Quick Curves, Large and Small

3 test blocks qcr
Dawn’s Quick Curve Ruler Test Blocks

 

In preparation for teaching a recent class called “Secrets of the Quick Curve Ruler,” I made several test blocks, including the ones you see above. One block was made with the original Quick Curve Ruler from Sew Kind of Wonderful and two were made with the new QCR Mini.

The idea of successfully sewing concave and convex curves together without pins was what compelled me to try out the Quick Curve Ruler a few years ago, and I quickly became a fan. The original ruler produces curves based on a 15″ circle while the Mini makes curves based on a 9″ circle. Can you tell from the photo above which blocks were made with which ruler?

The talented women behind Sew Kind of Wonderful (founder Jenny Pedigo and her sisters Helen Robinson and Sherilyn Mortensen) launched the QCR Mini a few months ago along with new designs for the original ruler and a new book as well. Too many choices! But isn’t that what makes the quilting world go ’round?

The directions that come with the QCR Mini include a pattern for a table runner. The block for that design also makes a mini version of the free Fun Poinsettia pattern offered on the Sew Kind of Wonderful website. The first test block I made with the QCR Mini was the mini Fun Poinsettia:

Mini Fun Poinsettia block
Mini Fun Poinsettia Block, 14″ Square Finished

 

I knew right away this block would find its way into a quilt. I’ve since made four more blocks, including the one at the top of this post, and have an idea for a unique setting.

The second QCR Mini test block, cropped in this photo to look like its 11″ finished size, is from the new Mini Rings pattern:

Mini Rings block 800 11.5 in
Mini Rings Block, 11″ Finished

 

I will definitely make this pattern, although not in the fabrics you see above. I have plenty of strips left over from the black and white fabrics I used for the full size pattern, Metro Rings, in this quilt (Honeymoon in Paris) made in 2013:

2013-12, Honeymoon in Paris
Honeymoon in Paris (56″ x 75″), 2013

 

I’ll cut the strips down for the size needed for the Mini. My Honeymoon in Paris quilt went to a good friend who actually did honeymoon in Paris (a charming story — I’ll tell you about it sometime) so I am motivated to make another one to keep.

Of the test blocks, the last one was from the new pattern Chic Country, based on the traditional Winding Ways block:

Chic Country test block
Dawn’s Chic Country Test Block, 9″ Finished

 

The Chic Country block finishes at 9″ square, making it the smallest of the Sew Kind of Wonderful blocks I’ve experimented with.

While I love the look of this quilt and have seen a few smashing versions on social media, I didn’t find the process of making the block enjoyable. Since quiltmaking, for me, is all about fun — and fabric, too, of course — I’ll stick to the blocks I do enjoy making.

Here’s a collage of the quilts I’ve made so far using the Quick Curve Ruler:

mug shots

I trust there are many more in my future!

 

 

 

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7 Responses to Quick Curves, Large and Small

  1. Vickie says:

    I agree that quilting should be fun! Hold to that and enjoy the journey.

  2. Diane says:

    Well, there is certainly no shortage of ideas to pursue! So, by all means, have fun!!

  3. Prady says:

    Maravilloso y perfecto rabajo.
    Un beso

  4. Because I’m stubborn, and because I already invested in purchasing the pattern, I have to at least try a test block of Chic Country. Not today. Maybe tomorrow. Your block looks perfect though! Metro Rings is calling me too, especially since I want to do a wedding gift quilt.

  5. Cathy Melancon says:

    I have the QCRs and love them too but admit they are a lot of work! I made the sampler with the big QCR (I’m a sucker for a sampler) and love the giant blocks I made. However, per the pattern, now I have a bunch more curving to do for sashing and borders! So…the sampler is still sitting waiting for me to get the energy to tackle the rest!! Your quilts and the Country Chic blocks are amazing! Great job!!

    • Dawn says:

      Thank you, Cathy! I’m very impressed with the fact that you made the QCR Curve It Up sampler! The Curvy Geese block is my favorite in that one.

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