Tip: Pretty HST Points

So, I have been doing a tOn of Half Square Triangles lately, and I have found a method of making my points pretty. I honestly don't remember if I found this tip somewhere, or if I just discovered it on my own, but regardless - I feel that it is worth sharing!! So, here's a tute for making those pesky points a little bit prettier!

Start with trimmed and squared HSTs. If you don't know how to trim and square your HSTs up, check THIS out. She has a few methods of making HSTs to try. Really, learning to do that part correctly changed my life. :)

So, you have two HSTs all squared and pretty. Now, you want to line up seams (right sides together) and match corners.

Sew 1/4 inch seam.

Press seams OPEN. (I know that not everyone is on the press-seams-open bandwagon, but for this method, it is a must!)

Do this with how ever many HST you have to sew together. For this demo, one more set is sufficient.

Now look at that pretty little point...

Now, flip it over.  Look carefully. Do you see the triangle in the seam?

Right there!

This is the fabric practically telling you where to put your needle. Seriously. It is literally pointing to where you should sew!

Match up the middle seams of your two HST sets. (To me, it is more important to match seams rather than edges...)

Sew 1/4 inch seam, right under the little triangle in the seam.

Press seams open, and voila!

Lovely. Now, if you are me - do this over and over and over a few hundred times...

Happy HSTing!!

Photographing a Quilt, a tip!

One problem that all quilters seem to face is photographing a quilt, really - of any size. I have a system that really works well for me, so I want to share it!

It starts with an outside wall. Preferably, a wall with Northern exposure, so you always have shade for the best lighting (my available wall has Western exposure, so I have to take the pictures in the morning or on cloudy days. Kind of a drag, but we do what we can...)

Anyway, start by using these screw in hooks:


You can get them for very little at Home Depot or the like. I spaced mine about 90 inches apart, which works for most of my quilts. And,they are so small, that they aren't an eye sore when you aren't using them.

Then, get some thin rope. On one side, tie a square knot.



On the other end, tie a Trucker's Hitch (don't know how? Neither do I. My Eagle Scout hubby tied mine for me, but there are some instructions HERE.) This knot is awesome, because you can start with it totally slacked, then slide it tight, then loosen it up when you are done. You never, ever have to untie it. It's great!!!

Hook it onto your second hook while loose.

Then slide it until the rope is tight.

Then you have a nice cloths line type set up, and can hang that quilt for well lit, even pictures! Just use cloths pins!


So, there's my tip for the day! Happy sewing!