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Old 03-11-2011, 08:52 AM
  #9  
MTS
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,134
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Here's the quilt with16 patch blocks, each finishing at 7.5 inches.

Now you only need 90 of the pieced blocks (10 down/9across). This quilt is 103x114 incl the 4" border.

And, again, I'd really look into strip piecing this project.

Another thing is to NOT cut your plain squares until after you're completely done with your pieced blocks.

Why? In a perfect world, each block would finish at exactly what the directions say they should. So all your 9 patches, for instance, when you're done piecing each one, will be 6.5" square.

Well, we don't live in a perfect world. And, let's say for whatever reason (not the least being that you're a new sewer), all blocks come out looking fabulous....except they measure 6.25" or 6.75" square. It happens.;-)

You can pull your hair out, or, if they're all closer to ONE size, leave them be or trim them to a uniform size.

AND then you cut your plain blocks to that size. And your quilt will go together beautifully. It's so much easier than trying to deal with easing or stretching that difference into each seam each time you join two blocks.

And then after you're done with the quilt, and incredibly proud of yourself (as you should be), you can go back and try to figure out why the blocks weren't perfect.
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