Hi there friends. Thanks for all the sympathy and encouragement over my Halloween 1904 Half Square Triangle Fiasco. Do you think this means the quilt is haunted? Possessed?
You offered some great suggestions on how to solve my problem or at least salvage the wrong sized triangle units. Thanks so much for that! I have decided to make the correct sized half square triangles with the fabric I have left. It wasn't enough, so more has been ordered and should arrive this week. I will get caught up to Thelma, but I won't lie, this has been a set back.
The 384 wrong sized half square triangles will go into another project. I have in my mind, a cute and complementary black and orange table topper or dresser runner. Perhaps even a lap sized quilt. Won't that be cute, the two coordinating quilts displayed in the same room? It will all work out. When life gives you lemons....etc It will also be a reminder of my humanity.
But you know something? When it came to making all those half square triangles all over again, I just could not face fiddling around with those Star Singles papers. I am a fan of them, but they are labor intensive. Lots of steps before you actually get the units. So I just grabbed my Easy Angle ruler and started cutting out 3 inch strips, ironing them together and cutting. I have about a third of them ready to sew, and will make the rest of them as soon as my new fabric arrives. Have you tried the Easy Angle ruler? It is a fast way to crank out a lot of hsts. And you only have one corner "dog ear" to trim!
If you don't know the Easy Angle, here are some photos from an older post.
First cut your strips the size of your unfinished triangle size. For the project in the photos, I was making 2.5 inch half square triangles. Layer the two strips right sides together and press.
Position the ruler and cut on the diagonal edge.
Flip the ruler around, line the edge up and cut again, this time on the vertical edge. Can you see how fast this method is? Your triangle units are ready to stitch. You just have to be careful not to disturb them too much until you get them sewn.
Thanks again for all your comments and emails. It was a rough weekend and that show of encouragement really helped.
Aren't quilters such a nice group of people? You sure have lots of cheerleaders to help you push through that set-back! Thanks for the reminder of the Easy Angle tutorial, too! As Jimmy Buffet's song says...breathe in, breathe out...move on!
Posted by: Jan | October 16, 2012 at 07:24 AM
I admire your fortitude. I would have cried, set the whole project aside. You are pressing on and that is a good thing.
Posted by: Christine Thomas | October 16, 2012 at 07:38 AM
Oh Nicole I feel your pain with the 384 wrong sized HSTs. I know only too well the sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach when you first realise the mistake, and then hope it isn't, but really you know it's wrong. I would have been tempted to recalculate the quilt with smaller HSTs but then obviously you would end up with a smaller quilt. Then I would have been very tempted to put it into a box and not look at it ever again. Full marks for taking it on the chin and carrying on. I'm sure you will think of something ingenious for the extra HSTs which will make a happy little project for another day x
Posted by: Gertie Pye | October 16, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Easy Angle ruler is one of my best quilting friends! so quick and easy!
Posted by: Lee | October 16, 2012 at 11:55 AM
I bought that ruler on your recommendation quite a while ago, and love it! I like not having to trim down my HSTs.
Posted by: Diane | October 16, 2012 at 01:53 PM
I probably would have remade the HST too. Think you will be the happiest with that choice. Sew On, Nicole!
Posted by: Elaine S. | October 16, 2012 at 02:26 PM
Glad you found a solution. I'm a big fan of the Easy Angle. One thing I've found that really helps with the accuracy is if you starch your fabric before cutting the strips. It really makes a difference sewing those bias seams.
Posted by: LizA. | October 16, 2012 at 08:44 PM
I just read the last two posts... oh man I feel so badly for you - yet yay for you to push past the set back and I like the ruler you mentioned and your tutorial - I will have to look for that ruler soon! Hope you get your fabric quickly and get caught up so you can enjoy the rest of the project!!!
Posted by: Bari Jo | October 16, 2012 at 09:21 PM
Veddy interesting! Cheers for your boldness in starting over and making lemonade from the 2" blocks! Applause, applause!
I still find making 384 HSTs a daunting project and, wizard that you are, doing it so very quickly -twice- is all the more remarkable!
You go, girl!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | October 19, 2012 at 02:55 PM