OK, so now that I have 12 mitten blocks I want to square them up as consistently as possible because, let’s face it, like most quilters I know I have OCD. I came up with this simple way to do it that I am sure will work on many simple appliqué blocks.
First, I took my FULL SIZED pattern.
Next, I placed my 9 ½” ruler on top (if you don’t have a 9 ½” ruler just use one that fits)
I traced the pattern with one of my ever present Sharpies.
Now, I placed this on top of my block and cut off the excess.
To remove the Sharpie I just grabbed a little Isopropyl Alcohol ( the regular stuff most people have at home)
And some cotton pads and wiped away the mark.
Easy Peasy.
Erin,
I love your projects and always love seeing what you are up to. Just wondering what product you are using for your templates that doesn't melt when you iron it?
Posted by: Ann Key | 08/10/2011 at 07:24 AM
Brilliant! and so much easier than using that marking tape....
Posted by: jen | 08/10/2011 at 08:07 AM
Wow! Another smack myself in the forehead moment, you ROCK sista!!
Posted by: Debbie S, | 08/10/2011 at 09:07 AM
You can also use Glad Press and Seal on the ruler if you think the pen you have will not clean off your ruler.
Thanks for the sharpie-alcohol trick!
Posted by: Tammy | 08/10/2011 at 09:13 AM
Well, don't I feel silly that I didn't think of that. I HATE squaring up blocks and this would be so much simpler than what I go through. thanks.
Posted by: Gari | 08/10/2011 at 12:14 PM
Great idea. My problem would be the appliqué pieces would not all be in the same position on all of the blocks, no matter what method I had used to place them. ☺
Posted by: Nancy Noah | 08/10/2011 at 12:59 PM
ahhh!! Thanks for the sharpie/ruler tip!
Posted by: Lynette | 08/10/2011 at 03:03 PM
OK, two new things I learned today. A brilliant way to square up a block - but I admit I thought of how many square rules does a person need/have. AND that Sharpie isn't permanent after all! This is really an amazingly smart way to square up a block and I bet it doesn't take days of measuring like it does now, either.
The mittens are so bright and cheerful. My "school" mind immediately thought of what the lost and found looks like at the end of winter.
Posted by: Denice Barker | 08/10/2011 at 03:26 PM
Very clever!
Posted by: Elzaan | 08/10/2011 at 11:42 PM
Have you tried using a dry erase marker? You can wipe it off without using any alcohol.
Posted by: Sandy | 08/15/2011 at 05:43 PM
What a great idea!
Posted by: Robin (RsIslandCrafts) | 09/09/2011 at 08:50 AM