irishrose

I want to make a quilt with the ten degree ruler that is a large quarter circle with the blades pieced similar to a Spicy Spiral table runner. The pattern calls for it to be pinned on the black background and stitched down. I want to do a huge curved seam. Am I correct in thinking I can just pin the quarter circle on the background and mark the edge, remove it and add 1/2" for a seam and then sew them together. I have much experience setting in garment sleeves and don't anticipate any problem with the sewing. Is the 1/2" correct? I may change my black as I have Michael Miller's Fairy Frost and I found it a little difficult to ease if needed with that finish on it.

ckcowl

you will be using a 1/4" seam allowance on the background and a 1/4" seam allowance on the fan (unless you are stitching 1/2" seams???

PaperPrincess

Well, that's going to be beautiful! Adding 1/2" won't work, however, you need to base everything off the seam line on both pieces. Figure out your seam line on the fan (so 1/4" in) draw the seam on the background then add a 1/4" to that. When you are done, the curves will look totally different on the 2 pieces, but they should seam up OK. Here's a link to a drunkard's path template. You can see that the curves are different:
http://www.everythingquilts.com/brow...Templates.html
You will need to starch the background so that big curve doesn't stretch, and pin like you are easing a sleeve in. I would do a trial run with a couple pieces of scrap fabric. Another alternative is to applique the fan onto the background.

ManiacQuilter2

WOW, very stunning quilt design. I am going to be working on a New York Beauty and I am going to need to learn how to sew a curved seam too. I haven't sat down and read the instructions. It is a paper piece design by Judy Niemeyer so I hope she has some good hints.

irishrose

Thank you, Paperprincess. That's what I needed. The pattern appliques it on, but I'd rather have a seamed finish.

Evie

Would you need to cut the end of the blades another 1/4" since the blades are not actually curved? Or is the 1/2" you're considering just on the background?

bearisgray

I think this is what you are describing?

If so, I am fairly sure that it would work.

PS. Trim the backing on the green line.

irishrose

Evie, If the outside edge of the arc isn't curved, that's an easy fix with a pencil and a string. Or more likely, I'd just eyeball it.

bearisgray, that is exactly my original thought.

patchy-at-best

To avoid applique or curved piecing, add a wide strip of black to the strip set before cutting the blades. Stitch together as per instruction then simply square it up

irishrose

I like that idea. The seams would give some interest to that large black area.