Monday, July 19, 2010

Giant Pincushion Sew Along Step 2



Step 2: Cutting and Preparing

English Paper Piecing

<<Go! Cutter Method>>
Cut 6 hexagon shapes.
To cut my hexagons, I used my 5" Go! cutter Hexagon die. That provided me with just a snidge over 1/4" seam allowance and it took me 30 seconds to cut them using the accordion method.


 <<<<<Rotary cutter method>>>>
 Cut {6} 5" squares and lay your template on the wrong side and draw a line around each, add 1/4" to 1/2" seam allowance and cut out the shape.
Your pieces should look like this.

Next cut the 6 point diamonds.
Again, either use a Go! cutter or trace your template and add 1/2" seam.
In this case, I didn't have the 6 point diamond Go! die ( which I now HAVE to have) so I cut using my rotary cutter and ruler.

Cut 12 rectangles 3.5" X 3". That would be 6 of each star color.

Lay the paper piece on it as shown.

then use a rotary cutter and ruler...

trim to 1/2" on all sides.

Fold and glue fabric to paper.

 I used my Sewline Glue pen to adhere the fabric to the paper.
You can use any method that works for you.
Here's how I do that:

place glue onto the fabric....and fold it over, pressing firmly. Continue on all sides.
Continue to glue your fabric to the paper for all 18 shapes.
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Machine Piecing?
Here's what you can do.

Using your #42 Marti Michell template or the template you made, cut 6 hexagons from your 5" strip.

Next, cut 12  #44 shapes out of your 2.25" strips to make the 6 point diamond pieces.

Here is what your pieces might look like if you use Marti Michell's templates:

It took me twice as long to cut with pieces with a template but the shapes are extremely accurate.

 
Next week I am going to demonstrate piecing by hand and machine, plus how to piece in the correct order to achieve success.
Please don't hesitate to ask me questions about these steps. I have made this 3 times! so I might leave out important bits of information.

p.s. I do not gain monetarily for the information on the Sewline glue pen, English paper pieces, or the Marti Michell templates. I just happen to like these items. I always find that other quilters might have a better technique or tool....I am as happy to share my ideas as they are.

7 comments:

GerryART said...

Oh, cut me to the quick, Vicki ! !

It's first thing my Monday morning, just poured my first cup of coffee and now I read your first instructions this morning
and you refer to AccuQuilt GO !

Now I know I need to win one of these babies ! ! !

Kidding aside, I just know I am going to really enjoy making your Giant Pincushion.

Thanks for taking the effort and TIME to write up the instructions, Vicki.

Hugs & ♥♥♥s,
Gerry

Carla said...

You have peaked my interest! Now I'll have to check this out and see it all the way through.

Retrogirl said...

Vickie,

Thank you so much for such thorough instructions. I love the idea of several construction methods included in this tutorial so everyone can sew along.

I'm looking forward to making a new favorite pincushion with you (or two)!!

All my best,
Heather

LizA. said...

In the final picture I've noticed that you squared off the tips of the diamonds. Is there a reason for this?

Gari in AL said...

Where did you get the Marti Michell templates? I have been trying to win a GO but so far have had no luck so I will probably be cutting with the rotary cutter. lol And I really need a pincushion.

Wilma Lee said...

I have all my pieces glued to the papers and am awaiting further instructions mon capitan.

Sarah Craig said...

When will you be posting assembly directions? I'm anxious to learn!!!!!