MONTH 6 — Ask Questions Here

[Paola B.]

I watched Barbara's presentation today about Block 6, read her block directions on her website, and also carefully read her directions for making flying geese. The explanations were outstanding and clear, and make a lot of sense for me to do stars A and B as per her directions. However, when comparing the total number of stars needed for Star C, the large ones, I counted four that are needed on the quilt. Her directions say eight. Where are the other four that I am not counting? Don't want to cut and make extras if they are not needed.

[Barbara B.]

No, only 4 of those, in the four corners. I updated the blog just now. Things happen, big sigh…

[Marilyn W.]

I have the Creative Grids Strippy Stars ruler. I’m going to use it to make the large 6” stars. I’ll make a test block first, but I think it’s going to work.

[Gopa R.]

Sorry Barbara I have the same question as Sewskeel
Just for making one sawtooth block with flying geese method what measurement do I need to cut
I looked at your blog but I am still confused about the measurements HELP!!

[Barbara B.]

My measurements for the flying geese say cut the background square 3.5” and the Star point fabric 4.25”. The center is cut 2.5” and the background corners are cut 1.5”. Those measurements come from the pattern.

[Gopa R.]

Phew!!! it worked Barbara
thank you for the instruction. I had this eureka moment when it measured 4 1/2 "
thank you again

[Azenath W.]

whew, kind of glad I am a later starter on these. Learn from others.

[Gopa R.]

Thanks barbara will give it a go

[Azenath W.]

What direction are seams pressed?
not wanting to press seams open.

[NinaMarie]

What I did was set up the star - then pressed each row so that it would "snuggle" into the row underneath it. For instance, the Top and Bottom row pressed toward the outside of the block. The center row pressed toward the center of the block. I think Sarah showed it on her video this month too. This way when you go to sew the rows together the seams will "kiss" and go nicely together without too much bulk. Hope that is clear.

[NinaMarie]

A Big THANK YOU to Barbara for the flying geese tutorial. I sat and watched the live video and then read the blog - wrote out the directions and - Ta-Da!! - The block came out right on the very first try. I never could figure out how to trip up flying geese right and this makes so much sense! I used my Bias Square rulers and they worked perfectly! So for the first time, I finally have flying geese that are coming out right on the first try!

[Carol G.]

Yay! Such a good feeling!

[Angie W.]

Good morning,

I am not sure if I cut something wrong, but I do not have enough Taffy and very little left of the Divax (and it's needed in month 8 & 11 as well) I did purchase the kit. Is anyone else having this problem? If not, then I will just purchase some more! LOL

I am using the templates for the Star C from Sarah and then I am doing 4-at-a-time for the other stars. I use the Tucker University method to oversize, it shouldn't be too much different than Barbara's method as far as sizing up to square off when done.

Thanks in advance.
Angie

[Barbara B.]

Angie, there should be enough Taffy using the leftover strip from month 1 when cutting for Month 6.

If using my method for the Star points in month 6 you are cutting either 2 1/8” squares OR 4 1/4”. That is more than what is used for the half square triangle method. But it allows for bigger leftover pieces.

The Divax is more problematic. There may not be enough for the cabin roofs made in month 11. I will simply choose another dark purple for my roofs, making my quilt unique. If you want to track down more of that fabric, you could. Again, I wouldn’t do that.

[Marilyn W.]

I also ran out of Taffy and am going to run out of Diva, but it’s because I like to use specialty rulers and oversized my blocks. I’m going to order some extra fabric. I like adding to my stash so it’s no problem.

[janet d.]

The directions say to cut 2 2 1/2inch strips of the taffy, I think you only need 1 . Also shouldn't the directions have said to cut the star points to 1 1/2 by 2 1/2? I decided to go the star point way instead of flying geese because I bought the extra kit and wanted to use the ruler that came with it

[Barbara B.]

The directions say to cut 2 2 1/2inch strips of the taffy, I think you only need 1 . Also shouldn't the directions have said to cut the star points to 1 1/2 by 2 1/2? I decided to go the star point way instead of flying geese because I bought the extra kit and wanted to use the ruler that came with it

ONE strip of Taffy 2 1/2" will make 32 triangles for Star C.

I don't understand the question about the star points being "cut" 1 1/2" x 2 1/2". That is the size the star point units will be when two half square triangles are sewn together. The pattern does not give that measurement.

[Paola B.]

Is there an easy way to access Barbara's Blog?

[Helen W.]

Is there an easy way to access Barbara's Blog?

Paola, On the left it is in the topic Month 6 blog up. Or on your computer in google search Barbara Black
Quilter and it is the first topic. My Joyful Journey is the name of it. Take the time to see all the valueful quilting tips and tricks
she has there. It is full of excellent tutorials. HelenW

[carol g.]

I cannot find another place to ask questions about Alex. Is she ok? Do not see her 'lives' anymore.

[Barbara B.]

Is there an easy way to access Barbara's Blog?

There is a direct link to my blog on the main page of Homeward Bound.

You can also follow my blog so you get an email every time one is posted. Do that on the blog itself.

https://bbquiltmaker.blogspot.com/

[Donna M.]

I am very nervous about the Star A and B. I would prefer to do the flying geese method (less seams).
From what I have gleaned, the lady bug squares in the middle are 2 1/2" square just as the pattern states.

From the background fabric, instead of making 80 squares that are 1 7/8" and cutting them on the diagonal, we are to cut some number of 3 1/2" squares?

Then from the peach and purple, instead of 48 squares and 32 squares cut on the diagonal, we are to cut some number of 4 1/4" squares with your four at a time method? Once those are cut and attached to the rectangles and trimmed down, we are done?

I have already cut the background strips per the pattern.
I have the four strips of background at 1 7/8" WOF but have not cross cut yet.

So am I out of luck?

[Barbara B.]

The 1 7/8" x WOF background is for the Half Square triangle method as written in the pattern. Each of the 20 Stars A/B need 4 squares 1.5" for the corners of the small stars so they can be cut from the 1 7/8" strips.

My flying geese method is shown in my Blog. The needed fabrics are laid out on the Blog. Each Star needs ONE SQUARE 3.5" of Background Fabric and ONE SQUARE 4 1/4" of the Star Point Fabric. Draw two diagonal lines on the BACK SIDE of the Star Point fabric with a mechanical pencil. Carefully cut the 4 1/4" square into 4 SQUARES, each 2 1/8" square.
Now you are ready to go to the TUTORIAL on my Blog to see how to sew the Flying Geese four at a time.
My ADVICE: just cut out and make ONE STAR with the Flying Geese method--ONE. Then you will understand the process before cutting anything else.