Thursday, January 30, 2020

Moda Block Heads Block #3

Hello Everyone,
 
I'm trying to keep up with the Moda Block Heads.  Yesterday I put everything aside, and made Block #3.  This block is from Betsy Chutchian, and I am only using Betsy Chutchian's fabrics in my blocks for this program.  This fabric is called Sarah's Story and is available in shops now.
 


Quite often I'm asked how I manage to work with tiny components.  You can learn how I make my Flying Geese, four at a time, by visiting The Quilt Show.com and watching my video for free HERE.
One key tool in my production, is using a Bloc-Loc ruler for absolutely perfect Flying Geese.  The ruler locks into the geese, and then you trim.


Also, after I stitch the square to the finished Flying Geese, I run a line of Best Press right along the thread line with my Clover, fabric folding pen.  I fill the plastic tube with starch, and apply it sparingly.

You can see the threads are just dampened.  Then I press this unit on my wool pressing mat.  Using a wool mat is like pressing on both sides of the component.  The heat radiates back up through the unit.


I also make my itty-bitty 1" HST eight at a time using this method.  The video is available on The Quilt Show.com by clicking HERE.  Two, 4" squares yield eight, 1" HST.  If you watch the video, you will also learn the formula.



Once I get the HST done, I trim them to the correct size with a different Bloc-Loc ruler.  I forgot to take a picture.....sorry.

 
There are several different ways I could have arranged the components.  This is what Betsy suggested.


Here is an alternate layout.  All I did was change the orientation of the HST's.  I also like this layout.  If I get time....NOT.....I will make another block using different fabrics in this layout.


Today I will be grumbling at our glorious state of California Sales Tax website.  I have to pay the sales tax I collected for the last quarter of 2019.  It always puts me in a bad mood.  They say they've made improvements to the site.  I'm not totally convinced that's true.  My son-in-law tried to pay his sales tax online last night for his business, and I could feel the frustration in his voice when he called for advice. The state doesn't make it easy to give them money! 

There have been two different mountain lion sightings in our area this week.  This really makes us nervous when we are out walking Mazey.  A little air horn doesn't seem like much defense against a predator the size of a lion .  The air horn works with bears, I'm not so sure about a mountain lion.  My friend said you have to make yourself look big, and pull your shirt up over your head.  Well, if I did that, the mountain lion would die from laughter if they saw my boobs. Note to self -- Wear bra when out walking...or not! 

Soon,
Lynn

 

16 comments:

  1. first of all I really like the colors in the block. It is always appreciated that you explain how you do these wonderful blocks. Next:(insert laughing hysterically emoji)regarding the mountain lion deterrent........

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    1. Your comment made me laugh Karen!
      Take care,
      Lynn

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  2. LOL image of you trying to scare the mountain lion with the dog in your arms and shirt over your head!! Love your little blocks. Thanks for the advice re mini blocks, I am off to see if I can get a Clover pen locally, as I normally drench my fabric in starch then cut it.

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    1. You made me laugh Sue! Mazey weighs 75 pounds, so she is going to be on her own if we are approached by a mountain lion.
      Take care,
      Lynn

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  3. OMG!! You are so funny! I am envisioning that mountain lion in hysterics and you - braless?? no? Whichever way you go, I hope the mountain lion retreats! Great block. I might do mine later tonight.

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    1. I'm looking forward to seeing your block Jayne. I've had fun being a Block Head!

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  4. All hilarity aside (as I clean up my spilt coffee) ...
    I'm not sure why you starch your seams?

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    1. Hi Sandy,
      I apply starch to seams in small components to make them super flat. Between the wool pressing mat, and the starch along the thread line, the seams are flatter than a pancake.
      Take care,
      Lynn

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  5. OMgoodness! LOL!
    Have really enjoyed seeing the moda blockhead posts all around, esp this latest block--yours is very pretty! I did NOT know that about the wool mat--that the heat radiates back. Always wondered why they were so special!

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    1. Hi Cheree,
      The pressing mats aren't cheap, but they are worth the cost. I love making tiny components, and the starch along the thread line, and the wool mat, make my seams very flat.
      Take care,
      Lynn

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  6. I have become a Blockhead. Finished Block #1 as a 6 incher. i think I will carry on but with 8 inches. Bears and Lions, oh my!! And you with your shirt over your head? What next?

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    1. Good for you Fran. Make sure you join the Block Head 3 group on Facebook so you can see a lot of blocks.

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  7. Dear Lynn...
    Please remember not to wear any furry bras when walking.
    Sincerely,
    Paula

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    1. Nor will I wear one with tassels so they don't think it' a cat toy!

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  8. make sure you wear a jacket of some kind that you can open up like wings to make you look bigger! Think of the EXPOSE YOURSELF TO... flashers, and then you'll be fine!

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