2019 Gypsy Wive - Section 3 Square-in-a-square-in-a-Square

Before beginning each block, I strongly suggest you read through the entire directions and look at the pictures to be sure you understand each step and to ensure that you cut correctly.

As always, remember your accuracy in cutting…

keeping the measuring line of your ruler ON the fabric.  

Using the same ruler will be helpful for consistency.  Measurements can be different from ruler to ruler; brand to brand.

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I have a 2nd Edition of the pattern, so I never paid any attention to the Errata page, assuming that the changes were made in the pattern.   Boy was I wrong.  I struggled to make this block come out the correct size and the math just didn't add up.  Eventually someone pointed out to me that the Errata page omitted this block on page 24.   However, there was no replacement block suggested or corrected  directions provided.  One of the other Admins did the math and provided us with an Errata to the Errata page with correct cutting directions.  
 Be sure to go to the Files tab and download the Errata to the Errata page for the corrected cutting directions to make this block the proper size.

You can ensure that your square is centered in the triangles by first folding the square and triangles in half.    Then pin them so that the point of the triangle follows down the center fold.

   

    

  

Make the center Square-in-a-Square block by adding the opposite triangles.   Top and bottom first.  the two sides second.







Add the next round of triangles sewing on opposite sides.   Be sure to make your stitching line just a tad above the "X" formed by previous stitching to save your points.

  

You can leave comments and questions below.   I will reply to your comments ASAP.

Thanks for following along.   Click on "newer post" to see the next block.

2019 Gypsy Wife - Section 3 Colour Wheel

Before beginning each block, I strongly suggest you read through the entire directions and look at the pictures to be sure you understand each step and to ensure that you cut correctly.

As always, remember your accuracy in cutting…

keeping the measuring line of your ruler ON the fabric.  

Using the same ruler will be helpful for consistency.  Measurements can be different from ruler to ruler; brand to brand.

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Like many members who joined the group in January and couldn't wait until the Feb 2 launch, I started with this block as a test block.   The big hurdle was choosing colors!   With my 100 fat quarter selection to choose from, it was difficult to start and I changed my mind a million times before finally deciding.










This was the test block because... well, it was the first block in the directions on page 5.   I carefully cut the pieces and laid them out to be sure I was happy with my selection.

I began by chain feeding the quarter square triangles through the machine and gently pressing them open.

I then paired them with the triangles and chain fed them through.

  

Next I pieced the corner HST units of the block.

Assembling the block as I would a simple 9-patch.  I folded the 3 center units over onto the left units and chain stitched.   I repeated with the 3 right units  folded over onto the center units.

To complete the block I folded the top row down over the center row to stitch.  Repeat by folding the top 2 rows down over the third and stitch.

This was an easy starter block to complete.  

But after I got it done, I wasn't so happy with the background fabric. I was sure it was too busy.   So I made another block and I am much happier.

You can leave comments and questions below.   I will reply to your comments ASAP.

Thanks for following along.   

Click on "newer post" to see the next block.

2019 Gypsy Wife - Section 3 Bordered Square-in-a-Square

Before beginning each block, I strongly suggest you read through the entire directions and look at the pictures to be sure you understand each step and to ensure that you cut correctly.

As always, remember your accuracy in cutting…

keeping the measuring line of your ruler ON the fabric.  

Using the same ruler will be helpful for consistency.  Measurements can be different from ruler to ruler; brand to brand.

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The cutting directions for this block can be found on page 23 top right column.   

I cut and laid out my fabrics.   Draw the diagonal line on the small squares.

Beginning with opposite corners, line the edges of the small and large square together.  Stitching is done beside the line.  This is to ensure that when you flip the square up to form the corner triangle that the edges will meet.

You can then cut off the back triangles to remove bulk from the corners.

Repeat this procedure with the remaining two corners.

To add the border I first lay out my fabrics.  Begin by sewing the top and bottom strips onto the center square.  

To save your points, b careful to that your stitching line is just above the "X" formed by the previous stitching .

Repeat with the two side borders to complete your block.

You can leave comments and questions below.   I will reply to your comments ASAP.

Thanks for following along.   Click on "newer post" to see the next block.

2019 Gypsy Wife Section 3 Square in Square with Courthouse Block

Before beginning each block, I strongly suggest you read through the entire directions and look at the pictures to be sure you understand each step and to ensure that you cut correctly.

As always, remember your accuracy in cutting…

keeping the measuring line of your ruler ON the fabric.

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This Square in Square Courthouse Block directions can be found on pages 23 and 24 of your pattern.

We begin by cutting the center block square as directed on page 23 at the bottom right.  Cut and sew the strips on opposite sides of the square. Top and bottom first, then repeat with the two opposite sides. (sorry I forgot to take a picture before starting)  Here it is sewn together and laying on point.

Next, the cross cut squares form the four triangles that surround the square.   To ensure that the the square is properly centered,   I start by folding the square and triangles in half and finger-pressing a crease.

Pin the center block and center triangle creases together.   The point of the triangle should point down along the crease in the middle of the block.  

Repeat with the second triangle on the opposite side.   Press open and trim off the dog ears.

Repeat this procedure with the second two triangles..

  

Your Square in Square block is now complete.  Now, to square it up to size, trimming off the dog ears....  

• HINT:  Look at the top of page 24.  The directions tell you to cut 2 strips X size and two more strips X+ size.  Your Square should be the same measurement as Strip X.

Here, I've laid out the Square in Square Block with the Courthouse Strips around it.  We will attach the strips... top and bottom first; then attach the two sides.

 

Lay the block on top of the strip, matching and pinning the ends.  Then I pin right at the spot where those 2 stitching lines cross on the brown fabric.  Your goal to avoid loosing points is for your stitching to be barely above that point.   

Flip the strips open and give it a light press.... No points lost!

Repeat with the other two strips to complete the block and save all your points!

Taped up on my design wall.

You can leave comments and questions below and I will respond ASAP.

Thanks for following along.   

Click on "newer post" to see the next block.

2019 Gypsy Wife Sections 3 & 4- Introduction

We will be launching two sections together this month ... Section 3 & 4.  Both sections together total only 6 blocks so we thought that we would combine them.   

 By combining these two sections it will give us the opportunity to deal with Section 6 later.  Section 5 will launch next month and has only 7 blocks, so that is completely doable.  But, Section 6 ... well, it has a boatload of blocks (21!) so we are discussing breaking it into three groups so no one is overwhelmed or overworked in that month.   We'll update you later; not to worry.  Just have fun and relax!   

You can leave comments and questions below.   I will reply to your comments ASAP.

Thanks for following along.   Click on "newer post" to begin the tutorials.

Gypsy Wife Section 4 Block Half Square Triangles Block

  We will be launching Sections 3 & 4 together this month.   More details when the introduction is released 8am tomorrow.  While you wait, here is our surprise early release for this month!.   Enjoy!!
 

Before beginning each block, I strongly suggest you read through the entire directions and look at the pictures to be sure you understand each step and to ensure that you cut correctly.

As always, remember your accuracy in cutting…

keeping the measuring line of your ruler ON the fabric.

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Directions for the  Half Square Triangles block(HSTs) can be found on page 16 of your pattern. 

There are many ways to make Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

JK has you cut squares and then cut on the diagonal.  Pairing up triangles to make your HSTs.

Using the traditional method, cut your squares, draw the diagonal line Sew NEXT to your drawn line.  Finger press open and check that the corner points meet.

You can see here that I goofed.   If they do not meet, rip out your stitching and re-sew adjusting where your stitching line is so that they do match.

Once the top fabric matches you can then cut off the under fabrics so you have a perfect HST.

You can refer back to my earlier post here on accuracy for more details on making HSTs.

http://madakamom.blogspot.com/2018/12/2019-gypsy-wife-qal-my-tip-for-accurate.html

Similar to JK'scutting squares to make triangles to be sewn together, my favorite method is using the Easy Angle specialty ruler by Bonnie Hunter.  With so many small pieces in the block I knew that accuracy would be crucial and this ruler works really well for me.  I pressed my chosen fat quarters and carefully cut one strip from each.  

(NOTE:  For the most accurate cutting, remember to place the line of your ruler ON the fabric not next to it.) 

I cut 2 strips from the black.  I laid a black strip face up and took turns with each of the other color strips laying face down on top of the black strip and cut 16 pairs of triangles using the Easy Angle ruler.   These pairs are prematched and ready to chain sew.

I chain sew the triangle pairs through the sewing machine,  one after the other, being careful to sew a scant ¼ inch seam.  After pressing, I trimmed off the dog ears and did a little sliver trimming to square them up.  In this case, I press to the dark. 

To assemble my block I do what’s been named “webbing”.  Take the 2^nd row of HSTs and flip them over onto the 1^st row and stitch them together. (sorry no picture)   

Pictured is the 3^rd row flipped onto the 2^nd row and ready to sew.  Repeat with the 4^th row onto the 3^rd.  

Personally, I find it best to pin the bottom of each HST to prevent shifting.  These flower pins have a nice thin shaft and don’t distort the fabric like a regular pin does.

 

When I’m done I have my rows webbed together and there is no chance of having an HST turned the wrong way.   Each row is webbed to the one below by just a couple stitches.

To complete the block, fold each row down, pin at each intersection for accuracy in holding the HSTs in place and sew.

Alternate the direction of the seams for each row to help the block lay flat as possible.

Give it a good pressing, a light trim as necessary to square up and you are ready for the next block.

You can leave comments and questions below.  

Thanks for following along.   

Click on "newer post" to see the next block.

2019 Gypsy Wife Quilt Along - Schedule Release Plan

Admins have been working behind the scenes and have come up with a plan... subject to change... for launching the sections of this quilt.  

Some sections are small (like section 4 has only 2 blocks) and others are huge (section 6 has 21 blocks).  In order to even things out a bit and relieve some of the stress on members, we have devised a plan to combine or break up the sections to make them doable in a month's time.

Diagrams, charts/tables of which blocks and when are in the works, but here is a list of our release plan:

April 6.... sections 3 & 4.... 6 blocks

May 4..... section 5..... 7 blocks

June 1..... section 6 left ...... 9 blocks

July 6..... section 6 center..... 5 blocks

August 3..... section 6 right.... 7 blocks

September 7..... section 7..... 7 blocks

October 5...... section 8 & 9 ..... 9 blocks

November 2.... section 10 .....  11 blocks

As stated above...  

We will write up a TOC (table of contents) detailing the blocks and sizes for each release.  

We will continue to make tutorials for each block to assist you.   

Diagrams of the sections (how they are broken up or combined) will also be available.

Watch for announcements and details later in May as we prepare to release a modified Section 6 in June.

Also, as we go forward, the files/tutorials for each section will be moved into Units so that only the section we are working on will be under the files tab.... hopefully, making it easier to find what you want.   Not to worry... details on accessing everything will be posted before they are moved.  Nothing is being removed, we are just organizing it for easy access going forward.  

As always, Moderators and Admins are available to help.  We want everyone to have fun and be successful!!   You can contact us individually or post your question on the page and when someone is available they will respond ASAP.