Month 7

[Vicki H.]

Finished month 7. There was a problem in the instructions. Month 2 said to cut the blue and white border strip 3" wide. The blue and white border was added. The length was correct. When I went to add the pieced border, it was too short. After doing some calculation, the strip needed 1/2" cut off on the width. The pieced border fit perfectly after cutting off that 1/2". It now measures 44 1/2" square which is what the instructions call for. I'm not sure how many people are still continuing with this project, but hope this helps when you get to Month 7.

[Peg]

I just finished both month 6 and 7 (got behind in June!) and ran into same problem with the confusing dimensions of boarder 7. It must end up at 42.5" so you can add 42- 1" HSTs. I did not find the directions for adding border 7 helpful- would have liked more details on sizing and cutting. I did the math two ways to check what I needed: adding on to 38.5" of month 5, and subtracting from the 44.5" goal at the end of border 8 and came to same conclusion that I needed to cut off 1/2 " from border 7.
All's well now.
For border 8 I used HST (half square triangle) paper (8x11") I downloaded from online to make boarder 8- so much easier than using the foundation or paper piecing in directions. You get 40 HST per page (need 168 total). When you cut them apart they are perfect size and sew together quickly. Just be sure to print one copy, check that your printer is a true one inch before you print more. I actually cut the paper in half to get more variety of my reds. Think about the direction for ironing the seams so that the points of the red show for pinning and sewing- it will go faster. Use lots of pins!!
I saved the extra red/beige HSTs for border 9- we will need about 200 for that!
Since I'm using such bright fabric I decided to keep month 4 and 5 in the same blue/red color scheme to cut down on busy-ness. The print for border 7 is a darker beige than I had originally planned but it also makes an strong impact and separation between month 6 and 7, so I am pleased.

I'm enjoying the history articles, though saddened by the harsh life the women and children faced in Australia. Makes me appreciate the quilt even more.
Good luck to all, Peg

[Vicki H.]

Glad to see someone is still progressing on this project. It looks great. :cheer: I like you border print. Really goes with your color scheme. I used Quilter's Choice foundation paper to piece the HST foundation border. Really like the paper. Prints nicely in the computer making sure you choose exact size. It is easy to sew on. When you wash the quilt, the paper will dissolve. Not more taking out papers which is great.

I also love reading the history of the women who constructed this quilt. Very sad to hear what happened to some of the women.

[Vicki H.]

Hi everyone on this great journey.I've just finished month 7 and am happy with it all so far.
I don't think I've ever done such tiny HST s but paper piecing made it so much easier.
Love to see what everyone else is up to.

[Peg]

Nicely done by you both! I so wish we could have our pieces side by side - the variety of color choices is such fun to see.
How did you do your appliqué- fused or turned? I knew I wasn't up to doing each and every leaf so enlarged the pattern and selected fewer leaves and flowers and just 2 birds. I fused, and hand finished the edges with blanket stitch. I may take those out and re-do by machine, however, as I like the look better (did machine on flowers in subsequent border.

I see over 70 peeks at month 7 posts, hoping to see more quilts soon. Peg

[Gayle L.]

Lovely. Yes, I noticed the mistkae!