Indian Hatchet Blocks & String X

While I've been working on Double Delight, I've been running two leader/ender projects under the needle.

The first project is Indian Hatchet. I've accumulated quite a few small blocks. I've cut the white corners off the backs, now I need to get them trimmed to 2.5".

I don't understand why they're called Indian Hatchet, they don't look like any hatchet I've ever seen! I've made blocks similar to these as an autograph block.

The second project is String X. String X is a Bonnie Hunter pattern. I had a stack of stringed blocks so I counted to see how many more I needed. I'm using old muslin for the foundation and cut exactly the number I needed to make this quilt into a 60" by 80" quilt.

Those string blocks have all been sewn now they also need to be trimmed.

After the string X blocks are trimmed to 4.5" by 10.5", the corner point needs to be cut on the top and bottom of the strip.

Bonnie has directions with her pattern how to cut the points. I don't do it how she says, it's too complicated!

I don't have a lot of rulers but the ones I do have, pay for themselves with their convenience. One of my favorites is a Half & Quarter ruler. My ruler is a Fons & Porter brand (purchased with a 50% of coupon at JoAnn's) but there are many other brands available.

I simply lay my ruler on the trimmed rectangle with the 2" mark along the left side of the block. I make sure the black mark on the top of the ruler is even with the top of the rectangle, then cut the 45* angle.

All of the rectangles have been trimmed and are ready to have the side triangles attached. 

 

My mother has been gone for 15 years but I'm still using her fabrics. I dug deep in a box and pulled out this old dark red fabric. I think there is enough for all of the blocks. That brown calico corner piece is also from her stash.

This project has advanced to the next stage of leader/ender. I decided to trim the string X blocks because there were a LOT less of them than the hatchet blocks.

Linking to To Do Tuesday, Midweek Makers, Wednesday Wait Loss, Put Your Foot Down, Stitch Sew & Show,  Needle & Thread Thursday