Treadle On 1999 Summer Mystery Quilt
Part Seven
Trimming the Staggered Ends of the Sets of Rows
This is one of the most critical steps of the quilt. Having gone to so much trouble to produce the staggered effect in the row sets, we now must trim the ends to get them even. By this time, the length of the rows and the number of seams has introduced a considerable degree of uneveness and variation. From the top side, iron the set as square as you can get it, and in aligning the ruler for the cut, make what compromise you need to to get a square cut, allowing for the needed seam allowances as described. Do the best you can; don't expect absolute architectural drawing perfection.
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The ruler has been lined up at the top of a row set. It's edge is even with the edge of the bottom dark strip and allows a 1/4" seam allowance on the dark strip in the middle row. On the top row, the portion of the light/dark square under the ruler is the width of a completely finished strip, plus a 1/4" seam allowance... see picture to the right. |
Here the cut has been made. The light/dark strip on the end of the top row should be equal in width to the dark strip at the bottom. |
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Aligning and trimming the other end of the row set. |
Trimmed bottom end of row set. |
Joining the Row Sets
By now, the process should be pretty obvious. Lay out the finished row sets, just as you did the finished rows earlier. The finished quilt pattern is now very visible:
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Row sets assembled |
I thought I ought to comment at this point that I am not completely happy with my color choices. I could have used more contrast between the medium and light fabrics- perhaps not so much in color as in pattern. The finished quilt is much softer and more subtle than I normally like.
Row Sets assembled- they haven't been ironed yet, so there are uneven spots on the edges.
I hope you enjoyed doing this, and that it came out well for you. I would love to get your comments, or see them on the TO list.
Moving Along.
This is essentially the finished pattern. The next section to be posted, Section Eight, will guide you through the process of adding a border, followed by Sections on the actual pinning and quilting. I hadn't intended to go this far, but since I have a nice miniature to build the lessons on, I will!
