Pre-Cut Party Time, and so many HSTs!

Before I say anything else, can I just thank all you lovely people out there who took the time to read and join in my first Pre-Cut Linky Party last week. As a new venture, I was a little worried that it would go unnoticed, so when you joined in I was over the moon! As well as some link-ups, you also left some interesting comments (again, thank you) and it does seem that many of us buy these scrumptious looking fabric bundles because they look so cute and pretty, but then put them on a shelf and never use them.

Well, hopefully this will be the chance to change this, if we can share as many pre-cut projects and ideas as possible, together with my free monthly patterns (subscribe for free here) we can all bring those beauties off the top shelf or from under the bed, unwrap them and get cutting!

To get started this week, I thought I'd share some of the beautiful linkies from last week... who would have thought the humble square could look so good!

Table runner using a batik charm pack, Mountain Quiltworks

Christmas ornaments using mini charms, From Bolt to Beauty

Prairie Dance blocks using fabric strips, Domestic Felicity

This week I've been working on a new quilt pattern using my 12pc fat quarter bundle in these bright prints from Red Rooster's Basically Hugs collection. This pattern, which will hopefully also be a kit, uses the ever-versatile half-square triangle. There are so many ways to make these little gems, but my favourite is still the foundation-piecing method, you can read my tutorial and download templates for seven different sizes here.

Each of my sixteen blocks are made up of 28 HSTs which makes 448 in total! ahhh!! Good job these templates make 12 at a time! Wish me luck :)

My wonderful husband has just sprung a surprise few days away for my birthday next week, so rather than invite folk to a party and then not turn up myself - how rude - I'll see you again in a fortnight, but back to today...

Now it's your turn - grab the button below for your sidebar, and join the party! Don't forget to check out these other great linky parties too - Let's Bee Social, Midweek Makers, and Needle & Thread Thursday.

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Lovely HSTs and another published quilt!

I recently came across this method for constructing Half-square triangles (HSTs) by the wonderful Lynne Goldsworthy of Lily's Quilts, and wondered if I could adapt it for bigger sizes. After playing around with Illustrator and my quilter's ruler, I worked out the measurements needed, then had a play with some fabric, and couldn't believe how easy this method is. And what's more you don't have to trim down all those squares at the end - how many hours I have wasted?!! Because this is more or less foundation piecing, your sewing is so accurate that your squares come out the size they should be, unlike the two-squares-together method, which can come out a little wonky. 

Admittedly this method only works if you want a lot of identical HSTs, which many patterns do call for, but would not work for scraps or charm squares, we’ll have to stick to trimming down for those I’m afraid.



Anyway, I was so happy with this find, that I have written a little tutorial here to share the love, together with full-size templates for 2”, 2½”, 3”, 3½”, 4” and  4½” finished HSTs, and a handy table to work out how many HSTs you'll get from different cuts.

When writing PDF patterns and templates, I always print them out just to make sure they fit on the page at 100%, then realised that not everyone works on a Mac, or has Acrobat Reader, so I have also written a how-to guide on printing at full scale.

On another subject altogether, I was, and still am actually, feeling quite chuffed with myself this weekend. I have a quilt featured in July’s edition of British Patchwork & Quilting, and its none other than my mammoth Bargello quilt I designed and made for John Louden & Co! This was a bit of a mathematical nightmare to be honest, but I’m so pleased the mag used my graphics as well as the table to show which row goes where. All that head rubbing and muttering was worth it!

This quilt is made from John Louden’s range of Tie-Dyed effect fat quarters, which create this beautiful colour spectrum, just what we in such a dark and dank June! Did I miss summer??

I also have a very nice mention in P&Q's News and Views section - big smile!!

Update: Just in case you were wondering what on earth I was going to do with all those HSTs.... 

I’m linking up with Tips & Tutorials Tuesday over on Late Night Quilter, Let's Bee Social on Sew Fresh Quilts, and finally Freshly Pieced's WIP Wednesday - come and visit for lots more inspirational ideas and general quilt loving. 

Thank you for visiting, your comments are always welcome.