Custom Twin and Lap HST Quilts {Progress #3}

I've begun assembling the half-square triangle blocks for my current custom quilt order.  To achieve random piecing without laying out all of the blocks on a design wall, I make a separate pile for each fabric and pair one of those stacks with a block from all of the other piles, repeating until there are no piles left.

I then create sections of HSTs {as shown above} and then assemble the sections into the quilt top, being careful to distribute fabrics evenly as I go.  I learned this from Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts. She mentioned sewing blocks into rows and then laying out the rows into a pleasing layout.  Sewing in sections makes it easier to handle the quilt, as all seams are shorter except the last one.

The twin quilt has 14 blocks across which makes two sets of seven HSTs across, and there are 18 blocks down which I divide into three to make six rows in each section.  Thus the twin quilt will be made in six sections each laid out in a 7x6 layout.

The lap quilt has 12 blocks across which makes two sets of six HSTs across, and there are 14 blocks down which makes seven rows in two sections.  Thus the lap quilt will be made in four sections each laid out in a 6x7 layout.

Before I sew, I calculate how many strips of three and four blocks I need so I don't sew too many of one kind and have to rip them out later.  I don't think I was successful this time because I have quite a few HSTs leftover; more than I expected.  It could well be that the brain fuzz I am living under is affecting my calculating skills.

I have what I suspect is a virus with a near constant headache and body aches, today is day four.  Fortunately I have been having a few hours' window in the afternoon when I feel well enough to sew, so I put the pedal to the metal then.  I figure if I have that few hours that I feel well, I am going to sew instead of do housework!  So that's my excuse if this post makes no sense!

Linking to:
WOW // Let's Bee Social // Freshly Pieced // My Own Progress Monday // Pet Project Show //

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