Whilst in the midst of quilting the ‘Gardener’s World’ quilt I found much relief in reading the posts of other quilty bloggers. One led me to do a bit of research online before reaching for my credit card (patchwork quilting, considering it’s thrifty origins, can be surprisingly demanding on the purse!).  The blog post along with Sew Kind of Wonderful‘s no-nonsense online tutorials convinced me to splash out on their Quick Curve Ruler©. I have to confess here to my online trail going cold – I just can’t find the blog post that sparked my interest in the ruler – apologies for not being able to credit the writer.

The Quick Curve Ruler and my first two blocks

Once the show quilt was finished, wrapped and in the post I broke the cellophane covering on the ruler, read the instructions, selected some fabrics and determined to follow the Urban Runner pattern sent with the ruler. The printed instructions backed up with an occasional recap from the online tutorials made the piecing process straightforward. I could feel my confidence growing with each curve I stitched.

Urban Runner blocks on the design wall

A few points to note:

• I saw several tutorials produced by Sew Kind of Wonderful. In the one I followed (click here for link) Helen Robinson clearly stated that the points at the ends of the curves would not meet. The intention in the Urban Runner pattern is to create the curves, not make perfect meeting points at the seams.

The pattern intends the points not to meet. I think I could have made the curves meet more accurately though – see left of photo.

• For a more detailed set of tutorials, this time for a pattern using 10″ layer cakes, follow these links (all by Jenny Pedigo of Sew Kind of Wonderful): Cutting Curves: Piecing Curves; Squaring Up Blocks.
• The curved slot in the ruler can comfortably take a 45mm rotary cutter. I had to get used to keeping the blade against the left hand side of the slot and not wobbling off to the right – just practice!
• I found my fabrics did get a bit distorted as I stitched together the curved bias edges but there is allowance made for this in the pattern. The online instructions for trimming the completed blocks are very helpful. I did end up with quite a big pile of waste trimmings!

The growing pile of trimmings. The right hand edge of the ruler is positioned ready to trim the block – look at the bowed outer edge and the amount of fabric to be trimmed away!

The completed top of the Quick Curve Ruler runner. Measures 14.5″ by 53″.

I’ll definitely be making use of the ruler again. It’s an encouraging way into curved piecing as the techniques used do not require the use of pins; the curves are gentle so seams don’t bunch-up or need snipping; and the pattern allows plenty of excess fabric to trim back to the correct block size. Sew Kind of Wonderful have a whole range of patterns to purchase as well as some that are free and there are lots of inspiring  pictures of finished quilts to be found online.

So there it is; another bit of VENTURING for 2017. When I ordered the Quick Curve Ruler from Creative Grids I also ordered a set of Drunkard’s Path templates… Venturing into curved piecing isn’t over yet 🙂

Linking with Kelly for Needle and Thread Thursday.

Allison

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