This month, our challenge was to use a new tool by Studio 180 design with new fabrics that are hitting the stores in September. I was given Island Batik's Victorian line that was designed by Kathy Engle and Doughnut from the foundations line. It was comprised of gorgeous yellows, blues, greens and oranges. I used all of the blues, yellows and greens in my quilt. I received the Corner Beam Ruler from 180 design. I used Thermore Hobbs Batting, Schmetz Needles and Aurifil 50wt and 40wt thread. I decided to make a lap quilt. Using the tool was quite easy, and let me tell you, easy is for me! I love something that will make my quilting and sewing go by quicker as I am always itching to see the project done and start on a new one too.
I went through many renditions of designs before making the final decision on the one you see above. Island Batik is so generous when sending us fabric. They send 1/2 yard cuts of every color in the fabric line along with two - two yard cuts of coordinating fabric to match. This is great yet it can be a challenge. I needed to stay within the limits of the amount of fabric I was allocated.
Let's give this new tool a try! Using rulers makes a project go by quicker and it can be more accurate. This tool is different and is so easy to use while making perfect blocks for your quilt. Deb Tucker's Studio 180's rulers are designed such that all the blocks are pieced oversized and cut down. This gives you a perfect size block every time. There is some waste, but not much when using these rulers.
The Corner Beam ruler helps you make quick and easy blocks that are not hard to put together. You start with squares of fabric to cut each block piece while using the ruler. The ruler has the option to cut several different sizes of blocks too. There are lines on the ruler indicating where to cut and place the fabric. It allows you to be precise so that the blocks can be sewn together easily. The directions also describe the size of square pieces needed.
And for an added bonus when using this ruler, the excess pieces can be turned into split rectangles. So this ruler has very little waste left over. Free videos are also available on YouTube to understand the use of this ruler. Deb Tucker explains how to use this ruler easily in a short video. It is great and easy to follow. Check it out below.
After watching the video and cutting my squares for my blocks, I started to make my blocks. I decided to make 6" finished blocks.
The block construction went quickly and in no time I had most of mine done in a few days. I had leftover scrap right triangles so I did what Deb Tucker discussed and made them into split rectangles. I was thrilled to use the excess fabric in my quilt. I used the split rectangles along the border.
It is great to have a ruler for multiple uses.
After I completed all of my units, I started to lay out the top of my quilt and sew it together.
It was time to quilt it and bind it. I sandwiched it all together and decided to do some free motion quilting. I then bound it using one of the beautiful fabrics from the Victorian line.
I highly suggest trying out one of these rulers. It takes the guess work out when cutting pieces for your blocks. The process is also quicker and I love quick. In the end I wanted a light center to form a form a focal point and I added four appliqué circles to help create this focal point. I enjoyed using the ruler and it was fun to use too.
The fabric, batting, thread, needles and the Studio 180 Ruler were provided and sponsored by Island Batik Fabric, Aurifil Thread, Schmetz Needles, Studio 180 Design and Hobb's Batting.
There is a giveaway this week by Island Batik. Click on the link to enter for a chance to win!
Thank you for following along with me on my sewing journey. Happy sewing!
Also, check out all the other Island Batik Ambassador's blogs. They've made some great quilts and some are offering giveaways too.
Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs Megan Best ~ Bestquilter Pamela Boatright ~ Pamelaquilts Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio Jennifer Fulton ~ Inquiring Quilter
Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts Jane Hauprich ~ Stitch By Stitch Custom Quilting Reed Johnson ~ Blue Bear Quilts Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs . Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood Denise Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine Anorina Morris – sameliasmum.com Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads Brianna Roberts ~ Sew Cute And Quirky Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail Andi Stanfield ~ True Blue Quilts Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt