Ticker Tape Parade Clue #5 and Day 6 of 31 Day Blog Challenge

Happy Friday!

Have you been following along my 31 Days Blog Challenge?  You should, tons of great content, if I do say so myself.  If you are thinking of joining my next mystery, Grand Central, you are going to want to read through this past week's post and well as tune in over the next few weeks.  

For today's challenge topic, I'm going to cover Clue #5 of the current Mystery, Ticker Tape Parade and then Tidbit #6 on Grand Central Terminal. 

Before we get started, let me remind you that this Sunday, I will start a 7 Day series on how to pick the correct border for Grand Central.  So you will definitely want to tune in next week.  The 7-Day series will include several color lessons, that will be helpful to you whether you are joining the Grand Central Mystery Quilt Series or looking to pick out your the fabric for your next quilt.  

If you tune in daily, this will be in digestible bites.  If you have a couple borders that you think "might" work.  You are going to want to pull those as well as your 3-in-1 Color Tool or Color Wheel Companion. 

Last week, had some great content that will give you some clues on the shapes you may find in the Grand Central Quilt.  Let me recap this last week: Day 1 - My Introduction and Grand Central Mystery Tidbit #1 - The Whispering Gallery - Page down to check it out, or click here: Day 1

Day 2 - My Space and Grand Central Tidbit #2 - The Main Concourse Celestial Ceiling - Page down to check it our or click here: Day 2

Day 2

Day 3 - My Machine and Grand Central Tidbit #3 - The Vanderbilt Hall Chandeliers - Page down to check it our or click here: Day 3

Day 3

Day 4 - My Favorite Tool and Grand Central Tidbit #3 - "The Clock" - Page down to check it our or click here: Day 4

Day 4

Day 5 - My First Project and Grand Central Tidbit #4 - Tiffany Clock - Page down to check it our or click here: Day 5

Day 5

Let's get back to the current mystery, for a bit.

TICKER TAPE PARADE

This week we have a new-to-the-series Tool and Technique!

Clue #5 - Available for download until Thursday, December 12th.
Note: If you missed Clue #4, it can be purchased in my Etsy shop for a nominal fee: Shop here

We will be using the Studio 180's Diamond Rects, to make Diamond Rectangles.   Since this is a new technique in the series, I've provided a pictorial below, however details are in the download.  

Even if you are familiar with Diamond Rects, I suggest you read below as maybe I've provided a tip you aren't familiar with.

This week, you are going to work with Group 4 strips.

Similar to previous weeks, you are going to sub cut each strip into (2) HWOF Strips.  Label and set aside one subset of Group 4 HWOF Strips for a later Clue.  

The other subset of Group 4 HWOF Strips will be used in Clue #5.  I like to Best Press my strips with my Mister prior to cutting them.   Especially for Diamond Rects, due to the exposed bias.   You do not want to stretch this units.

Once treated, you are ready to sub cut the strips into Diamond Centers with the Diamond Rects.  

Cut only one strip at a time, either right side up or right side down, as this will be a precision cut, and it’s very important that every diamond is the perfect size.  Use your best cutting skills.

Align the Diamond Rect's Center Diamond guidelines, for the proper size, with the raw edge on the bottom of the strip.   Right handed quilters, will start on the left side of the strip, while Left handed quilters, will start on the right side of the strip.   Ensure that the proper size center diamond guidelines have fabric beneath the entire unit. 

Right Handed

Left Handed

 Cut along the side angled edge of the tool.  This will result in an angled cut across the strip.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Rotate the first cut piece 180° to make the second diagonal cut near the trimmed selvedge edge. Once again, align Center Diamond guidelines, for the proper size, of the Diamond Rects tool with the just cut edge and the bottom of the Strip. You will need to cut along both angled edges of the tool, trimming just a few threads from the top edge of the strip.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Then continue to make cuts along the remaining length of the strip. 

Right Handed

Left Handed

 Repeat for the other strips, until you have the number listed in the download.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Tip:  When lifting the Diamond Centers off the mat, stack them neatly on a paper plate, this will save you time in the future.  Plus, help you keep your orientation in later steps.

Next, we will cut your Background Rectangles, into Side Triangles, with the Diamond Rects Tool.  

IMPORTANT - Pair the rectangles, in groups of two (2), placing wrong sides together for each pair.  This is required to create mirror image Side Triangles.

Using the side triangle cutting section, position the Diamond Rects tool, using the proper size's finished guidelines against the raw edges of the stacked paired Rectangles.   

Right Handed

Left Handed

Cut along the slanted edge of the tool.

Tip:  When lifting the Side Triangle Pairs off the mat...

Place the immediately into the proper position.  One set can be opened, putting right side up, on the top of the Diamond...

Place the other set, on the bottom of the Diamond.

This way, when you complete all your cutting, your Diamond Centers and Side Triangles are all set up to sew.

IMPORTANT:  Make sure you double check that your units are laid out so that the 90°angles of the side triangles are on the outside edge, forming a rectangle. 

Next, you are going to stitch two opposite Side Triangles to opposite edges of the Center Diamond.  Similar to how you would stitch a Square in a Square.

Tip:  I like to take 2 of the Side Triangle stacks and move them out of the way, so I don't grab them by mistake.

Then, align the raw edges and basically center the Diamond over the Side Triangle edge.  See it as it should be sewn, then flip it over onto the Side Triangle.

Give a little extra Side Triangle to the wide angle of the Center Diamond.  

A little extra 

The skinny point of the Diamond Center doesn't need much extra of the Side Triangle

Sew it with the Center Diamond on top and use your best 1/4” seam. 

Press away from the Center Diamond. Repeat for all Diamond Centers.  

Tip: Start your pressing with setting the seam...

 Next, finger press.

 Then, press with the Iron, but not "pushing the fabric".  

  

 Tada, perfect press!

I take the sewn units and place them back on my plate to ensure that I line my next Side Triangle properly.  This is the how I keep my orientation straight.  If you do not do this, I fear you will be doing some unsewing. 

 I rotate my plate to prepare to sew the 2nd Side Triangle.

See it. Flip it.

Make sure you have the offset.  Sew it.

 Press it. Remember to set the seam, finger press, and press. 

Next, trim the dog ears from the first two Side Triangles prior to sewing on the last two side triangles. It lessens the bulk and creates a straighter seam.

Tip: I like to flip the unit over and just trim the dog ears with scissors.

I use Diamond Center as my guide.  You could do this with a rotary and ruler, I just find that it is quicker for me to cut them with my scissors.

Nice and neat which will make it easy to add the remaining Side Triangles.

Align and stitch the remaining two Side Triangles to the raw edges of the Center Diamond, just like you did with the first two Side Triangles. 

See It. Flip It.

 Offset, leaving only a little extra of the Side Triangle at the Diamond Center skinny point.

 There should be a little of the Side Triangle hanging out on the Diamond Center side.

Remember to stitch with the Center Diamond on top. Press away from the Center Diamond.

 Lay it back down on the plate, make sure you have your orientation.

See it. Flip it.

Sew it.

Press away from the Center.

Now it is time to trim!
Place the unit face up on a cutting mat. Position the trim down side of the tool on the unit, aligning the Xs for the proper finished size and the dashed lines with the seam intersections and the sewn seams.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Trim 2 sides of the unit.  

Right Handed

Left Handed

Then lift the tool, rotate the unit 180 degrees, and reposition the tool. This time align the "just cut" edges with the proper cut size along with the proper size Xs and the dashed lines.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Trim the remaining two sides. 

Right Handed

Left Handed

Repeat for all the units!  Tada ---- Perfect units!

So, what do you think of the Diamond Rects tool?  I would love to hear from you, feel free to leave comments. 

If you have questions or want to share your completed clues, make sure to join the Ticker Tape Parade Facebook Group (to join, make sure to answer the questions - if you do not, you will be automatically denied). 

Now, it is time for the 6th Tidbit on Grand Central Terminal.   Just a quick one today. 

Grand Central Mystery Quilt Series

Time for some more insight into next Mystery Quilt.  Grand Central!   Today I'm going to feature the People who are essential for making Grand Central, Grand Central. 

If you are a people watcher, you will see some interesting sights in Grand Central Station.  People are moving in every direction, yet, they manage to not bang into each other (much).  

You never know what you will see... Love is often in the air, especially at Christmas.

A few fun facts:

• Over 250,000 people commute through Grand Central every day on Metro-North trains, the subway, and New York City buses.  
• This count spikes to 750,000 daily visitors, from late November through early January.  Due to the number of tourist traveling into New York City.

So, the next time you are in Grand Central, make sure to take some time and do some people watching.  Well, that it for today.  I kept it short given Clue #5's pictorial.  

If you want to get caught up on the Grand Central Mystery Quilt Series, make sure to check out the last few posts.  Make sure to sign up for email alerts, by subscribing to my Blog, so you don't miss anything in the next few days. 

Grand Central Quick Recap:
What you should know, so far, about my Grand Central Mystery Quilt Series: 

• The Series will run from mid-January to mid-April
• Two sizes to choose from; Large Throw or Queen
• Required tools are the Studio 180 Design: 
• Wedge Star
• Tucker Trimmer III
• Large Square Squared (and no a regular Square Squared will not work).
• Recommended tools are Studio 180 Design:
• Tucker Trimmer II - for subcut - ideal for sub cutting strips ending in 1/4" and 3/4" 
• I plan on releasing yardage in the next few days.  Make sure to subscribe to my Blog for more information this week.
• New Grand Central Facebook group for those planning on participating in Grand Central Quilt Mystery Series.  Be sure to answer all the screening questions or you will be declined.  If you are a member, in good standing, of another one of my groups, you will not have to answer the questions. 

Upcoming December Blog Topics, in addition to the 31 Day Blog Challenge :

• Tomorrow, I have a 1 more inspiring architecture tidbits of Grand Central... 
• Starting on Sunday, I plan on taking you step-by-step through selecting the proper border for your Grand Central mystery quilt.
• The third week of December, I plan on taking you step-by-step through selecting the proper fabric to go with that border.
• The fourth week, we will see what I come up with!

Thanks for joining me daily!  Let me know if you are enjoying it. 

Have a great weekend, don't forget to join me on Sunday for the Border selection for Grand Central Mystery Series.

Keep Stitching,
Michelle