oksewglad

I'm in the 365 day challenge started in Australia...the first blocks are 3" finished. I have been cutting several out and then sewing, so here's a way to keep them and other small blocks all together while piecing.

Instead of using my good rotary cutter, I used the one I have designated for Paper. Cut 8 1/2" squares of a inexpensive flannel backed vinyl tablecloth, leaving the manufactured edge in place. I cut 14 squares...it is quite thick..

Layer the squares in a pile with vinyl side up.

Using clips or binder clips "pin" the squares together on all four sides, keeping the manufactured edges on the same side.

With a slightly longer straight stitch length, sew 1/2" seam, removing clips as you sew ... put the flannel side down next to the feed dogs...I didn't and it slipped about--duh...notice the sloppy seam
[ATTACH=CONFIG]542016[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]542021[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]542022[/ATTACH]

Here's how my unsewn blocks look
[ATTACH=CONFIG]542024[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]542025[/ATTACH]

It's easy to transport blocks to a sit n sew, simply close the book and cinch with a binder clip

I made mine 8 1/2 " thinking it would handle up to 6" block pieces, but it could be made larger--14-15" to accomodate 12" finished blocks.

janRN

What a great idea--thanks for sharing it. I have 2 projects going right now, one is 6" blocks the other is 4". I keep moving the piles from one place to another. This would keep them separate and organized.

oksewglad

You're welcome, Jan...and who says you have to make only one book...

wesing

Very smart. Thanks for posting!

ManiacQuilter2

What a very clever way of keeping all those pieces together. I am doing a BOM and I still haven't had a chance to start on January's block yet, 365 day would bury me!!

lclang

I made a couple of those years ago. I used a pillow print and made them about 18 inches square with batting pages and muslin separators. It has proved to be very useful in keeping the pieces of each block in place. Mine rolls up and ties so that nothing can escape and it can be taken to workshops, etc.

oksewglad

Aren't they great, Iclang?...the 18" size would work well for individual blocks or a bunch of mini quilts. I may make a bigger one for the bits of fabric I use for my mini quilts. How many pages were in your "book"?
I wanted something quick and inexpensive...the slippery vinyl side keeps the pieces on the flannel as your muslin pieces do.

mawluv

WOW!!!! That's awesome!!! Going to make me one right now!!!! I was using paper plates to store mine, but no more!!!

waltonalice

I had thought that using large squares of old wallpaper was a good way to keep squares organized was a good idea, but this is much better because the flannel holds the blocks in place, while the plastic prevents the pieces from sticking to the "wrong" block. And, whenever you stop, you can close the "book" and hold it together with a paper clamp. This is a great idea.

lisalovesquilting

The best thing since sliced bread! Thank you.