brand of batting? Also, when you baste your quilts, do you pin or do you use a basting glue, etc.? I've only ever pinned, but am looking for time-saving tips! Thank you!

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    1. I really like Hobbs Organic Cotton or 80/20 Cotton batting. It's more huggable and soft than a batt with more polyester. As for basting, I spray baste small projects when I quilt, but send most of my quilts out to be machine quilted.

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  49. I have stopped precasting my fabrics because of all the precut I have. I must say I do hold my breath when I wash a finished Quilt though.

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  50. I am new to quilting and not confident I am doing this right. I am attachint 1 7/8" side of a triangle to a 1 1/2 inch square. Where do I match up?

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  51. I am enjoying the BOW and love the layered patchwork instructions. Love the texture and dimension! I have a stash of KT fabrics but could always use a little more red!
    Linda
    tlhoff@srt.com

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  52. are you going to print instrtuctions for your layered patchwork? are the block sizes the same as the traditional for cutting? I guess I would like more help and would like to make your layered patchwork for all the blocks.

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  53. Learning to quilt over 15 years ago, my instructor said never to iron the seams flat as that weakened the seams in a quilt. Now I see instructions/quilters say to iron the seams flat to prevent bulk. What is your opinion on ironing seams flat?
    Thank you for the block of the week. I am enjoying the blocks and look forward seeing the variety of blocks people post each week.

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