I am attempting to do an A.E. Nathan quilt April '10 Magic Carpet . I have to do 48 blocks. I have cut my strips and there is no light side or dark side since each strip has the same colors. The blocks just get moved in different directions to create the pattern. Any suggestions?

Thank you.

If the pattern does not specify, I would alternate the seam direction.

I would do this also.

Here's the pattern:
http://www.aenathan.com/?stmpl=quilt...ets&view=12530
There's not much value difference in the quilt colors so it shouldn't make a difference if you alternate.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I was getting frustrated thinking I made it this far and now what :)

When you say alternate do you mean each block have the seams go all the same direction?

Or have the seams alternate on one block?

Thanks.

Ok, I had to go read the pattern.

Here's how I would do it....

I would press ALL the seams in Strip Set A down towards the Yellow.
Then ALL the seams in Strip Set B up towards the Pink
and continue alternating the pressing directions for each strip set.

That way, when you cut the subunits from the strip sets and start assembling them to make the blocks, you'll have alternating seam allowances, and the seams will, hopefully, nest together nicely (just like when you make a simple 9 patch block).

One other word of advice. When you're sewing the strip sets together, make sure to alternate the direction each time you add a strip.
For example, in strip set one, when you sew strip 1(yellow) and 2 (aqua) together, have the yellow on the bottom.
When you add strip 3(blue), have the blue strip on the bottom.
When you add strip 4 (lime), have the lime strip on top.
When you add strip 5(pink), have the pink on the bottom.

So you'll be sewing top to bottom, bottom to top, top to bottom. This will help to main a straight strip set, without the dreaded bow at one end - usually make the set end up looking like a J.

And really work hard to maintain a consistant 1/4".

Good luck.

Ok, here is how it came out. It measures 64" X 48.5"

Wow, that's a LOT of matching seams!
Nice job! And happy colors!


My first quilt was a TATW - and I was too clueless to even begin to understand about matching, nesting, pressing.
And it showed in my "craftsmanship." :roll:
I guess that's why it's rolled up in a ball in a bag in a box at the back of a closet. ;-)