Blog readers are spoiled folks! 🙂 Almost every quilt I show, someone will ask “Will you please post that pattern?” Know why I don’t post patterns for every quilt I make?
When I’m coming up with a quilt design, it doesn’t matter to me if I mix 5 patch blocks with 9 patch blocks with 4 patch blocks. For most 9 patch blocks, they work best with 6″, 9″ or 12″ blocks. For most 5 patch type blocks, they work best with 5″, 7-1/2″, or 10″ blocks. What happens when you mix a 5 patch type block with a 9″ type block? You may end up with weird size pieces.
For the current project, the little nine patches are 4-1/8″ unfinished which makes for some weird cutting sizes. In order to get the finished quilt at the size I want it to be, I make the blocks whatever size it takes to get to the finished size. Sometimes that results in weird sizes for cutting the pieces. It isn’t an issue for me because I know that all my rulers are marked in 1/8″ increments. In between — right in the middle — of those 1/8th measures is where a 1/16th cut would be so if I need a piece that’s a little less than 1/8″ or a little more than 1/8th”, I know exactly where to place the ruler. It’s not hard but some folks panic (and let me know) when they see the weird sizes.
That’s why there’s not a pattern for every quilt I make.
Linda in NE says
Really, if someone wants to make the pattern bad enough they can make up their own pattern. It takes a little time, but it can be done. You’re very generous to share the ones you do.
shirley bruner says
personally, i don’t LIKE the patterns with 1/8s or smaller cuts. i’m lazy and just want 1/4 or 1/2 inch. but yours always turn out awesome in whatever size you make. if i really, really like it….i just draw it in EQ as close as i can and then make it. keep on designing, Judy…..and we’ll keep on using your patterns.
Kristen says
I’m actually learning to love odd sized cuts…why? Because they make the coolest quilts! 🙂
Peggy says
I understand exactly what you are saying. One of my first designs looks simple, but because I combined a 9 patch block straight and a 9 patch block on point there was some adjusting that needed to be made. It is actually easy, but if someone thinks and questions they would never get the piece together. Leave logic at home when making this quilt.
Doreen says
Having not made the EQ investment, I really appreciate all the creative sharing you put out there. Thanks so much……Hugs.D
Donna says
I’m thankful for everyone you share and I don’t mind if it does have odd cuts. i just love your quilts…pure and simple. Maybe you could put a warning on the patterns with odd cuts that says something:
THIS PATTERN HAS ODD SIZE CUTS. IF YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE IT I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ANY WHINING BECAUSE YOU’VE BEEN FORWARNED. (lol)
Can you tell I’m one of the spoiled ones? and I don’t have EQ.
Love your Borders book!
Diana in TX says
While I may not like those odd sizes I figure it’s a learning experience or as they say, it gets me out of my “box!” I have all the patterns you have shared over the years, I have made them all, not yet, but there is always tomorrow!!!! Awfully hard to stay in and sew right now with the countryside a wash in blues,reds, whites and yellows. Made it to Brady yesterday, have never seen 71 so colorful-the entire way!!!!!
Sharon Spingler says
At our last guild meeting I showed the ladies how to draft out weird blocks. Last months BOM is an 8 x 11″ Monkey Wrench. Trying to get them to think outside the box.
vickie van dyken says
Sharon Thank You, Thank You 🙂 we are always looking for things to demo on our sew days, as well as programs for the guild….This will be a good one…Thanks again!!!!
Sharon Spingler says
Tomorrow, after church, I will post a tutorial on my blog the way I taught in guild for those that are interested.
Gari says
Is there any other blogger out there who gives away patterns to all their quilts? I don’t think so. I think you share more than anyone. And if cutting is a problem then maybe it is time to challenge themselves (me included) to tackle the tough ones. Now, off my soapbox.
vickie van dyken says
As far as I am concerned I appreciate all you do and I’m not complinen!! It’s your choice and I can understand that you don’t have time to do it all!!! Although sometimes I think you do LOL …Thanks for all you do and I am not worrying about the rest 🙂
Sherry Moran says
Sorry, sorry. I’m one of those who loves every quilt you make, and
asks for the pattern. I taught History, not Math, so trying to figure
out blocks is sometimes beyond me! I will keep on reading your
blog, loving your creativity, and using the patterns you DO give us.
Thank you for being so generous.
Barbara says
I am grateful for the patterns you share and buy your books for some more. I enjoy your blog and your generosity.
Linda S says
I got a wicked chuckle out of the fact that people would have the audacity to ask you to share a pattern and then b$#%@ that they didn’t like the measurements! Ah well, that’s appreciation for you. I love the fact that you share Judy, no matter what.