Calico Cat asked why 10½ blocks made the quilt more fat quarter friendly... I tried to answer just her, but it was a no-reply addy, then I thought maybe others would be interested in my math. So here goes!
Most fat quarters are 22x18 ish...right?
Sometimes you lose a bit if you prewash them like I do. I fold the FQ in half (making it doubled 11x18, following my math?)and by the time I trim the frayed edges off it's a doubled 10½x18.
I could only get ONE 12 inch square from a FQ, but can get two 10½ inch squares. That leaves me with a nice size hunk (18 take away 10½, and take away the other frayed edge = 7) so my hunk leftover is about 21x7.
21x7 is a good size for a leftover bit... cut that in half longways and you have 21x3½ strips which are a great size for scrappy borders or bricks.
OR Cut it in thirds and you have three 7 inch squares... Throw those together with some background fabric and make half square or quarter square triangle bits...OR cut those 7 inch squares in quarters and you have twelve 3½ squares. If you have several coordinating FQ's you'll have lots of matching squares or strips to use in your border.
See how that can make a fat quarter friendly and fun to play with and easy to use almost all of it?
Aren't you clever? I never would have thought about it that way. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMakes sense to me!
ReplyDeleteWhen you put it that way, I see! (Sorry about the e-mail thingy - it is a miscommunication between blogger and beta blogger...)
ReplyDeleteI never would have though of it that way... It is just like Bonnie's rationale fo the 10.5 inch squares on her backs... You can get 4 out of a width of fabric.
I love your FQ logic! It makes efficient use of the FQs we all have.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Norma, I love your FQ logic!!! :D Thanks so much for sharing that with all of us! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Now I see the logic of 10.5" squares. /paula the_quilter at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteClever, clever. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteAnd besides, I like 10.5 inch blocks. =) There are some great patterns that make them.
ReplyDeleteYou make it sound so easy! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)
I just love it when I pick up nice tips like this from bloggers! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post. I'll definetly have to copy down what you wrote. You certainly don't waste any fabric that way.
ReplyDeleteI just love the fabrics you have chosen for the Red Onion class. I would like to make a quilt using pinks and browns some time.
It can be helpful to think through the fabric you're using and plan sizes to maximize its use... :-) Good explaination.
ReplyDeleteYup - I totally agree!
ReplyDeleteHey Jane, that is absolutely BRILLANT!! I'm going to have to write that down.
ReplyDeleteI actually keep a seperate stack of FQs because they just don't fold and stack right with real quarters or halves.
I have many that I'd like to see get used. Mostly gifts from friends, prizes and what my DD thinks I'll like(not).
What a bright girl you are!! Thanks! Hugs, Finn