MONTH 1 — Ask Questions Here

[Jeanne C.]

Are you saying that the frame template is not correct and that if it is used exactly as is it will cause a problem?

[Barbara B.]

No, the template is accurate but with very little fabric beyond the fans it is safer for me to “cut it big and whack it off” after the block is complete. My slogan: “I don’t have to sew to perfection if I can trim to perfection.”

[soniasimone]

I agree with Barbara -- I always add a little extra to the outside edge of blocks. It makes it so much easier to assemble later.

[bboomer7]

What color thread do you use for hand piecing all these different colors? And what type of thread? 50 wt, 60 wt, cotton or poly? Thanks in advance!

[Barbara B.]

I use light gray or beige, Quilters Select 60 or 80 wt. if I didn’t have that I would use 50 wt Masterpiece by Superior.

[soniasimone]

Jen uses Auriful Antique Blush (which she calls "granny knicker pink"). Lighter midtone gray or beige works great. If my fabrics are very light (mine are for this one), I'll go as light as a cream.

I really like Fil a Gant, which is a fine cotton thread from France. But it's not always easy to get your hands on. Have been very happy with 50 or 60 wt Aurifil or any high-quality 50- or 60-wt.

[Kara E.]

Just wondering if future paper templates (sent on the pattern instructions) could come with the 'dot' markers (that are part of the acrylic templates) so that we can accurately hand piece those same points as well please [hope that makes sense]. Thanks, Kara

[Barbara B.]

The inner lines on the paper pattern show exactly where the corners are so you can simply put a dot at each corner.

[Helen W.]

Kara, I just started a sample block, and I just extended the lines
to the edge of the seam allowance. That makes a cross hair
where you are supposed to stop. HelenW

[Azenath W.]

Barbara B. could you please maybe post a picture of or show next month on your blog where the dot goes on the inner lines on the paper pattern of templates.

[Judith A.]

Amy E Yes, that is the gun. And you are right...there are better prices. I see one on Amazon, with 1080 black and white fasteners, with free delivery by Jan 5. (MicroStitch the Original Tagging gun. I prefer the Avery Denison Microtach to the Avery Denison MicroStitch, because the MicroTach has an attached cord to the needle cover. The MicroStitch needle cover is not attached and is easy to misplace. I like the Avery nylon fasteners for quilting on my home sewing machine, especially for free-motion quilting. I can quilt in any direction I want without having to avoid or remove pins. I also recommend the Dritz Quilters Basting Grid, It was designed to be used with the Dritz Basting Gun (which I do not like), but it works well with the Avery MicroTach and MicroStitch. Happy quilting!

[Jodi J.]

Has anyone tried cutting with a rotary cutter around the acrylic templates?

[Caroline M.]

Hi , I can't seem to find the pattern, all I keep getting is the introduction . thank you caroline

[Barbara B.]

You must be logged in as a Star Member. It should say “ Welcome Caroline” on the far right side on the top purple bar. I often have to sign in more than once to have it “take”.

[Azenath W.]

Will TQS be getting more acrylic templates in?

Whats the best way to make the templates?

[Barbara B.]

Yes, more have been ordered. Go to the Shop and ask to be notified when they are back in stock so you can order right then.

[Kyla V.]

My template A has a hole that is not in a corner - so it has a total of 5 holes. I have looked through the instructions and can't find any reference to it. Does anyone know what is suppose to be for?

[soniasimone]

I haven’t quite got to it yet, but I’m pretty sure it will line up with the fan blade units

[Barbara B.]

You are correct, there are 5 holes. The extra one has no purpose I can determine. My guess is the design was changed and this hole was no longer needed.

[Debra W.]

I have the same question and I hope by replying to your question, I will be alerted to the answer. Thanks for asking!

[Carole B.]

I have a question about pressing. I took a class from Jen and I recall her saying that she does not press her blocks during construction. For those who have experience with making Jen’s quilts, do you press each block or wait until the entire top or large section is completed?

[Barbara B.]

I press each block as it’s completed because they look so good flat and the correct size.

[soniasimone]

Same as Barbara, I press each block after I sew them.

[Judy S.]

Barbara, the video of the tailors knot went so fast. Do you have the steps and if possible show a picture right before you pull it through to make knot. Many thanks

[Barbara B.]

I had to watch it several times and then again when I was actually doing it. Check about 28 minutes in on the Show.

[Helen W.]

Hi , I can't seem to find the pattern, all I keep getting is the introduction . thank you caroline

Caroline, After you are logged in, click on LEARN. At the top of the next screen will be the Pick a Petal banner. Click on learn more. Then you will see the page with
the pattern videos and patterns. HelenW

CLICK ON THE PHOTO IN ANY FORUM POST TO ENLARGE IT.

[Carole B.]

Barbara, the video of the tailors knot went so fast. Do you have the steps and if possible show a picture right before you pull it through to make knot. Many thanks

I took screenshots of Jen showing the tailors knot at a class I attended last summer. I’ve added descriptions with each photo. Not the best, but hope this helps!

[Vesta C.]

Barbara,
I am pulling fabrics from my stash. I’m of the mindset 100+ fabrics! Would you separate the “whole piece” you have of each fabric selected or cut a portion - like a 10” x 10” or so? That’s a confusing way to ask….what size piece of each fabric selected do I need at this point?

[Barbara B.]

The Kit has 99 fat eighths, 9” x 22”, and one fat quarter for the star center background. Those amounts are generous.

[Janet B.]

Hello Barbara, I saw your comment about printing from computer got you the full 1" square however it doesn't for me. I have wasted a ton of paper trying every way I know to get it to print correctly and it is either too small or it runs off the page. The sides are one inch exactly but bottom runs off. I am now going to have to purchase some longer paper as soon as I can get to a office supply store and see it that will work. Ive used the print actual size and also default as well as 100% and nothing works. Any other suggestions? seems many of us are have this same issue. I have used letter size and also A4 setting. I printed from my phone as well as from my Windows PC.

[Barbara B.]

If you get 3 lines you can verify the box is 1” wide so you are good. The folks at the website are trying to change the designer’s pattern to move the box up a bit so future months should not have this issue.

[Vicki F.]

My 1" square is printing off the page also. I am only getting 2 lines...so no way to measure. I did print it on actual size so hoping it is correct. The pieces look larger than I expected.

[Sue G.]

After I print the pattern sheet I copy it at 105% in order to get the 1” measurement. If you can see 2 lines then you will have the measurement that you need.

[Janet B.]

Is it possible to save and send that templates to us as either jpg or svg so that we can print the templates using out die cut machines in order to get accurate templates since they are out of stock? I do not trust my "homemade" ones. Thank you

[Barbara B.]

More templates have been ordered. Go to the Shop and ask to be notified when they are back in stock so you can be sure to get them.

[Cindy B.]

There are free pdf to svg convertors online