Month 5 The Patchwork Barn

[Barbara B.]

Here is the blog for Month 5--featuring a way to make Block 13 you may not have seen before.

http://bbquiltmaker.blogspot.com/2018/05/month-5-patchwork-barn.html

[Terri A.]

Thank you Barbara for the hints, I certainly used some of them. Just a minor thing, the last illustration for block 14 in the actual instructions from the show has one of the little 4 squares turned the wrong way. I don't have the instructions in front of me, but one of the small 4 squares is turned incorrectly in the diagram. Just something for others to note and look for.

[Barbara B.]

Oh! If you knew how many times these patterns are reviewed and by how many people--and still things get missed.

It is hard to say which block is turned in a different direction. All four diagrams on page 11 show the four-patches differently--those little guys just couldn't stay put. I'll pass it on to those who might be able to fix it.

As I am mostly a visual person, I look at the photo and go from there. So this just got by me. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

[Terri A.]

I agree with you, I went by the colored photo of the block. They are so helpful. I think the monthly instructions are so good. I especially like that after completing each smaller element of the block, the size of that portion is given. That is so helpful.

[Barbara B.]

Just finished my 3rd Block 14--I always save one to demo with Sunday Sew and Sews class. Took note I made all three a little different. Let creativity be your guide--make your blocks the way you want them.

[Barbara B.]

Perfection. Did you cut the 4-patch blocks to 1 7/8ths?

[Barbara B.]

I have a different Half Sq. Triangle Ruler, couldn't make it work, so fudged it - and it worked. Really have to post my pictures soon. Thanks so much Barbara. BTW, I'm a convert to Creative Grids, so slowly changing out my ruler collection. Those, Bloc-Loc and Doug Leko's rulers as well.

[Barbara B.]

Slightly larger than 1 7/8", just a few hairs or so.

[Lenore G.]

So darn frustrated with block 13, my points keep getting cut off...going to finish them anyway and might go back another time to get better points on th 4 patch.

[Barbara B.]

lguajardo, so sorry you are struggling with Block 13. When I have troubles I start to measure every unit, after every seam. In class I tell students: If it's not the right size after the first seam, it won't miraculously become the right size after the next seam. Hope that helps. The good news is Month 6 is right around the corner and those may be easier blocks.

[Pamela N.]

A question here for Barbara - I'm ready to start block 15. I have used all your tips for the blocks so far and they have all been successful. I've just looked at the chart for cutting the Flying Geese on your website and as the units measure 3 1/2" x 2" unfinished shall I use the cutting measurements for 5" x 2 1/2" geese. Many thanks in advance

[Pamela N.]

Barbara, using your chart I cut the squares 4 3/4" and 2 3/4" for flying geese block 15 - it worked out perfectly.

[Barbara B.]

The chart for oversized geese on my blog shows the finished size. So an unfinished "goose" that is 3.5" x 2" will finish at 3" x 1.5". You are right, the oversized cutting instructions are for "geese" cut from 4.75" squares and "sky" cut from2.75" squares. I am willing to sacrifice a little fabric for precise piecing and not having to rip out if I don't get the pieces lined up just perfectly.

[Pamela N.]

Thank you for your help Barbara, it is very much appreciated. I cut the geese to perfection.

[Lenore G.]

Thanks Barb...I actually cut one more block to see if I could find out what I m lacking in....cut all pieces to size required...I then sewed all the pieces, measured then squared up...its when squaring up the 4 patches with the half square triangles, that I kee cannot get the quarter inch on all sides without cutting off the points....I will just move on...I can live with it! Thanks for the reply.