Holiday Extravaganza Clue #14

Sorry for the week delay.  Unfortunately, I had an unexpected emergency procedure that has put me on the injured list for a bit.  Last week, I wasn't in a state to do anything but get through the pain.  Thanks to Cheryl for letting the Holiday Extravaganza Facebook group know that we would have an unexpected bye week.  This week, I'm recovering, slower than I'd like (I'm sure no surprise to anyone), but I'm starting to have a little more energy each day. I look forward to the day I can get behind the sewing machine.  Hopefully, next week.

Let's talk about this week's clue.   A really fun block!

Holiday Extravaganza ~ Clue #14 ~Peppermint Swirl

Clue 14 ~ Peppermint Swirl ~ Holiday Version

You will make (4) Peppermint Swirl Blocks!  These will be made with the Studio 180 Design's Tucker Trimmer utilizing the Eight at Once technique.  The Eight at Once technique, is such a time saver when you have a lot of Half Square triangles to make!  We will need (32) Half Square Triangles, so this is the way to go!

Clue 14# ~ Peppermint Swirl ~ (4) Holiday and (4) Vintage Christmas versions

I used one dark fabric for my Holiday version and one dark fabric for my Vintage Christmas version to make all my Half Square Triangles.  However, you could pick (2) or (4) different but equal in value fabrics.  Pair each of the darks with a background, follow the instructions through block construction.  When you go to put your block together, you can mix and match the half square triangle in each block.   

Example of potential Mix and Match version

This week's download, will include specific instructions for this week's Clue, however I have a few tips and tricks to help you learn this technique.  If you love this technique and want the measurements for sizes from 1"-6" Half Square Triangles, purchase the Eight at Once Technique Sheet on my website: Purchase here

• You will start off with larger than normal squares (sizes for this block are in the download - for additional sizes check out the Eight at Once technique sheet).

• On the wrong side of one of your squares, you will mark two stitching lines ¼” on either side of the diagonal, just like you normally do, however, you are going to mark the diagonal in both directions. Use the Quilter’s Magic Wand™ for this step.

• Then, layer your two squares right sides together, raw edges aligned and pin if desired.  Stitch on all the drawn diagonal lines.

• Next, and you must cut them in this order, you are going to cut the square into 8 sections.

It is very important to make the cuts in the following order!

a. Once vertically at the halfway measurement.

b. Once horizontally at the halfway measurement.

c. Then, on the diagonals between the stitching lines.        

• Then, you will press towards the dark fabric and trim them down with the Tucker Trimmer, following the instructions in the download.

  
Fabulous!


My other tip is orientation.  

• Be very careful to lay out the Half Square Triangles very carefully to make sure you have them set properly.  
• Lay them out, take a photo and look at the photo
• Be careful when sewing them together to make sure you are putting them back down in the proper place, in the proper orientation. 

That will do it for this week.  I'm hoping to get back behind my sewing machine this week.  Plus, have the energy and the ability to concentrate for more than an hour at a time.  I have a lot to do to get ready to teach on the Hawaii Cruise, Quilt Market and several fall retreats!

Thanks again for all the well wishes!