NEUTRAL BLOOMS — Ask Questions Here

[Deborah W.]

Hi Deborah, the length and width of my rows didn't come out exactly to the 6 1/8 x 45 3/4 either. Mine are 6 1/4 x 46 1/2. Luckily I didn't cut my sashing ahead of time so was able to cut the sashing to match the length of my rows.

Thanks. Your rows are the same size as mine. Reading ahead in the pattern, i don't think it will be an issue as long as I adjust all the measurements for the applique rows and borders.

[Kathy E.]

Not having the Karen Kay Buckley metal stem rods I used the “fat” plastic ones. Easy to stitch the length but Did have trouble inserting the rods back in stems to iron the seams flat. Too tight! Using my stitch in the ditch foot I moved the needle over one notch to right and stitched the length of the stem. Then I reinserted the rod to iron seam. Stems were only a “hair” wider than the 3/8 width and no frustration or swearing!

[Karen A.]

I’m trying to add the sashing to a row of blocks and my row is longer than my sashing. Should I try to ease it together or what do you suggest?

[Helen W.]

Karen, Alex mentioned in her last live that she would recommend cutting the long strips a few inches
longer than needed, and then then cut to perfect length after they are finished. HelenW

[Christy G.]

Is anyone else getting really tired of making/turning the 240 petals and additional centers? I only have 109 petals to go … yikes.

[spilutti]

Alex, I'm having a problem with pressing the seams after sewing the pieced blocks rows together. How did you press the final joining seams between the sections. I tried opening the seam but there are bumps where that seam folds over others, and it doesn’t lay flat. To fold the in one direction creates a twist in the center and it won't lay flat. I'm stuck at this point and can't complete the quilt.
can you do a quick video on how you pressed your quilt, please?

[Alex A.]

Morning! I am including a link from a segment we did on pressing. In addition, when everything is sewn together (no bias edges exposed) I often use steam.....also a really good iron that gets hot is helpful..........along with a little shot of startch
https://thequiltshow.com/learn/categ...son-ricky-tims

[spilutti]

Thanks for your response. It however, did not respond to the problem I'm having. When stitching the pieced blocks into rows, that seam crosses other seams in the pieced blocks and when pressing that seam, it will want to lay in opposite directions, half one way and half the other way. I opened the seam and pressed, but it creates a lump in the center. I'm just wondering how you pressed your seams.

Here's my longwinded reply...
First, remember whenever you sew pieced blocks together, there's always going to be a bump somewhere, because of the bulk of fabric layers in the seam intersections. In most cases, once the quilt's put together with batting and backing, and quilted, they're really quite inconspicuous. Here are my tips -- none of these is foolproof, but perhaps one or more might help you.

(1) For me, I often find pressing all the seams open before I sew the blocks together is the best bet.

(2) If a pieced block is being sewn to an unpieced block or border, press toward the unpieced fabric.

(3) If multiple seams come together, pressing the final seam open often helps...you can also, after sewing, grade the "meeting" seam allowances a little by carefully snipping little bits off those seam allowance corners. Don't cut into your block by mistake!

(4) If you have a seam interserction where you want seams to go in different directions, but they're already stitched down in a way that makes it impossible, you can carefully make a small diagonal snip through one of the seams close to, but not at, the intersection...then you can fold the seams in alternate directions at that snip. Don't cut into your block by mistake!

(5) If you have a seam that's lumpy after you iron it the way you want it, try pressing it seam-side down on a wool pressing mat or towel-padded ironing board. This makes the right side of the quilt flatter, as the "bump" has the soft surface to sink into as you iron.

(6) If all else fails, you can try this -- it sounds drastic, but really can help flatten a troublesome intersection: Put the "bump" part of the seam (right-side of block facing down, seams facing up) on a firm ironing board or other slightly padded, solid surface (something you can bang on, not your kitchen counter). Spritz the bump with water or starch, and iron it briefly in the direction(s) you want it to go. While it's still hot, take a clean hammer and give it a couple good WHACKS!! (this can be very cathartic if you've been fussing with that %$!!@ seam for the past hour.) Then press it again. (I would not do this on silks or other delicate fabrics.)

Hope something in this catalog of ideas will help you!

[Barbara B.]

Thanks for your response. It however, did not respond to the problem I'm having. When stitching the pieced blocks into rows, that seam crosses other seams in the pieced blocks and when pressing that seam, it will want to lay in opposite directions, half one way and half the other way. I opened the seam and pressed, but it creates a lump in the center. I'm just wondering how you pressed your seams.

Alex discussed this for you on today's LIVE broadcast. You can find it on The Quilt Show's Facebook page and The Quilt Show's YouTube channel. Today's class was on Storing Quilts With Lilo Bowman. Find her discussion on pressing at about 5:45 minutes.

[Donna]

I am trying to find the pattern for the neutral blooms quilt Alex is doing- can you tell me where I can get it please

[Barbara B.]

I am trying to find the pattern for the neutral blooms quilt Alex is doing- can you tell me where I can get it please

Did you look in LEARN? It’s right on the main page there.

[Deborah W.]

Is anyone else getting really tired of making/turning the 240 petals and additional centers? I only have 109 petals to go … yikes.

I have only made 45 so far. I am using a plastic template and starch to turn the edge as I didn't have access to print and piece fuse. It is working fine but I may be making flower petals for the rest of the summer.

[Christy G.]

Just keep at it and you will get there.

[Doses]

Alex stated that you cut out the points of petals from the back of the sashing flowers. What about the border flowers? Once the center is glued on it is very bumpy/ bulky and they don’t sit flat.
How are these flowers put together (6 petals) to reduce the bulk?Also are they pre-stitched together on the inside as the other (sashing) flowers were?

[Sandra Hand.]

I'm working on the cone flowers around the outside border and thinking ahead a little. I used Print & Piece Fuse Lite for all the flowers in this Neutrals quilt and so they're very stiff. Should I consider washing it out when the top (flimsy) is completed, or wait until it has been quilted and bound? I'm wondering if the long-arming will be affected by all the stiffness. Thanks.

[Barbara B.]

I'm working on the cone flowers around the outside border and thinking ahead a little. I used Print & Piece Fuse Lite for all the flowers in this Neutrals quilt and so they're very stiff. Should I consider washing it out when the top (flimsy) is completed, or wait until it has been quilted and bound? I'm wondering if the long-arming will be affected by all the stiffness. Thanks.

Wait until quilting/binding is completed. I have used it in several projects and there is no reason to wash just the top. And that can be a problem so don’t risk it.

[Sandra Hand.]

Thanks Barbara! That's what I was hoping you would say...looking good so far!