I'm terrible at drawing. And circles are especially challenging because they really need to be as perfect as possible or they just don't look right. Unless they're really small (maybe less than 1 inch in diameter) I find them hard to trace free handed.
However, there's a solution, and one that everyone can use. Our lives are full of circles of all different sizes:
I'm sure many of you have sets of nice plastic circle templates. But if you don't, never fear! You have every size you need already in your home.
Making circle is a challenge, isn't it!? I have discovered these: http://www.karenkaybuckley.com/store.php?cat=2. Perfect Circles are a beautiful thing!!! They are REUSABLE over and and over again!!! : )
ReplyDeleteI also use Karen's Perfect Stems - EXCELLENT for making all those miles of bias vines!
For any circle that isn't available in Karen's Perfect or Bigger Perfect Circles, I use Templar.
I have used Karen Kay Buckley's perfect circles in making my Lolly balls and like them a lot but I must say that I have made lots of the Lollypop circles quite imperfect on purpose. I love the oddball ovals and the slightly blob shaped balls. I hope that my Lollys come off as more funky folk art than perfect. I wont win any prizes at Paducah but I can live with that.
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I also use the circles from lemon extract lids to plates for marking my quilts too.
ReplyDeleteLiza I'm so glad you said that.. I never trace a circle... I just draw free hand and cut and love them that way! but I know it's not for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure my circles weren't perfect circles, I think they were uneven ovals. I remembered at the time I couldn't find the plastic template sheet! And had to get the drawings done that weekend. But I did go down to the art store sometimes later and bought another one and slao found the oval version! Kim McL
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing what we can find at home to help us with our quiltmaking! I am a bit of a perfectionist, however when it comes to circles, I don't mind if they come out a bit wonky. Actually most of my applique is a bit wonky but I think it can add character!
ReplyDeleteIf the circles are berry size or smaller just use office dots, they're wonderful and stick to the fabric whether you like them on the outside for needleturn or inside to press the shape.
ReplyDeleteI've got a set of circle templates from 1 1/2" to really large and also the art ones you draw inside and then there are the perfect templates from Karen Kay Buckly. When I did Lollypop blocks, I did blobs, not perfect circles and I think I like it for the folk art look.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this tip!!! I used to trace my circle by hand and they were not very circular but a bit wonky;(
ReplyDeleteMy problem is not in drawing circles but in cutting them afterwards...
I do this too! Just like our pioneer fore-mothers, tracing around their plates and biscuit cutters, make the tools you need. :)
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