This project feels a little bit like a crash course in HSTs. I've made a few half square triangle (HST) quilts over the years and have definitely improved with my technique over time.
Full disclosure: precision piecing has never really been my thing, I'm more of a "let's make this work" kind of quilter. Don't get me wrong, I do try to cut carefully and sew carefully, but I don't spin out if things go a little wonky. HSTs are the perfect example ... I know I can be a tad sloppy when I'm making them, sometimes I've ended up getting a few points cut off, and I actually thought trimming was an optional step, ha-ha!
This time though, as I'm making teeny tiny 2" HSTs, I've challenged myself to get more precise with my points. It’s all good practice. And I am hoping accurate trimming and making sure I match up a true 90º angle will make all the difference.
There are lots of little HSTs in this which = lots of HST trimming!
Yes, it's repetitive ... but it's also turning out to be quite relaxing.
And I'm so much happier by taking the extra time to have those little HSTs looking much better.
seven blocks done ✅
two to go
9 comments:
the little scrap bits at times seem to be as pretty as the quilt
I love that block and your fabric combinations are always fun to see.
2 blocks left!… You’re nearly there. Keep on going
Your blocks are so lovely, trimming definitely adds to the perfect fit. Happy stitching!
I love half square triangles but I am also not a precision piecer so I usually make mine a tad larger and trim. I don’t mind the trimming process. Your blocks are tempting me to start making some of those little triangles to have on hand.
Those are such pretty blocks, Linda! The HSTs make the perfect frame for the fussy cut centers. I'm not a precision piecer either, and I think everything usually works out just fine. But years ago, I did collaborate on a baby quilt for a work colleague with a friend, and learned the hard way that I'd better start trimming those HSTs or our blocks wouldn't fit together!
Those HSTs look just right to me!
Two more gorgeous blocks from you, Linda! Every time I start a new project I feel like I need a refresher on the basics like HSTs. Accuracy is more crucial with some patterns than with others, and you’d think I would have learned by now to make a test block first and check for size, but I only remember that AFTER I’ve zealously chopped up all of my fabric with a rotary cutter and discover that my blocks are finishing too small…. Leaving me only with the option of skimpier seam allowances!
How ironic that you've been making 2" HSTs. Yours look so pretty! As I've been making Posh Penelope blocks, I've been intentionally sewing one more seam on each of the block's four corners, so I have HSTs to trim to 2". I've just finished sewing all 42 Posh Penelope blocks, thus also ending up with 168 two-inch HSTs. Now, what to do with them?
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