It was going to be a very exciting evening! I have completed another four blocks from Sue Garman’s “Friend’s of Baltimore” and they are ready to be stitched together into a row. I already have one row stitched together. You can read about that here. When I cut my background blocks, I always cut them 2″ or 3″ larger than the finished size. So, before I could stitch the blocks together, I had to trim them down to the correct size. Here is what I did to make the job so easy and stress-free…The best part is, I never had to measure anything!
I made a window template with the opening the exact measurement of the unfinished size of the block. The finished size is 15″, so I needed to trim the blocks down to 15 1/2″, therefore I made the opening 15 1/2″. (I hope that makes sense!)
So now I could place the window template on the block and make sure that everything was centred nicely.
Next, I traced around the opening with a marking pen.
Then I trimmed the excess fabric away by cutting on the marked line. Easy peasy!
So, once I trimmed all the blocks to the correct size, I started to stitch the blocks together in a row.
Ta da! An evening well spent!
Til next time…
Kerry
Simple Bird Applique 
Absolutely wonderful – you are such an inspiration Kerry! Great to see how you trim the blocks to size – seems the perfect way to get the sizes and placements just right.
Thanks! It is so much easier than measuring with a ruler…and less stressful!
I love the half square triangles around each block, it gives the blocks so much character.
Lea Rae
Thanks. The HST are a bit of work, but worth it!
Beautiful! I love the blue sashing triangles, I am still on block 1 on this quilt, currently hibernating!
Oh maybe you will bring it out of hibernation soon!
Thank you for showing us how you measure your blocks. Can you tell me how you have made the blue square? I am still trying to decide if I’m game for this quilt or not…..
I used a piece of plastic I found in the garage. Cardboard would work, also. I found the center of the plastic and measured out from there. I just needed to make sure the corners were perfectly square. It was very easy to make and even easier to use!!
This quilt is well worth the effort! Go for it!
HI Kerry,
Blocks are looking amazing! What material did you use to make the blue template?
ruth
It is blue plastic left over from a sign. It was the first thing I spotted when I went into the garage searching for something to make it! Bristol board would work just as well.
Wonderful idea! Can you share how you made the window? That looks like blue plastic?? I desperately need to do this next time! Thanks for the tip!
Thanks! I found a piece of thin plastic that was left over from a sign. I just had to make sure the opening was perfectly square. I found the center of the square and measured out from there. It was very easy and very useful!
Kerry – Your work is incredible. Thanks for continuing to amaze me!
Debra
Thanks!
I never would have thought of your “window” trick for trimming the blocks. Your blocks look very good sewn together. Such a lot of stitching work but well worth it.
I had to think of an easier way to square up my blocks. My last squaring up session ended with a lot of swearing!
Oh, wow! That looks beautiful!
I do the same thing with my blocks – a good way to stay sane…;o)
You are so right! Sanity is good!
No kidding, an evening well spent! Your blocks look amazing! Great idea trimming your blocks too.
Thanks, Audrey!
Hi Kerry, just found your blog – thanks for sharing your experiences! What is the blue template made from?? I had some difficulty figuring it out, at first I thought it might be some type of corrugated plastic…. Edie
It is a piece of corrugated plastic. It was left over from a sign I found in the garage. Squaring up the blocks was a breeze with this template!
So pretty! I love the hst sashing…
Trimming my appliqué blocks is always the scariest part for me…don’t want to make a mistake after all the work I have put into it. What I love about your template is that it included the seam allowance, very smart idea.
Thanks!
I just discovered your blog – Wow, how exciting- Love all of your ideas, choice of patterns, actually everything about your handwork. I couldn’t get into The Civil War Bride Quilt blog, so I started my own. If you get a chance, take a look: http://birdofparadisequiltblog.wordpress.com/
~Susan
Hi Susan: I have spent most of the morning drooling over the blocks shown on your blog! Thanks for sharing! I love how the blocks look so different in batik!
Awesome blog!
Kerry
Every time I read your blog I learn something new! I’m always worried about trimming the completed block but your window template is genius and I will definitely be using that idea when I have to trim my blocks.
Thanks!
It is really a simple way to trim your blocks down!!