Cutting Section One

From Gigi:

We’ve included the cutting dimensions and the page number of the pattern book for each block of section 1 in the schedule so you can easily see what is needed for each block.

Cutting accurately is not my strongest gift. I have learned over the years that using an Omnigrip by Omnigrid really helps when cutting. I also use the back of my cutting mat where there are no lines and depend just on the ruler lines to help get accurate measurements. Some of these blocks have 8-10 pieces. If the cutting isn’t accurate points won’t match. Having said that, do your best. Look to be accurate not perfect. We are human…not machines. It’s a big quilt and it some points are a little off no one will notice or say, “I’m not using that quilt because the point in the Nurses Cross is off.”

I like to start before I cut anything by pressing my fabric using starch. This helps keep the fabric straight and flat while cutting.

Here I am using the Omnigrip ruler. It is marked to the 1/8 of an inch. Using just these lines has helped my accuracy. I’m not distracted by the lines on my cutting mat. Also, the lines on the rulers are thinner than the lines on my mat. That little bit of thickness can make a difference. Trust me! I didn’t believe it at first because it seemed like such a small amount.

Here’s my cutting set up today. I’m cutting on the floor because we are on vacation. Nothing will stop me from being ready for the kick off of the Quilt Along!

Here are some of my pieces cut.

I put each block’s pieces in a separate labeled Ziploc until I can get to the sewing of them. Once they are sewn, I will put all of section 1’s blocks in one storage container labeled for construction later.

Happy Cutting!

Gigi

Section One Blocks- July 1-22

Make 1: 6 ½” hourglass double bordered block page 21

Make 1: 3 ½” square in a square page 22

Make 1: 5 ½” Square in a Square bordered page 22-23

Make 1: 4 ½” Pinwheel page 19

Make 1: 5 ½” Puss in the Corner page 13

I followed the directions of Splish Splash Stash at http://hydeeannsews.blogspot.com/p/gypsy-wife-2016.html

from her 2016 quilt along to label the individual sections to make them easier to follow/understand. The blocks are labeled and later we will number the strips.

Resources and Tips

Below is a list of resources and tips gathered from the quilting army and many hours of reading what others have done on the internet and what has worked for past quilters.

Picking out a color plan is difficult and some people like to plan what colors are going in where. Thankfully, Pink Door Fabrics has a page that allows you to color and plan your fabric arrangement. You can find the page here and for the really organized there are helpful layout charts here.

Storage is important with this quilt as there are many pieces and if you decide to cut ahead it's going to be important to package and label them correctly.

There are a ton of strips needed to assemble this quilt, therefore many quilters have decided to cut some of their strips when they have free time so at the end there won't be as many to do. A great organizing cutting chart can be found here and another can be found on a google doc here.

If there is a block that you just cannot get the hang of feel free to switch it out with an easier block of the same size using this site: http://quilterscache.com/.

Check out these sites for info: