Here's some suggestions to add to Margo's tutorial for those that want to use slightly oversized pieces. I've done it both ways but found my students prefer the larger pieces.

Make your templates adding 3/8" seam allowance. Then if you are using an Add-A-Quarter ruler to cut the pieces, cut 1/4" off one side of the templates.



The size strips you will need are 3" x width of fabric (42"). 11 strips of each fabric should be sufficient. Each strip should yield 23 units plus 2 half units. If I added correctly you will need 208 blue units, 64 blue half units (cut 32 as mirror images), and 240 orange units. Since you have 36" of fabric to work with you should have plenty of fabric for this method.

I put some double stick tape on the back of the templates. When cutting every other unit you will need to either flip the fabric over or flip the template over. Since I didn't want to take the time to put double stick tape on both sides of the template I flipped the fabric over. (As an after thought it doesn't matter which way the full size template goes. It will still be the same size. The half size will make a difference though to get the mirror images). Layer at least 4 strips for faster cutting.



I added guidelines to the template patterns, shown in red, 3/8" from all of the seams starting from the center out and around the outside edges. This helps to position the fabric more accurately. Line up the first piece with the guidelines, then place the next piece in the finished position before flipping over to the sewing position. Since these are oversized they don't have to be lined up perfectly, but they need to be close. Before sewing, fold over on the seam line to make sure the unit covers the next space up to the guidelines. Use vellum foundations so you can see the sewing lines on the back side. After sewing, trim the seam to 1/4" and press. The seams will be pressed to one side instead of open.

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AlexAnderson wrote:
Oh, yes!

( I love Margo)

suehenyon wrote: We can do it Sue!!

Thanks Margo, good idea. Denise's success helps, too. I'll give the pp a try in other fabrics.

Good for you Denise! It looks GREAT!!

Oh Boy Margo! How can I thank you that pp method is great. I made my template and cut some scrap fabric and gave it a try. As you can see by the picture, it's pretty much near perfect. I actually used the template to trace my fabric and cut it with a rotary cutter. By having those extra lines where the 1/4 inch is suppose to be on the straight edge - it lined up perfectly. Not only is this a great tutorial for THIS part, it's a GREAT way to cut for future paper pieced projects - not so much waste. Thank you so much!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3df20b3127ccef256392bf04f00000030O10AYuGrVk4bNGIPbz4Y/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

suehenyon wrote:
Susan, why don't you use some of your own fabric to try the technique in the BOM's directions for the first month. It may turn out to be something that works really well for you. If you REALLY don't like it, then you might consider selling your kit, or even using the fabrics for another project that you are more comfortable with.

This try-out would be a good use of some fabric you might have that you are now wondering "what was I thinking?"
Admit it....we ALL have some like that!

Margo is my hero!

I have to admit that when I looked at Month 1 directions, I got a panic attack. I'm thinking about how to gracefully bow out & may offer up my kit for sale at a reduced price. I have a feeling this is more than I bargained for. I don't remember feeling this on previous BOM's and I'm thinking I should pay attention to my gut feeling. This looks like it requires a LOT of skill at following directions. No video backup this time?

Sometimes people offer alternatives for various parts of BOMs. I'll watch for those for awhile and continue to read the directions until I feel confident that I can do it.

Yes I have both the add a 1/4 and and a 1/8 ruler. I bought the kit so I'm not to sure about enough fabric, since it does take extra. Will give it a whirl the traditional way. It's all a learning process. Thanks for the tutorial Margo,your always there to help us.

denise

I just found this youtube video showing how the add a quarter ruler works. LUV this tool!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA-b4SCL2ZU

Please check with your local quilt shop for this ruler! We need to keep these folks in business!!

http://www.joann.com/add-a-quarter-or-add-an-eighth-rulers/prd25320/

Thank you Margo.