Yep, we got a pair this time, both by the same auth0r. And they’re aces high–Quiltmaking Essentials 1: Cutting and Piecing Skills and On-Point Patchwork Fuss-Free Diagonals using the Omnigrid On-Point Ruler both by Donna Lynn Thomas and both published by Martingale/That Patchwork Place. Donna, a quilter since 1975, is an international teacher, author with Martingale/That Patchwork Place. She is a NQA Certified teacher and BERNINA Ambassador. Donna lives in Kansas with her husband, three cats and a dog.
Quiltmaking Essentials 1 Cutting and Piecing Skills is an up-to-date yet classic book on quilt-making technique. Donna shows how to read a ruler, clean our rotary cutter (what?! you’re supposed to clean your rotary cutter?), choose a cutting mat, cut our fabrics. Apparently pressing matters. Who knew? Some of us old timers do but this is a good reminder, with great suggestions for which way to press the seams. (Hint: we iron fabric and press seams.)
Throughout the book there are problem-solving tips like, “When you’ve mistakenly pressed seam allowances in the wrong direction, don’t try to re-press them directly from the wrong direction to the correct direction. First, you need to remove the original incorrect crease or the fabric won’t turn to the new position without a fight. To do this, arrange the pieced seam in it’s original unpressed position. Spray the seam with water and press it flat, removing the original crease completely. Press until the moisture is gone. Once the original is completely eliminated, you can press in the new direction without difficulty.”
So even this old dog (23 years a quilter) has learned a new trick and it’s a “could’ve had a V-8 moment” because cotton has a memory, it will hold finger pressing for a long time. So add the heat from the iron and it’s set. Water and a little bit of time are the best erasers.
Bonus: Omnigrid has a ruler that takes the guesswork out of measuring. Here’s a link to a tutorial on their blog. In discussing this ruler with the author I realized it’s simple brilliance. Say we’re cutting squares that will finish at 3”. Line up the ruler on the 3” mark as the ruler has the quarter-inch seam allowance built in. There is an On Point Square Ruler as well.
And now in a mad-dash for fun check out On-Point Patchwork Fuss-Free Diagonals using the Omnigrid On-Point Ruler. Answering the perennial question, “Do I need another ruler or two?” Associate Editor Teri responds with a resounding, “YES!” You do need both the On Point Ruler and the On Point Square by Omnigrid.” Teri spent a little bit of time getting to know the On Point ruler. It’s a companion ruler to our other Omnigrid rulers and a must-have.
Here’s the finished block:
Here’s how she got there:
Step 1: Read what I need to make the block and what I need to cut from each ruler.
And of course we’re giving away a copy of each book with either the On Point Ruler or the On Point Square. Comment below and tell us your favorite quilt block. We’ll announce the winner Friday July 3.
Congratulations Commenter #8 – Maryann and Commenter #12 – Linda Brown – your numbers were selected by the Random Number Generator! Please contact Teri, teri@generationqmagazine.com with your contact information and we’ll get your prize out to you.
Quilt. Sew. Live. Breathe.
COMMENT #1
Well I like many, but one of my favorites is the Bear’s Paw. Have a great day!
COMMENT #2
I love the star blocks.
COMMENT #3
Currently, my very Favorite Block is “Churn Dash”! Thanks for chance to win your Drawing! 🙂
COMMENT #4
I would loooove this book and could learn so much! My favorite quilt block is the simple pinwheel. It can be so versatile with the colors and fabrics chosen…works for everyone!
COMMENT #5
My favorite quilt block is four patch. So versatile in a quilt.
COMMENT #6
It’s hard to choose but I think my fave is a pinwheel in a star (don’t know any technical names!)
COMMENT #7
I truly love them all! Log cabins are pretty fun though!
Anita Emde
COMMENT #8
The pinwheel block is my go to block. It’s easy, fun, and because of the fabric used different every time.
COMMENT #9
Log cabin is my favourite block.
COMMENT #10
I love log cabins 🙂
COMMENT #11
Double nine patch
COMMENT #12
I like the Churn Dash block
COMMENT #13
9-Patch is my favorite.
COMMENT #14
I love Granny Squares, they are addictive for me.
COMMENT #15
My favorite is the log cabin, the block to which I always return.
COMMENT #16
I like the log czbin
gandn74@ymail.com
COMMENT #17
I know it’s old school but I love the cathedral window pattern!!
COMMENT #18
Log Cabin for me lately.
COMMENT #19
my favorite block is the log cabin (I love these in modern fabrics!)
COMMENT #20
I like the pinwheel block. Thank you!
COMMENT #21
I go ape over the Monkey Wrench! 🙂
COMMENT #22
If it has a star I like it! Makes me daydream!
COMMENT #23
Ooh, I love cathedral windows.
COMMENT #24
I love the “card trick” block I learned from an Eleanor Burns book several years ago.
COMMENT #25
I love Friendship Star! It was my first baby quilt for my grandson!