MONTH 5 -- Ask Questions Here

[Barbara B.]

Please use this TOPIC to ask questions about Month 5.

I left a question “somewhere” last month and didn’t see a response. So who knows where I left it! My question…what should the final measurement for the center medallion With the two borders be? Thank you.

[Barbara B.]

The center is 36.5” including seam allowance after the two border fabrics are added.

[jan l.]

I am unsure about the cutting for the block 5 corner block. I am doing the pattern fabrics . Your directions say to cut 1 each of 4 different colors and. I 2 of each of 2 colors. What size are we to cut them . Are the 4 to be cut 4X4 and the other 2 21/4X4

[Barbara B.]

If you are asking about the PRINT kit suggested fabrics, that page always says to follow the CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS for the SOLID Kit. Here are the sizes for the SOLID Kit:

1: Cut 4 @ 4'' x 4''
— Cornflower
2: Cut 4 @ 2 1/4'' x 4''
— Dusty Teal
3: Cut 1 @ 5'' x 5''
— White
Subcut diagonally, twice

[jan l.]

the print kit has 4 different colors not just 2 . The 4x4 colors will be what section on the paper pattern and the 21/4 by 4 will be what section.

[Barbara B.]

Look at the photo of the block on the pattern to see the placement. The smaller pieces are north, south, east and west.

[jan l.]

I woke up at 3am .my brain had figured it out . Sorry

[Barbara B.]

I do some of my best thinking at 3 am!

[williamskay]

I can't find the paper piecing pattern for 5+. Where should I be looking?

[williamskay]

Nevermind!! I just found the pattern!!

[Susie R.]

I love the quilt but I have never cared for square quilts. Any suggestion on how to make this quilt a rectangle. I also intend to make it queen size.

[lehab375]

I have done a couple different things in the past to make a square into a rectangle. I have done the different sized width borders for top/bottom and sides. The top and bottom borders are made considerably wider in that case while the side borders are skinny. Or I make only the bottom border considerably wider with the top and sides being skinny. It depends on the size of the quilt to start and the size I'm trying to get to. I have also added extra borders top and bottom, then made the other borders following it the same size. Each quilt that I'm trying to make a different size I generally do some kind of drawing then make the various addition choices and one choice always looks the best. I'm sure Helen uses her EQ software to do what I do by hand, and it probably takes her much less time! I like doing the drawings by hand, though, so I've never bought the software. I look at all the choices she brings up for people and I think about software, but I keep coming back to hand drawings.

[Barbara B.]

Sure, you can easily increase the size of this quilt. Lehab375 has given you good ideas above.
Start by determining what the finished size is you want. Add additional borders to just the top and bottom to create a rectangle--before or after the final border in the pattern. They can be any size that works easily--8", 9" even 10" blocks instantly add up to 20" in overall length.
Then add additional smaller size borders to all 4 sides, similar or the same blocks as provided in this pattern, or your favorite blocks.
I would add a final border all around of just fabric to get to your preferred size, as these will hang over the bed.
Play with paper and pencil to sketch your rough ideas, making the quilt your own.
I will probably do this with one of the 3 of these I am making.

[Patty B.]

I am enjoyinbg this process and learning. I know my green and blues are off. I was 5 days post knee replacement and I'm leaving it.

[Barbara B.]

Wow, only 5 days post knee replacement, that’s incredible work. I’ve had both replaced and waited 3 weeks to sew. Do your therapy and you will feel fantastic in 6 months.

[Carole B.]

Still playing catchup. I’m planning to do the square in square border all the way around for the first border, similar to what Barbara did on her print version with no different corner blocks. Newbie, so I’m questioning my thinking on the strips for each side. The left and right side should be longer than the top and bottom, similar to how the sashing was done. Correct? Everything is cut and I’m starting to sew!

[Barbara B.]

Yes, I always make the left and right first, they are the shortest. The top and bottom are longer by 2 blocks--the two corners.