Pinwheels make me happy… all 42 pinwheels for “a la mode” by Camille are now complete. This involved making 168 half-square triangles. I recently had a couple of questions about half square triangles so thought I would answer them here.
I love the “quick quarter” tool which comes in two sizes. I use this whenever a pattern calls for you to draw a diagonal line and then sew ¼ inch away from the line on either side. I don’t draw the single diagonal line; instead, I line up the slits in the “quick quarter” tool with the diagonal tips of the square. Then I draw two diagonal lines using the quick quarter tool as a guide. These are my sewing lines– I sew both lines then cut the block in half. I think this makes for a more accurate ½ square triangle.
I’ve also been using the Quilt in a Day “Triangle Square Up Ruler” when I want to ensure my half-square triangles are absolutely accurate. I’ve owned this tool for several years but only recently started using it regularly after reading some recent blog posts.
Next up is to make 168 flying geese units for “a la mode.”
And to start on some Fresh and Fancy Tablerunners (scroll down on this post to get a good look at these patterns). Bonnie at Cotton Way designed these, one for each month of the year; I was so excited to win these from Bonnie because I love making table toppers! January through June are available now, and July through December will be available in March (I can’t wait to see the rest)!
Stephanie says
Pinwheels make me happy too, especially little ones. I have that quick quarter I bought for a class I took years ago and just came upon it while cleaning. Maybe I should make use of it again!
Dianne says
Oh my goodness! You've been busy on some really pretty projects. I can't wait to see your runner. I have been eye-ing them for a while now…
Carol says
I love your pinwheels, party because pinwheels are my favorite and party because Simple Abundance is also my favorite. Very nice. I'm in the Fresh and Fancy table runner BOM but haven't received my first kit yet, I'm sure it will come soon. Not like I don't have plenty of sewing to do in the meantime. Thanks for sharing your lovely pinwheels.
allsewnup says
Can't wait to see the end result. I've got pinwheels of my own that need my attention.
Carolyn
The Quilt Buddy says
Perfect Pinwheel! I also use the quick quarter ruler. It is a must have!
Have a good weekend. It will be a cold one for us!
call me crazy says
Cute pinwheels. I like making them too. 😉
Miriam says
Thank you for your hints about half square triangles. I will be looking for a Quick Quarter tool here'
Do you have hints for flying geese?? I will be making lots of them for my AQ soon.
angela says
I love how you use the 1/4" tool – never thought of that. And I'm coveting your table runner pack! I had really hoped to win those. They look like a super fun series!
Sinta Renee says
Oh so fun Sherri! I love pinwheels too! Love the fabrics:)
Karen says
I too adore the pinwheel….nice blocks.
Jackie says
Pinwheels are my favorite, that is why I made my logo a pinwheel!! They are happy all the time. Love your tools, I have them too. There is something to be said for the value of having the right tools around. Just went over to look at those table runners. They are sweet!
Amy says
Your pinwheels are cute! Looking forward to seeing your finished quilt. Thanks for the tip on the Triangle Square Up Ruler.
Rita says
Sherri, I make my HSTs the exact same way you do. I love that silly little tool. I usually make my squares just a little larger (example: I round up 2 7/8" to 3") then trim them down. It takes a little more time, but they turn out perfect every time.
Thimbleanna says
Yikes! Those are so cute, I can hardly stand it! Can't wait to see what they become!
Barb says
Another fun gadget…whohooo will have to look into it
Sheri Howard says
I am happy for you too!
May Britt says
Never seen that quick Quarter ruler. It seems to be a very useful tool. Think I have to look for it. But have never seen it in any shops nearby me.
Carol says
Oh I love that pile of pinwheels…it is sooooooo happy! Can't wait to see those table runners.
Screen Door says
Pinwheels are the best! Some great projects to chase away the winter…
Cindy says
Thanks for the reminder, Sherri. I have the quick quarter ruler and haven't had it out in years. I should have been using it while catching up on the Glace BOMs the last couple days. WAKE UP, Cindy.
I love the Fresh and Fancy Tablerunners. I think it's great to have lots of different tablerunners – I keep one on my kitchen island – I like them on my two tables, on my coffee table, on dressers……….and I love being able to change them out for the season, or just because I want a fresh look.
It looks like "a la mode" is well on its way……….any chocolate to top it off?
Trisha says
Your pinwheels are so cute! I am so glad I got my hands on some Simple Abundance. It looks so beautfiul made into pinwheels. I use the quick quarter too and I really like it. Great table runners. I love table toppers too, especially ones that change with the month or season. What a great win!
jabeybaby says
Pinwheels make me happy too, and they are great in simple abundance! Can't wait to see the finished quilt!
Rene' says
Great tip for making half square triangles. Pretty projects you are working on. Thanks for sharing.
Sharon says
Aren't these cute? Love your fabric choice and can't wait to see the finished project!
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
You are just popping out the cutest quilts Sherri!
Darlene says
I like pinwheels, too. Yours are adorable. I've used the quick quarter often – one of the first tools I purchased when I started quilting.
Sweet projects in your future.
Loris says
Thanks for the tips. I have that tool and like your idea better than the single line.
Can't wait to see the table toppers. I checked out the link and enjoyed what Betty designed.
Have fun with them!
jacquie says
i love pinwheels too…it's the one traditional block that i enjoy making. yours are going to make one cute quilt.
Terriaw says
What a great stack of pinwheels! I think they are such a cheerful block. I think I have one of those quick quarter tools and forgot how to use it – silly me. Now I can see what a great benefit it is.
Jacqueline says
Pinwheels makes me happy too! Your pinwheels are gorgeous! Loving your gorgeous fabrics. Have a lovely merry happy start of the week and love to you!
jacqueline
http://jqlinesocuteithurts.typepad.com/
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Diane says
I am a fan of the pinwheel myself! Love that fabric. I have been collecting some cotton blossom, but maybe I will throw some of this in with it!
Contemporary Cloth Inc. says
I just ran into your blog…so many great ideas! Glad to follow you, will be back…..Sondra
Kelly@ Charming Chatter says
Oh this is going to be SO PRETTY! I can't wait to see it. Thanks for sharing your tips on the tools, too!
Jacqueline says
Dear sherri, just wanted to thank you for adding me to your reader. I really love your blog and it's filled with so much inspiration! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!
jacqueline
http://jqlinesocuteithurts.typepad.com/
Betty says
Your work is always so very pretty. I like your color and pattern choices.
Micki says
The pinwheels are so pretty, and you did them perfectly!
I use the tools that you showed too.
Micki
Val says
One of my favorite (and first) quilts I ever made was all pinwheels. I really must do that again sometime. Do you ever do the thing where you cut the block 7/8 bigger then you need, sew two blocks together with two seams (each 1/4 inch from the diagonal center) and then cut them apart? Insta two blocks of a four block pinwheel. (Sorry if that doesn't make sense….I'm not great at writing out directions.)
Margo Blue says
I started a pinwheel quilt a couple years ago. Have not picked it up in a while (especially since we moved and it is packed away). I think I will be getting it out and finishing it up. You have given me the motivation I needed. Thanks!
bingo~bonnie says
I have that same blue stick thingy – and I did use it for several years the same way as you described…until I learned to slide it over and mark the EXACT center – each block only having 1 mark… (cut out a lot of time) and then I use my Bernina foot #57 and use the guide on the marked line and sew 1/4" from it on both sides… 😉 now it's a lot faster!
Curious as to the Quilt in a day ruler as to how it works… I've never seen it before.
Love from Texas! ~bonnie
jaybird says
i'v never used the quick quarter… but i do love the triangle square up ruler!