MONTH 1 Ask Questions Here

[monroequilter]

I’d like to suggest a spray called Grippy by Odif for the back of rulers that aren’t already coated with a non-slip product.
Also, I’m going to attempt to attach a few photos of how I’ve been doing my four at a time FG. First of all I take no credit for any of these tips or methods, all have been shared with me by other quilters but I have combined several to make things work for me.
In the first photo after drawing the diagonal line across the wing pieces I’ve nudged the pieces in a thread or two, pinned in place then drew a line across the overlap. Using my KKB scissors I carefully cut across that line and removed the tips to eliminate some bulk. In the next photo you will see that I have pressed toward the larger triangle, again to eliminate some bulk. I did this because when I was using a different ruler to trim the 1/4” seam allowance at the top, my ruler was rocking or teetering a bit allowing it to shift.
In the next photo after applying the final wing, cutting the pieces apart and pressing (toward the wing this time) I lined up the 45 degree angle mark of my QS 3” x 12” ruler and trimmed the sides leaving my unit 3” wide. As you can see from the next two photos I was then able to line the ruler up to trim the top 1/4” and then make the final 1 3/4” trim. The QS ruler is a little long but it does not slip even when I spun my rotary cutting mat around. Hope you find these tips useful. Thanks for all of your help to make the BOM a success.

[Lynn W.]

Thanks for this information, Cherie. --Lynn

[Barbara B.]

I am not sure I understand the question. If using your own fabrics you can make it as scrappy as you please. The instructions are written using the fabric in the Kits so there specific fabrics are given for each block.
I love scrappy quilts, no such thing as too many fabrics for me. More is better.
It’s your quilt, you get to decide.

[Barbara B.]

No, the binding fabric is included in the Kit.
I cut binding strips 2.5” from WOF strips. This 90” square quilt will require 3/4 yard for binding that way. I would plan on a yard, can’t ever have too much fabric, right?
Since the quilt is 90” square you can figure how much back you need depending on whether you are using wide goods or standard width fabric. Longarm quilting requires more backing than hand quilting. So there are various factors to consider when calculating how much fabric you need. I do that when my quilt top is done.

[Barbara B.]

I don’t think you would need steam. I never put water in my iron, only use a spritz of water from a bottle when I rarely want steam.

Lynn mentioned starching her fabric and some others have posted their recipes. Barbara also mentioned Terial Magic for the appliqué. I use a mixture of 50/50 water /Terial Magic for starching all fabrics for quilting, not just appliqué. I learned this at a Quilt Retreat hosted by my local quilt shop. It’s a game changer for me. I think the fabric cuts better, my points are sharp and I’m very happy with the results. I douse about a 1/2 yard of fabric at a time with a spray bottle until it’s fully saturated. I then let it dry to just barely damp and then iron the fabric. It’s crisp but pliable. If the fabric completely dries, just mist it with a little water.

Cherie

Do you NOT recommend for people to make this quilt "scrappy" with the same colorways shown but in some different fabrics -- with each block of the same color way, but different fabrics in the 4 blocks??

[Valerie L.]

When I have let my heavily starched fabric dry and am ready to iron it, do I use steam? I don’t want to stretch the fabrics.

[msunds21]

Hi, Is there a specification for the binding fabric (and amount) and suggested backing (and amount)?

[Barbara B.]

The background of the Autumn color way we are using right now is Parchment Blue. From the yardage, I am sure we will use Parchment Cream later in the project.
The photos in the monthly patterns match the photos in the Fabric Requirements file, making it easy to see which fabrics to use each month.

[Barbara B.]

While you could make blocks that finish at 2.5” or 3.75”, I wouldn’t. Very tiny pieces.
To make a smaller quilt, start with the middle, as is, count up two or three rows. Going up 2 rows makes a 50” square quilt. Going up 3 rows makes it 60”.
I have played with EQ8 a bit and will show those options in a few days. A couple people want a smaller quilt.
If time permits, I will discuss this briefly on the LIVE at noon central time today, January 3.

On Jan 1 TQS posted a miniature version of one of Sue Garman's BOM quilts. Would this be a mathematical nightmare to attempt? We recently downsized and I do not have any place for another large quilt!

Hi Barbara. Which of the grandmother's colorway is the background fabric? I'm pulling stash fabrics and knowing this will be very helpful to me. Thanks!
Georgia

[Barbara B.]

Hmm.i wrote much more but it only shows 1 sentence?

Check the Preview button before you post to be sure everything is there. Hope this helps.

[lholzhu]

Looks like Lynn starch drenchs her material also, as shown in her first month video. I can't easily buy Best Press in Australia and use a product called Crisp. When drench starching my material before cutting I lose roughly 1 1/4 inches from my width of fabric. Does "little extra" in kit material allow for this?

Here is a homemade recipe:

Here is the Best Press recipe
1 1/2 cups distilled water only (Not tap water)
1 1/2 cups vodka - plain vodka (not flavored) because it is clear & odorless.
I use the cheapest.
A few drops of essential oil. Citrus, bergamot , lavender, your choice.
Makes 3 cups. Shake before each use.
I store it in an old vinegar plastic bottle with a label.