MONTH 2 -- Ask Questions Here

[Barbara B.]

Please use this TOPIC to ask questions about Month 2.

[Susan W.]

If using Print & Fuse, for the crescent, should the fuseable be made without the upper curve seam allowance so that the edge can be more easliy turned?

[Barbara B.]

That is correct. I would make a template without seam allowance on the upper curved edge to cut the PNPFL, or freezer paper when doing that for turned edge machine applique. I will explain all of this Friday February 2, 2024 in the LIVE.

[Sheridan D.]

Hi Barbara. I have just been looking through the Month 2 information and noticed that the G printed template and the orange plastic template don't look the same on the pointed end. The printed one doesn't appear to come to a point where as the plastic one does seem to have a definite point. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

[Barbara B.]

The printed G template is slightly different from the acrylic one. While I don’t know why this is, it won’t make much difference. There will be about 1/16” more of G on both sides of the point with the paper template, hardly measurable. As long as the blocks are 8.5” with seam allowance and all are about the same, the design will work.

[Ann S.]

My template kit is missing the G piece., I have filed a ticket but this is very disappointing.

[Ann S.]

Oops.... it have found G. Sorry to have created a stir!

[Helen W.]

That is funny because in an interview online someone asked Jen why she used orange for her
templates and she said because she was always losing the clear ones and the orange is bright
and easy to see. HelenW

[Barbara B.]

I felt certain you would find it. Thanks for the update.

[Robin H.]

Where can I find the two shapes to make the Handle and background templates for when i sew two fans together to eliminate the middle seam?

[Barbara B.]

The handle is in Month 1 as a quarter circle. You have to draw your own half circle. The background template isn’t scheduled to be released until much later in the year but I am working on that.

I have watched your live video on the alternative way to do the 9 patch where you cut away the excess instead of using the template. I bought the kit and I am wondering if doing it the alternate method will create a fabric shortage. I am planning on hand stitching the whole quilt right now. Thank you!

[Barbara B.]

No, there is enough fabric in the Kit. And if you run out of a favorite add something else from your stash—scrappy is easy to add to.

Great! Thank you! I did a test run of the center block with my own fabric just to make sure I had the template/hand sewing skills warmed up.
Vicki, Texas

[Julie N.]

Is there an easy way to remove the paper from the templates?

[Judith A.]

Scratching the paper lightly with a pin works for me.

[Julie N.]

I figured out the templates just didn't want to scratch them, I used a needle to score them and the paper peeled off easily. Did everyone press all the fabric? I started pressing tonight. Lot's of fabric. Show with Sally Collins (1602) was great!!

[Elizabeth A.]

Good morning. I’m cutting out squares and rectangles for the block. Then I realize I need to cut for the H… what are the gross measurements? You mentioned go bigger on the outside edge. Your blog didn’t address the measurements.. did you mention yesterday on the video. Thanks for all your continued help. I appreciate it!

[Barbara B.]

I drew 2-3 H shapes on a variety of fabrics until I had 80 of them. If you want to cut individual rectangles before cutting them to size, make them 9” x 2.5”. Using the Kit, be sure to cut on the lengthwise grain,
the fat eighths are 9” wide so it is easy to do. Cutting 2.5” high allows for extra on the outside edge so you can trim to perfection.

My blog for Month 2 shows and mentions that I added extra to the outside edge. It also explains in detail all I showed on the LIVE about Block 1:

https://bbquiltmaker.blogspot.com/20...l-month-2.html

[Vesta C.]

Question for Barbara - Month 2. Machine appliqué crescents: When you say to “Cut out 4 Crescents including the seam allowance on the top curve. ”….and the picture shows the Piece and Fuse dropped down from the top edge of the fabric/crescent…..giving a “unstabilized seam allowance”to fold down. I’m concluding the curve with the seam allowance matches where we fold down to. Right?

[Barbara B.]

Yes. The PNPFL was cut without the curved edge seam allowance. The crescent shape of fabric is cut with the seam allowance. I turned the fabric over onto the PNPFL and glued it in place. This gives a finished fabric edge for the appliqué stitches.

[Jennifer C.]

When looking at Jen's directions it looks pretty straight forward to make the block as written. What is the benefit of using the uneven 9 patch block rather than the templates? Also, can't you machine sew the H block to complete the block?

[Barbara B.]

Personal preference and speed of making the block. Much faster to cut rectangles and appliqué crescents on top for me. Do whichever method you prefer.

[Jennifer C.]

I wasn’t sure I was posing the question clearly—Jens instructions are for hand sewing will it be more difficult to achieve a good outcome if you try to machine stitch the block.? I’m pretty good at machine piecing but my appliqué attempts so far have been pretty sad — puckering & uneven seams —your directions include both machine & appliqué so I guess I’ll have to try & sample the methods that work for me. I appreciate all your work. I’m feeling overwhelmed

[Barbara B.]

Please don’t feel overwhelmed. This is a good project to improve your skills and find the best way for you. With only 20 of these blocks to make in the entire year, there is no rush to get them all done right now. I have to work ahead so I can write the blogs and do the videos.

It doesn’t matter if you machine or hand piece, machine or hand appliqué. If you are satisfied with your results it’s good. No one will be able to tell which you did when the quilt is finished. I do both hand and machine, I call it the “Hybrid method”.

To improve hand appliqué, look at the many shows here on the topic. Use the SEARCH box at the top of each page to find them.

[Jennifer C.]

Thanks Barbara I just looked at Becky Goldsmiths video on preparing for machine appliqué. I’m feeling encouraged at least to start the block — lol — yes I was getting ahead of myself so I’ll breathe relax & enjoy the process which is why I quilt! You are great, girl.

[Ann S.]

Can you give out the paper piecing pattern you used to make the fans as a download?

[Helen W.]

Can you give out the paper piecing pattern you used to make the fans as a download?

Ann, Barbara already put them with the other pattern downloads for month 2. HelenW