That little flower scrap from Flights of Fancy by Paula Prass makes me happy today!
The process of making these blocks is so satisfying. I like choosing the fabrics for each one, carefully cutting out the pieces, slowing down an pinning those curves and stopping to press as I go. Each step holds my attention and I am consciously making each block.
If you don't sew curves often, this pattern can be challenging. I'm learning what works for me as I go and each block is getting easier and faster to make. Here are some of my tips:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNyGtGhYWlAFrgzSqrwBHYNq7nCUGN_4aG4r-HDWRsf9sPnMmdgRidv0PIRTl25yHuOMNw54H6DcoQV8uwfeeF1gAn4UD7E2Az2PeJfjXBzo-Twajs0bt87DnvYh1fc4yjhzTXfVxUjo/s1600/starch.jpg)
Spray starch is your friend. Spray the fabric before you cut it, and another light spray to help the assembled block behave. Since there are a lot of curves and bias edges, things can get stretched out fast. The starch adds a temporary stiffness that makes it easier to handle your fabric.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2aov3V2oPhpymvBTGFtWW4OjJSsq2Umh2yD7yf9o-pIGXpd3Ki_wMi8vUg_FzxhWYqjS6_p_ORy09KDabG6oTjY6NsYhDaPfnwXAPoFL4kQrG_5iU2lPDQXuqYsvfVgaMzRcuBhFvKs/s1600/oliso.jpg)
Set your iron to no steam. The steam relaxes and distorts your fabric and it effects the way the pieces fit together. Use spray starch, a dry iron and remember to press (lift and press down) and don't iron (back and forth).
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBkQRZbmpQUm8R2dmAtq-8clpMcE79K9k8BSLz-Q28Li4TBXezvj3f3pJa02X0fjtP_ohWA31rug3hwuRcXALYssxJN4Nu5SXzC8t6Lqi7Y0pNuXsC5AZzRzQAcatciA1_twLh8JWoUY/s1600/sandpaper+dots.jpg)
I use a couple of these sandpaper dots on the back of my templates to keep them from sliding around. They make for safer and more accurate cutting.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQRM6kpUlPTifAHk-o6LeB7O2trrHEv_cYve6ki70fVjLanZlZgpOxf5FloyPQ11Y2ZkQvUsFDUkYXGHQPNjH7CGO8ZQJLxQgIYcOH5arautuIPdqJoIfM7CJSY-Rv6BgKLPFOg9DZ2Y/s1600/easy+circle+cut.jpg)
I am terrible a cutting out circles with a template and even worse cutting them out with scissors. Mine end up looking like an ameoba! If you have something to help you cut out those circles, use it.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkNJfRTRev_RGuuZA6AxWtCIZnrc0mfJ8GTN6Fds64vmvd398kUQ252CcozRQ3JYSwWs-hgW_n3Q-h04uDopoi4CX8G_rgFHDKTTVjoB8oRyQv36zxG48UTcNxfK1FeM32YZ97fD1IR8/s1600/31HQMCzexUL.jpg)
These blocks fit together so much better if you use a scant 1/4" seam. You want it just a little under 1/4" to allow the fabric to bend around the seam when pressed. On my Janome Horizon I set the stitch width to 4.3 and I use 1/4" foot. Test your settings on some scraps and find your own sweet spot.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xyaRnJEd9H0z1u81qxBnlxE58phENzNnFl3NRVqhz0EH6gcZMcUZNQ8eEQyZH2PJIDbjilBHE4Jx-rZi7HRudRPxiynt4oeMEZIJiTyHxCemlO7529rvRblR4qqtIb8VM_gNKLuqU20/s1600/instagram-185x160.jpg)
This is the best tool of all! These blocks are intense and it really helps to be able to take a break and see what your friends are up to. Also, getting positive feedback on your blocks will help you get to the next one, and the next, and the next. #steampunkquilt or find me at Little Bluebell on Instagram.
Images from Amazon: Starch, Iron, Fabric Grips, Easy Circle Cut Ruler, Janome 1/4" Seam Foot
LINKS:
There is even more helpful advice, tips, and questions in the Steam Punk Quilt flickr group.
Quilt Pattern: Steam Punk by Jen Kingwell Designs
Read more about this project here