Thank you for the clarification, Barbara. And, also for the bonus tip!! I will try to be careful about securing the ends of each seam!

Becky

Becky, in Month 4, the Pieced Swags are introduced and Sue talks again about "cut parallel to the selvage". I can see the confusion. You want the 1.5" x 5.5" pieces to be as stable as possible, so the lengthwise grain--that is parallel to the selvage--to be along the 5.5" length. So cross cut the strip 5.5" then sub-cut into 1.5" units.

Another HUGE TIP I wish I had known--when making the pieced swags, be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam. I didn't. and had lots of fixing to do during quilt assembly as the stitches started to open up at the ends of the seams--of course, I worked on it off and on for 8 years so they got handled a lot, off and on. Just get in the habit of securing those seams and you will be really glad you did later.

The pattern includes a chart. One of the headings says "cut this unit" and gives sizes. Some are 1.5" by 5.5". Others are 1 x 5.5" and so forth.
Another column says, "This measurement should be cut parallel to the selvedge." Under that, it says 1.5". I think that means cut a 1.5. strip and then subcut into 5.5" pieces. Doing it that way would use the grain of the fabric the way I would do it. However, the wording is an odd way to say that which has me second guessing myself.

Becky, What is the wording that you are not sure of? Maybe someone who did it will see the specific wording and know exactly what you are asking about.
Your pictures are beautiful. HelenW

I just went back and looked at the other pages on this this topic and it looks like Margo was the helper monitor for this BOM. Maybe she will see your post.
I know she checks in every now and then. Also, Barbara Black did this quilt and she is a treasure chest of tips and tricks and everything you need to know about
quilting. Keep checking back, the help is probably coming, bet Barbara sees it today.

Here are a couple of photos. The centre of the medallion is missing the roses some of you might expect. My current plan is to make ruched roses although that might change. I'm leaving them to the end so they are not in the quilter's way once I finish. Last night, I finished piecing the baskets. I found a mistake in one and there are a couple I don't like. I might remake a couple. I'm still working on the appliqued swags and I haven't started any of cornerstones although I hope to prep some of those later today.

Becky

Thanks, Helen. I understand grain, but this is a good description! It's the wording in the pattern that leaves me confused. I know what I *think* I should do but I hoped someone on the forum might remember what we were supposed to do.

I'm impressed I've already gotten two responses! Thank you for noticing my post!
Becky

Thanks for responding, Kathy! I have already starched my fabrics because I've learned I get better results. However, I will take a few minutes to take my level of starching up a notch! That makes sense!

Beckyfiedler, The straight of the grain of the fabric has no stretch. The selvage is the edge of the fabric that runs along the long edge of the fabric on the
bolt. If the bolts has 10 yards on it. the selvage is the edge that is 10 yards long. If you take the piece of fabric you are talking about and pull on the two
edge of the strip, it should have no stretch if it is on the straight of the grain. The cross grain which is the width of the fabric on the bolt, usually about 42 inches
has some stretch. If you get some stretch when you pull on the two ends of the piece, you cut it on the cross grain. Hope this helps. I did not make this
quilt and don't know exactly the wording on the pattern you are talking about. HelenW Beautiful quilt. Please post pictures of your work.

Wow, I made that quilt back in 2011. Went back to look at the instructions, I'm not surprised you're asking this question! I think your first option is correct. It looks as though the pieced swag strips are meant to have the lengthwise grain running along their length. There were some Sue Garman videos up but they aren't there anymore. I do remember heavily starching the fabrics. I wonder if Margo could remember what she did, as she was active on the TQS forum then. Kathy

Ruffled Roses was the TQS BOM before I became a member so I'm working on it on my own. I have a question about the pieced swags. I read the cautionary note telling us to be mindful of the straight-of-grain to minimize distortion. The chart gives us size of unit. --- say, 1.5' x 5.5." We are told to cut the 1.5" measurement parallel to the selvedge. I'm not sure what that means.

Do I cut a crosswise strip measuring 1.5" and then subcut to 5.5"?
Or, shall I cut a 5.5' crosswise strip and then subcut it to 1.5"? Even as I put my question into words, I think a picture might be better.

I've drawn a blue arrow that I think represents the grain line. Is that correct, or should I rotate by 90 degrees?
Many thanks if you are still reading this forum and can answer my question!!!

Becky

JoJo and Terry, Kudos for sticking with your last year's BOM and making wonderful progress! They are both beautiful! You two should get together for a sew day just for working on them! That would be special!

Dawn
In beautiful Nothwest Montana

JoJo love your quilt its just stunning

Wow!! JoJo, your border is stunning and better yet, DONE!!! It is like climbing to the top of the mountain; but it is sure worth the effort as the view is amazing!

Beautiful quilt, Jo Jo.