CHANGE THE SIZE OF YOUR QUILT

 I am often asked for help by a quilter wanting to change the size of a quilt pattern. Perhaps it's too big. Perhaps it's too small. How do you increase or decrease a quilt to be size you want?

Let's look at Laurel Ridge, the 2025 Block of the Month quilt designed by Lynn Wilder exclusively for THE QUILT SHOW. As designed the quilt is 90" square:

For some people, this is too large and they want to make it smaller. How do you convert a pattern from LARGE to SMALL?

1. Make the blocks smaller: this works with larger blocks, say 10" or larger, but these blocks are only 5". Making them 2.5" finished would be quite a challenge. 

2. Make fewer blocks. Because this quilt is a Medallion-style, it makes sense to keep the middle the same and work out until the quilt is the size you want. 

I played around with EQ8 for some possibilities. The middle would remain the same as the original pattern. I didn't draw it, you can imagine it there. This quilt is 52" square with a 1" border on the outside. It can easily be enlarged with more or wider borders:

More borders, now it's 62" square:

Let's add another row of blocks. The blank spaces are for the applique yet to come. I am replacing those blocks with pieced blocks so will save that REVEAL for a few more weeks. It is 62" square now, an outer border would easily enlarge it:

What if you don't want a square quilt? Add additional borders on the top and bottom to lengthen it. Now it's 74" x 80":

Your first decision should be the finished size of the quilt. Once that is set, more or less, play with a variety of options until you say "Aha! That's just what I want"!

Here is one more example. For many years I planned to make this quilt, designed and made by Catherine Butterworth, who lives in Australia:

I called it "Diamond Jubilee" and expected to have it done by MY Diamond Jubilee--my 60th birthday. That was more than 10 years ago and here is what I have today:

It may get a little bigger, and a pieced border is definitely in the plan:

None of this is set in stone just yet. Why did it get smaller? I no longer need another King or Queen size quilt. This has been incubating for so MANY years it is just time to get it done. While I still love Catherine's original, my blocks just aren't speaking to me any more. So my current plan is to have three more Feathered Star blocks, then decide on block placement, sashing color, pieced borders--style and colors--and then get this one DONE in 2025. Finished is better than perfect.

If you have a pattern you like, don't be afraid to "tweak" it a bit to make it your own. Always be sure to credit the original designer on the label--you DO PUT A LABEL on ALL YOUR QUILTS, RIGHT??!!

I am a stickler for LABELS:  here is my TUTORIAL: QUILT LABELS--DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM  

Let's quilt.

Barbara

MY FAVORITE THINGS -- AND PEOPLE!

 As this posts I am flying west to Sacramento to Lecture and teach Western Sun to the Folsom Quilt and Fiber Guild.

In keeping with last week's post about Color and Fabric Choices, let's review an earlier post about a terrific class I taught 6 years ago, MY FAVORITE THINGS:

My Sample, still a top, 65" x 76"

Taught over 6 months as a Lecture/Demo class, the students met for 2 hours monthly and did all their sewing at home. Each month I taught a few blocks, different sizes, different techniques, they got to learn in person but play with their fabrics at home. There was much sharing of ideas and suggestions and the class was a big success. 

This became one of my Most Favorite classes to teach and some of my most Favorite PEOPLE!

Here are some of the projects from that class. You can really see how different the same quilts can look with different fabric choices:

Cyndi

Holly

Kathy

Phyllis

Sally

Suzanne

Read the whole story here.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

FABRICS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

To prepare for future class proposals I made a few new Class Samples using different styles of fabrics from the primary sample. 

I find people can't often picture a project made in very different fabrics from the published sample.

Here you can see how different a quilt can look when you change colors/fabrics.

WESTERN SUN:

1800's Reproduction Fabrics, 110" square

                                                         WILD WESTERN SUN:

Bright Contemporary Fabrics, 40" square

CHARMING SAMPLER:

Old timey Fabrics, 33" square

Kaffe Charming, 29" x 33"

DISAPPEARING PATCHWORK: 

Bright Sample Block

Neutral Quilt, 62" square

ANTIQUE ROSE STAR: 

1800's Reproduction Fabrics, 66" x 74"

Student work, Bright Contemporary Fabrics

HEXAGON DIAMOND STARS:

Bright Contemporary Fabrics, 13" x 14"

1800's Reproduction Fabrics, 39" x 41"

FEATHERED STARS: 

Holly R's finished quilt, Contemporary fabrics

Mine in progress, Old Timey feeling fabrics

Pam R's finished quilt, Fussy Cut centers of William Morris fabrics

If you see a quilt you like but don't love the colors or fabric choices, consider making a "test block" with different fabrics. Good design is good design, it just takes the right fabrics to make a quilt one you will love. 

Let's quilt.

Barbara 

LAUREL RIDGE -- MONTH 1

Laurel Ridge is the 2025 Block of the Month quilt designed by Lynn Wilder exclusively for The Quilt Show.  Star Members have FREE access to the patterns starting January 1, 2025. Made in two colorways, the complete patterns are excellent. You will love making this quilt. Lynn supports the pattern instructions with Videos too. 

Be sure to watch Lynn's Show, #3601, airing December 29, 2024. It is FREE TO ALL, so tell your friends to watch. 

Find the Monthly Patterns under LEARN--DOWNLOAD the pattern to your device before printing. 

Month 1 has us making FOUR PATCH IN A STAR blocks, 4 each in TWO colorways. 

IMPORTANT CAUTIONARY NOTE: While I am using the SPRING KIT, I have added a few additional fabrics and occasionally selected different Kit fabrics for certain blocks. I cannot guarantee the Kit has enough fabric when I use one in a place not intended by the designer. If you are concerned about that, simply follow the design instructions exactly as written for either of the Kits. 

My FOUR PATCH IN A STAR BLOCKS:

The pattern instructions are excellent. I offer tips when I have a suggestion that saves time for ME. 

This month I suggest these cutting adjustments:

1. Letter D--the instructions say to cut 2 strips--you will definitely need 1 but may not need the second one this month. I did NOT NEED the second one to make all the 4-patches required. This depends entirely on how wide your fabric is. Some  WOF may be 40", others are 42" or more. 

2. Letter E--the instructions say to cut 2 strips, then sub-cut into squares before drawing the sewing line on the wrong side. I prefer to cut larger squares, draw the lines, then cut them apart. I cut 1 strip 4 1/2"  but next time I will cut it 4 3/4" for a little more "insurance". NOTE: 4 3/4" worked much better for me.

8 larger Squares provide the 32 smaller squares needed this month. Using a mechanical pencil I carefully drew diagonal lines from corner to corner on the WRONG SIDE of the fabric. Carefully cut the large square into 4 smaller squares--the lines are already drawn, it's like magic:

The instructions and Lynn's Video show how to draw the diagonal lines using a small 1/2" wide ruler. I have one of those somewhere! Once I learned this trick for quickly drawing lines on four squares at once I never looked for that little ruler again.  With an accurate 1/4" presser foot, I only need to draw the center line. If you prefer to draw the SEWING LINES, draw 1/4" away from the center on both sides of the diagonal.

Yes, I know there are other ways to make Flying Geese (FG). This is my preferred method. The measurements are slightly oversized so you can "Trim to Perfection".

It is VERY IMPORTANT to trim these Flying Geese units to 3" by 1.75"--they FINISH at 2.5" x 1.25"--that is when sewn into the block. Lynn's Video for Month 1 shows how to trim using the Bloc Loc ruler.

When I made these first Flying Geese units I didn't have the Bloc Loc ruler in that size. To use a square ruler, place the 1.5" line at the middle of the unit, being sure the height is at least 1 3/4".  Trim the right and top sides to that size--this is the FIRST CUT:

Turn the unit completely around, place the 1.5" line at  the middle again and trim the remaining two sides. The first cut is IMPORTANT,  the second cut is CRITICAL. It will determine what size the Flying Geese unit is: 

What if you have a Bloc Loc Ruler that is NOT THE RIGHT SIZE? Can you use it? Yes, sort of. The 45 degree angle at the peak of the Flying "Goose" is the same angle, regardless of size. You can use a larger Bloc Loc ruler to cut the TOP EDGE of the unit.

In the photo below, the top FG unit shows the accurate ruler size and the bottom FG unit shows a much larger ruler:

 

The larger ruler can help you cut the TOP EDGE only of the FG. Use a square ruler as described above to cut the remaining 3 sides. BE SURE TO TRIM TO 3" X 1.75":

Notice the FG unit is now turned upside down. Place the 1.5" mark on the ruler at the V of the FG, keeping the diagonal line on the seam. The unit must be 1.75" high to be cut accurately so be sure to look at the lower edge BEFORE CUTTING: 

Trim the right and top sides:

Turn the FG unit  again so you can trim the remaining edge. The unit needs to be 1.75" x 3":

Lucy K made a post on the FORUM that the Deb Tucker Wing Clipper II ruler had the markings for the correct size Flying Goose:  1.75" x 3" cut size, 1.25" x 2.5" finished size. My local quilt shop had this ruler in stock so I bought it to try:

It was successful if I was careful to hold the ruler tightly in place while trimming. Having gotten VERY USED to quality rulers with non-slip stuff on the bottom, Quilter's Select and Creative Grids, I found it easy for the ruler to slip as I was trimming. Putting solid pressure on the ruler prevented that, I just had to remember I really had to press down firmly. 

AVAILABLE NOW:

The Quilt Show Store Wing Clipper II

First I watched the video on the Deb Tucker Wing Clipper II page. Very simple to understand. Here are photos of my process:

The diagonal line goes on the right diagonal seam. Remember to CUT 1 3/4" x 3". Trim the right and top sides:

Turn the unit upside down. The X sits exactly at the Point of the goose, the 1 3/4" line is now at the bottom and the 3" line is on the left side. HOLD tight as you trim to exactly 1 3/4" x 3":

So it is clear you don't have to have specific rulers to make Flying Geese.  As it is difficult to find the 1.75" x 2.5" Bloc Loc Flying Geese Ruler most will be using another type of ruler to trim the FG units. Once you get the hang of your preferred method you will be all set. The EXACT SIZE BLOC LOC FG Ruler just makes the trimming process easy, accurate and fast. If and when more of these rulers become available I will announce it on the FORUM

I love making Four Flying Geese at once and always make them the way Lynn describes in the pattern and her video. Making them OVERSIZE allows for insurance. You just have to know what size to cut the squares for the specific size Flying Goose you want to make. I have a TUTORIAL here you might also find helpful: Four Flying Geese

Here is a GREAT CHART that shows the sizes to cut squares needed for a variety of Flying Geese units Four at a Time Oversized: The Crafty Quilter

The 4-Patches are simple to make. The pattern instructions say to press the seams open. I don't usually do that. I "twirled" the center:

The pattern instructions clearly show how to assemble the block with the Flying Geese and 4-Patch units. I pin at all intersections and sew carefully. It's not a race, sew as slowly as needed to be successful. Double check your blocks to be sure they are the correct size when complete.

The pattern instructions also say to press seams open in the block construction. I will be interested to hear what Lynn says about this. For now, I pressed mine like the one on top, the one on bottom is pressed open:

At the time I made these blocks I did not have access to Lynn's show or videos. After I watch those, I may change my mind about pressing. 

Next month the first applique blocks are made. I am working on "optional alternative pieced blocks" should you prefer not to do applique. The choice is completely yours.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

SUNDAY SEW AND SEWS 2024

Since 2017 a small group of quilting friends has met at my house for fun, learning, and companionship. We began working on Block of the Month quilts from The Quilt Show, starting with Halo Star Medallion, designed by the late Sue Garman. We meet for about 2 hours on a Sunday. This past year most of us worked on Feathered Star blocks. 

Over the years much more than quilting has come from this group. It is truly an important part of our lives, as dear friends. Each year it changes a little, some come, some go. And sadly, two have passed away. 

Each December we do a "potluck" holiday meal where we share food and laughter. This year a few were sick or had other obligations, so the annual photo only shows 5 of us--I took the photo so we were a party of 6 instead of 13!

Show and Tell is always the highlight of the day. Here are some photos from our last gathering:

Pam R's Feathered Star quilt with Fussy Cut centers

Victoria's baby quilt before it was gifted to the new one

Susan with a couple more borders to go

Show and Tell at our December party featured these gems:

Cheryl finished one of Janet's projects she left behind when she passed

Cheryl made this comfy throw for a little boy--it has a soft fleece-like back that is so cuddly!

Cheryl got her Patchwork Barn done in time to gift it for Christmas--this proves that an edge-to-edge quilting pattern can work for a lot of quilts--that was all this one needed to be functional and wonderful

Holly finished her Feathered Star quilt and quilted it on her longarm. She said she learned a lot about making perfect points

Susan finished her Washington Medallion top. It is perfect in Black/White and Red. Sue Garman would have approved!

My 3 recent finishes were on the design wall. Charming Kaffe, top left, is a new sample for my Charming Sampler Class. Oh My Small Star! is a sample to teach the basics of this pattern with an adaptation that removes the Y-seam construction. The quilt on the bottom is Scrappy Star Sew Along,  made from instructions on Instagram from "reproquiltlover"--the idea was to replicate an antique quilt she owns, using my fabrics to match the antique as closely as possible. It was FUN!

Another quilt I made and finished this year is Papaw's Choice, pattern by Ricky Tims. I took his online class to learn this and highly recommend his classes. Find them on Let's Quilt Together, his quilt teaching website:

80" square, using mostly hand-dyed fabrics

I really enjoyed coming up with the quilting designs

Having a group of friends you meet with regularly is a joy and will enrich your life. I encourage you to start one if you want to be part of such a group. All I did is ask "Would anyone be interested in..." When we got to 15 people quickly I knew we were on to something.

In 2025 some of us will work on the 2025 Block of the Month quilt from The Quilt Show, LAUREL RIDGE. Some may be "inspired by" the original, yet not make an exact copy. Here are two plans friends of mine have been playing with. See how much fun it can be to play with COLOR and VALUE:

Cyndi

Sally

I have written about this group numerous times, use the SEARCH box above to find them or this link should work: SUNDAY SEW AND SEWS

Let's quilt.

Barbara