If the fabrics and color seems familiar, they are! They all came from the infamous Glam Clam quilt I recently finished. So many scraps!
While cutting out the Clams for the Glam Clam, I was left with a ton of scraps. It seemed like the perfect time to make some drunkards path blocks.
I had a tub full that I glue basted and quickly set about chain piecing those pesky curves. Except...they really weren't that pesky to sew!
I choose to glue baste the curves to save myself from getting frustrated, and so I could put the pedal to the metal while chain piecing. It seemed like a great idea...and it was!
I marked the center by folding and pressing a crease in each piece. Here, I marked it with pen so you can see it better.
A small bead of glue goes a long way! It doesn't take much to hold the two pieces together.
I line up the center point and with the tip of the dry iron I slowly move the top piece around the curve. It doesn't take long for the glue to set.
Repeat the same process for the other half.
Before you know it...it's done! There is a little fussing that has to be done when attaching the two pieces, like holding the top piece out of the glue when setting the glue with the iron.
Its worth it to me! Usually when making this block I would press the seams towards the white. This time I pressed towards the print. I didn't want the print to be seen through the white, which happens when you are doing just about any block.
I did a lot of trimming so my blocks were good and square. These ended up being 4". I'd like to say they stayed that size!
They did not! I wasn't terribly consistent with perfection when I slapped these together! When I put four blocks together they were a little askew! I was only concentrating on lining up the curves for one big circle.
After assembly, I trimmed all the blocks to 7". Now that's something I can work with!
I've played with several layouts since making the blocks, and even had to make more. The top layout is a possibility, but this last one is not. In order to do that one I would of had to sew each row together and hope all the seams lined up. I love the layout and know that one day...it to shall become a quilt!
LINKING:
Your blocks look awesome. Who would have thought that glue would be so useful in quilting LOL
ReplyDeleteA year ago I never would have thought glue could be so helpful in quilting! I loved using it for these little Drunkard Path blocks! It certainly made everything easier for me!
DeleteI use glue basting a lot no pesky pins to worry about. I like the bottom layout best I think with a plain white block inserted in the spaces this quilt would have a nice flow.
ReplyDeleteI did like the bottom one as well, but ended up not going with it! My concern was I wouldn’t be able to match up the blocks when sewing the rows together! I have a new layout I’m going with! I love glue basting!!
DeleteI've always wanted to do a traditional Drunkard's Path quilt. The curves have always thrown me off. I have put the baste glue on my want list and who knows ....... maybe I shall attempt one yet. Love the colors in yours. Nadine Willis N. Cali
ReplyDeleteI wanted to make one for a long time too! One more to cross off my list. You can use regular washable Elmer’s School Glue for basting. Just don’t open the top all the way so you can get a thin bead of glue when applying it!
DeleteI'm glad you have found some time and creative energy again, Jayne. The glue basting looks like it works perfectly for you. I love that feeling of finding a technique that works well. I look forward to watching this one evolve for you.
ReplyDeleteWell Done. I know what you mean about losing your sewing mojo. I am finishing a quilt for my cousin, which is helpful to get back to the sewing machine. I had spine surgery in June, and can only now sit for short periods of time at my machine. Fortunately, I could work on some hand embroidery.
ReplyDeleteWhat you made with those scraps and glue is so pretty and has a lighthearted feeling. I look forward to the final reveal.
It may seem to you that you've been out off your game lately, but to me you have been posting creative quilt inspiration right along! I also glue baste EVERTHING. With Elmer's glue. And no fancy top on it. It's works like a charm, especially when I'm worried about lining up seams for blocks that aren't "quite right". Thanks for showing me it works with curves too!
ReplyDeleteI’m trying to stay in the loop with blogging! So, I try and post projects that have lingered or projects that I’m working on. I also use straight Elmer’s glue too! I’m pretty sure the glue in the fancy bottle with the fancy tip is the same thing! Both work and both have made my life so much better! I’ve really never tried glue basting seams to make sure they match up…that may be next!
DeleteI never thought to use glue basting for curved sewing! I'll have to try that. I've got a bunch of full circle pieces I want to set in, so it will be interesting to try different methods.
ReplyDeleteYour drunkard's path is very pretty! Those drunks must have been sipping fine wine in a nice garden for the path to be so picturesque :)
Glue basting these curves worked so well for me. It does take extra time, but the alternative is fighting with lining up the curves. You should give it a try though!! Ha! Maybe it was me sipping the wine...
DeleteGlue basting for the win! Great scrap project.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be beautiful! And I'm glad you've found your mojo again!
ReplyDeleteI HAVE to try this technique. I shy away from sewing curves but you sure made it sound easy. Love your blocks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing us the glue basting, Jayne! I will have to try it. I love the colors in your blocks!
ReplyDeleteI will have to remember to try glue basting if I ever get brave to try my drunkard path templates again. I can see it worked great for you.
ReplyDeleteBut that last one is an awesome layout!!! Great job on finding a great solution to your piecing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on the glue. Lovely blocks.
ReplyDeleteI learned something new today which I love since I seem to avoid curves and zippers. I just happen to have a jug of school glue on my shelf so there's no excuse for me not to try curves now. I do like the layout of the top quilt and can understand why you don't want to sew the blocks row by row. I would do the same thing. I think you got your mojo back with this quilt; can't wait to see what you decide to do.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad you leaned something new!! Glue basting has saved me with many projects! It worked great for the drunkard path blocks and I know I’ll be doing it again one day. I always had trouble keeping my zippers for pillow backs from slipping even using pins. I ended up trying to glue baste the zippers and it worked! Here is a link to a tutorial I did using glue if you ever want to give it a try. http://twiggyandopal.blogspot.com/2017/01/glue-basting-zipper-tutorial.html
DeleteI ended up going with the first layout because it was easier, but I love the second one more. Sometimes easy is the best route to take!
These blocks are wonderful, Jayne! Such a great scrappy feel!
ReplyDeleteThese blocks are making me happy :-D Thanks for sharing your glue basting technique
ReplyDeleteSome day I know I am going to want to tackle curves and circles, so I saved yet another one of your posts! I love how these blocks look. I appreciated the tip about glue basting which I tried once when I was binding and decided pins or clips worked better, but with curves I could see it being very useful. Take care, Mary.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful use of your scraps ! Circles are perfect for getting your mojo back ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat last one would be really easy to assemble with partial seams, especially since all the blocks are the same size. From Bolt To Beauty had a great tutorial on partial seams.... just saying. :D It'll look great no matter what layout you use. <3
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of a circle quilt for a while , had a few ideas on my head . I hadn't thought about the lining up if all the actual blocks , just the circles . More to ponder !
ReplyDeleteLove your glue basting photos! So clear and easy to understand. Great job using some beautiful leftover scraps!!!
ReplyDeleteOh that is really cute!! A great project to get your mojo back!
ReplyDeleteLove the circles and I really love how you basted them too. I'm thinking about circles again, I know I haven't finished quilting the last one yet but They aren't out of my system yet and I need a hand project. On the other hand I do like how you made yours and you never know it may help me to get one finished.
ReplyDeleteYou have had so much to deal with, it is understandable you might not have found much time for sewing. Hoping you are doing well and life is calming down for you.
ReplyDeleteI have not glue basted but it looks like a really good tool to add to the list of things to try!
Very fun blocks. I've never glue prepped anything before, but can see that would be a great advantage for a few blocks. Love all the settings for those blocks. It's always so hard to pick just one.
ReplyDeletePretty darn fabulous! You may have just inspired me to try this!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed with that giant stack of curves! The glue basting really does seem to make it tolerable. Beautiful scraps, too! I like the top layout as well <3
ReplyDeleteLove every sliver, every step and the final outcome.
ReplyDeletesmart woman! I might have missed it but you are stitching the seam after gluing correct? This is how I insert whole circles, glue seams then stitch. Love the design too.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you are back to sewing again after such a difficult time. I believe that even though it's tough to start again, sewing--or any creative passion--is therapeutic. I'm quite a mess maker and have been afraid to try glue basting, but you make it look so neat! Does it wash out easily or do you need to do an extra soak or rinse?
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