Sunday, March 25, 2012

New York Beauty QAL block #5 and #1

Over the last couple of weeks I have finished another 8 (I make 4 of each) of the New York Beauty QAL blocks. I have decided to make four of each block, which should give me a decent sized quilt as well as good practice! :) The blocks are 8 inch sewn into quilt.
Each week, from March 7 (first block) to May 7 (last block) there will be tutorials by different bloggers. It's not too late to join! :)
The QAL (quilt-a-long) is hosted by Sara over at Sew Sweetness and you can read more about the QAL here
The second block (block #5) has Sew Sweetness' tutorial. To see the tutorial, click here




I'm struggling a bit with the curves, but I think the trick is to cut them on the bias for maximum stretch - or am I wrong? Do not get me wrong; I don't overstretch them - lol! I always cut the edges 1/4 inch bigger, because it is easier to trim the block to the right size. I don't know about you, but for me the pieces added together tend to shrink somehow when pieced together. I also add the pieces together without removing the paper and using lots of pins! :)
What about you, how do you make the blocks and what works best for you?

Next block - #8 - is on from tomorrow - Monday 26th, tutorial by From the Blue Chair.
I want to continue the remaining blocks using Civil War/reproduction fabrics, but I ran out of light fabrics. More is on the way, but I won't receive it until 2-3 weeks. Not all of the fabrics I have used so far are reproduction fabrics, I think, but that doesn't really matter as long as they fit together! :)  

  

12 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I find that if I hand stitch curves they are more accurate for me - but I always make the piece bigger than I need to so that I can square up and not have the block to small. I actually do not pay attention to bias all that much and never have - that might be a problem!
Karen

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

These blocks are absolutely stunning...I would be very proud of them!

Anonymous said...

They are gorgeous Astrid! I like your plan to get them done~ Will have to look at the tutorials to know more. I just ove them though~ ♥♥♥

Dirt Lover said...

Just beautiful! I have never made a NYB block, so I have no words of wisdom for you. It looks like you are doing a great job, though. I love the colors, and how you've put everything together. Nice job!
~~Lori

Bev C said...

Hello Astrid,

Oh the perfect colour combinations of your blocks. Have you tried the foot that is suitable for this type of piecing?

http://www.justcurves.biz/

Happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Elzaan said...

Your blocks are beautiful.
Can't help much with advice, since I am very new at this.

Bjørg said...

Nydelig Astrid! En gang vil jeg også sy NYB!

quilton said...

They are all beautiful Astrid. I don't do curves, so I can't offer any ideas. I did it once, many years ago and decided it wasn't for me.

Grete said...

Your NYB-blocks look beautiful! But I can't give you any good advices. I have only tried to make NYB -blocks once, and I gave up after four blocks. I never found out have to make them nice and even.....

Anonymous said...

These are stunning! I am so impressed with the number of blocks you are making. They look great.

Astrid said...

Anonymous; thanks for your nice comment!

Fleurette said...

Beautiful blocks! Have you tried evenly spaced clips along the inside of the curved edge ( background)