I'm using Marti Michell's Perfect Templates for this. They come with a mostly well explained instructions. The first that confused me for a little bit is that there doesn't seem to be a distinction between unfinished and finished size. Let me clear it up - when you make a 3 1/2 inch drunkard's path block with her templates, that is the unfinished size of the unit.
The second thing was the best way to cut the L-shaped pieces. Its actually very easy. Cut a square to the size you want the unfinished unit to be (I wanted 3 1/2 inches, so I cut a 3/12 inch square) and then use the correct template to cut out the notch.
Also, I learned to CUT VERY ACCURATELY. I have a little experience in curved piecing due to the garments I've made, but this is a little difficult. I pieced two blocks, had puckers in each that I had to resew, and they both finished a little under 3.5 inches. I would rather have them a little too big and trim them down.
Lastly, I'm very happy with the fabric I bought from Connecting Threads. First, it was inexpensive at $6 per yard. Second, it washed very well, hardly unraveled on the edges. It irons easily, and is a good weight. And the color catcher I used didn't pick up any extra dye. I will definitely be ordering more fabric from them in the future.
Update: Here is the first quarter of one of the Stormy Path blocks - can you tell I'm getting excited about how these are turning out?
I love the Drunkard's Path pattern......you are so brave to sew all of those curved seams. It will be so rewarding seeing it in the color scheme you have chosen!
ReplyDeleteI've only made one drunkard's path block as part of a quilt sampler, and I found the results quite satisfying because they are a bit fiddly to work with! I use a lot of Connecting Threads fabrics too. They are a great company. Now you're making me want to play with my drunkard's path template rulers again :)
ReplyDeleteThey are fiddly! I already threw a few in my scrap bin. The hardest part seems to be getting the seam allowance even, so I'm playing around with my sewing machine to try to find something that works consistently. I'd love to see your sampler quilt if you have a picture.
DeleteThis is going to look great when you are finished!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful precision! The blue fabric is gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteEsther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
The fabrics you're using are beautiful. It will look great in this pattern. I think another thing you'll learn is that the more you make, the better you get at sewing curves!
ReplyDeleteGreat job. Sometimes those curves can be a bugger. Yours are looking great.
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful and that is always such a neat pattern!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
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