February's Four Patches

[Margo]

The pattern is posted and Sue's video instructions are great! I've also posted my tutorial with photos on my Webshots link.

I show how I starch my fabrics before I cut the shapes and how I twirl the center seam allowances to reduce the bulk in the middle of the blocks.

Even if your unit doesn't measure the exact size that the directions call for, Sue's instructions tell how to make everything fit with floater strips so that we are all starting with the same size block for next month's additions!

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

[Margo]

Thanks, Margo. I finished my feathered star on Friday. It was my first paper pieced project and difficult. It turned out well and I'm pleased with it. I haven't posted it yet, but I was upset when it turned out to be 14 1/2" instead of 15 1/2. I had just been set to bare my soul to the TQS family to ask for help when I read your post. Thanks so much. Before I get started on the next round, I have to construct a block to send along to my tote group. It's so nice to have such knowledgeable people as yourself who share so selflessly and generously.

[Margo]

If your paper pieced star turned out the wrong size it's probably because your foundations were printed out at the wrong scale! On page 12 of January's directions, and on page 14 of February's directions Sue gives a 1" test square. If this square does not measure EXACTLY 1", you will need to re-set your printer options to correct that, or none of your paper pieced elements will be the right size! THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!

These are the directions I included in my January tutorial:

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 measure 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.

[Margo]

Thanks again Margo. I had measured the square, but when I really, really looked at it again just now, it was a smidgen off. I, of course, realize that a smidgen can add up to inches. Now I have to decide if I have the time, energy, wherewithal and enthusiasm to make another one.

[Margo]

You don't have to make another one!! Sue's floater strips that we add this month can be adjusted to accomodate that error, and it will work just fine!! However....be sure to check your scale on the rest of the paper piecing patterns if you don't want to make adjustments every month!

[Margo]

I have one more question and then I'll leave you alone, Margo. Do I cut out the pieces for February to the dimensions in Sue's pattern? For example, the 11 1/2" squares and will they fit all right? I ask this because the triangles come before the floaters.

[Margo]

Not a problem, MomG! You have a couple of options at this point. You can go ahead and cut your setting triangles to the size that Sue states in the pattern. They will be too large for your 14=1/2" block, and too small to make up the 1" difference, but...you can stitch them on and square the result to fit your feathered star, and add a wider floater strip, or....
you can cut oversized setting triangles so that the star floats and square whatever you wind up with to the stated 21-3/4" (unfinished size).

I think that this is one of the coolest things about this complicated pattern. Yes...it requires precision piecing to make it fit like the pattern. But...in most cases, there is a way to adjust the next addition so that everything will fit together. The resulting quilt may not be exactly like Sue's....but it will be a unique creation that you have made, and figured out how to adjust some problem areas along the way

Like Sue said in the first video:
MEASURE ACCURATELY
CUT ACCURATELY
PRESS ACCURATELY AND
STITCH ACCURATELY
for an easier time making it all fit together.

Hopefully, we will all continue on this journey, and help each other figure out how to make it all come together.

WE CAN DO THIS!

[Margo]

I came 1/4" shorth on the january block :shock: I know I can manage to make it right...I will just adjust the senter to be right... :lol:

[Margo]

dear margo,

thanks for your pics and explanations. how do you loosen the intersections???
in the past i have just twisted them a little before i press open. is this what you do?
thanks
jeanine

[Margo]

Margo

Your tutorials are great. Thanks for taking the time to do them for us.

Feb pattern is printed, still have to finish reading it all. Going to Mass in awhile and then getting ready for the Super Bowl. I do not know how much gets done today.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

[Margo]

dear margo,

thanks for your pics and explanations. how do you loosen the intersections???
in the past i have just twisted them a little before i press open. is this what you do?
thanks
jeanine

Jeanine, sometimes just twisting will work, and sometimes I use a seam ripper to loosen a stitch or two if it's tight. It sorta depends on how close together your stitches are and how tightly woven your fabric is!

[mimi62]

Margo, can you enlarge your quilt by making the floater strips wider? Mimi62 (Jimmie)

[Margo]

Margo, can you enlarge your quilt by making the floater strips wider? Mimi62 (Jimmie)

To make the quilt larger you will have to add extra elements for each round before you make the floater strips wider.

If you are lots better at math than I am, maybe you could mathematically enlarge every element, but I'm not going there!!! :wink:

[mimi62]

Thanks Margo, but I think I will leave the measurements alone - I am not that good at math. Mimi62 (Jimmie)

[mimi62]

Just taking a rest from putting together the February blocks. Boy those sawtooth stars are small I should be in London to record a quiz show. The show was cancelled due to London coming to a halt because of snow. So I got two extra days this week. LOL

Sue