Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Flying Geese and Bloc-Loc Rulers


Scrap busting ... just using up some of the leftover bits and pieces from my Kaleidoscope project.

Flying Geese are one of my favorite patchwork units but as I am overly fastidious about my patchwork piecing I have in past struggled with piecing these units accurately - or accurately enough for me to be happy with them.

Bloc-Loc Flying Geese Rulers:
1.5 inches x 3 inches
2 inches x 4 inches
3 inches x 6 inches

But struggle no more.  I do love my gadgets, rulers and templates, and when I happened to stumble upon these Bloc-Loc Rulers specifically designed for squaring up flying geese units I knew I needed to try them out. The rulers come with cutting and sewing instructions for an easy piecing flying geese unit with slightly oversized measurements (to allow for trimming back).  I am a keen trimmer and although it is time consuming I like the accuracy that is achieved by this extra step.  For me it is worth the extra time.  


The Flying Geese Bloc-Loc rulers are specifically trimming rulers and have a 1/4 inch channel or groove at the back which firmly hugs the 1/4 inch seam allowance of the pieced unit, allowing you to trim all around for a perfect Flying Geese unit; no measuring is required for placement of the ruler nor does the ruler shift/slide when cutting.  Placement of the ruler is quick and accurate, every time.


I purchased my Bloc-Loc rulers directly from the Bloc-Loc website.  My order arrived promptly and I was so pleased with my initial purchase that I have since ordered several different size Half Square Triangle  Bloc-Loc trimming rulers; and those too will soon be put to good use.

Rita

RELEVANT LINKS:
Bloc-Loc Rulers available from The Fat Quarter Shop
Kaleidoscope Medallion Quilt and Free Pattern
Finished Kaleidoscope Medallion Quilt
Posted by Red Pepper Quilts - Rita Hodge
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28 comments:

  1. JanJune 12, 2013 10:42 PM

    For the precision geeks among us, these are the best tools to appear in ages. So happy to hear that you tried these rulers ~ and at my suggestion! Aren't they wonderful?

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  2. KateJune 12, 2013 11:00 PM

    My geese always end up a tad wonky, might have to put these on the 'want' list.

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  3. KatsmithJune 12, 2013 11:25 PM

    I want all of them! Wish they weren't so pricey.

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  4. MarieJune 12, 2013 11:43 PM

    Thanks Rita - I've been looking for these. I think it's time to order a set.

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  5. Deb@asimplelifequiltsJune 13, 2013 12:25 AM

    I keep telling myself that I need to make a flying geese quilt and conquer my avoidance of making them in mass quantities! I think these would be a great help (I can't handle losing my points!).

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  6. Mizz MittenJune 13, 2013 1:03 AM

    May I ask about the yellow fabric with grey bows? Do you remember who makes it?

    Thank you!

    :o)

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  7. TaslimJune 13, 2013 1:14 AM

    Do the bloc-loc rulers work if you press your seams open?

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  8. Deb C.June 13, 2013 2:43 AM

    I love the bloc-loc ruler also. It nestles in the seams perfectly for better control when trimming.

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  9. HenJune 13, 2013 2:45 AM

    These look great, thanks for bringing them to our attention. I was a bit disappointed to see how expensive they are. I'll start saving!

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  10. PattiJune 13, 2013 2:51 AM

    I hadn't heard of these! Thanks so much for the info.

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  11. HilaryJune 13, 2013 5:03 AM

    That ruler is amazing!! I always have the hardest time getting my flying geese accurate.

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  12. Maple Garden QuiltingJune 13, 2013 5:35 AM

    Wow, this is a must for all us quilters alike. Again, WOW another amazing ruler to make flying geese easier and more accurate. I agree with Hilary. Thanks for sharing. I'll check out their web site.
    Debbie

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  13. TennjennyJune 13, 2013 7:23 AM

    I tried out a HST ruler at a quilt show, and it was indeed super neat. But alas too expensive for me. :-(

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    Replies
    1. Gayle in AZJanuary 23, 2016 3:25 AM

      I agree, Jenny - WAY too expensive. I'm sure she'll continue to sell them in spite of us, however. :-)

      Delete
    2. Red Pepper Quilts - Rita HodgeJanuary 23, 2016 10:53 AM

      Thank you for stopping by Gayle - I agree they're not cheap but they are a great investment and a easy to use, functional tool. These rulers really suit my sewing style (over-sizing and trimming blocks) and I use them often to make my quilts. Also know that you don't need to buy every size HST Bloc-Loc trimming ruler - for example, if you were to purchase the 6" HST Block Loc ruler you'll be able to trim all HST sizes up to and including that size. Rita

      Delete
  14. MarianneJune 13, 2013 7:54 AM

    Great idea!

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  15. The Witch on the BarnJune 13, 2013 10:33 AM

    This looks like a great product, thank you for the information.

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  16. lizJune 13, 2013 12:29 PM

    I love my BlocLoc HST rulers!!!

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  17. yarnivorousJune 13, 2013 4:09 PM

    I recently bought a HST squaring up ruler - it is da bomb! Maybe I can try flying geese with one of these rulers. I didn't realise how much easier it is to square things up with a specialised ruler...

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  18. AnonymousJune 13, 2013 8:12 PM

    Wow! I did not know about Bloc-Loc. Thanks for the tip. How great are they! I'll have to order some before I plan a flying geese quilt.

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  19. pasqueflowerJune 13, 2013 11:38 PM

    Love your colorful flying geese! I, too, love to start with an over-sized block and then trim for more precise piecing.

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  20. AnonymousJune 14, 2013 12:35 AM

    Thanks for this excellent tip! I am just starting to appreciate all the amazing gadgets that are out there for quilters and these sound like a minor miracle!

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  21. UnknownJune 14, 2013 10:22 AM

    Thanks Rita! I ordered quite a few of these today! I have seen these a few times at quilt shows and such but never really paid attention to them, but these look awesome! I ordered a set of the flying geese and a set of the half square triangles. I watched the videos on their website and these look easier than any other ruler and I think that these will be so much faster :). Thanks for the info on these and the inspiration. :).

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  22. Terri H.June 14, 2013 12:15 PM

    I paper piece my flying geese. I use Foundation Factory 2 software & go to the "borders". I can adjust the size that I want & print to foundation paper. I often tape the papers together to make a continuous row. This solved the accuracy problem for me.

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  23. JessicaJune 15, 2013 6:24 PM

    Saw this at the Quilt & Craft Show yesterday, kicking myself I didn't get one of the half square triangle rulers, thankfully 3 of my guild mates did and have offered to let me use it.

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  24. UnknownJune 16, 2013 12:05 AM

    Hope they have these at the Essex VT quilt show in 2 weeks!

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  25. Sarah CraigJune 16, 2013 11:08 AM

    I noticed several people commented on the price - but I bought one of the HST rulers at the AQS show in Lancaster, wincing at the price all the time. But after using it, I couldn't wait for the show in Paducah to go get a larger size! They are worth every penny - and that's quite a compliment coming from me, because I am CHEAP! I'm now seriously considering buying the Flying Geese Bloc-Loc....

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  26. http://learningtosow.blogspot.com/March 07, 2017 7:43 AM

    I bought one and love it! I couldn't imagine using any other method. I plan to purchase more of these type rulers in the near future!

    ReplyDelete

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