Month 1 -- ask questions here

[Barbara B.]

Is it ok to make the stems in Month 1 from straight of grain or should all the stems be cut on the bias?

Month 1 stems are straight so do not have to be made from bias.

[Barb O.]

Is it ok to make the stems in Month 1 from straight of grain or should all the stems be cut on the bias?

[Linda M.]

I am planning my stem fabrics and would like to know which fabrics are used for which stems? Is month one stem fabric used only for month one or for other months as well? Maybe I should say borders instead of months? Thanks for the info.

[Barbara B.]

I need help with the cabin. I've made it three times, and all three times the size came out wrong. Would love some advice on how to make the window section of the cabin to come out to the correct size, and then the overall block. I have followed the instructions exactly, used a 1/4 foot to ensure seams are accurate, and it does not measure out correctly. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Thank you!

There are only 3 things we can do wrong in piecing: the cutting, the sewing, and the pressing.

Cutting--these are small pieces, be certain they are cut exactly right. 3/4" x 1" and 1" x 1" pieces form the windows--that's small.

Sewing--check as you go. The window sections need to be 1" wide x 2 1/2" tall when sewn. If they are not the right size now, they will not miraculously become the right size when you add the two side pieces of cabin fabric. Now the two sections each need to be 2" wide x 2 1/2" tall. Check the door section, it must be 1" wide x 2 1/2" tall.

Thread width impacts precise piecing. I use 60 wt in the top and 80 wt in the bobbin. When using slightly thicker thread, like 50 wt, I have to sew a slightly narrower seam.

Once all the sections are exactly the right size, you should be able to join the 5 sections into a cabin that is 4.5" square, including seam allowance. Check EACH SEAM as you go since you said your cabin is not the right size. You didn't say if it's too big or too small.

If too small, watch Sarah's Month 1 video to see how to use wider borders to compensate for a too small cabin.

Pressing--start with a dry iron and press seams firmly the way you want them to go. I don't often press open, and wouldn't with these tiny pieces. Measure again after pressing to be sure each section is still the correct size.

Some people have good success with starch, sizing or products like Best Press.

Here is a photo of the back of one of my cabins showing how I pressed it.

[DocRuth]

I need help with the cabin. I've made it three times, and all three times the size came out wrong. Would love some advice on how to make the window section of the cabin to come out to the correct size, and then the overall block. I have followed the instructions exactly, used a 1/4 foot to ensure seams are accurate, and it does not measure out correctly. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Thank you!

[lholzhu]

1.Homeward Bound - BOM 2023 - Introduction and Fabric Requirements | Coloring Guide

2. Patterns & Document tab
3. Is the second document. Sarah sets it up by fabric but next to it is the month that fabric is used.

[Ann W.]

I remember seeing somewhere how you machine application the stems on. Can you direct me where? Thanks

[Penny S.]

There were no directions in the cutting directions to cut a piece of roof fabric 1 1/2 x 3 or am I missing something?
Oops! The shading on the pattern confused me. I see my error. Thanks.

[Barbara B.]

Elmer’s White Schoolhouse Washable glue is similar and should be easy to find in the office supplies section of stores.
I wouldn’t use little fusible bits as I would not be likely to get the shapes in the correct place. With the glue, it’s simple to pull it off and try again. Just my two cents.

[Kati]

So I was at the fabric shop looking for appliqué glue, and wouldn't you know it, I can't find Roxanne's basting glue anywhere- I am in Canada. It would cost over 30$ to get it from the US or from online order. We have a fabric glue that is reminiscent of white glue- I wonder whether that would be suitable? I believe it's called Alene's tacky glue. That's all we got.


but then I have another idea and would like to run it by you all. Wouldn't it be the same to use a small square (like quarter inch) of fusible in the middle of the appliqué to glue on? Is the liquid glue necessary? of course it would be hard to reposition once it's ironed on, but because of the size of the little squares, you would be barely able to feel it. Comments?

[Helen W.]

Barbara, Last year John was able to post the picture of the BOM in the featured quilts. That was great because you could zoom
the quilt.I loved being able to such a close up of everything, including the quilting on the quilt. Any chance of having Homeward Bound put in the featured quilts section. If it is too much trouble I totally understand.
HelenW

[Barbara B.]

Hi Barb. Not sure if this is the spot for a question. I’m trying to decide which fabric is the cabin border. Is mit the green with the thin purple stripes. The star point fabric looks pink in the picture and on the instructions but the closest I can find is a coral. Thanks. Beth

Go to the Fabric Requirements document. Look for the fabrics listed for month 1. You will see exactly which fabrics are intended for each specific place each month.

I discussed this during the Month 1 Facebook Live. The link to that video is also on the main page of the 2023 BOM.

Hi Barb. Not sure if this is the spot for a question. I’m trying to decide which fabric is the cabin border. Is mit the green with the thin purple stripes. The star point fabric looks pink in the picture and on the instructions but the closest I can find is a coral. Thanks. Beth

[NinaMarie]

Just to show you that was NOT a silly question before I watched the FB video yesterday, I was still asking what does WOF mean? LOL Can you tell I don't do a lot of pattern work?

[Barbara B.]

Watch the Facebook Live for Month 1 where I show how to find everything you need each month.