I'm so over fat models

Hehe, you didn't click on to chew me out, right? Of course not! Here is the thing, who would want to put a slick, new, and FINALLY finished tree pant on a Christmas tree with their giant muffin top hanging over my hard work when this sleek and slender crepe myrtle will do such a nicer job?

Fierce!

That's right. These are the same tree pants I was working on before my very bad year. I am so thrilled with how it turned out.

I made the stockings for my cousin as a house warming present, but as soon as I made them I knew the tree pants were meant to be part of the package. I just backed and bound it with plain black which turned out quite striking. She received the set last night and seemed very pleased with it. And of course I fell in love with the tree pants all over again and now have to make my own. You had a peek at it with the half square triangles.

Easy half square triangles

I am still stuck on Christmas. I have something cute to show you, but it was a gift, so maybe by Tuesday I can show it! Now I am working on some self designed blocks to make myself a tree skirt.

Here are a couple of finished blocks. I am planning to sash it like the tree skirt pattern I have used in the past. I love half square triangles, so I thought I would put together a little tutorial.

I used 5" squares, or charm pack sized pieces of Aspen Frost by Basic Grey and the same size of some white cotton I had. I lay them out just like I did above.

Then I place each of the three rows right sides together and pin in the middle to hold them together.

Then sew all the way around the square using a 1/4" seam.

This step was weird to photograph, so I drew cutting lines. You will cut as marked above from corner to corner. I usually starch and iron before this step, because you are cutting the squares on the bias. This helps stabilize the sides of you squares. 

Press your triangles open, and now you have twelve little half square triangles! So easy! Cut off the excess pieces that overlap the edges of the two corners. Next is the great part of half squares triangles. Lay them out however you like and make great designs. You can make a star like I did by adding a few white squares that are the same size as you pressed pieces.

You can make arrows!

You can make ever popular chevrons.

Or you can make cool designs with no rhyme or reason. The possibilities are endless.

When I decide on my design I mark the pieces that go together with matching numbers which helps me keep what pieces go together straight. It is worth the extra minute!

It is that easy! I have been making a block in about 30 minutes. I am using two charm packs and white cotton. I hope to have a finished product done very soon.