I decided to add the basket handle and I’m glad I did. To stabilize the bias edge of the half square block before stitching on the basket handle, I spray starched liberally. Fortunately, it held the shape of the half square very well and everything matched up perfectly when I stitched it to the body of the basket.
All the blue fabrics are from a charm pack of Brackman’s Civil War Reunion. Since I prewashed the 5” charms, they now only measure 4 1/2” square so I could only get 4 HST from each charm square. Therefore, I have three different blue fabrics but the color ways all went well together. Next time I buy a charm pack (this was my first), I will NOT pre-wash them! Lesson learned.
Although I have not started my red and white T-Block quilt project yet, I just had to make some test blocks to see how pretty the block was going to be. First I did a 4” finished block and discovered that handling all those teeny, tiny pieces were a bit difficult for my big clumsy hands, so I tried the 6” finished block next.
It was much easier to handle, so I will be going with the 6” blocks instead. It will make my quilt a little larger but not too large. Because I’m going to the 6” block, I will not be able to use the same red fabric throughout the whole quilt. So a scrappy red and white it will be. That is after I machine quilt the Keystone Medallion.
Your little basket block is very cute, I love how you have used slighty different blues in the block, adds to the visual interest!!!
ReplyDeleteOn the washing thingy! I always pre-wash, and yes even charm squares! I figure it's better to shrink before I make the block than after I have spent all that time making the block! Because eventually the quilt will get a wash! It's a personal thing! also the fabric shrinks more width ways than length ways, I'm always afraid of the blocks shrinking and becoming distorted! But I don't want to start a war on washing and not washing LOL!!! In the end you have to be happy with the results!!! BTW I may have to add a handle as well, and try and retro fit the ends of the handles into the seam, I think the handle adds a more visually balanced block!!!
I like your basket block with the handle...when I get around to making mine, I will add a handle as well. Love your fabrics!
ReplyDeleteThe T blocks will be perfect and scrappy will keep you from getting bored;)
ReplyDeleteThe basket block is so cute!