Mkotch

I don't usually cut strips in advance when I'm making a quilt, but just go with the flow. But most of my quilts are scrappy anyway. However, I am using scraps of various white on whites for my background and just happened to have some pre-cut strips left over from different projects. They were cut 2", 2.5", and a little over 3", and so far I have used them in making my blocks (I have only made four).

toverly

Great question about whether or not to cut strips from yardage. I cut a fairly large sample 1/2-1 yard of fabric from a larger bundle of fabric. I then fold it to where I have either two layers or four layers thick. I cut from there. The odd thing is that these pieces are so small, I keep any little extra bits in a ziploc bag (colors jumbled) and go there first for pieces. I tried to fold my larger yardage amounts to where the cut edge could be easily unwrapped but found that the yardage got in the way.

Battle Axe

I for one am cutting strips. I pin them to the design wall so they won't get lost.

I'm still in a knock down drag out fight with my phone/camera. I'm about to call in an expert from around here. Poor Ice Blossom has tried and tried to help me with it. I do appreciate the help but am still scratching my head.

Macybaby

For cutting, I look at what size the background needs, and cut a strip. Then I cut what I need and put the rest of the strip away for the next block that needs that size.

The biggest fabric saver I've found is to use my "EZ angle" and companion angle rulers. There are several different versions of this, I know Bonnie Hunter has her own. But what it does is cut off the dog ear points of right triangles so you don't loose that fabric. So if you need a HST that will be 2.5" UF - you cut a strip at 2.5" wide and then subcut it using that ruler into the triangles. Now, for really small stuff like this, I often cut my strips 1/8" or so wider and then I can sew and trim to exact size.

I know I have partial strips of background of 1.5", 2" and 3.25". I know I'll need them at some point, so I didn't try to use them up. I didn't trim down the 2" strip when I needed 1.5" just to use up what I've already cut. I cut another strip at 1.5" instead of having the waste. It might not seem like much, but 1/4" and 1/2" strip waste can add up when you have a lot of strips!

toverly

I figured out what I'm going to do to help "place my blocks" and decide my colors. A simple 10 x 10 grid on posterboard with scrap fabrics in the same color as the block, gluesticked onto the right square. At least then I can see if I have orange in one block not to put orange in the side blocks. Sometimes simple is the best.

DottyD

I work out the widest strip for the block I am making and cut to suit. I hate wasting fabric ha ha !!

DottyD

Brilliant idea Tish !

Teen

Dotty...I do the same thing.... There are a lot of foundation paper piecing blocks, too, so I set “waste” of background clippings in a plastic bag and use those pieces as much as possible for PP blocks. I think most blocks are using pieces 3 1/4 or less so I’ve been using that size when cutting strips from fabric, as well.

Toverly....great idea on poster board. You can also use the grid provided and use crayons or colored pens etc. to identify all the block colors. I did that with just one color because I don’t have much of it and I’m assembling as I go so I can’t swap them out later.

Mkotch

I worked on the Oregon Trail block (G-4?) yesterday and am happy to report it's finished. Afterwards, I checked to see if there will be more similarly curvy. Luckily, no. While I'm OK with making larger curved blocks, the tiny size was a challenge. I ended up hand appliqueing the curved pieces to solid 2" squares. It looks good. I think it would have been easier to applique four larger circles onto squares and then cutting them in quarters.

Next, I tackled G-8 and was faced with those classic, tiny Y seams. I remember doing those for Jennifer's "Cornucopia of Thanks." Decided to try making chevrons instead... today. Harriet's Journey is definitely a journey for me. How's everyone else doing? Have you found an easier way to make a particular block?

Macybaby

I didn't use y seams on mine, but I'm not following the directions. I'm drawing up the block in EQ8 and deciding from that how to sew. So while I'm drawing it up, I'll put in a seam here and there if it eliminates Y and won't mess up the pattern. Usually if they are in the background fabric, it does not matter. I don't have trouble with Y seams, but they can be a pain when it's very small. At least with a sampler, it's not like we are doing it over and over and over again!

Reminds me of the thread about technique, sometimes we get so focused on following the directions that we don't consider a different method that might be more to our liking.