My first Harmonic Convergence

[Annette R.]

I think the idea of practicing the cuts on paper is great.

I have two thoughts for ways to accomplish the effect I think you want.

1. you could lay one piece on top of the other and cut in the opposite direction with the same type of gentle curves that you have for the first cuts. This will get you the curves but you will also end up with a kind of wonky checkerboard effect which may not be what you want.

2. I think what I would do given the effect you have described is cut the two edges you will be joining in the butted caveman cut that Ricky has demonstrated on a couple of shows and join the two pieces. Then I would make wave like gentle curved cuts and insert narrow strips in the manner that Alex did on the challenge show. This way you would get a wavy effect but not the checkerboard or diamond shapes that converging with either horizontal cuts or diagonal cuts would result in.

Just remember this is your quilt and there are no "convergence police" to tell you what you must do. You could certainly "try out" either of these suggestions on paper and see what you think. Good luck I am sure your convergence will be beautiful no matter what you do. Ann

[Annette R.]

THankyou Ann,
I had already cut on the diagonal by the time I had read your reply, but I haven't sewn the two halves together yet. So I think I will use your idea of the wavy line through the center, and I will probably also do the same for a black border. then the final border will be straight. That should cover the twin bed. My one problem is my mat isn't big enough. I have one of those white large mats and I still have to add smaller mats on the outside to continue a cut for squaring up. I don't suppose anyone has tip on how to do this when the top is rectangle and no straight lines in the corners to use. I will upload a photo when I am done here. Cheryl

[Annette R.]

I just purchased Ricky's convergence quilt book and the quilts are beautiful. I've never tried one of these, but would like to. I thought there was a companion DVD with this book, but when I check out TQS shoppe I don't see one. Was I dreaming?

[Annette R.]

Grand finale and caveman style were the only two dvd's on Ricky's site. It only looks complicated. Let your hair down, slice and sew. Its a surprise on how it turns out. Just don't have any preconcieved ideas on how it should turn out and you will be pleased. Cheryl

[Pam D.]

Dcrine, I purchased Ricky's book some while ago, read it through several times and have only recently made my first convergence. The book explains it all very clearly and as long as you follow the instructions, you cant go wrong. I also spent some time looking at all the photos to help me decide what fabrics to use. It really is a mystery quilt, because you really dont know what it will look like till its finished. I found that was half the fun. I know that there is a quilt show where Ricky demonstates project 2 from the book but I cant remember which one. Perhaps someone else can help with that. Pam

[Mary K.]

I just purchased Ricky's convergence quilt book and the quilts are beautiful. I've never tried one of these, but would like to. I thought there was a companion DVD with this book, but when I check out TQS shoppe I don't see one. Was I dreaming?

dcrine - I have drooled over your Rhapsody! It is incredible! I have no doubt that you will "shoot the lights out" with a Convergence! Have fun!

Mary Kay

[Mary K.]

Deb, anyone who can make a Rhapsody quiltlike that will find Convergence quilts a walk in the park. I also agree with Pam, you never really know how it is going to turn out which is half the fun. Maggi

[Mary K.]

Thanks Mary Kay.

I've read through the convergence book and the instructions are great and it seems pretty straight forward. I would like to create a horizontal harmonic convergence and I'm not sure how I would cut the fabric. It's covered briefily in the book, but I'm not certain what to do. If I want the quilt to end up measuring 60x40 (roughly, including borders), how do I figure out what size to cut my fabric?

Thanks, Deb

[Mary K.]

Dcrine,
I have a twin size quilt top on my profile where I used two one yard pieces of contrasting fabric. I cut wavey lines for the first cut and alternated. THe second cut and converging adds the length. You can see what i did under my persnal photos. It should give you a basic idea on how it works. Cheryl

[Mary K.]

Hey Cheryl -- I remember seeing your quilt in the show and tell. (btw, did the laser level work for you?) I'll take look at your photo's again. Thanks, Deb.

[Annette R.]

I tend to be a very visual person (and math isn't my best area) so when I am planning a convergence I figure out the size I want and then choose my fabrics. If I am doing a traditional harmonic convergence, I divide the area of the convergence (minus what I think I want for borders) into four equal sections. Once I know that measurement I add one inch for every four seams and a couple of inches each was for fudge factor. If I am doing a two fabric convergence such as divide and conquer I divide the area by two. For the divide and conquer you have to remember you will have two identical size pieces of fabric so you have to plan whether you want a tall slim convergence or a shorter wide convergence. And this you may not know until you see how your curves play together. I usually make a similar smaller convergence and note the dimensions so when I cut into larger pieces of fabric, my calculations are close. Borders also vary the dimensions and you can add two or more if necessary. I have learned not to be too compulsive about the finished size of a convergence because even with my best planning I am often off some. If I ever use a convergence in a bed quilt, I would probably plan to have the convergence be a center medalion with maybe a similar convergence on the pillow area and plain or pieced borders for the drop area of the quilt. In fact I have wanted to do one like that for a while but have too many UFO's at the moment to even think about it. Hope this is helpful. I know there are some other hints in the convergence book about calculation of dimensions but I can't remember them all right now. Have fun with your convergence - you can do it!!!!!! Ann

[Pam D.]

Deb, Show 303 is the one for Ricky's demo of Project 2 from his Harmonic convergence book. Pam

[Pam D.]

Hi Deb, I actually got side tracked. But today is Saturday, and I am in search of the level. Wish me luck. Things aren't always where they should. :lol: Cheryl

[Pam D.]

Thank you all for the tips and feedback. I've have the perfect fabric, which I've been saving because it's too pretty to cut up, but I'm over that and am looking forward to trying one of these quilts. I'm usually very methodical and sketch or plan everything before I begin, so this is very much outside of my comfort zone, and I'm looking forward to trying something different. I'm going to stick to something basic and hope for the best. Cheers! Deb

[Mary K.]

Deb - I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with! I am sure that it will be great! Mary Kay