S.W.A.K. Revealed (Piece and Quilt with Precuts Blog Hop)
S.W.A.K. is the 4th quilt in the Piece and Quilt with Precuts book by Christa Watson. I am so happy to finally be able to share my finished quilt after all the sneak peeks on my Instagram!
This quilt uses Charm Packs for the half square triangles (HSTs). So keeping with the spirit of the precuts theme, I decided to use Airmail (quantity 2), Modern Background Ink (quantity 2), and Bella Solid White (less than 1) Charm Packs. Here is the first lesson: Not all Charm Packs are the same size! Seriously. You'd think they should all be 5" square, but with the pinked edges the square is sometimes larger or smaller.
I used my Frixion pen to mark the diagonals on all the lines and centered the two pieces the best I could. However, it didn't help with the finished size of the HST. The pattern calls for 4-5/8" HSTs, but mine were so inconsistent due to the charm pack size that I made the decision to trim them to 4-1/2". So I then started my long process of trimming all 168 HSTs.
I used my design wall to lay out the entire quilt before I made the blocks. I realized with the Red and Blue blocks I could make the fun Xs and Os in different colors.
Because I trimmed my HSTs, the final version of my quilt is slightly smaller than what is listed in the pattern, but it's crucial to have consistently sized HST to have a square quilt! I tried spray basting this quilt for the first time! Christa gave a demo of spray basting in her Start Up Quilting Craftsy class, and I was definitely intrigued. I must say, I think I have fallen in LOVE with spray basting. It makes quilting so much easier without having to take out pins all the time. I followed the square spiral walking foot quilting instructions in the book, and I can only imagine how hard that would have been if there were pins!
So what are my overall thoughts about the pattern and the book? It's a great book that goes from piecing instructions to how to quilt that specific design. Christa has great instructions and great tips throughout the book to help build your skills.
You can purchase a signed copy of the book from Christa's Shop or you can purchase a copy using my Amazon Affiliate link.
Don't forget that the blog hop continues through August 30 so be sure to check out all the other amazing designs and quilters!
Last but not least, since I spent all weekend migrating my blog to be self hosted and now can have Rafflecopter giveaways… Here's a giveaway for an E-copy of Piece and Quilt with Precuts! The giveaway is open until the Midnight CDT on August 31. Good Luck!
I use a bloc lock ruler, trimming from an oversized half-square triangle unit. Perfect every time.
I love your version of S.W.A.K. it is beautiful!! I use a ruler that cuts of the dog’s ears, can’t remember the name, but I love it.
I use a june taylor grid type ruler as I have vision issues in one eye.
I use a Bloc Loc ruler to trim.
Gorgeous quilt! I use the bloc loc ruler to trim HSTs.
My HST trimming method. Squish ’em down w/a square template of coordinating size or lay ’em on my smallest mat and use a 1″ X 6″ ruler to trim. THe less tools the better for me!
I use my bloc ruler to trim HSTs. I love that ruler!!
I use my small mat and my 6×12″ ruler, line up the diagonals, and trim. I tend to trim twice so I sneak up on the final size. 🙂
I also use the bloc lock ruler to trim HSTs. One of my better purchases.
I use my bloc ruler too!
Bummer too have to trim all those! But the finished quilt looks great. I have the quilt in a day HST ruler. It is great.
Love this quilt! it’s really stunning. Beautiful fabrics!
I don’t really have a great method of trimming those HSTs. I just finished a pinwheel quilt and used my 6×24 ruler’s diagonal marking to line up the seam and trim.
I wish I had a good method. I really wish I had a rotating cutting mat, or a block loc! I use the 90 degree line on my 6 1/2″ square ruler.
Beautiful and unique color choices.
Nice!
I’m still looking for a favorite method.
my standard 6 X 12 ruler