Geoff's Mom Blog

Monday, June 16, 2014

GIVEAWAY and I learned something NEW!

 
Here are the blocks I am working on for a new quilt. I thought I would like to share them with you. They look large here but they are really only about 7". Isn't it funny how pictures don't do blocks justice? I have noticed with patterns it is so incredibly hard to photograph the quilts and make them look good. The photos just don't show size.. maybe that is why people put quarters next to their blocks so you can see the actual size. It was a little hard for me to get a quarter to stick on my design wall.  After I get this quilt finished I will take another picture so you can see the size. I am using "Homestead Gatherings" designed by Lisa Bonjean of Primitive Gatherings and I just love the fabric!
 
While we were on our cruise I finally gave in and tried using "triangle paper"... OMG where have I been? Do you use it?????
It is the best. I took a class from Paula Barnes of Red Crinoline Quilts and she had us use triangle paper for at least a block or two. Yep friends I am now hooked! I love to square up my pieces but this makes them perfect so I don't have to square up. I still measure my paper to make sure they are going to be the correct size and I even check a few of my finished half-square triangles to make sure they are correct.

 
Here is a picture of the triangle paper I am using for the blocks shown above. At first I worried about how much paper was going to waste, but then I figured out... what a good fire starter for me to use at the cabin. I am saving my papers to make nice cozy fires.
 
 
Now for the Giveaway!
$25 Geoff's Mom Gift Certificate!
Please leave your comments and let me know your thoughts? Do you use triangle paper? Do you have any tricks or techniques we can share?
I will draw the winner on June 21st.
 
Have a great day!

32 comments :

Kelly Dee said...

I love the cd that lets you print your own triangle paper in any size you need. No more being out of a size when the shops are closed. I love not having to draw lines on my fabric or square them up. Stitch, cut, tear and viola!

Sandy D said...

I do use triangle paper and like Kelly Dee I have a CD to print them off because I am at least an hour from a good Quilt Shop.

Christie said...

Hi Joyce! Depending on the situation, I do use triangle paper. I also use my Accuquilt Go whenever I can. I have several sizes of HST dies. The beauty is you get the accuracy with no paper to tear and no dog ears to snip. They don't make every size die I need so I also use paper.

Me and My Stitches said...

Love your blocks and love those fabrics - Lisa just doesn't make anything ugly! I like the accuracy that you get with triangle paper. I have lots of different sized Thangles and also like the Triangles on a Roll. I've heard great things about Inklingo, but have not tried that yet.

Julierose said...

I've never tried triangle papers--sounds like it would solve my darn ol' 1/4" problem!! Fingers crossed....hugs, Julierose

Lori said...

When I am making lots of the same hst I use paper or just make a grid on the back of my fabric. Love it!
Such cute blocks!!

Cathy said...

I haven't used it yet but I think I will try it. Thanks for the giveaway. Hugs

glassbylindi.blogspot.com said...

OMG Yes I use triangle paper, triangles on a roll, everything to make my life easier! Thanx.
D.G. L

marie said...

I've use Triangle on a Roll for over 10 years. Love them.

Gayle said...

I know there are several different brands of the triangle-making paper but I have yet to try any of them myself!

Nancy E said...

I don't use triangle paper, don't won't like having to rip off the paper. I use the Easy Angle ruler for making HST.

dortha said...

I don't use triangle paper. A cd to print off different sizes sounds very interesting.

Michele said...

I use Brenda Henning's Triangulations CD. I can create perfect papers for any size half sq triangle and Qtr Sq Triangle. I use Carol Doak's foundation paper (rips out easy). Someone mentioned "why don't you use kid's coloring paper?"
So I have even been known to use that too. Print as many as you need. Sews up fast, fast. I just did 90 sheets of 1.5 in finished HST. Took me about a week of an hour or two an evening to sew, cut and pull papers, 1600 HST. No trimming needed. It's the best way to do lots at once.

Janie said...

I haven't tried triangle paper, I still do it the old fashioned way. Love your vintage blocks. Thanks for the giveaway.

Heartsdesire said...

I've never used triangle paper, although I have some. I've just been afraid to try it. Perhaps now, with your endorsement, I'll get them out and give it a try.

Sarah said...

I've never used it but if I had it I would try it -- that and a good set of instructions! sarah@forrussia.org

Patti said...

Love triangle papers, been using them for years. I did look at that cd recently, good to hear your other commenters like using it. I just may buy that next time I run out.

Jacqueline said...

I have tried the triangle paper a couple of times in various sizes, but find I go back to the drawn line on the fabric 90% of the time.

Love your blocks.

For a hint I use the Eleanor Burns specialty ruler to square up my HST. I love it.

paulette said...

No, I haven't used them YET...but you have inspired me to get some and give them a try! Thanks SEW much!! Also thanks for the chance to win your give away!
Paulette

paulette said...

No, I haven't used them YET...but you have inspired me to get some and give them a try! Thanks SEW much!! Also thanks for the chance to win your give away!
Paulette

juliehallfeldhaus said...

I have used it and it makes things so easy!!!Thanks for the chance at a great giveaway:)

scarlett said...

I just bought some triangle papers from Lisa B. but haven't used them yet.
What is this CD? And where can I get it?

Pam said...

The CD is called Triangulations by Bear Paw Productions (Brenda Henning). It includes half square triangle foundations in sizes up to 7 1/2" in 1/16" increments, quarter square triangle in sizes 3/4" to 7 1/2" in 1/8" increments and Geese foundations sizes 1/2" x 1" to 3 3/4" x 7 1/2". It's the best quilting money you'll ever spend! I use it with regular computer paper but Carol Doak's foundation paper is a nice splurge.

Carrie P. said...

I love using triangle papers. I have used them on several quilts. My tip is to make sure you lower your stitch length so you can tear the paper easier. You might want to use an old rotary blade to cut the papers.

allcounty said...

I have not tried triangle papers. This might have to be a project I will should try. Thanks for sharing
Karin E :)

suemluvsquilts said...

Love your blocks. I use triangle paper + usually draw up whatever size I want. They work brilliantly for swaps as everyone makes the same (well almost!) size!

Vivian said...

I reluctantly tried triangle papers a few years back, but I've loved them ever since, especially when making a lot of HST for a project. I have a big supply of Thangles in various sizes, and I also have Triangles on a Roll in several sizes. Love using both of them.
Stitching just on the OUTSIDE EDGE of the stitching line (not exactly on it) is the key for me--it gives me precise, perfect HST. Friends who stitch on the line, or maybe wander to the inside of the stitching line, have HST that are just a smidge too small, and that's not good.

quilter said...

I have Triangle paper, but rarely think to use it, I do like it.

Jo said...

I am an easy angle ruler girl...

Margaret said...

I haven't used that triangle paper, tho I have heard of it and it sounds completely wonderful. I use the technique at Sew'n Wild Oaks blog, which makes 8 HST at a time, and I really like this method.

Debra @ Life is a Stitch said...

The first few times I used triangle paper, I thought that the paper removal was a very fussy process. I enjoy the process of over-sizing and then trimming so I didn't see the point... until I made one inch finished half-square triangles!
Then SO worth the paper removal!! I may have to convert :) Thanks for the chance, and LOVE your new pattern!

Melanie said...

I struggle with removing papers after stitching. But I do love any way to ease up making half square triangles. Stress is some times worth it to get size consistency. Throw my name in the bucket. Thanks for the chance....