quiltingnewf

I am looking forhelp cutting material. I need to maximize what I have and amstraining my brain on the best way to do this. I am making 2 quiltsfrom the same leftover material. The material I have is already cutinto 8 inch strips for the first quilt which is going to be apinwheel quilt.


The second quilt isan offset diamond pattern that is made up of squares and 4 patches.The pattern calls for 4 1/2 inch squares and 2 1/2 inch 4-patches(unfinshed sizes). Ideally, I will need to get the same number ofsquares/patches be to keep the pattern balanced. (ie 2 – 4 inchinch, I would like 2 4-patches)


I am not sure how to cut this. But I have a couple of ideasthat I wanted to run by some experts before I start cutting or shouldi figure out how to resize the diamond pattern.


If I cut my stripsinto four 8 inch squares it will leave me with 8 by 10 inch piece. How do I cut that piece into two 41/2 inch squares and four 2/1/2inch squares (or two 21/2 by 5's)? Can it be done?


Or do i resize thediamonds. If this is the best option, what is the new size of thesesquares?


Does this make anysense? Do you have any ideas to help out a newbie?

Dee