Friday, July 25, 2014

A Drunkard's Path Variation and a Pillow

Drunkard's Path Patchwork by Red Pepper Quilts

Shortly after I had finished my recent Drunkard's Path Quilts (here and here) I noticed that Bloc-Loc (manufacturer and distributor of unique templates and rulers) had just released a set of new templates specifically for traditional Drunkard's Path blocks in 3 different sizes. Bloc-Loc templates and rulers are generally based on over-sizing and trimming blocks (squaring up) for accuracy, and this is how I like to sew. They get me! I have previously used Bloc-Loc templates for Flying Geese Units and Half Rectangle Triangles with great results.

Bloc-Loc Drunkard's Path 2:1 templates
Bloc-Loc Templates
Fabric cutting templates (bottom) and trimming templates (top)

I had to try it. My order arrived promptly and along with it a complimentary set of rulers for a 2:1 ratio Drunkard's Path block in two different sizes:
Bloc-Loc 2:1 Drunkard's Path blocks
Bloc-Loc 2:1 Drunkard's Path Blocks
2" x 4" on the left and 3" x 6" on the right.

The above (4 patch) blocks measure 4" x 8" and 6" x 12"
 (excludes seam allowances).

I had a play with both block sizes and decided to push ahead with the smaller templates. This block has a tight curve which is tricky to handle under the machine, but I did not resort to using pins. My blocks looked pretty ordinary before trimming and pressing!

Drunkard's Patch Patchwork by Red Pepper Quilts

One point to note with using these trimming templates is that the seam can only be pressed together and to the one side which does not allow for nesting seams when joining blocks together. Regardless, I am really happy with how my seams match. 

Drunkard's Path Pillow in Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons by Red Pepper Quilts
Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons in:
Red, Medium Pink, Kumquat and Citrus
I turned my Drunkard's Path blocks into a pillow cover and used this iconic Marimekko fabric for the back:
Drunkard's Path Pillow - back - Pieni Unikko by Marimekko
Pieni Unikko cotton fabric by Marimekko

Quilted with thread in coordinating colors ~ red, pink, orange and yellow and a half inch all over grid.


This pillow cover is for sale and is listed in my Etsy Store.

See all of the listing details here: Modern Patchwork Pillow Cover


Thank you for stopping by,
Rita

RELEVANT LINKS:
Red Pepper Quilts Etsy Store
More RPQ Drunkard's Path Projects
More RPQ Patchwork Pillows
More RPQ Bloc-Loc Projects

Edited to add: Bloc_Loc Drunkard's Path Rulers are usually available for purchase online from Bloc_Loc USA and Bloc_Loc AUST. Currently this product is out of stock.

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Disclosure: Bloc-Loc templates featured in this blog post were sent to me courtesy of Bloc-Loc USA without obligation - the words, photos and opinions are all mine. No persuasion needed.

21 comments:

  1. Groovy baby, yeah! What a great pattern. I have the HST bloc locs and they really are great. I actually don't mind trimming my triangles, which is saying something. Next I'd like to get some of the flying geese rulers. This must be really new as I didn't see these when I bought my HST ones last month, if I had I would have bought them for sure!
    With the ironing of the seams, I thought you had to iron to the inside with a curve? Can you iron the alternately and nest the seams (if not using the bloc loc) - do you have to clip the seam to do this?

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  2. The idea of a 2:1 Drunkard's Path is new to me, but intriguing. I just love Bloc_Loc, and am pleased to know about this new product. Your pillow is fantastic. Something about the colors you chose makes me really happy.

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  3. Simply stunning - great block and colours!

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  4. I have a piece of Marimekko I was given by a Finnish friend and am still hoarding. I need to use it.

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  5. Clean lines! Love the modern block

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  6. What a gorgeous pillow!!!
    Love the backing fabric! I have that print as a cellphone cover!
    Esther

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  7. Love the pillow. I don't see either side as a back.

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  8. Rosemary B here
    WOW
    these are beautiful Rita!
    What a cool template!

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  9. This is beautiful! Thanks for the intro to the template :-)

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  10. Awesome!! Super beautiful!

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  11. That's one gorgeous pillow, front and back! Amazingly graphic with those colours, Rita.

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  12. I do like a drunkards path not that I have ever been on one! The smaller one sounds the best for me, I do have a template for a very large one but that was a bad purchase. Maybe I will find these or similiar at the TOQs next month. My look out for list is getting longer and longer

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  13. That is stunning, love the back too (I have a pair on converse in that print!)

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  14. I like this one very much; it has a Scandinavian look!

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  15. love this!!!!!!!!!!!! very unique.

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  16. Love the quilt! It may even motivate me to try Bloc_Loc.

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  17. Glad to see this project, Rita. I'm in search of Drunkard's Path templates and was looking at Bloc_Loc earlier today. I saw these elongated versions and had a hard time picturing them complete, so what a coincidence to find this while catching up on my blog feed : )

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