Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Using The Pineapple Rule

So, I'm making a pineapple quilt using fabric from the Rouenneries Deux line from Moda (in case you are new here or somehow missed my last two posts).  I'm using the Pineapple Rule, made by Possibilites, a tool that is supposed to make the construction of the pineapple block easier. 

You start with a center square and sew strips on all four sides.  My center squares are 2.5 inches and my strips are 1.5 inches wide.  By the way, I'm using one fabric for all of the center squares and it is from the Etchings line by 3 Sisters for Moda.  The red coordinates well with the French General reds.

 
After adding the strips, you trim.  There is a companion book to the ruler, Positively Pineapple, that has the directions for using the ruler, along with several quilt projects.  (The book seems to be out of print but there are plenty of used copies on Amazon and Ebay.)

 
After trimming the first set of strips, you have this square in a square.

 
Then you add your next set of strips and trim again. 

 
You keep going in this fashion until your block is complete.  I have quite a pile of trimmings!

 
In order to chain piece, I'm working on eight blocks at one time.  So far, I've added two rounds of each color to the center square.  The photo below shows what they look like now.  The finished blocks will have four rounds of each color, with the last round of red strips forming the corner triangles, to square up the blocks. 


I will be working on this project when I feel like piecing and working on my backlog of binding when I feel like hand sewing.  Lots to do around here!

6 comments:

  1. I love that line of fabric. I have a FQ bundle waiting for a project that is worthy of it. LOL!
    I also have the ruler and book. I love how you say it's "suppose" to make is easier. Do you think it lives up to it's expectations?
    I'm not too sold on it (although I already bought it! LOL!). I took a class with Jane Hall and she paperpieces hers. This is a block that I've always wanted to make but I am not too sure of how I want to actually make it.. So many options just lead to confusion! LOL! Look forward to seeing this one come to life.

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  2. This looks like a very intriguing pattern and I haven't bought a ruler in a long time. I may give this one a go using my scrap stash. I love how your color choices will work with this pattern. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I think it is going to be a beautiful quilt. I look forward to seeing the finished quilt top.

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  4. Your quilt is going to be beautiful in those fabrics. I feel just like Sandy (Strlady) does - I've had the ruler for years and have yet to try it. Something just hasn't clicked for me.

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  5. I really like the way this quilt is coming along. I think it'll be perfectly beautiful in the French General fabrics (but then, what wouldn't)?

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  6. Really pretty blocks! Thanks for sharing how to use the ruler - I hope to make a pineapple someday.

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