Saturday, October 03, 2009

A Pinwheel Tablecloth

I’ve been busy --- but there’s been tons of sewing going on. It’s a bad picture. But I’ll take a better one when it’s quilted. I finished my pinwheel tablecloth. I’m definitely running a season behind….but maybe we’ll get an Indian summer day.

I’m not a perfectionist, but I’ve been working on quilt blocks being better than just “good enough”. Before I started this piece I read a lot about making pinwheel blocks. I took pictures of the method I used. And while my points aren’t perfect--- I’m really pleased.

I started with a charm square and the same size piece of muslin.


I drew an X point to point.

Then I stitched right on top of that line..

Next, I cut top to bottom and side to side..

When you open the fabric pieces, you have a great half-square triangle. I used my quarter-inch foot on my machine and game up with the pinwheel blocks.

My quilt was made with two 40 piece charm packs plus 1 block out of the border fabric. The quilt finishes nine blocks by nine blocks, with borders, 54 inches square.

I emptied all the junk out of Eric’s room. Just piles of stuff I don’t think he’ll miss. I got tired of my kitchen being trashed with things only a quilter would appreciate. I moved my machine and ironing board in his room. He won’t be home until Thanksgiving. I even have three windows…. I’m still debating on telling him….
There’s a quilt show in a neighboring town. I’m going to knock out the weekly cleaning and go. I’ll bring my camera. I’m looking forward to it.

It’s supposed to rain for the next six days. I’ve got some painting---- and quilting--- to keep me busy.

Have a good weekend –
Gratitudes
Pumpkins
Understanding sons (maybe)
Pups to keep me company

22 comments:

Karen said...

I find your method for making a pinwheel interesting and worth a try. And a good use for those charm packs. I am so tempted by them in the quilt shops. And so what if you are a season behind. There is always next year.

Unknown said...

Love your pinwheels, just so pretty. I think which ever method works for you is always good, none of us are the same so our methods of achieving a finish are always different. As long as we get the result we want it's a win, and your top is a win for sure.

Carol said...

Mel, it's very pretty...what a great finish. Have fun at the quilt show!

Darlene said...

Oh, Melanie, I love it - it's perfect! Enjoy your outing to the quilt show.

Juliann said...

What a sweet little quilt top. I love making pinwheel blocks too.

Kimberly said...

Thanks for the pinwheel tip! I like a new use for a charm pack!

And your tablecloth is just beautiful! Good luck with that Indian summer day to enjoy it!

Stina Blomgren said...

Indian summer or not.. I love your Pinwheel table cloth... so pretty!!! Have fun sewing at your new place.. hope for many sewinghours in there... and quiltmarket.. sounds like a lot of fun shopping is going to be made!

QuiltNut Creations said...

so pretty! i love pinwheels

have fun at the show

Julie in the Barn said...

What a great use for those charms. I never buy them because they are such an odd size for the pieced blocks I enjoy making. This method for pinwheels looks intriguing. I love your resulting tablecloth.

Unknown said...

Looks good. I might try your method for pinwheels, more fun than cutting every triangle.

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

I love pinwheels. I have paper pieced them years ago for a baby quilt. I did it that way because the pattern said to paper piece. LOL! Your method looks like a great method. I will give it a try for sure. I really love the tablecloth. It is beautiful.

Carolyn said...

Brilliant idea, I'll have to try it! The quilt turned out so sweet...thanks for sharing!

*karendianne. said...

What a nice, happy tablecloth!

Gypsy Quilter said...

A new tablecloth sounds like a fine idea. A new sewing room even better.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Melanie your table cloth is just lovely...

Leslie said...

Very nice! Thanks for sharing :) I have been trying to convince myself to start on a larger quilt for my bed. I love the pinwheel quilt and it seems simple enough tutorial! I may just convince myself...

Leslie

Libby said...

Looks great - I love your border fabric *s*

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

What a great job you've done! It is beautiful, and your points look perfect to me. :)

Angie said...

Gorgeous tablecloth! Thanks so much for sharing your method for the pinwheels...I'm going to try that! :)

julieQ said...

I will try that method!! Your quilt looks wonderful. I feel it is so hard to clean out those kiddos rooms when they leave us, my son's room still has all his stuff there.

Kate said...

I have just started to work with pinwheels. I made a pillow recently and am now determined to do a quilt size project using these little lovelies!! It's good way to use up some left over fabrics. I'm hooked! I have some pictures of the pillow on my blog. Stop by sometime. I love your blog by the way!! :)

McIrish Annie said...

your method is so simple and effective. Nice way to use those charm packs! and I'm sure your son will understand the need to make good use of his room while he's away!