February's LOTTO - QIAD "DOUBLE IRISH CHAIN - "POT OF GOLD" WINNERs "Trk #s" are Posted

[TeresaK]

Morning Pals
I made 2 "A" Blocks and a 3rd ready to be sewn for the one I keep.
I just need to make the "B" Blocks to go with 2 of them.

I goofed on mine and put the dark where the light colored was so I cut them apart and sewed them the right way - Silly me for not paying attention and sewing really late at night. Easy fix though.

For the 3rd one which is mine to keep for the sampler quilt I added the background strips with corner stones to make it a 12.5" block.

Hope you are all having a great time making these. Remember it is a learning and FUN block so there are bound to be a few hiccups along the road but I KNOW YOU CAN MAKE SOME BEAUTIFUL BLOCKS!!!

YOU GO GIRLS!!!!!

[womster]

Ladies - I am at my wit's end. I cannot make my seams match to make the squares all line up on the A blocks! Is there a secret???

Thanks...

Update: I finally ended up using both fork pins and regular pins in each seam, and then basting each row together. The back side is not pretty, but it worked AND it measures a wee bit over 10.5!!!! YAY

[TeresaK]

Hi Sharona -
YEA!!!!!! Sew glad you did not give up.
The trick to this block is to measure your strip after you sew them together. The inside strips should be 2" after you sew them with the outside strips being 2 1/4" . It is easier to make adjustments now then after you cut them.

I also cut each section by itself instead of laying them on top of each other. This way I have more control over making sure the seam is even with the ruler and not crooked.

You also need to make sure that you iron the seams in the right direction so that when you sew them together they lock with each other.
Watching El and her son on the video helped alot.

Let me know when you mail them so I can keep watch. Again - I am so glad you did not give up!!!!

[womster]

RATS! Looks like I'll have to drop out after all.

ALL my inside strips, after sewing, are 2-1/8". I think it's because I've moved my needle over one thread. All my strips are now too big because of this.

Per Teresa's excellent advice, I did only cut one piece of fabric at a time (I also use the accuquilt go cutter), and made sure the seams were going opposite from each other when sewing them together. I so appreciate all your tips - they help a lot!

We'll just chalk this one up to learning - it's NOT a failure because now I know what not to do! I also now understand about measuring BEFORE cutting the strips - I missed that part.

Sorry, ladies. I feel badly for letting y'all down this month. And my fabric was so cute, too!

[TeresaK]

Sharona - HUSH!!!!! You did not let us down!! Not making the blocks would have let us and yourself down. I love the Lotto Thread as it is a learning place so I am sure you learned alot and your blocks will go very nicely with the others.

You mentioned the accuquilt. I am curious ...
Did you measure the strip after cutting them to make sure they were definitely 2 1/2"?
Did you double fold your fabric before you cut the strips? Sometimes you might get an arc which will give you trouble also.

One thing I really do appreciate is your honestly!!! If I know (or the winners know) what to look for when sewing all the blocks together then I (or they) can make seam adjustments along the way and the quilt will look LOVELY!!! I will look forward to seeing them. Thank you for NOT GIVING UP!!!

[WeSignificant]

WOOHOOO! I got my two A blocks made. They are going to square up just fine and the blocks are 2 inches. I am not sure about the color contrast (might not be enough) but it is what it is. If I can figure out the photobucket problem on my phone, I will post pics.
Now on to try the B blocks.

[TeresaK]

YEA Valerie - I sew knew you could do it!!!!!! WooHoo!!!!! HAPPY STITCHIN up the "B"'s.

Pat - your blocks have arrived and are doing some Wild Irish Dancing with the others now!!! Great Plaid colors!!

[WeSignificant]

2 B blocks done, Will look at them together for a bit before packing up. Still not sure about the color.

[WeSignificant]

Trying to post pic.





Maybe?

Well the lighting isn't good but the pic is there.

[TeresaK]

Valerie - Awesome blocks!!! I sent you a PM - but need to let everyone know in order to handle any confusion when they see your pictures - your lights and darks are opposite from each other.

** The light color should make the "X" through the middle.

I know how busy with work you are so ... If you will please send me the blocks and a piece of your dark fabric I can fix them for you.
I definitely want you to still send them

The blocks I have received from everyone so far are OK.

I AM SO SORRY for the confusion.