paintmejudy

I, too, do all 8 pieces at a time but don't chain stitch. Just as easy to clip that little thread as I go along, and don't have that long stretch of chains running down the back of the machine. But I do agree with Janet My, it goes much faster when you do all 8 at a time.

sue z q

I appreciate all the answers to my question. I think I'll cut by the book, but maybe round up to the nearest inch. On my first attempt (Alabama) I thought mine were a little scant. Where are my blocks you ask....oh, I'm behind. None completed so far.

moonwork42029

I do the first section alone so I can see if I like how the colors line up then I do the remaining ones as an assembly line. Sometimes I chain, sometimes I clip in between, all depends on my mood at the time.

My iron is across the room as my one attempt at "exercise"...at least I have to rotate out of my chair, get up, walk 6 steps and then come back. It also helps me from getting stiff from sitting too long in one place.

DawnFurlong

Indeed, I did enjoy my class! Still feeling a bit anxious, but am looking forward to jumping in. Went home last night and pulled out my stash of fabric. That was one reason for the class - I was hoping to use up some of the fabric I already have. I think I have a pretty good selection, I shouldn't have to purchase much new (darn it all! - but - gotta keep thinking of my new sewing machine ).

I am going by an office supply store today to get them to "de-bind" my book and 3 hole punch it. Then I will make copies of my first star (using vellum - but only because I can see through it. Several of the ladies in this club indicated vellum wasn't their favorite - and gave their preferences. But they said it does have the advantage of being see through. I'll start there.). Delaware is the first star we are doing.

I do have a question though. I was a bit confused about the 1/4" seam. I know I have to add 1/4" to my paper pattern. But on page 16 of the book, Step 12, it says "trim the foundation 1/4" from the outside as follows:" It looks like she is saying to cut off the 1/4" that I added to my paper pattern??? And yet on page 17, when it shows completing the block - it looks the the 1/4" line is still there. Can someone shed some light on this for me? I will be doing 12" blocks.

I plan on starting my first block tonight!!

sandy l

Here's my Arkansas block. Wasn't sure about it after I got started, but now that its done I like it.[ATTACH=CONFIG]305840[/ATTACH]

moonwork42029

Dawn: go to message # 112 in this thread and you'll see an example of adding the 1/4" to the pattern.

I think the wording is funky about the 1/4" (don't have my book with me right now) but you have to have the 1/4" on them for them to work out to be 12". I think she is making sure it's 1/4" from the outside line that she has drawn in the book...not to cut off the 1/4" inch.

Good luck and I'm sure someone else can help you too.

Love the red on the star...it really pops out.

Fraew

OMG Sandy I! That is beautiful.

DawnFurlong

Found it! Thanks for the reference. As I was looking at the illustration, I thought - DUH!!! Easier to draw the 1/4" once around the patterns before copying them (as opposed to multiple times).

I was thinking the same - that surely it wasn't meant that I cut off that 1/4", because it was stressed in class that the 1/4" was needed for the blocks to come out to size.

Deecee

Hi ladies. I have been following this thread with interest and love all the blocks so far. I don't have the book but I did get the download from Quilt-Pro (thanks for the link to that - sorry I don't remember who gave it). So if you don't mind another late starter I will jump in and try to catch up.

Here is my Alabama - I have done this as a 6" finished which was pretty fiddly but I shall see how I go at this size.[ATTACH=CONFIG]305905[/ATTACH]

paintmejudy

welcome, and your star is beautiful.