I took advantage of some free time over the weekend to work on my Blogger Girls BOM blocks for February.
The instructions for this block called for a couple of specialty rulers that I am excited about. These rulers were given to me by the inventor, Monique Dillard of Open Gate Quilts, I know that I would have purchased them myself, as any ruler designed by Monique is terrific. These will get lots of use by me in the future. The rulers are called the Fit to be Quarter Companion and the Fit to be Quarter 6.5.
Without giving away the whole block just yet, let me show you a few pictures of how the rulers are used to make the Square in a Square block shown above. This block has given me fits in the past, but now that I have some rulers to trim them to the right size, it comes out perfect every time.
You start with a square, which you line up with the markings on the ruler. My square happens to be 4 1/2 inches. Using the Fit to be Quarter Companion ruler, line things up at the 4 1/2 inch marks, trim the upper corners away, and sew on the triangles you cut out per the block instructions. When you line the fabric square up just right with the markings, you cannot go wrong with your cutting.
After sewing on two triangles, flip the block and trim away the upper corners, lining the square up with the markings on the ruler. Sew two more triangles on.
Now take the Fit to be Quarter ruler and line it up with your square, again on the 4 1/2 inch markings for my block. Trim away the excess at the top and right side. Turn the block to the right, and trim away that left hand side.
Do this on all four sides, and you have yourself one perfect square in a square block.
Can't wait to show you my two blocks for February, but we have to wait until next week!
Yep! That's a winner.
Posted by: *karendianne | February 21, 2013 at 05:15 AM
Excellent rulers! Are they in stores yet? There's nothing that is better for a project than tools that help with accuracy. Way to go, Monique!
Has the snow turned to mud yet?
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | February 21, 2013 at 06:11 AM
What do you do with the triangles you cut off?
Why not start with a square 1/2" bigger than what you finished with and add the proper size 1/2 square triangles to make a square in a square? No leftovers!
Posted by: laura | February 21, 2013 at 08:22 AM
It sure helps when you have the right tools for the job!
Posted by: sillysally | February 21, 2013 at 08:42 AM
I take it you have not seen Deb Tucker's rulers? Check them out at www.studio180design. She has many different ones with free tutorials to go with them. I have been a fan since her first 'Tucker Trimmer'. My blocks are always exact! and one ruler can be used for different blocks...L
Posted by: Lindi | February 21, 2013 at 09:44 AM
I just finished my alternate block for Month 2 last night! Can't wait to see the next block unveiled next Friday!! Love the rulers by Monique. I just started using them this past month because I thought ... "Oh, how much of a difference could another ruler make?". Well, a LOT. Glad I gave it a try!
Posted by: Jennifer G | February 21, 2013 at 10:21 AM
Dang! I love that ruler! Have to get one...thanks, Nicole! ;p
Posted by: ina | February 21, 2013 at 11:42 AM
That looks like one wonderful ruler. Can't wait to see the whole block.
Posted by: Debbie R. | February 21, 2013 at 12:34 PM
I think I need these!
Posted by: Nancy Watkins | February 21, 2013 at 02:18 PM
I bought the rulers for the BOM and just finished up my second set, using Jo Morton fabric...can't wait to see block 3 on Friday!
Posted by: Deb | February 25, 2013 at 11:25 AM