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Celtic Solstice Mystery with V Block Trimmer

12/2/2013

 
I am a Bonnie Hunter fan.  Why?

       She does an incredible job with scrap quilts.

       She has some great tips in organizing your scraps.

       She is generous in sharing her knowledge/patterns.

When one of my friends mentioned she had a mystery starting in late November -- I was intrigued.  When I saw it was using V Blocks I was hooked and decided I needed to make it.  The V Block is one of my favorite quilting units as it can give the illusion of curves with straight piecing.

Information on the Celtic Solstice Mystery are here.  Here are also the blog posts regarding Clue 1.

I've started on Clue #1 - which are the V Blocks.
Celtic Soltice Clue 1
V Blocks Work in Process
Bonnie provided a number of different suggestions of how to piece these units.  I choose to go a different route and use a different specialty ruler the V Block Trimmer ™  from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design.

I've have enjoyed using the recommended Tri-Recs rulers in the past.  In fact I think I was probably one of the first purchasers of the rulers.  I was taking a class from Joy Hoffman in Fargo and she was offering a class that used her newly produced tool.  They didn't even have the packaging available -- so I purchased it in a zip-lock bag.  Instructions for using Tri-Recs are available with the Clue 1 instructions from Bonnie Hunter.


I used TriRecs for many years and loved cutting the units with the tool.  One thing I struggled with was stretching during the piecing process.  Not a fault of the tool -- but a reality of my own construction process.

A few years ago, a vendor at the MN Quilt Show was demonstrating a new group of rulers by Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design.  Their rulers are based on the concept of oversized cutting with trim-downs of the finished units to the correct size.  One of their rulers was designed for the V Blocks.
Rotary Cutting Information
V Block Trimmer by Studio 180 Design
The ruler has the same angles as Tri-Recs.  But also has lines for cutting down oversized units.

For these 3-1/2" units (3" finished), I started with 4" strips.

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Once I sewed the long sides together, I use the ruler for trimming the units to 3-1/2" x 3-1/2".  I've marked the "measurement lines" on the photo with red so you can see what I am matching up.

It guarantees me an accurate 1/4" seam at all intersections.
Rotary Cutting Instrucitons
Centering Lines for First Trim. Trim top and right sides.
V Block Trimmer by Studio 180 Design
Rotate block under ruler. See new centering Lines for Second Trim. Trim top and right sides.
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Finished unit now measuring exactly 3-1/2" x 3-1/2".
In my pattern "It's a Mystery", I figured out the cutting angle for the these oversized units if you don't have the tool (along with instructions for those who wish to use the V Block Trimmer). 

You will want to start with 4" strips.  There is no need for using the following charts if you have the Tucker Trimmer or TriRecs.

It's A Mystery by On Point Quilter
Optional Rotary Cutting without Specialty Rulers
It's a Mystery by On Point Quilter
Optional Rotary Cutting without Specialty Rulers
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To do the trim-down without the Tucker Trimmer, I suggest marking the seam allowances on another ruler with a sharpie marker on InvisiGrip put on the ruler.

I will admit that I prefer using the various specialty rulers as I think it makes me a more accurate piecer.


Happy quilting.

Kari Schell
On Point Quilter


Jillian link
12/3/2013 05:19:16 am

Hey Kari, wanted to say Hi to an almost neighbor. I'm in the Mandan- Bismarck, ND area. I too am making the Celtic Solstice quilt. Looking forward to seeing your project.

Kari
12/4/2013 02:41:23 am

Thanks for introducing yourself. I am a native North Dakotan and was in Bismarck over Thanksgiving as I have family in the area. Good luck on your project.

Andee in aZ link
12/3/2013 01:45:11 pm

Very nice explanation of an alternate ruler. This mystery is already tons of fun!

Karen
12/4/2013 02:10:23 am

Kari - which Tucker Trimmer do you use? I, II or III? Eager to start and I love your tutorial and 'trim down'!

Kari
12/4/2013 02:42:24 am

It actually is a different ruler -- called the V Block trimmer. Check it out. It is awesome for the unit.

Kim
12/4/2013 11:50:58 am

Great tutorial. Looking forward to your progress. Another ruler for me to get.


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    Kari Schell

    Electric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer.

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