Thursday Think Tank - Squaring Large Blocks

Howdy! The other day, Heather posted about squaring up large blocks, requesting any and all advice on how one might do such a thing. I took a look at her swoon blocks and after assuring her they looked pretty darn square to me, suggested using a long ruler and her cutting mat. I've done some "thinking" on how to make it easier on myself and thought I'd share what I came up.

I figured out how big I wanted my blocks to end up and put painter's tape on my cutting mat to help me remember where to cut. I had been doing it without the tape, but my gosh does this save time! This way I don't have to double check and constantly count the squares to make sure I'm lining my ruler up in the right place. Just remember to take off the tape before you cut up a bunch of other fabric, or you'll end up removing tiny little pieces instead of big ones. That's it, folks! 

You may notice this block is already quilted. I wanted to practice FMQ and figured I'd try doing the blocks individually and then piece them together later. Sort of a quilt as you go sort of a thing. Hopefully it works out! I kind of just do things and hope for the best, lol.

I'm putting them on point using this fabric I found at my LQS. It's interesting... but for some reason I'm digging it. I didn't want to go with white. And a lighter gray didn't contrast enough. So I went with this.

What do you think? I'd love feedback. I only cut two squares out of the cross hatch fabric so it's not too late for you all to intervene! I'm pretty sure this is what I'm going with, though. Seeing as how I'm too cheap to go but another 3 yards of fabric :P

Rebecca has perfect timing because she's started a Thursday Think Tank link party over on her blog, Making Rebecca Lynne. I figure I'll join in on the fun and add this post! Also linking with Karen's Sew Darn Crafty party.