A squirrel crossed my path on Friday. And yes, I just had to follow it.
My friend Becki posted a link to Facebook for a 3D pinwheel tutorial. I have the link below for your convenience, and because I'm guessing someone may want to follow this particular squirrel too.
This is a 3D Pinwheel block. The tutorial uses charm squares cut into 4 2.5" squares, but you know - this could use any size squares you want to. I cut my sets at 4" because I wanted 7" finished blocks. Wouldn't this be fun using a layer cake making great BIG pinwheels?
There are 2 key steps to making these lie flat - spinning that center seam open. And pressing well at each step.
That pressing step didn't happen on Saturday morning when I was playing with these because my iron died. I had noticed on Friday while pressing some fabric to cut strips for the "Secret Project" that I just wasn't getting a crisp press, but didn't give it much further thought. Well, turns out my 1 year old iron was only heating up to luke warm. I tried a different outlet, tried a different setting - nope, that iron was NOT heating up. I went shopping for a new iron on my way to a bridal shower Saturday afternoon.
They look much nicer, now that they are pressed. And because these were such fun, I've kitted up a set of pink ones, and a set of green ones to make this week. I'm kind of thinking these pinwheels will become part of my Rainbow Scrap Challenge, and make enough for a baby quilt.
Somewhere in my pattern basket is a tablerunner pattern that uses basically the same 3D Pinwheel. I made the table runner as a wedding gift for someone several years ago.
What's on YOUR design wall this morning?
8 comments:
I always like three dimensional blocks
Ooooh, pretty! I can see why you gave in to that squirrel. Looking forward to seeing these blocks in other colors.
Those are sooooo pretty and I can't wait to see the upcoming ones.
Cute blocks! I’ve always loved pinwheels and have fun memories of them from my childhood.
I think the 3D pinwheels were also a Mary Ellen Hopkins idea. Bummer about the iron. I try to buy two at a time so I have a backup.
Our quilt shop showed a tutorial on those a few years back, they are neat looking. They remind me of the spinning wheels on a stick we used to play with as a kid. What brand iron did you have and what did you get?
Very interesting design!
These blocks are so cute! I made a few and turned them into pincushions. I like to clip my red clips the the 3D part of the windmill.
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