10 July 2011

it's time ...


Although not in this seasons color, it was time to make some hourglass blocks!

A nice stack of perfectly cut 4" finished hourglass patches waiting to be pieced...


... all because of this nifty little tool. I was generously invited to try out the GO! Baby cutter by AccuQuilt. Friday afternoon it landed on my doorstep, and I just had to start playing with my new toy.

I chose the quarter square dies, aiming for the lovely old hourglass block. And then I just dived into my stash, looking for the right fabrics.

The process of using the cutter is quite simple. First I cut some fabrics into strips to fit the width of the dye. I ironed them, placed them on the dye with the cutting mat ontop and rolled them through the GO! Baby. Then I folded up some others, achieving up to six layers of fabric. I continued to iron the fabric before cutting it.

This quarter square dies has very little waste. The corners are nicely cut, so the block comes together without any dog ears. Easy peasy and instant joy!

The plan was to make a few patches, just testing the tool. But watching these perfectly cut shapes, I have to admit I got a bit carried away. Using my small (24" * 24") flannel design board, I put them into little stacks until my initial fabric selection was all cut up. Then I started looking for additional colors, bringing out the stash...

Could not resist sewing together a few blocks, and putting them up on the design wall...



This is what I have got so far. Limiting myself to only two colors, I am focusing on the contrast of light and dark. Starting out with a kit for a mini quilt in Jo Morton's beautiful reproductions, I have widened the selection to include other reproductions, woven fabric, some Thimbleberries and even cut up a few thrifted men's shirts. (Those cottons shirts cut like butter... ; ) would love to try that again.)

So now, I have the work cut out for me....

; )




11 comments:

Quiltefia said...

Hei!! Jeg har fått med meg at disse maskinene er populære i bloggverdenen!! Det ser morsomt ut!! Fine farger!! Jeg pakker formingsting for 4 uker, livredd for å gå tom!!? Jeg har ting jeg skal quilte og litt strikking. Gleder meg!! Håper også at det blir litt mer blogging også!! God søndag!! Annek:-)

Jenny said...

yay! for using thrifted mens shirts! i love it

antique quilter said...

well just how lucky are you????
I hope someday one lands on my doorstep too
I just made an hourglass quilt the old fashion way
will post about it later or in the morning!
Kathie

Steffi´s Candy Quilts said...

Isn´t the Go! Cutter a great tool? I have one and I love it!
I cutted all the squares for my postage stamp quilt with it and it was so easy and fun. Now I plan to buy a triangle die, too.
Love your color combination!

Ariane said...

Oh your blocks are looking great. I don't have that die yet. But it's on my wish list of die to buy.

Mary said...

Lucky girl! Have fun with that baby!!!

sewtakeahike said...

Look at you GO! I would really love to have one of these someday! Cutting is my least fav part and they do make such light work out of it! You're quilts going to be awesome!

Judy said...

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Go! I've been thinking of buying one, and reading your post helped me to decide.

Char said...

Lucky you! I want one so bad. Just think how many more UFOs, uh quilts I'd have then.

Sharon said...

It looks like you've been having fun! I like what you've got so far. How big are your finished blocks? Are you going to keep it small or go for bigger?

AmyJo said...

Your little quilt is looking beautiful !