A number of years ago, I was at a quilt show, was completely inspired and bought a template set for the Winding Ways quilt block.
Fast forward about 7 years later and that template set was still sitting in the packet, untouched. Yikes!
In my bid to sew with curves this month, I decided to finally break open that seal and try out my templates. I watched a number of videos on YouTube to get me started, about both the winding ways block and hand piecing curves. There are a lot of great resources out there and I even saw a tutorial on making a type of winding ways block without a template!
Admittedly, it did take me longer than usual to get all of the pieces traced, marked and cut out. I think I need to find a better marker to use on the bright fabrics as the pencil I used seems to disappear (or rub off on my hands) when I touch it. It's fine on the light fabric though - weird, huh?
It was slow going, but really quite nice to sit and sew by hand. The curves look nice and curvy, so it's not all bad, right?
If you've hand sewn curves before, I'd love any advice you can give me.
Linking up with:
Peacock Party hosted by Wendy's Quilts and More
Fast forward about 7 years later and that template set was still sitting in the packet, untouched. Yikes!
In my bid to sew with curves this month, I decided to finally break open that seal and try out my templates. I watched a number of videos on YouTube to get me started, about both the winding ways block and hand piecing curves. There are a lot of great resources out there and I even saw a tutorial on making a type of winding ways block without a template!
Admittedly, it did take me longer than usual to get all of the pieces traced, marked and cut out. I think I need to find a better marker to use on the bright fabrics as the pencil I used seems to disappear (or rub off on my hands) when I touch it. It's fine on the light fabric though - weird, huh?
It was slow going, but really quite nice to sit and sew by hand. The curves look nice and curvy, so it's not all bad, right?
If you've hand sewn curves before, I'd love any advice you can give me.
Linking up with:
Peacock Party hosted by Wendy's Quilts and More
how funny - I'm expecting this exact template in the mail today! I've had the pattern and fabric for years and year. I saw a blue and cream one in Homespun about seven years ago. Was always one of those quilts I'd get to one day. I have the fabric sitting under my work desk and thought it would be much easier to just do a block every now and then and at least get it started. As for sewing curves....ahhh. I did a class last year with Judy Newman using her County Clare block Lots of curves on that one. I didn't clip anything just put a few pins in each curve. Was recently only attempting my second block and trying to remember everything I learned. Possibly only put three to four pins in each of the curves including the ends (if that makes sense), seems to work ok. I'm hoping the winding ways block will be easier as the County Clare block has eight pieces meeting in the middle. Look forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteThis is a design I have always been tempted to do. Purchasing templates looks like the way to go. Your block looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love this pattern too and it's on my list of things to try in 2020. Like Susie above, I wasn't taught to clip the curves. Although I was taught to mark intervals on both pieces of fabrics and pin at the marked points. Those 3 intermediate points on the templates should be enough marking and pinning. And remember, "always sew with a smile" which means the smiling curve should be facing you. I hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great! Winding Ways is a great pattern to learn to hand piece curves because the curves are relatively gentle. The hardest part of this pattern is aligning the seams in the center. I like your colors together and I think your block will turn out great!
ReplyDeleteBest advice I got was slow down. I starch my fabrics but you might not like it. Try it once and see if it helps you. Tiny thin needle, 60 wt thread, small stitches. At the bottom put 2 pins like a cross. This keeps the end from wandering away.
ReplyDeletemarking fabrics is always a bit of a headache. I never find the perfect pencil.
ReplyDeleteThis pattern is incredibly beautiful with the fabrics you chose
Good luck with "winding ways". It will be beautiful when you're finished...xox
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my most favorite patterns. I used Nancy Elliott MacDonald's book, Practically Painless Piecing. It is a great resource, and I think it is still available. I started hand piecing, but I learned to piece by machine. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteGood on you opening up that pack! You've made a lovely start. I started hand sewing this block years ago and it's sat for that long waiting for more attention! I don't think I clipped the curves either.
ReplyDelete