sew more, faster: HSTs

So while my mom was here last weekend, she showed me this awesome trick for making a bunch of half square triangles and fast. Using triangles to make HSTs can get messy due to the bias cut. I am sure most of you know how to make them using squares sewing 1/4" on each side of the diagonal. But this method was new to me. You start out with your squares like the other method.

I compiled a list of what size square to start with to achieve a certain finished HST size. Some of them may have been a little more accurate if measured to the nearest 1/16" in, but the nearest 1/8"in should get you pretty darn close.

For finished size:      Cut:

1.0"                          1 7/8"

1.5"                          2 5/8"

2.0"                          3 3/8"

2.5"                          4"

3.0"                          4 3/4"

3.5"                          5 1/2"

4.0"                          6 1/8"

4.5"                          6 7/8"

5.0"                          7 5/8"

5.5"                          8 1/4"

6.0"                          9"

So next, sew 1/4" seam around all four edges of the squares right sides together.

If you pivot at the corners, your open seam pressing later will be much easier. Finish the last side off by crossing over your initial seam.

Here is the finished square with all four sides sewn.

Cut on both diagonals using the 45 degree line on your ruler and your rotary cutter. 

And shazam! You have 4 HSTs that need zero to minimal trimming and require just a little zippy sewing. Hope this is helpful! I used this method while making my next Farmer's Wife block (number 7 in the book) and my 1.5" HSTs turned out perfect!

Happy sewing!

Finally Farming

Not real farming...I live in an apartment, unfortunately. I finally broke down and started a Farmer's Wife Quilt. My friend Lindsey on instagram decided to do an impromptu quilt along. Her husband is deploying overseas, and she figured that this would be just the quilt to keep her busy for 9 months. Other people have jumped on board as well for this awesome project. If you are interested, check out the hashtag #farmingwithlindsey.

Our goal is two blocks a week, but I have been doing a few extra. I feel that my quilting ADD will kick in soon, and it might not be the worst idea to get a head start while I am motivated. I plan to make each block individual of the others when it comes to color for a totally scrappy feel. These are blocks 1 - 6 in the book. I have noticed that I am fond of plum and blue. Haha. I am working numerically from 1 - 111 so that I can keep track of what I have done and what I haven't.

If you don't know, the Farmer's Wife is a sampler quilt offering 111 blocks to choose from for your quilt depending on how big you want it to finish. In 1922, the popular magazine "The Farmer's Wife" held a contest called 'Do you want your daughter to marry a farmer'. They were flooded with letters from women all over and 68 letters were chosen as winners. The author of the Farmer's Wife Quilt book chose traditional quilt blocks inspired by many of the 68 winning letters to create this quilt. She includes the letters that inspired each block in the book, and it is very interesting to read the perspectives on values from women in the 1920s. Check out the book. There is also a yahoo group that many people become members of for support , tips, and sharing.

Many people hand piece this quilt as that is how it was originally done, while others use the templates provided on the included CD. I am doing neither. I am choosing to back calculate recipes for each block that encompass many techniques that I have learned and believe will make the piecing easier (i.e. making HSTs from squares). I have already come across a couple blocks where this is tricky, but it is a fun challenge!

Feel free to join us on instagram! It is kind of a free for all, move at your own pace, share your pictures and support experience.