Monday, March 28, 2011

Half Square Triangle Tutorial



  There is more than one method to making a half square triangle. This method is useful for making a large quantity of half square triangles in a short amount of time.






  Step 1. After you have your fabric, make sure that it is cut 1 inch larger than your desired finished size. The squares pictured are 4 1/2 inch squares. Our finished product will measure 3 1/2 inch square

    Stack your two contrasting fabrics together, wrong side out.




  Step 2. Use your ruler to draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the fabric.


  It isn't necessary to draw the quarter inch lines on each side of the center line, but I like the reference lines to sew on.









Step 3. Sew a 1/4 inch seam on each side of the center line. 

Chain sew down each side and clip apart.










  Step 4. Using your ruler again, cut down the center of each square, creating two triangles. 
  
  Set your seams with iron and press your seam to the darker of your two fabrics.






   
   Step 5. Use your ruler to trim each half square triangle.
Trim the top and side, rotate, and repeat. The finished unit will measure to be a 3 1/2 inch square.

This piece will be attached to each side of your flying geese units and will be used to complete your Star in a Star Block. You will also use the Half Square Triangle Method to create your Star in a Star Points.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Weather

   It was officially Spring last week and we had gorgeous weather. I think this weekend Mother Nature was playing a cruel trick on us. It's been chilly the past few days, but I wasn't expecting 3-5 inches of snow. 

   These were taken yesterday morning around 10 am, while I was sitting at the table sewing. I always enjoy this fat little squirrel, he's become a regular at the bird feeders since we moved here a year ago. 

    And this is the same tree at 4:30 pm...showing no signs of stopping.

     We live out in the country and I don't think we got quite 3 inches, but surrounding areas got 3 - 5 inches.
 This morning there is still the slight trace of snow in the trees and on the ground, but the sun is shining bright...which is something we haven't seen in the past few days. I'm hoping to enjoy the sunshine through the windows and finish the weekend project I've been working on....Pictures to come. 

Brody enjoying the morning sunshine today!