Cutting Fabric for The Patchwork Barn Quilt

[Barbara B.]

I hope you are having a good time if you have started making the Patchwork Barn quilt. For those of us who made the 2017 Halo Star Medallion, isn't it fun how quickly these blocks can be made?

There have been some questions about "cutting ahead". My simple answer is "NO--don't do it". While Month 1 uses 1.5" and 2.5" strips, each month is different. Do not cut up all your fabric into those size strips now.

I recommend you cut a strip (width of fabric WOF) for the sizes you need for Month 1. Put the remaining part of the strips into Ziploc bags by size, 1.5" and 2.5" for Month 1, for example. The next time these sizes are used, see if you already have some of that particular fabric in that particular size, especially if you are using the Kit. Mine is scrappy and this is a good way to see what fabrics I've used already, and what I might have enough of for future blocks.

Let me mention one more thing I've also just posted elsewhere on the Forum. Block 1 lists the cutting steps as "Print 1", "Print 2", through "Print 6". This could make it appear you are using 6 different prints in this block. I followed the photo and used two prints--I think each cutting instruction is a "Step", not a "Print".

I hope these suggestion help. I am happy to answer any questions you have. Since I've been making quilts for 35 years I don't often read all the directions (yikes!) and it helps me to realize those who are newer to our game may have questions that would not have occurred to me. So don't hesitate to ask if you need help.

Barbara--in COLD Alabama, temps in the teens today, we find that really COLD