Month 5 -- ask questions here

[Barbara B.]

Please use this Topic to ask questions for Month 5.

[Connie H.]

Thanks so much for the Month 5 facebook live today. As you were discussing the borders today, a couple of follow up questions. I would like to find another black & white stripe that is less bold than the one in the kit. Do you happen to know what specific fabric Irene used on her quilt? Also is it possible to find out how wide we need to cut those borders, as I want to make sure I order enough fabric, without ordering too much. Thanks! Connie

[Barbara B.]

[[email protected];n893195]Thanks so much for the Month 5 facebook live today. As you were discussing the borders today, a couple of follow up questions. I would like to find another black & white stripe that is less bold than the one in the kit. Do you happen to know what specific fabric Irene used on her quilt? Also is it possible to find out how wide we need to cut those borders, as I want to make sure I order enough fabric, without ordering too much. Thanks! Connie[/QUOTE]

Thanks, Connie, glad you joined in.

To applique the outer Diamond borders, the instructions say to cut the border fabric 6.25" on LENGTHWISE GRAIN. 2 yards is sufficient.

If you want to use a stripe, be aware how the stripes will run if cut lengthwise--the stripes are supposed to run vertically, perpendicular to the outside edge.

The Grey Stripe in the Kit will have to be cut on the crosswise grain and pieced to be the required size--so the stripe is running in the correct orientation. I will have much more info about that in Month 10.

So, watch the way the stripe runs on the fabric you select. Two yards will do it, whether cut lengthwise or crosswise.

[Connie H.]

Thank you!

[Patricia B.]

I'm late to the party, life, chemo etc etc but still working on the quilt. I know already that I'm going to add an extra outside border to my quilt as I like to have that freedom of trimming and not worrying about cutting off points when I plan to send a quilt off to a longarmer. Sometimes I add just a little 2" border or on this one I might add a 5" border anyhow I need to put that material aside now before I cut it up for appliqué etc etc. My question is:- What is the size of the finished quilt? I apologise in advance if its been told many times before but like I said I've been out of the loop. Not exactly sure how/where to ask this question.

[Barbara B.]

On the first Document, the Introduction, it says “Approximately 74” square”.

[Susanne M.]

Barbara, do you think it would be possible to “quilt as you go” on this quilt? I think the first five months of blocks could be manageable on my domestic machine. I’m interested in your thoughts. Susanne

[Helen W.]

[QUOTE=Sewnsew22;n893355]Barbara, do you think it would be possible to “quilt as you go” on this quilt? I think the first five months of blocks could be manageable on my domestic machine. I’m interested in your thoughts. Susanne[/QUOTE]

Suzanne, I have a book called Machine Quilting In Sections by Marti Michelle. I would think you could quilt it in sections but
you either need to leave a couple inches unquilted near the outside edge of the 5 month section, or be willing to put in sashing
strips between the big center area and the outside blocks sections. Usually you can go down to 1/2 inch strips if you want them narrow. When you do that you can quilt all the way to the edges. She recommends
using a thin batting like warm and natural cotton, so it fits easier in a domestic machine throat area. You might want to get the book
or go to her website and do a little research. I personally think is it doable. Have you ever done quilt as you go before?
HelenW

[Barbara B.]

[QUOTE=Sewnsew22;n893355]Barbara, do you think it would be possible to “quilt as you go” on this quilt? I think the first five months of blocks could be manageable on my domestic machine. I’m interested in your thoughts. Susanne[/QUOTE]

While it is possible, it will take some careful planning. If you quilt Months 1-5 as a section, you could later quilt the left side--Months 6,7, 11 and the left outside border. The right side is Months 8,9, 10 and right out side border. Finally, the top and bottom borders would be quilted and attached. OR you could do ALL 4 borders separately--that might be easier making the diamond borders fit. That will depend on whether you applique or piece those outer diamond borders.

[Susanne M.]

Thank you Barbara and Helen, you’ve given me a lot to consider and research. The suggested sections make sense. My appliqué is by hand and I do hand quilt. It’s only May! I have time to ponder and to keep my options open.