Let's start off with what a leader/ender is and then get into the quilt. A leader is usually a piece of fabric that you start sewing on before the actual project and the ender is a piece you sew on to at the end of the block or chain. I've always just used a scrap of fabric and just sew on it over and over again. Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville is the first person though that I had heard of doing a project, instead of a scrap. She recently finished her last one and that got me to thinking. I could actually make the postage stamp quilt if I just did a few blocks at a time. It's like doing two projects at once and I'm good with that.
So you all saw the postage stamp quilt when I did my 10 favorite quilt patterns.
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Postage Stamp Quilt |
1" Blocks - 21,600
1 1/2"Blocks - 5,400
2" Blocks - 2,400
2 1/2" Blocks - 1,350
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Most of this will become 1" squares |
Stop panicking folks. You don't have to cut all those squares at once. I have my tub of scraps and as I have time or I need a break from drawing Xs then I pull some fabric and cut it up. If I can get a 5" square out of it, I cut that out first. That's a charm square size and I might be able to use that in the future. I'll just keep adding to the bag as I have time or I get low.
So let's do one so you understand what I'm talking about.
I pull two squares, line them up and start sewing like normal.
Then I just chain sew onto the "real" project.
When I get done with my chain, I only did one block for the pictures, I'll sew off onto another set of blocks.
That's it just like that I have two blocks sewn for my postage stamp quilt and part of the quilt I'm working on.
So now all I have to do is clip the leader ender off and put them in the tub to wait for more pairs. I won't press them until I have enough to do a row so it'll be a while. I'll keep you updated on my progress and be sure to keep me updated on yours.
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Wow! That is some project. I don't quilt, but I have always admired the craft and still think that I may take it up someday....albeit I will not start with this pattern! ;-) Enjoy the process!
ReplyDeleteLOL I might be crazy taking on this one.
DeleteI am excited to follow your progress on this project. I know it will be gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI made a postage stamp with 2 1/2 inch blocks, I'm too lazy to do one with such small squares. I can't wait to see yours!
ReplyDeleteIt may take me a year to get it done.
DeleteWow that seems like such a lot of work to do all those 1" squares but I'm sure it will be beautiful when you get it done. I love the idea of doing it as you're doing the other project... great use of time!
ReplyDelete