AROUND THE BEND
I’ve been a little creaky lately. I’m thinking I’m a little “over the hill", but my husband thinks it’s more like “around the bend.” You see, I’ve started working on 2” and 3” finished pieced blocks. My Feathered Star ruler makes cutting the tiny shapes accurately a real possibility and I’m just entranced by the scale of the tiny blocks. I’ve worked with a 1” scale (the finished size of the smallest pieces) before for most of my Feathered Stars. Now I’m trying half of that, a 1/2” scale, and having a ball.
For pieces this size, it is hard to find contemporary prints in the right design scale and weight: many have really thick threads and printed motifs spread too far apart. Actual antique prints from the late 1800s (yes, I have a collection of those, too) have proven to be the most satisfactory for the small scale work. Ultra fine sewing thread is also a must. My favorite so far is the 60 wt 100% cotton Presenscia. If you have experience with using antique prints in quilts, I would love to hear about what you have learned. For Christmas, I made ornaments of 2” finished Evening Stars made of antique Indigoes, double pinks and red prints.
A great way to keep track of the tiny pieces for miniature blocks is to make PORTABLE DESIGN BOARDS. These are made with pieces of foam core and leftover pieces of batting. Cut both the same size and cover the edges with tape. I used clear packing tape, but I've seen them with real fabric binding (glued.)
