teensy tiny tute

I finally got a chance to work on my paintbox blocks again.

I'm certainly no expert

but I have made quite a few of these blocks

and in doing so 

have managed to develop a system that works pretty well for me.

I like working with 3 colors at a time,

which makes 6 blocks.

2 colors / 4 blocks don't quite create a 'circle'

when chain piecing

and 4 colors just don't fit on my little ironing table,

so 3 it is.

First I lay out all my pieces in order 

so I can grab them quickly.

I sew the top seam first for all six blocks

one right after the other 

without cutting the thread

then grab the one I'd started with

and add the bottom piece.

I snip the thread between the last and the first block that I sewed

and bring 

what had been the last block in my six-set

around to the front 

(creating the 'circle' I mentioned earlier)

and continue sewing the other 5 blocks

When I have both the top and bottom pieces of the block
sewn on

I remove my little circle from the machine
 and cut the blocks apart,

press the seams toward the outside,

and then repeat the process - this time
adding the sides of the block.

With this method

the only thread I waste

 is that little bit up there on the left.

After pressing the seams 

I give the square a spray of starch, 

iron again,

and then repeat the whole process again.

In no time at all

I've got six blocks ready to be squared up.