I feel as if I've been on vacation for two weeks. Today is the day I get back on a schedule though. I plan to make the most of any free time I have during the week and not lose momentum with my projects.
The red and white blocks above are week nine of Lori Holt's Red Sampler sew-along. Those cheerful red fabrics put a smile on my face. The little framed four patch is so cute.
I wanted to share a tool I have been enjoying a lot. It is called "Cute Cuts" and is a block square up trim tool by Lori Holt. You can buy the tools individually or in sets of various sizes.
If you love crisp, accurate blocks you might like this trim tool too. It is great for squaring up small 3 1/2 inch blocks, but I found it indispensable for trimming 3 1/2 inch block units in the 12-inch blocks I was working on recently. Looking at the photo above, you may think "Wow, Nicole was pretty spot on with her 3 1/2 inch unit". Ahem, thanks, but check this out:
I was pretty close, and maybe it would have been just fine as is without trimming. However, if you love accuracy, you can see that there was a fair amount trimmed away to achieve the exact 3 1/2 inch measurement. My 2011 Designer Mystery blocks came out great, and I credit this trim tool and a lot of fabric starching for my good results.
I love your red block. Beautiful colors. You have no fear of the red running when wash?
Claire
Posted by: Claire S. Drake | January 18, 2022 at 05:43 AM
I am a total sucker for rulers that aid accuracy!
Posted by: Cathy | January 18, 2022 at 06:27 AM
Pretty fabrics. Your blocks look really nice.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | January 18, 2022 at 08:17 AM
You've accomplished quite a few blocks during your off-duty time! I'm guessing you'll find yourself sewing some every day now that you're back in the groove. That ruler looks like a keeper! Have a good week back in the 'saddle'!
Posted by: Jan | January 18, 2022 at 08:28 AM
Really pretty blocks. Red and white quilts and blue and white quilts are so beautiful.
Posted by: Sara F | January 18, 2022 at 10:58 AM
that red and white quilt is gonna be gorgeous! hope everyone is well and safe!
Posted by: Ina | January 18, 2022 at 11:27 AM
I think that framed 4-patch would be a great mug rug pattern??
Posted by: Anderson, Bonnie | January 19, 2022 at 04:41 AM
Oh, that nine-patch block is gorgeous! Lovely assortment of red fabrics. Thanks for the trimming tool tip.
Posted by: Nann | January 19, 2022 at 01:21 PM