This week the magic number is THREE!
If you've been following along for a while, then you know, for several months now, I've been working on finishing up a project that was shelved years ago. A pizza box full of partially complete (and inaccurately sewn) diamond-shaped blocks has been lurking in my stash. In the spirit of finishing stuff that I have, I've been focused on fixing and finishing this project.
The project involves pieced diamond blocks with severely angled setting triangles, following a modification to the original design to save fabric.
I have exactly THREE blocks left to make. The little mini stacks of colorful diamonds to the left in the photo below will make up one of those blocks. And the two mini stacks of diamonds on the right side of the photo will become the last two blocks.
About a week or two ago, I decided to start assembling the vertical rows for the quilt at the same time I was making the last few block. That way, making the blocks and sewing the rows enhanced the chain-piecing technique to keep both elements of the construction moving in a positive direction, adding a little variety to the piecing.
As you can see from the design wall below, only THREE more rows are left to sew! Yes, that is indeed magical!
As I've been making the blocks, I have focused my attention on accurately sewing the severe points on the shorter end of the rectangular blocks. I think I may have mentioned in previous comments, that the wider-angled edges weren't as critical for the quilt construction, and now you can see clearly that those obtuse angles aren't going to intersect with another angle.
Seeing the quilt coming together is definitely satisfying. There is a small part of me that wishes the setting triangles had a little bit of print or more intense color. However, I did audition a few other options, and found it difficult to choose a fabric that didn't compete with at least some or all of the scrappy diamonds.
At this point, even if the perfect fabric were to present itself to replace the solid light blue setting triangles, the die is cast, and I'm looking forward to the finish line after adding a border or THREE!
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
I love to hear you talk and teach us as you address these real life problems (like extra blocks wonderful or not so much…) The diamond quilts looks great and oh so cheerful. Good job!!
I wanted to tell you so many times since Christmas but here I go…………I wrote very cryptic directions for cord keepers your friend had sent (kits). I had to research your letters for clearer directions but made about 40 I think to give as a token gift to family and friends at Christmas. I know that at least some of them are in use for different reasons. My husband used one to hold a folded tote bag on his walker even. Thank you for the idea. It didn’t make a dent much in my stash but it was easy and fun to do and used up some batting strips and excess velcro too! You’re very clever and clear. I love the lakes and river photos and talk of your hikes and appreciation of the local wonders. I’ve only been across New Jersey on a train heading west and never to the real NE states. I grew up near Oakland, CA and when you’re on the coast the rest of USA is so far away. I live now near Portland Or but don’t get out into nature much anymore. Thank you.