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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Diamond in the Rough - Week 2



Welcome back lovelies!!

Every week I will list the below description and I will add the link to the previous posts.  That way if you can't play along right now, you can always come back and each post will have the link backs to each step! :) 


I am so glad you are here to quilt along with me and I am super excited to see all of your results!! 

This week we will be going over cutting directions.  This may seem a bit daunting, but trust me, it's really not that bad and once you get all the cutting done, sewing is smooth sailing!!

Edited to add::::  Some of you have asked about color values with this quilt.  I would suggest a mixture of different values.  You don't want them all dark or all light if you want to see the design "pop". When I put my blocks together, I didn't pay that close attention to placement, I just made sure there was some of each value in my blocks. 

Step 1:  Each block, no matter what size you choose, will have 16 squares that measure 3.5" x 3.5". Don't worry, I won't make you do the math. ;) See below to show how many you will need to cut out for the full size quilt you choose. 

Pillow (1 block) - Cut 16 @ 3.5" x 3.5"
Baby (4 blocks) - Cut 64 @ 3.5" x 3.5"
Lap (9 blocks) - Cut 144 @ 3.5" x 3.5"
Giant Lap (16 blocks) - Cut 256 @ 3.5" x 3.5"
Queen (25 blocks) - Cut 400 @ 3.5" x 3.5"
King (30 blocks) - Cut 480 @ 3.5" x 3.5"

Step 2: This step is very similar to step 1 in the fact that each block has the same number of pieces. However, the size you cut will be determined on how you want to make your half square triangles. 

For instance, if you are a half square triangle (HST) pro and you don't need to, or you don't want to, trim, then you will want to cut your squares at 3 7/8" x 3 7/8".  You want to have HST that measure 3.5" x 3.5" when you are done making the HST so this means your 1/4" has to be perfect.  

If you are like me, I prefer to trim mine down so I cut my starting squares a bit larger. Then when I am done making my HST, I trim them to the perfect size.  That way I don't have to fret quite as much when making them because I know the end result will be perfect.  Granted, this will involve you trimming said number of HST, but I don't mind.  It's way better then ending up with too small or too large HST and trying to squeeze those puppies in. :)

So.....

If you are a HST Pro, cut the below number of squares at 3 7/8" x 3 7/8".
If you are a HST trimming maniac (like me), cut the below number of squares at 4" x 4". 

Pillow (1 block) - Cut 20
Baby (4 blocks) - Cut 80
Lap (9 blocks) - Cut 180
Giant Lap (16 blocks) - Cut 320 
Queen (25 blocks) - Cut  500
King (30 blocks) - Cut 600

There you have it! Chop Chop... heh.. pun intended!! 

I realize when you look at the numbers, especially if you are looking at making a larger quilt, it's a bit off putting.  It's really not so bad though.  Set a goal for yourself so you don't sit for an entire day and just cut.  That's pretty boring and back breaking.  Divide the number of squares you need to cut between a certain number of days and cut that many each day.  You also don't have to have it ALL cut out before we begin sewing blocks.  As long as you have enough to make a few blocks you will be all set.  I just personally think sewing it goes faster when everything is already cut! 

Please let me know if you have any questions!!! 

Happy Cutting and see you next week for sewing instructions!

Much Love!!!

11 comments :

  1. Time to roll up my sleeves, turn on the iron and get to cutting!

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  2. I'm aiming to get my pillow pieces cut out later today! Thanks for doing the Maths!

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  3. I've a quick question- should I cut a certain number of squares from darks and others from lights? Thanks!

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  4. I'm making a giant lap size and man that seems like a lot! But I'm all in! Thankfully I'm not using scraps and am cutting from multiple fat quarters. At least I can stack a few layers to cut at once. I feel for you scrap people who will probably be trimming individual pieces at a time. I was going to ask but see "Patchwork and Play" asked the same question....is there any planning for lights and darks or is this truly scrappy where there is no thought whatsoever to color placement?
    Also, will there be a flickr group to share pictures?

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  5. Same question here :) I'm thinking for the baby quilt size HST 40 lights and 40 darks (mediums, really) for a total of 80. Mine's gonna be scrappy, but kinda organized.

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  6. I'm pinning this and plan to join in, just gonna be really late. Lots going on now, but this looks great, thanks for hosting :)

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  7. Going for the large throw, this is going to be fun, thanks for organizing this

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  8. Sounds good! I can't wait to see how they all turn out- the same basic idea but so different!

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  9. Might have to join in as well if it's not too late.
    Gillx

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  10. I have mine cut and ready to go. I did a giant lap size and it went super quickly.

    I did some math if anyone is interested (for the giant lap size). It took me 25 fat quarters. You can get 30 - 3.5" squares (cut carefully because it barely fits) from 1 FQ and 20 - 4"squares from 1 FQ. I used 9 FQ's for 3.5" squares (you'll have a few extra) and 16 FQ's for 4" squares.

    I'm using various shades of blue solids with a few tans and grays. I'm going for a sea glass look. I can't wait to see what everyone else is doing. :)

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  11. I am attempting to reduce my scrap pile so mine will be very scrappy. Eeeek! It makes me so nervous. I am usually a very coordinated and orderly quilter - this randomness is pushing me out of my comfort zone for sure. I'm trusting the process.

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Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really love hearing from you!! :)

Happy Quilting!

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