Curve it Up Time again...

and I don't mean have another piece of pie .....

For those of us who are doing the block of the month using the Curve it Up Ruler we meet Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning for our third time, the 18th and 19th.  Of course come early for check in as the lessons begin promptly at 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. respectively.

How did you all do with your blocks?  These curves are definitely challenging.  However, I did make a discovery on measuring the tails needed for a "balanced" curve. I'm pretty good at guessing a 1/4" measurement, but my curves were off (my warped sense of humor could just carry on about "my curves").  When all else fails, measure!  Measuring points and curves are just annoying for me so I rustled an old friend from my hand piecing and hand quilting days.

 This little brass disc measures a perfect quarter inch.  By placing it at a corner and marking with a soft pencil and Voila!, you know where the 1/4" is for all directions.

 I found that my Pentel disposable mechanical pencils have softer lead than my old Bic Cliks.  With the softer lead I could easily mark two layers

 Be aware that when marking a single layer, the pencil travels through the fabric, so put a piece of paper underneath the fabric.

 This first square I marked the corners turned out very well for me.

 Well,not perfect when put together, but good enough for a class project.  I don't know if you're having the same problem that I experience: the squaring instructions are not clear.  The quilt designer must have been a reading specialist in prior life because I'm really reading out loud several times......still not clear.  Should my gold arcs meet in the center? Hmmmmm

 The Magic Seamer had limited use with block two for October.  The Curve it Up Ruler was needed for cutting and measuring......I ignored the squaring instructions for this block since we have a simple center where the blocks meet in the center.

I had another discovery with a tool purchased 10+ years ago.  You'll learn of this adventure in sewing when the quilt comes back from the quilter in a few weeks.  Do you love gadgets as much as me?!  There are a few tools  I just couldn't resist buying and still haven't figured out how to use them.....early New Year's resolution:  keep hand in pocket while perusing the gadgets in any store!

See you soon!  Next Guild meeting is December 2nd.