MONTH 1 Ask Questions Here

[Sharon P.]

I did my month one…so very pleased with instructions etc.,pictures too. I was curious about pressing the seams. In one area it says press right or left etc….then says press seams open…mine came out so perfect!

[Lynn W.]

I pressed a lot of my seam open, Sharon. --Lynn

[Judith A.]

I remember hearing Lynn mentioning that she uses both Best Press and Terial Magic in herFabric Folding Pen, but I can't remember the proportions...how much of each she uses in the Pen. For the life of me, I can't find find that again. Could you please repeat what you do? Thank you.

[Lynn W.]

Dear Judith,
Thank you for your question. I fill most of my Fabric Folding Pen with Best Press, then add just one squirt of Terial Magic. Give that a try and see how you like the results. --Lynn

[denise N.]

I would like to use my own fabrics. Where can I find the break down of the fabrics for the whole kit

[Barbara B.]

In the Fabric Requirements File on the main page of 2025 BOM. AND there is a STICKY Topic right here on the FORUM to take you there.

[Robert I.]

I am using my own fabrics, mostly batiks. I am trying to follow the month 1 directions, but I wonder if anyone else has noticed that in the fifth column of the chart, the "color" is listed as "blue"? I plan to follow the picture of the fabric, but that word makes me unsure! I have my batiks all lined up to coordinate with the fabrics Lynne has set out.

[Barbara B.]

Since you are following the Autumn pattern, know that the Blue description is for PARCHMENT BLUE in the Autumn Kit. There is a PARCHMENT CREAM that will be used later.
Simply compare the photo of the fabric in the pattern to the exact same photos in the FABRIC REQUIREMENTS file.

[Robert I.]

The Photo shows cream, but the word says blue. That is what is confusing me.

[Barbara B.]

I understand. Parchment Blue was probably too long for the space.
We look forward to seeing your quilt come together!

I have 2 questions. Do you suggest prewashing fabrics? I tried Lynn's starching my fabric (not prewashed) for the blocks of month 1 and really liked the results. 2. How much fabric can I pre starch? All of it for the year or starch as I go through the months.

[Barbara B.]

I did not prewash the Spring kit. If using deep dark fabrics, navy, red, purple, etc, I usually pre wash those.

Figure out how much you need each month, starch just that amount is my recommendation.

[Barbara B.]

What row gives me a 70” or 80” square? Where will this info be posted, and when?

The middle is 20”. All blocks around the middle are 5”.

I have a detailed blog on how to change the size of this and other quilts coming January 19.

[Valerie L.]

For the flying geese, if I am using Barbara’s method of oversizing a bit, would I cut four 4 3/4” squares for E instead of the strips?

[Barbara B.]

I cut one strip 4.75” x WOF, then cut 8 squares 4.75”. Those 8 squares make the needed small squares for the 8 stars we make this month. We are making more of these later so the rest of the strip will be used in the future. It is always best to cut an entire strip WOF before cutting individual pieces.

I think every 1-1/4”x 2-1/2” Flying Geese Bloc Loc Ruler in the entire world has been sold! Does anyone know where to locate one to buy? I may have to resort to trimming mine the old fashioned way!

[Barbara B.]

Wing Clipper II works well too, easily available at the Quilt Show store. Watch my January 3 LIVE and see my Month 1 Blog

[Kathy M.]

I am having a problem with my flying geese. I have followed your directions for trimming. The left side of the block is fine, but on the right side I do not have a point - the top piece off fabric is 1/8” above the corner. I know - this is hard to describe. I am starting use the 45 degree angle and all of the measurements are correct. I don’t know why it is not coming out with a point on the right side.

[Barbara B.]

It would help to see photos

[Kathy M.]

Here are two of the blocks. It’s the wing on the right that is not correct. I followed the directions you had on the recent video.

[Barbara B.]

Three things go into precision piecing: the cutting, the sewing and the pressing. If you cut the pieces the correct size, it is most likely the sewing—important to have the 2 small squares aligned on the larger square exactly right. Then sew a straight seam, 1/4” on either side of the line, all the way down. My guess is one square moved a bit in the sewing, making the edge not quite right. Try pinning the small squares in place before sewing.

[Kathy M.]

I positioned each piece and pinned them in place. I stitch to the left of the marked line. I have ordered the Wing Clipper ruler to see if that will help. I also use the Acorn product to press my seams, then spray with Best Press. I will try another set to see what happens. Thank you for your quick response and good suggestions. I thought the forum would be difficult to use but it is very user friendly!!

[Barbara B.]

I positioned each piece and pinned them in place. I stitch to the left of the marked line. I have ordered the Wing Clipper ruler to see if that will help. I also use the Acorn product to press my seams, then spray with Best Press. I will try another set to see what happens. Thank you for your quick response and good suggestions. I thought the forum would be difficult to use but it is very user friendly!!

Great, glad you are enjoying the Forum. You WILL get this and enjoy the many Flying Geese we will make this year!

[Kathy M.]

I tried another sample. I cut all blocks 1/8” larger. I was able to get points on the wings, however in doing so my 1-1/2” does not line up in the exact middle. If I put it in the middle the left side is not an exact 3” - about 1-1-16th of an inch short. Any suggestions? I’m determined to get this accurate!!

[Kathy M.]

I purchased the Wing Clipper II ruler. What is the product you used on the bottom so it won’t slip easily?