Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Not new to sewing but not good at calculations >

Not new to sewing but not good at calculations

Not new to sewing but not good at calculations

Old 04-25-2011, 12:17 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Default

Hello
I have been accumulating lots of charm packs. I think I have enough for a good size quilt. My problem is that the pattern I want to create calls for 3 7/8 sq and strips.
Here is the pattern: http://quilterscache.com/A/AGaggleofPinwheelsBlock.html

Is there a good way to figure out how to do this with charm packs? I don't know much on calculating size things; I have generally been paper piecing which is easy peasy compared to trying to figure this stuff out!
Tiffanie is offline  
Old 04-25-2011, 12:24 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
kraftykimberly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 722
Default

Im no expert, but I'm thinking yardage would work better with that pattern. Using charm packs it looks like you might have a lot of waste cutting the squares down to size. But then again, I could be wrong, Im pretty new at this stuff too. There's lots of knowlegable people here tho, Im sure they will offer better info.
kraftykimberly is offline  
Old 04-25-2011, 12:28 PM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Posts: 1,547
Default

That's definitely not a charm pack pattern. Too much waste.
charmpacksplus is offline  
Old 04-25-2011, 12:34 PM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Default

there is a good book out there called 'Nickle Quilts great designs from 5" scraps' by Pat Speth and Charlene Thode
it contains lots of wonderful quilts made from 5" squares.
they did not use charm packs-they were not everywhere when the book was written- but they do use 5" squares for every quilt.

some patterns really are not well suited to pre-cuts- you really have to do alot of math and through out the pattern make adjustments and re-design to make it work. if the instructions are using yardage (40+" wide fabric) and you are trying to cut your blocks from 5" squares- that takes alot of math...and alot of piecing that might be alot easier if strip piecing.
ckcowl is offline  
Old 04-25-2011, 12:41 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
tinliz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Ft. Wayne
Posts: 640
Default

I agree that your choice of pattern will have a lot of waste if you start with charm squares.
If it is pinwheels you like, the Missouri Star Quilt Company has a tute on how to make pinwheels from charm packs. http://www.youtube.com/missouriquilt.../2/ekYpJzHoW6E
I made a block to try this technique. It was fun and the bias sides did not give me a problem.
tinliz is offline  
Old 04-25-2011, 01:40 PM
  #6  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Default

gosh, you are all very quick! I had not heard of that book; maybe I live under a rock?
Will look for that one.
I have not heard also of Missouri Star. I clicked on that video link and was fascinated. Very spunky lady!
Okay, I will look for Nickel Quilts and maybe rethink my pattern choice.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Tiffanie is offline  
Old 04-25-2011, 02:08 PM
  #7  
Junior Member
 
Marion Jean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Leland, NC
Posts: 296
Default

Not good at calculations? Welcome to my world. LOL I rely on my quilt buddies to help me with the math.
Marion Jean is offline  
Old 04-25-2011, 02:19 PM
  #8  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Default

I agree with the waste from the charms. You would only have a 1 1/8x5"" strip left from each charm. For the square you would have a 1 1/8"x5" strip and a 1 1/8x 1 7/8" piece. Too much to toss and too small to use elsewhere.
MadQuilter is offline  
Old 04-25-2011, 02:54 PM
  #9  
Super Member
 
tellabella's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Toronto Canada
Posts: 1,130
Default

You can think about making the same pattern bigger...if you use the entire 5 inch charm square instead of 3 7/8 then your finished blocked will be just over 16 inches instead of 12 inches like the pattern states..so you will have a bigger quilt???
tellabella is offline  
Old 04-25-2011, 05:13 PM
  #10  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Default

Thank you all for the responses.
Tellabella, If I do use the charm packs then I would just need fabric for the strips?
Tiffanie is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DonnaR
Main
1
09-03-2011 05:34 AM
Jennalyn
Main
1
07-06-2011 05:32 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
4
05-24-2011 11:31 PM
SundarKoyal
Links and Resources
16
04-01-2011 11:05 AM
acraftee24
Main
10
01-23-2011 10:18 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter