KISMET

I looked up Kismet in Wikipedia.
Fate or Destiny in Turkish and Urdu, a predetermined course of events.
It really is kismet to do this blog post.
In the OLD days before the Internet, yes I was quilting back then!, there were friendship groups and block swaps.The only difference is that your “friends” had to live in your area because you actually met with them to exchange blocks, ideas, techniques and inspiration. Recently I unearthed some blocks from a friendship exchange in the mid 1980’s. These blocks brought back memories of the people that made them and the fun we had meeting once a month in each others homes. Where did I find these blocks? Of course I had stashed these in a super secret spot knowing I would want to finish them someday. Well I had them stashed away in the box of videos of the kids special events. So super secret that I didn’t even know they were there. Have you ever done that? Hidden things so well that you were surprised when you came across them again. I had been petting these blocks and going through my stash of fabrics when a new ruler hit the market.

I had been hooked on Monique’s geese rulers while making Miss Rosie’s charm flying geese., so I knew that I had to try her newest ruler, Fit to be Quarter. (check out Monique’s blog– she has a blog hop going on now)

Imagine my delight when I saw on the instruction page the information to make my “found blocks” from my exchange 20 years before. KISMET!
20 years ago I thought I was pretty smart to figure out how to strip piece this block. My dad was so proud thinking I had his engineer brain. I think it was more the fact that I had a bunch of kids and not much time to sew.
Here are a few pieces that I unearthed that showed my process.

 

So i jumped right in and started making more blocks

 using red, white, blue or black layer cakes so I could mix a big variety of fabrics.

You make a simple unit similar to a four patch. Add a rectangle right sides together.

Using the ruler, mark your sewing lines. 20 years ago I did not have this ruler and it is not as simple as marking down the middle and sewing 1/4″ on both sides. Trust me!

Cut 1/4″ away from sewn line on each side and you will get 2 units as shown above. (finishing up some of my old pieces-can’t you tell from all the extra fringe along the edges)

This is the layout I choose for my block swap. I lay out the squares and then chain piece them into sections vertically without clipping the threads. Then I add block 3 to the block 1 & 2 section. This helps me chain piece and keep everything in the correct order. Here is an illustration. I also wait to press until the block is pieced so I can make sure the seams are pressed in the direction I have sewn them.

You have sewn the sections together working vertically. Now add the 3 row without clipping the threads. The threads will act as pins.

Once this block is sewn it can be pieced in several different layout options. It has almost as many options as a log cabin block does. Play with the options.

Here are just a few of the layout options I am playing with. Off to make a few more blocks.

sorry for the blurry phone pics

Check out Monique’s website for measurements, videos and more on how to use her rulers.

6 comments

  1. Linda says:

    Its always such fun finding old UFO's. (Maybe that's why I have them? so I can find them later and have fun with them all over again?) The little quilt is so nice!

  2. Helen says:

    I've been trying to find the quilt I started in my first beginning quilt class (okay, so I took TWO beginning quilt classes. Sigh.). I must have put it in a very super secret spot because I haven't found it yet.

    How lucky for you to find these blocks. I like where you are going with the quilt. Thanks for sharing your process. I'm partial to the second set. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished quilt..

  3. kaye says:

    I love a great red, white, and blue quilt, and this one is truly great! I'm going to make one like this very soon. I found a Christmas present I meant to give to my son and his wife a week ago. I also hid it in a "special" place, promptly forgot about it, but the thrill of finding it was almost worth losing it.

  4. CaraQuilts says:

    That is awesome!! Beth Ferrier has that technique in one of her books but it require me actually finding the book and doing the math each time. I think I like the ruler better!! 🙂

  5. Perry says:

    I always try to store things I want to keep in my floored attic, lol. That way I know where they are. I do like what you are doing with your "found objects". I need to investigate this ruler, it looks interesting.

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