Fabric Requirements, By Month

[Barbara B.]

In Month 1 there is a list of fabric requirements, by Month. These are helpful for those using the kit--you know which fabric you'll be using each month. These are helpful for those using their own fabrics, somewhat scrappy as I am--we know how much fabric is needed for a specific step.

But these amounts should be used as "guidelines". There may be additions/changes to these numbers but most folks won't be going back to look at the list again, once they've printed it. Many patterns give fabric amounts and then tell you how to cut them. So, I don't cut my fabrics into the "requirements" measurements, only to have to cut them again.

At the beginning of each Month's instructions, Sue provides the "Pre-Cutting for This Month" chart, just like on page 7 of Month 1. So, I strongly suggest you don't try to get ready for Month 2 by cutting your fabrics ahead--wait to receive the Month 2 pattern February 1. Every effort is made to be sure the patterns are correct when published. Better to wait until we have our pattern in hand before we cut into our precious fabric!

[Barbara B.]

I am using the kit purchased on TQS. This is the first "kit" I have used. One thing I'm noticing is that I have a tremendous fear that I'm going to come up short on fabric. If you look in the information for month 1 it shows it will require an 18" x 35" piece of white (background). But then you have to cut like 4 different shapes/sizes of pieces for month 1 in the center halo part. So, do we cut strips in sizes we need in hopes that we will use those strips again somewhere or do we cut an 18" x 35" piece and cut off that? I know this is dumb, but I really want to do this right.

Sharon

[Roberta B.]

I also purchased the kit and after reading about the printer problems I measured my 1 inch block and it measured 1/16 of a inch short of a inch. I am almost finished but doubt that it will measure 16 1/2 inches. Do you think there will be enough material in the kit to remake it? I am determined to do this BOM the best I can.

Thanks ,
Mojogrammie or just Robbie

[Sharon E.]

You should be fine that is what the floaters are for ...to get the measurement right.

Hang in there it will be beautiful.

Sharon in Colorado

[Sharon E.]

What are 'floaters' (in the sewing world haha)?

Sharon

[Sharon E.]

Sue is such a fabulous quilter and understands us quilters. The floaters are the sashings in the quilt that can be made wider or narrower depending on your measurement. She called them floaters in the previous BOM. The first floater is around the center star so we should be able to get our block the right size.

Sharon in, dang its cold, Colorado

[Barbara B.]

Sharon and Robbie, yes, there will be enough fabric--the amounts provided are generous. I guess if you really messed up, you could run out but that is highly unlikely.

I don't cut my fabric according to the "requirements", like background 18" x 35" in Month 1. But I can see where that could be helpful with the kit. I'm working from my stash so cut pieces needed as described in the "pre-cutting instructions". Whichever way makes sense to you, will work for you.

[Barbara B.]

Sharon, in this pattern, the first border around the center star, Sue calls a "border". It is red. We'll add that in Month 2. The "floaters" start after we make the sawtooth borders and allow us to add the correct size "floaters" to be sure those sawtooth borders will fit. Just like Sue has always done. Isn't it great to know how to make those pesky pieced borders fit just right?!

[Sandra H.]

The yardage for the background is 11 yards. Do we really need that much for the front of quilt? Seneca quilter

[Barbara B.]

Senaca Quilter, it probably does require most of that. Paper piecing uses oversized pieces and there is lots of background in this quilt. And yardage is usually "generous " in these kind of projects. I'm using several backgrounds, tans mostly, and gathered at least 11yards

[Barbara B.]

I am confused by fabric A requirements. The Introduction Packet showing color swatches shows months 10 and 11 calling for fabric cut of 40 X 72". in the Month 1 intro showing fabrics cuts by month, month 10 & 11 for fabric A being 40 X 42". Why the contradiction? I'm trying to cut up my 8 yard piece of background fabric and don't want to cut it too short!

[Barbara B.]

I am confused by fabric A requirements. The Introduction Packet showing color swatches shows months 10 and 11 calling for fabric cut of 40 X 72". in the Month 1 intro showing fabrics cuts by month, month 10 & 11 for fabric A being 40 X 42". Why the contradiction? I'm trying to cut up my 8 yard piece of background fabric and don't want to cut it too short!

I am working to find an answer for you, just hang tight a bit as I hope to have that information later today.

[Barbara B.]

I am confused by fabric A requirements. The Introduction Packet showing color swatches shows months 10 and 11 calling for fabric cut of 40 X 72". in the Month 1 intro showing fabrics cuts by month, month 10 & 11 for fabric A being 40 X 42". Why the contradiction? I'm trying to cut up my 8 yard piece of background fabric and don't want to cut it too short!

jmquilt1, here is the answer to your question. Month 10 and 11 will use approximately 40" x 72" of Fabric A, the White-on-White background. Please understand these are guidelines only of the amount needed, NOT pre-cutting instructions. Don't cut up your fabric now based on these guidelines. Each month the pattern will have exact pre-cutting instructions so you will have the correct pieces of fabric needed for that month.

For those making their Halo Star Medallion Quilt from the kit, know that the fabric amounts are generous and you will not run out. This is not to say there will be lots left over, but careful attention was given to be sure the kit provides enough of each fabric, even if we sometimes mis-cut--it happens to all of us, from time to time.

Enjoy the process and I know you will love your Halo Star Medallion Quilt!

[Barbara B.]

I just got my fabric out. I have been scared to start. I got the background white on white from The Quilt Show. It came in two pieces, which is no big deal. The problem is that one of the pieces has about 2 yards with black/gray dirt spots about every 10 inches. I washed the table before I stared. Anyway, would it be ok to wash that one piece of fabric to make sure the dirt will come out before I cut it?

Next request. Barbara, I am very, very grateful for your extra tips. They are really going to help me. Would it be possible for you to say the fabric letter that is used in the pattern when you are talking about a particular piece? If so,thanks. It takes me an awfully long time to figure out which fabric you are talking about. If that doesn't work for you, I perfectly understand. I shouldn't complain when you are doing so much work to help all of us.

[Barbara B.]

Eyestitch, I will mention the fabric letter in future posts.

And I don't see why you can't wash the one piece of fabric to see if it comes clean.