JANUARY 2009

[Margo]

STARS FOR A NEW DAY

Sue’s directions are wonderful. The only problem I had was printing the sheets for paper piecing the central feathered star. Sue tells us to check the test square, to make sure they patterns are printed correctly. THIS IS IMPORTANT!

Mine measured 15/16ths x 15/16ths. CLOSE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!

I use a PC and this is what I had to do to correct that.
My file came up in ADOBE READER. On page 12 of the instructions, I clicked on FILE (at the top left side of the screen). I then clicked on PRINT. In the box titled “Print Range” I chose “current page”. In the box titled “Page Handling” is a choice of “Page Scaling”. I chose NONE from the drop-down list, then clicked OK to print out page 12. After checking to see that the scale is now EXACTLY 1” x 1”, I printed pages 13-17 to have all the templates the correct size.

This is my first paper piecing project! So far I’ve learned that I am much more comfortable trimming my shapes using a postcard and an ADD-A-QUARTER ruler. I demonstrate how I did it in my tutorial. I also found that I still need to pin my patches before I stitch them. For this feathered star I did not use starched fabric, and I got several little tucks that I had to deal with so I think that for future projects, I’ll be starching my fabrics. I should have been more careful with the ironing process.

If you are unsure about stitching the star pieces together, you might want to review Alex’s Classroom videos #6, 7 & 8 to see how she “peeks and pins” her points to be sure they are right. The block is different but the matching technique is what we need to learn.

After the paper templates were removed and the units stitched together my block was a little lumpy but with careful blocking I was able to steam it flat and got it squared to the perfect measurement. I’m really pleased with how my first feathered star turned out.

[Margo]

I just downloaded the New BOM and I am impressed with the clarity of the instructions and can't wait to get started!
I am planning not to plan my colour choices, but to let my stash talk to me as we progress.
Here's hoping it works out. :lol:

Jean in a very cold Windsor, ON

[Margo]

OK!! The pattern is up and we are ready to let the games begin!

You will probably feel overwhelmed with all the information in the directions, but Sues' directions will really help you through this project. And to add to the onslaught, I've posted two tutorials for January. The first one is another way to do paper piecing for the feathered star:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album...ost=good-times

And the second one shows two different ways to make the half-square triangle (HST) units for the alternate block.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album...ost=good-times

Even if you aren't going to make the alternate block, you might want to check out that second tutorial for some of the later blocks in this series. Remember....there are almost always more than one way to create a block. Find what works for you!!

If you haven't checked the accuracy of your 1/4" seam allowance, you might want to try this test:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album...ost=good-times

Remember: measure, Measure, MEASURE! It will make the process a lot less frustrating if you keep the measurements right as you go!

Good luck, and I'm anxious to see your blocks on Show & Tell!!!

[Margo]

This may sound weird, but I wish someone would create the 2009 BOM pattern as a coloring project. I don't think I'm explaining myself very clearly. I want the whole quilt design printed on paper - without any colors... just outlines... so I can get out my old fashioned color pencils and try coloring in different ideas.

Hmmm... maybe I'll see if I can create one myself?!

[Margo]

Thanks Sue! Your instructions are very clear. I am excited to choose fabric and get started.

[Margo]

This may sound weird, but I wish someone would create the 2009 BOM pattern as a coloring project. I don't think I'm explaining myself very clearly. I want the whole quilt design printed on paper - without any colors... just outlines... so I can get out my old fashioned color pencils and try coloring in different ideas.

Hmmm... maybe I'll see if I can create one myself?!

Ask and you shall recieve! Here is an EQ design that is similiar to Sue's pattern. It should be good enough for you to print off and play with colored pencils! Have fun!

http://bridgetlilja.homestead.com/files/Blank_BOM.JPG

Thanks to Bridget for hosting this link, because the original one I posted didn't work!! ops:

[PDQuilt]

Margo, I am truly impressed!

[PDQuilt]

Thank you!

Not only for the B&W design... but also for your clear instructions on making sure our printouts are the correct size. I too had to choose "None" in the Page Scaling drop down box.

[mknavy90]

THANK YOU, Margo! Your printing instructions helped, as I ran into the same scalling problem this morning! Hope you are having a great New Years Day! Mary Kay

[Margo]

One more thing to throw at you! If you don't want to do the feathered star in the center, Sue has included directions for an alternate pieced block that will be easier and faster to put together.
Still not what you want? You can substitue ANY BLOCK that finishes 15"x15"! (Unfinished 15-1/2" x 15-1/2")
Because of the size, any 9-patch based block can easily be enlarged to fit the space!
Don't like any 9-patch blocks? Use any block of your choice and add a border to make it the right size!
Make it what suits your fancy!

[ajclapp]

It looks like several of us had the same scaling problem. I'm glad Sue gave us that 1" test square. I would never have thought of doing that! This block definitely needs paper pieced. Annis

[ladyquilter]

To print this black/white outline:

Click on the link to the Webshots page.
At the bottom of the quilt design there is a tool bar. Click on the magnifying glass.
(If you roll your mouse over it, it will say “see this photo at its original size”.)
The design will fill your page.
Right click on the design for a drop-down menu.
Click on “save picture as” then navigate to the folder where you want to save it on your computer.
Then click “save” and the design will be saved as a jpeg file that you can print using your regular printing settings.

Margo,

How do I become a friend? :lol:

I followed your instructions above but when I get the full page design, it says I cannot save because it is reserved only for friends.

JoJo

[mimi62]

OK - SUE OR MARGO

I CHECKED MY SIZE OF PATTERN AND IT WAS SMALL SO I REPRINTED IT TO THE CORRECT SIZE. I PAPER PIECED MY HOUSE. I DID A PRETTY GOOD JOB ON IT (NEVER PAPER PIECED BEFORE). NOW I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS.

I SET MY MACHINE ON A SHORT STITCH AND THE PAPER STARTED COMING OFF BY ITS SELF, SO I MADE THE STITCH A LITTLE LONGER. WHEN IT CAME TIME TO TEAR THE PAPER OFF IT WAS A LITTLE HARDER TO PULL OFF THAN I EXPECTED. ALSO, IT KIND OF PULLED ON SOME OF MY STITCHES WHEN I REMOVED THE PAPER. WHERE THE FABRIC INTERSECTS THE NEXT 1/4 INCH IS NOT SEWN - IS THAT THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE? ON A BERNIA HOW DO YOU TELL HOW MANY STITCHES PER INCH? I THINK WITH A LITTLE MORE PRACTICE I CAN GET PRETTY GOOD AT PAPER PIECING.

MIMI (JIMMIE)

[DixieH]

On the paper-piecing do you backstitch at the beginning and end of each line to secure the stitches? I have never done any PP and could not wait for 2009 to get started on this quilt.Thanks in advance, Dixie

[Margo]

To print this black/white outline:

Click on the link to the Webshots page.
At the bottom of the quilt design there is a tool bar. Click on the magnifying glass.
(If you roll your mouse over it, it will say “see this photo at its original size”.)
The design will fill your page.
Right click on the design for a drop-down menu.
Click on “save picture as” then navigate to the folder where you want to save it on your computer.
Then click “save” and the design will be saved as a jpeg file that you can print using your regular printing settings.

Margo,

How do I become a friend? :lol:

I followed your instructions above but when I get the full page design, it says I cannot save because it is reserved only for friends.

JoJo

Aw, shoot! OK...I have sent an SOS to Bridget, and will let you know as soon as I hear from her. Maybe she can tell me what I'm doing wrong....we will figure this out. In the meantime, drop me an e-mail through my profile and I will be able to send you the file as an e-mail attachment. Sorry 'bout that!!