QuiltingCoach Penny

The Grand Convergence Experiment moves to its second block. This one has some gentle curves in it.

Watching the video clip below should be instructive, because the written directions are fairly simple, but they may not be that descriptive of the process.

Decide which two curved pieces you will begin sewing. Fold them together, right sides together, and match the edges. Because the edges are at different angles, you should have dog ears sticking out.

By lining up the dog ears so they come together 1/4 inch away from the sewing edge, you will guarantee to have a straight edge after you finish sewing - at least on the beginning edge.

Place your pieces in your sewing machine and begin to stitch using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

You will notice that these pieces are not lined up all the way along the side you will sew.

Not to worry, continue to stitch until the fabric doesn't line up any more, then re-position everything.

You will create some interesting piles and gather-looking fabric on the left side of your needle. Just be sure that the fabric you are sewing doesn't stitch in any of those gathers or puckers.

When you unfold the sewn seam, it should lay flat.

After you have stitched the entire block - both seams - carry it proudly over to your ironing board and iron away. The Ricky ironing method says to iron heartily - pressing is for wimps! So, go for it.

I usually use pressing and ironing to get my blocks straight, and this was no exception. As careful as I was, there was still a part that didn't get stitched evenly, and benefited from some seam-altering ironing.

That stuff doesn't bother me, because I know that it will get quilting into its proper position.

Happy Quilting!