I have this panel...I think it's called a cheater cloth. I'd like to cut it apart and make it bigger. I'd like to have some ideas about how to do this. The blocks are about 11 inches square. I 'd like suggestions about colors, layouts....anything that would help. Thanks.

Cut them apart including the smaller squares in what they have as the boarder, add sashing in either the blue, pink/red or teal color using the smaller squares at the centers of the sashing and blocks. To make it even bigger, maybe add blocks of log cabin design using the colors already in this panel.

Well if I were keeping to the theme that is already there I'd use the eucre colored sashing to just make the sashing wider and then add a boarder of the same color as the binding. But then I like keeping things simple. I'm sure one of our artistic members will come by and give you really great ideas. You should probably wait for them and ignore my advice all together.

I've always called them a pre-printed panel. But I imagine everybody has a different name for them. Just remember when you cut them apart to be very precise. You have to have the 1/4 inch seam allowance. To choose a color for sashing, just lay out different colors of fabric beside the panel. Use colors that are in the pre-printed blocks. Use the colors you like. Try to use colors in the same value. Don't go real real bright/big prints. Maybe use small prints so the print doesn't take away from the blocks. Have fun.

Just a word to the wise... you'll probably be cutting on the lines of the pre-printed panel. But... sometimes the fabrics aren't printed exactly on the grain of the fabric, so the pieces could be slightly warped. You can probably get them into reasonable shape with moisture and an iron. But you'll want to inspect them and keep it in mind as you work with them.

It's a lovely panel, though, and you'll be sure to have a beautiful project in the end!

I was thinking this too.

I would take a ruler to them too and see how square they are...maybe starch them and block them a little if need be. These panels can be a lot of fun to play with :D:D:D
You could always find coordinating fabric and make some blocks similar to these to enlarge the quilt. I like the idea of the smaller blocks as cornerstones, too :D:D:D

Thanks everyone for your ideas. The blocks definitely aren't square so I have to fix that problem first. Then I think I'll make extra blocks and use sashings in similar colors with the small blocks as cornerstones. I was thinking, for the extra blocks, would Friendship Star be a good choice.....or a nine-patch....or Flying Geese...or Log Cabin? Oh my mind is humming now.

You are all great. You never fail me when I ask questions or want your input.

ranger

You cheater cloth is adorable. I like the ideas here. Let us see it when it's finished. It will make a beautiful quilt.