Crazy Curves Tutorial

I've been rather addicted to curves lately. I was scared of them for a while, but I was unable to resist giving it a go when I saw someone's crazy curves quilt on their blog (can't remember who! think it might have been Lollyquiltz?). I ordered a 7" template from Elisa's Backporch Designs and got going. I've resisted buying templates for a long time - I figure there should be a template library you can borrow from. But there isn't, and using your rotary cutter and cutting 4 layers at a time is SOOO much easier than marking around then cutting out. (Ok, you probably already knew that and are shaking your head at me).

One problem I have when sewing is using a sewing machine rules out watching TV and sometimes I want to sit and sew while watching. But hand sewing is so slooowwwww.... Not these babies! These instructions are for hand sewing. If you want to sew curves by machine, there's a video here.

DISCLAIMER: No one is sponsoring me! With 21 22 [ooh!] followers it is hardly worth it! I just ordered this one as it's a decent size. I'm sure any number of other ones would work - this is the only template I have tried. I do like that it's paper-backed and that means it doesn't slip. Use whatever suits you!

I liked the 7" template because you can get 4 out of a fat quarter, 2 out of a fat eighth, or one out of a layer cake. (Tip: If you're using a layer cake, you could possibly use a bigger template, but check. The pieces of the template don't fit perfectly together and with seam allowance, it adds up to more than the finished + seam allowances). It makes a nice big block which means a FAST quilt!

Cutting

First, cut the curve of the pie piece. I've put most of the instructions on the pictures - tell me if it's not clear enough!

Pinning and sewing

Choose two contrasting pieces. Fold both pieces in half to find the middle and pair them, right sides together, like this.

Put a pin in each end like so...

 

Then, start sewing, 1/4 inch in from the curve, on the pie piece side. If you're brave, eyeball it. If not, mark in a few places to guide you. Do a few stitches (a needleful) running stitch, then start the next needleful with a backstitch. It should end up like this.

Press. It's as easy as that! And you can come up with something really effective, like this!

If you would prefer to sew by machine, Kerry has done a tutorial here.
I will confess - I have NO idea how big this is going to be! As long as my inspiration and black n white fabrics last! It's getting a thin red border and a thick white and black border. 

That's made me crave more curves, so back to it...

Happy sewing!