I've recently joined a block swap with a fabulous US based quilter. We are swapping economy blocks which are really great, simple multi sized blocks which can feature in your quilt as stand alone blocks or you can make a whole quilt with these useful babies!
The block that I am making is a 6.5" block which will finish at 6" in my quilt. (A great way to think about blocks is as 'finished' and 'unfinished' - the unfinished block is the standalone block so when it is sewn into your finished piece will be 1/4" smaller all the way around - which is the 'finished' size).
I am deciding whether to use conventional piecing for my block - I am not convinced that I will be able to achieve a consistent block using this method and for block swaps it is so important to be consistently correct. The alternative is foundation paper piecing (FPP) which is so much more accurate and can be quite a satisfying sew.
I made a test block and apart from my rather shonky fabric placement, I reckon that will be the way to go. I will create another blog post with some great free FPP patterns and a link to the free templates that I have found for the 6" block.
If you fancy joining the swap please go to www.instagram.com/shemunkee_swaps where you will find all of the details - if you are a Ruby Star lover this might be just what you are looking for!
